Nobody enjoys washing their hair every single day, which is why dry shampoo has become a staple for so many. It saves time in the morning and makes hair easier to handle. Plus, strands tend to hold styles better on the second or third day after a wash. The catch? After a workout, wearing a hat, or just a long day—depending on your scalp type—your curls can start looking less fresh and more greasy. But here's the good news: there are stylish, fast hairstyles that actually look better when hair is dirty, cleverly masking the fact that you've used more dry shampoo than what's left in the bottle.
Knowing we all need quick hairstyles that take a minute or five at most, we browsed through Instagram feeds and spotted the most fashionable options. Even celebrities rock these looks, so why not give them a shot?
Half-Up Knot
Gather the top layer of hair into a tight knot and secure it at the crown—where strands tend to be oiliest—to fake volume. For a fresher appearance, spritz on some dry shampoo before you start. Hair length doesn't matter for this speedy style. On Olivia Culpo's short bob, it looks incredibly chic, but trust us: it works just as well on long wavy or straight locks.
French Twist / Shell Updo
This quick hairstyle is pure elegance, suitable even for a film festival red carpet or movie premiere—just ask Lucy Hale. A sleek French bun on clean, shiny hair can feel too polished. But on second-day curls, it turns out super stylish: a bit of messiness and undone texture are all the rage now. Work with your natural texture by adding dry shampoo or styling powder at the roots for volume, then gather a "shell" at the back of your head. Leave a few strands loose at the temples, like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, or pin them with chic hair clips, as Lucy Hale does.
The Classic Ponytail with a Twist
It's the simplest and most stylish fast hairstyle out there. Plus, it looks just as good on day one after washing as it does on day three. Play with textures and variations of this timeless look. Try a slightly messy Bardot-inspired version (like Margot Robbie) or a sleek style like Brie Larson's. Don't shy away from bold hair accessories—this year, they're everything.
Ponytail
Let's be clear: ponytails aren't just for "plain Janes." In fact, this style rivals the classic bun in both simplicity and sophistication. This season, high ponytails perched on top of the head—like 90s Barbie dolls—are out. Instead, opt for a ponytail between the nape and crown, or go for a low style. Whether it's a sleek version like Rita Ora's or a tousled one like blogger Mariana Hewitt's, the result is chic and stunning. You'll spend no more than five minutes on this.
In 2020, stylists suggest embellishing ponytails with oversized pins, ribbons, or silk scarves to give even this simple style a fresh twist.
Wet Hair Effect for Short Cuts
If you have an elongated pixie, bob, or lob, and you just don't feel like washing your hair—or lack the energy—grab some wax or clay from your stash and use it to slick strands back. The wet-hair look was trendy last summer and remains a top trend in 2020.
Two Braids with Bangs
If you've got fashionable bangs this season, you definitely have dry shampoo on hand. Bangs often need washing more frequently than the rest of your hair. So when you don't want to wash your curls, apply a bit of dry shampoo to the bangs and roots, ruffle your hair, and braid two simple French braids on each side. Comb the bangs so they blend gradually into the braids—and there you have it: another quick Brigitte Bardot-inspired style. Accessories are welcome here, like lovely straw hats.
Featured image on cheatsheet.com
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