I’m a New Mum & Here’s How I Style My Hair for Work in Less Than 5 Minutes

Before becoming a mum, I took a lot of pride in my appearance. 

Getting ready for work - especially when you work in beauty - was a fun part of my day.

Unless my hair was clean and styled, I felt... undone, you know?

Fast-forward to becoming a first-time mum, and clean, styled hair was probably the first thing to go. 

Hello mum-bun. Every. Single. Day.

Who has time to wash their hair with a newborn? Not me.

Gone are the days I have an hour to spend on styling my hair, indulging in a long hot shower, lathering my hair in a mask and doing an at-home blow dry.

I've recently returned to work from parental leave, and part of that means being presentable on important work video calls.

Now, I have about five minutes of uninterrupted time to get ready in the morning.

Thankfully, I've nailed down a super quick and easy hair styling routine that takes me from my usual mum-bun, to effortless, tousled waves in less than five minutes.

Exhibit A.

Over the last 12 months of parenthood, I’ve learnt some time-saving hair styling tips that help me look (and feel) put together.

Yep, despite the sleepless nights and a baby hanging off my legs.

Keep scrolling for my new mum hair hacks, plus the life-saving products and tools made for busy people.

Tip 1. Wash Your Hair at Night.

Nighttime generally means you can wash your hair in peace while your little people are sleeping soundly.

Most of us mums have probably already figured that out.

But the key lesson I've learnt is, it’s all about using the right products for your hair. 

I've been using and loving NAK Hair Structure Complex Protein Shampoo 375ml for years (I even wrote a NAK review article here).

However, I'm about to switch to the new Virtue Flourish Hair Rejuvenation Treatment 1 Month pack because it's specifically targeted to thicken and protect fine and thinning hair.

Hello, post-partum hair loss.

CLOUD NINE Magical Quick Dry Potion is another product I've added to my hair routine because it cuts my blow-drying time in half.

This literally gives you the gift of time. Thank you, CLOUD NINE.

Shop these hair products here:

Tip 2. Choose Products for Your Hair Concerns.

During my pregnancy, my hair was voluminous, shiny and thick. 

Fast forward three months post-partum, and I feel like I’m going bald.

Dramatic? Yes, but my baby hairs and almost-receding hairline will back me up.  

As I mentioned, I'm starting to make product switches to help address these post-partum hair concerns.

Kérastase Genesis Défense Thermique is just one awesome product I've found works that for my hair as it is right now.

The whole Genesis range is especially for fine, thin hair, but I love the heat protecting spray because it works to reduce breakage and hair fall, and make hair more manageable for faster styling.

Translation: Using it helps keep every single glorious hair on my head, instead of in my brush. Or in every room of the house. 

I apply it when my hair is wet - along with the CLOUD NINE Magical Quick Dry Potion - and my hair is protected and dry in no time.

Shop Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique here:

Tip 3. This Game-Changing Hair Tool.

CLOUD NINE The Cordless Iron Pro might be my greatest discovery of the year.

That’s right, I said cordless. As in, no cord for kids (or mum) to trip over.

You don’t have to worry about little hands pulling at the cord, nor do you need to be close to a power point. 

It's just one of the many things that makes this state-of-the-art styling tool a genuine game changer. 

The CLOUD NINE cordless hair straightener is as powerful as a full-size hair tool, but it fits into MY routine.

You’re all set, wherever you are – even in the car! In 24 short seconds, the styler heats up to 170 degrees and is ready to straighten, wave, curl or smooth my ordinarily frizzy, wavy hair.

It comes with me wherever I go. I literally found myself doing my hair in the kitchen whilst I supervised my baby eating.

Multi-tasking mums looking after everyone else – did that not just rock your world? 

Shop the CLOUD NINE Cordless Iron here:

Tip 4. So Much Dry Shampoo.

A final tip: Dry shampoo is a must when it comes to mum-life.

I spray my roots with Mr. Smith Dry Shampoo which helps to prolong my hair between washes (with the welcome addition of a little extra volume).

Not sure which dry shampoo would work for you? Watch this YouTube video below for all the info you need.

My 5-Minute Hair Styling Tutorial.

With those hacks in mind, here’s how I style my hair using minimum effort for maximum impact.

1. Because I washed my hair the night before (win!), I start by brushing my hair and running the CLOUD NINE The Cordless Iron Pro over my roots and ends to smooth any frizz. 

2. Using the cordless hair straightener, I curl the middle section like you would with any other hair straightener, leaving the ends straight for an effortless look.

3. Once complete, I apply the Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Miracle Hair Elixir to add shine and further smooth frizz and flyaways, before running my fingers through to separate the waves. 

In conclusion, returning to work after having a baby (and in pandemic times, too!) is enough of a juggle, without worrying about your hair of all things.

If you find yourself fantasising about those good old hair days that used to come so easily, give this routine a go.

Want more quick hair tips and recommendations? Check out these articles below:

• Answering Your Questions About Pregnancy and Hair Loss

• I Have 3 Kids Under 5 - These Fast Mum Makeup Hacks Make Me Look Like I've Slept

• This is My 2-minute (Run Out the Door) Busy Mum Morning Skincare Routine

• 5 Quick Hair Hacks for Time-Poor Mums (That Don't Involve a Mum Bun)