Beauty boss: Coiffeurs’ corner… Experts share vital tips for mane management

In an ideal world, we’d roll out of bed, run a brush through our squeaky-clean locks and skip out of the door, looking and feeling fantastic.

Sadly, it takes a lot more than a quick comb to get our tresses to behave – but here, the experts share their tips…

Beware over-washing

“Over-washing hair is a huge time waster,” says Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness. “The more you wash and dry it, the more likely you are to see problems. Most people should wash their hair between one and three times a week.”

Refresh your roots

One way to avoid over-washing your hair? Dry shampoo is an amazing quick fix, and today’s formulas have come a long way from the chalky, powdery products of the past.

“When using dry shampoo, apply to the roots and along the parting,” says Jordanna Cobella, creative director at Cobella salon in London.

Comb first

A little bit of prep before washing can save time later, says Belle Cannan, founder of Salon Sloane. “Always detangle your hair before shampooing, as it’s harder and riskier to get knots out when the hair is wet,” she advises.

Wash fringe only

Nick Willis of Charles Worthington Salons says: “Use a gentle cleansing shampoo, so you’re not weighing down your fringe. You’ll only be spending a fraction of time on your hair, yet you’ll feel well-groomed and clean!”

Make waves

Cut down on styling time by sleeping with your long hair in plaits, to create soft waves.“You can achieve a loose wave if you do a loose braid,” says Halley Brisker, celebrity stylist. “The key is loose – the tighter and more braids you do, the more of a crinkle effect you get.”

Twirl your curls

For tousled waves that don’t require blow-drying or a curling wand, try the “twist and twirl” approach. “Brush out any knots or tangles, then evenly spray salt spray over your hair,” Willis recommends, “wrapping sections of your hair around your finger and twirling the hair so it forms a loose curl. Repeat this throughout the hair, and hand scrunch areas for extra tousled volume.”

Try an easy updo

“For a quick and easy transition from day to night, a nice updo takes a matter of 30 seconds,” says Brisker.

“Take the hair and section off two nice strips at the front to frame the face.

“Pull (the rest of) your hair back into a ponytail, and then twist it round. Use a claw clip to secure your hair at the back of your head, then with a few bobby pins, pin hair at the back of your head, leaving strands out in the front to frame your face.”