Do Less, Look Better

1. Shampoo just your scalp.

Save time in the shower by skipping the supersuds routine, says Louise O'Connor, owner of OC61 Salon in New York City. Just apply a dime-size amount of shampoo to your scalp, quickly massage, then rinse. The water will pull the shampoo through the rest of your hair and remove any grime.

2. Leave in a little conditioner.

If your hair is frizzy or dry, don't bother rinsing out every last bit of your conditioner or mask. Leaving in a light coat will weigh down the cuticle, says O'Connor, so you can skip strand-smoothing styling products later.

MC recommends: Kerastase Resistance Volumactive mask.

3. Dry only your trouble spots.

Rather than taking 15 (or more) minutes to blow-dry your whole head, limit drying to just bangs, cowlicks and other spots that won't lie right without a blast of hot air, says Roy Teeluck, owner of the eponymous New York City salon.

4. Skip the dryer; still get swing

To create volume, spritz a lightweight styler over damp hair, then slide your sunglasses on, headband style, before heading out the door, says Teeluck. As your hair dries, you'll get lift in the front and on top.

MC recommends: Graham Webb Thick Infusion Spray.

5. Score sleek hair minus an iron.

Douse damp hair with conditioning spray, then slip on a tight-fitting knit hat. Leave on for at least 15 minutes while you do your makeup, get dressed or sleep. Remove to reveal amazingly frizz-free hair.

MC recommends: L'Oréal Professionnel Volume Extreme Conditioning Spray.

6. Lighten up on the layers.

Unlike heavily layered 'dos, close-to-one-length hairstyles require fewer trips to the salon, says Kevin Lee, creative director of the Kenneth Salon in New York City. They also let you fret less about styling, since you won't have to contend with any wayward layers.

7. Appear "done" with cute clips.

Keep a cute clip on hand for occasions when you have to look pulled together fast. Tease the top of your hair, then use the clip to secure the rest in a messy knot, says Susanna Romano, partner and stylist at Salon A-K-S in New York City.

MC recommends: Colette Malouf clip.

Try on a new hairstyle now.