Finding time to pamper yourself is near-impossible when you’re a mum, so we’ve compiled the best time-saving hairstyles to ensure every mother looks fabulous

Shorter styles are easier to maintain and style every day.

The long bob, dubbed the lob, is ideal for busy Mums for many reasons. ‘A textured lob looks great on all hair types from curly to wavy and straight,’ says Jack Whelan-Prosser, Rush Hair franchisee and hair stylist. ‘It’s a short style however it is still long enough to be tied up if needed.’ A long bob that finished anywhere between your chin and shoulders has the perfect balance. You can avoid sticky fingers during the day but still look fabulous for date night. Plus, this style is perfect for time-saving in the morning. ‘A great cheat style for mums is created by washing hair at night and tying it into a plait when it is towel dried,’ says Mark Mountney. ‘When you wake and undo the plait you’ll have effortless waves ready for the day.’ Shoulder length waves are a popular style with the A List. From Khloe Kardashian to Jennifer Lawrence, this celeb fave requires minimum effort but offers maximum affect. But if you really want an on-trend look, opt for a balayage colour treatment too – it’s the only colour option that looks good as it grows with your hair, and will never leave dreaded roots. Win, win!

Being a Mum means you don’t just have to worry about getting your hair done in the morning – you have to style your little person too. From pigtails to ballerina buns, little girl’s hair can get easily tangled and soon become a nuisance during active play, so opt for a simple style for every day ease. ‘I like the half up, half down look,’ says Hayley Quinlin. ‘Simply section the hair from the ears to the crown and brush into place. Using a cotton or tihi corded hair band to prevent damage, tie into a ponytail and she’s ready to go!’ This style keeps hair out of your child’s eyes but still looks super cute. Alternatively Mark Mountney suggests plaits. ‘Plaits can be great for children’s hair styles as you can make them as simple or as intricate as you have time for and they will look fab all day,’ he says. As for cuts, Jack says keep it simple. ‘Keep girls hair just below the shoulders with no layers but a little shape around the front. And for boys, keep hair short and above the ears, out of the eyes. Add layers for texture,’ he explained.

So there you have it – there really is no excuse for dull and lifeless hair. Just remember, if all else fails, keep a brush and hair band on you at all times so you can whip your locks into a sky high pony… and aid your little ones after hours running around.

Two-minute style

Hayley Quinlin explains how you can go from drab to fab in record speed

“A ruffled tonged look is super easy to create. Just section half the hair then grab random sections and tong. The best thing about this style is the messier, the better – just be sure to run your fingers through after and shake it up to blend. Finish with a light, non-stick hairspray.”

The perfect bun

Mark Mountney, owner of Zoology and Zoology Colour Lab explains how you can create a timeless up-do and still get the kids to school on time

Step 1 Secure the hair into a high ponytail with a hairband

Step 2 Split the ponytail into two sections and twist each section

Step 3 Take both twisted sections of the ponytail and tie them together in a knot

Step 4 Take the loose ends and repeat the knot again

Step 5 Secure with a second hairband and bobby pin the loose ends into place. Fix with a holding spray

10 top tips from the experts

Have luscious locks in no time with these simple steps

•“Always brush your hair with a soft brush before bed. This will help ease bed head in the morning and ensure you have less tangles to manage.” – Hayley Quinlin, creative director at Tikadi Hair Salon, Theydon Bois

•“Using the right shampoo for your needs is key to gorgeous hair. Using the right shampoo will prevent the hair getting greasy or too dry. Always give your hair two shampoos and rinse the product out thoroughly each time, to allow the product to do its job.” – Jack Whelan-Prosser, Rush Hair franchisee and hair stylist at Rush Loughton

•“Invest in an express treatment that works within five minutes of application. These are a great way to keep hair in tip top condition without compromising on time.” – Hayley Quinlin, creative director at Tikadi Hair Salon, Theydon Bois

•“Always use a heat protector when drying and straightening your hair. If you prefer to let you hair dry naturally, add a few drops of light oil to the ends to add shine.” – Jack Whelan-Prosser, Rush Hair franchisee and hair stylist at Rush Loughton

•“Keeping your hair healthy will save time in the long run. Try and make time for quick trims as these are more time effective than spending hours in the salon fixing months of damage and neglect.” – Mark Mountney, owner of Zoology and Zoology Colour Lab, Wanstead

•“Always brush children’s hair with a tangle teezer to prevent pulling and breaking the hair.” – Jack Whelan-Prosser, Rush Hair franchisee and hair stylist at Rush Loughton

•“Use a spray, leave-in conditioner on your little ones hair. They help with tangles and help protect kid’s hair from the sun, frizz and knots.” – Hayley Quinlin, creative director at Tikadi Hair Salon, Theydon Bois

•“Avoid shampoos and hair products with sulphates and parabens as they are harsh on children’s hair and skin. Look for nourishing formulas that will suit their scalp and hair.” – Mark Mountney, owner of Zoology and Zoology Colour Lab, Wanstead

•“Take your child for regular trims to help with their hairs condition. You’ll soon see their hair thicken and form beautiful locks.” – Hayley Quinlin, creative director at Tikadi Hair Salon, Theydon Bois

•“Plait a child’s hair before bed to stop tangles. No knots means no breakage. Plus you reduce the risk of split ends from harsh brushing.” – Hayley Quinlin, creative director at Tikadi Hair Salon, Theydon Bois

Hairforce lice assassins

Entrepreneur Laura Warner has brought to Essex every parent’s dream – a new way to remove unwanted hair guests

A unique headlice and nit clearing service which promises to remove an unwanted infestation without a product or chemical in sight sounds like a miracle. Say goodbye to hours spent combing your child’s hair and hello to Hairforce. Their innovative approach is 100 percent natural and organic and uses a clever combination of technology and hand clearing.

Hairforce are passionate about health and safety and ridding children of the dreaded head itch quickly and effectively. Popular with Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, these head lice experts have successfully cleared thousands of children and adults in London and the rest of the UK, and they are now targeting Essex. For more information, contact Hairforce on 07985 454701 or visit www.hairforce.co.ukContact us

Rush

208 High Road, Town Centre, Loughton, IG10 1ET. 020 3797 4259. www.rush.co.uk/salons/loughtonTikadi Hair Salon

Saddlers House, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, Essex, CM16 7ES. 01992 815700. www.tikadi.co.ukThe Hairforce

07985 454701. www.thehairforce.co.ukZoology

143-145 High Street, Wanstead, London, E11 2RL. 020 8530 3005. www.zoologyhair.com