Beauty

What's a quick and easy way to do my hair if I'm going straight to a party from work?

 
Courtney G.  emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; and our hair expert, Howard Barr, answered:

If you know you're going to have to spice up your hair right after work, come prepared with a few goodies. Key tools include bobby pins, elastics, a travel size hairspray and a smoothing product. There are also some cordless butane powered straightening and curling irons available that can help save the day.  

 Give yourself a head start the morning of the party by prepping your hair. I would suggest a blow dry or hot roller set. Putting some body in the hair will allow for an easier time and a greater choice of looks later in the day. A pin straight look offers fewer possibilities, as straight hair can be quite unforgiving.

 If you opt for an up-do, securing your hair in a ponytail gives you more assurance that it will stay up. I would suggest dividing your hair into two sections and securing both with elastics; one at the nape and one at the crown.  Take the time to make sure they are cleanly finished and use a light spray to smooth any unruly strands. Join the upper pony into the lower and twist both sections together until the hair forms a loose bun at your nape. Keep applying pressure to ensure it doesn't unravel and hold it against your head with your fingertips. Secure in place by pinning the hair where you can feel your fingertips (five bobby pins should suffice). Check the back of your hair with a mirror and don't be afraid to loosen it or even pull out a few strands (you’re not trying to achieve perfection!) You should be left with a loose bun, with slicker sides and a little lift on top.  To finish and secure the look, be sure to use a firm-hold hair spray.