Four easy hair cheats for new mums

Things like styling your hair are low on the list of priorities with a new baby around. Your life may feel like a constant rush, but thanks to these four cheats, you can leave the house without looking like a dishevelled mess.

1. Hair-grip twists

If your hair looks like a stringy, unfinished mess, just run a boar-bristle brush through it to detangle first. Once smooth, grab a 5- to 7.5-cm (1- to 1.5-inch) lock of hair at the temple, twist it between your fingers and secure it with a hair grip or two behind your ear or the crown of your head. You can create twists on one or both sides of your head, and it will instantly give you a boho-chic look.

2. High bun

Bend over and grab all of your hair at the crown of your head. Twist your hair around itself into a coil on the top of your head, and wrap a hair band around the base. Voilà! Pro-tip: When creating a great bun, dirty hair actually works best. If you really want to rock a high bun but already have freshly washed hair, spray a little hair spray or dry shampoo into the roots. This will create texture and make your hair easier to manipulate.

3. Dry shampoo

If you have absolutely no time to wash your hair, apply dry shampoo to the oily areas, wait a few minutes and then brush out with your fingers or a brush. All the greasiness will magically disappear and you can be on your way. Dry shampoo also works wonders on fine, limp locks. Apply to the roots of dirty or freshly washed hair, massage in and ruffle with your fingers for a volume boost.

4. Ponytail tuck

Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure loosely with a hair band, leaving room for one more twist. On that last twist of the elastic, pull your pony through. The result will be a lovely ponytail-bun hybrid that looks purposely tousled yet totally chic.