Sometimes, when the planets are perfectly aligned, I'm able to wake up early and actually do my hair. But more often than not, my alarm goes off and I simply cannot be bothered. A shower is out of the question, as are any complex hair styling techniques. So I'm always really grateful for all the ways it's possible to make dirty hair look amazing, without putting in much effort.
Because there are occasions when, despite my intense laziness, it's simply not acceptable to waltz out the door with a messy top knot. Other times, I secretly want to look like I tried, without actually having to do so. (Raise your hand if you know what I mean.)
But before we get into any of that, you'll be interested to know that your hair's texture can play a big role in how your dirty hair will look. "Thicker, coarser hair styles well [when it's] dirty, and the build-up of the product and natural oils sometimes help to hold a style better," says celebrity hair stylist Nickole Jones, in an interview with Bustle. Finer hair, on the other hand, tends to get weighed down when it's dirty.
Mine is definitely the latter, which means I should go for tips involving dry shampoo, sleek ponytails, and anything that adds volume. Ladies with coarser hair should definitely try braids and twists, as your hair will hold the style better. Read on for more tips, and easy ways to rock your dirty hair.
1. Play Up A Beachy Wave
OK, so let's say you woke up to a case of tremendous bed head. If it's lookin' somewhat beachy (read: wavy and textured), Jones says you should just go with it. "My suggestion would be to work with the texture that the dirty hair really wants to be in and with the natural oils of the hair," she says. In other words, spritz in texturizing spray, tousle it a bit, and let your messy hair do its thing.
Try: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $44, Amazon
2. Quickly Boost Your Volume
Dirty hair can be a bit more voluminous due to the buildup of dirt and oils, so it may be easiest to play it up even more. Jones suggests starting with a dry shampoo at the roots, followed up a few minutes spent curling hair with a styling tool. When you're done, shake it all out, add light hair spray, and you'll be good to go.
3. Throw It Into A Braid
Dirty hair is perfect for braiding, since the oils help all the pieces stay together. (If you've ever tried to braid super clean hair, then you know exactly what I mean.) For particularly lazy mornings, try a cute side braid. But if you can afford a bit more effort, go for a side French braid. So fancy.
4. Be All About The Dry Shampoo
Again — and this can't be stressed enough — dry shampoo is your friend. Jones suggests spraying it on your roots. I also suggest coating your bangs, if you have them. Really get in there, let it soak up those oils, and then brush it out. It'll be far easier (and less time-consuming) than showering, but will still leave your hair looking amazing.
Try: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, $22, Amazon
5. Go For A Smooth Pony Tail
Dirty hair slicks back into a pony tail like no other, so go ahead and take advantage of your oily strands. Simply comb it back, pull it up, and you'll be set for the day. So sleek.
6. Or Rock A Messy Pony Tail
If you don't have straight hair, then a messy pony tail may be more your speed. "Spray texturizer on your roots and ends and comb through," suggested Liz Doupnik and Amanda Elser on Seventeen. "Pull hair back at your nape, secure with an elastic, and then wrap a one-inch section of hair around the elastic to hide it." Easy as that.
7. Wear A Cute Hair Scarf Or Accessory
Sometimes, dirty hair calls for nothing more than a cute hair scarf. Throw it all up in a bun, cover it all with a pretty scarf, and you're done. "If your hair is super dirty, this is perfect because the wrap will hide it and look cute," said Jessica Booth on Gurl.com. I couldn't agree more.
8. Try Some Messy Buns
Of course you can do one messy top knot, but why not add in a few more? "Just use a quarter-size dab of gel to smooth down frizz, part hair into four sections, then twirl each section into a bun," suggested Doupnik and Elser. "Secure with bobby pins and a spritz of flexible hairspray." So cute and so easy.
9. Give Hair A Half Wash
Can't be bothered to take a shower, but feeling too greasy for life? Then give your hair a half wash. Simply dip your head in the sink and give the back of it a quick scrub. "Most of the oil begins with the scalp, so you’re washing away the grease that’s causing the flatness in half the time," said Peggy Wang on Buzzfeed.com. "This trick is also great if you get greasy bangs."
10. Test Out Texturized Twists
Texturized twists are a cute alternative to beachy waves. And just like with braids, dirty hair will help them hold better. Plus, they're really easy to do. "Apply a palm-size dollop of mousse from roots to ends until your hair is slightly damp. Working from front to back, separate hair into one-inch sections, and tease up toward your roots with a boar-bristle brush," said Doupnik and Elser. "After you tease your hair, apply more mousse on your fingers and twirl hair until it stays in place." Done and done.
Try: Kenra Extra Volume Mousse #17, $12, Amazon
11. Tie It In A Knot
If all else fails, tie your dirty hair in knot. According to Wang, all you do is split it into two sections at the back of your head, make a knot, and then hold it in place with bobby pins. It's really cute and unique, but also ridiculously easy.
And when you're feeling tired and lazy, what more could you want?
Images: Pexels (9); Carmen Marxuach, Samuel Dixon, Ravi Roshan/Unsplash
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