All in Good Time
Time to: Create Curls Lead Time: 3 hours before event/going out Why? Allows enough time for hair to relax into a natural-look style.
Time to: Go super straight Lead Time: 2 hours before event/going out Why? Humidity begins to take its toll right away -- be sure to apply a sealant (wax, pomade or silicone spray) for more lasting results.
Time to: Do an up-do Lead Time: When hair is unwashed, ideally for 2 days Why? Natural oils and atmospheric gunk help control hair, keep it in place -- clean hair has too much slip.
Time to: Change your haircolor Lead Time: Fall or winter Why? Damage control -- brightens and restores after summer abuse.
Time to: Change your hairstyle Lead Time: 2 weeks before an event Why? Hair needs time to adjust to a new way of styling -- as do you.
|
Type A personalities -- or anyone with a full day -- can get a bit restless when clocking salon time. To get the most from your visit and still have time left in your day, try these time-trimming tips.
-
Schedule your next appointment before you leave the salon. Book maintenance cuts 4 weeks out; for shorter styles, make an appointment in 5 - 6 weeks, and for long hair, you can plan on coming back in 6 - 8 weeks.
-
Allow yourself 60-90 minutes for a haircut or single process color, and 2 1/2 hours for highlights.
-
Call ahead on appointment day to see if your stylist is running on time. If not, don't despair. Be grateful you've gotten a heads-up: you can spend more time on work, with the kids, etc., rather than sitting endlessly and flipping through magazines in the salon waiting area.
-
Take the first appointment of the day if you want to get in and out quickly. Select the last appointment if you want your stylist's unhurried attention. |
| Avoid Time Traps |
|
Consider these suggestions for at-home hair care in a hurry: |
-
You need to wash hair only every other day -- less-frequent washes are actually better for hair.
-
For quick dries: Avoid heavy conditioners as they retain moisture. Wrap hair in a towel and squeeze out excess before blowing dry.
-
When blowing hair dry, use your fingers until hair is 80 percent dry. Then use your styling brush to finish the job.
-
If you use hairspray, use an aerosol or dry version. Pump sprays are wetter and require more drying time.
-
If your daily hair maintenance exceeds 20 minutes per day, you may want to consider a more time-friendly style. | | |