7 Gorgeous Ways to Style Wet Hair

Go from shower to out the door in no time.

Whether it's because you sleep in, go straight from the gym to work, or are long overdue for a new hair dryer, sometimes, you just don't have time for a post-shower blowout. And even though we don't recommend opting for wet hairstyles often—it can be damaging to your strands—we don't want you to look like a hot mess, either. So next time you're shower-fresh and in a hurry, go for one of these styles to look totally put together—even if you're not.

The Loose Triple Bun

Not only will this bun look like you spent much longer in front of the mirror than you actually did, but the loose twists will make for a faster air-dry time and give you messy waves.

French-Braided Bun

Wet hair can be limp and lifeless, so create the illusion of volume on your damp strands by upgrading your go-to top knot with a French braid.

The Braided Crown

You know the hair around your face is often the first to dry—and first to frizz up—so take care of it with this look.
The Gibson Knot

This might be the one exception where wet hair is easier to work with than dry hair—and you'll have this ultra-chic tuck to show for it when you try this style.

Dutch Braided Top Knot

Bonus: Top this off with a headband, and you'll be professional in the front, party in the back.

8 Ways to Keep as Much Hair on Your Head as Possible

Not all shedding is unavoidable

If you've ever freaked out about how much hair you've been shedding recently, you're fears aren't unfounded. According to the American Hair Loss Association, women actually make up 40 percent of those experiencing hair loss. But before you jump to any conclusions, know this: Everything from your diet to your hairstyling habits could be affecting how many strands you lose. Try these simple expert-approved tips to keep your head of hair full and healthy. 

"Scalp massage helps to stimulate the scalp and remove dead skin cells—both of which encourage healthy hair growth," says Philip Kingsley, a trichologist (someone who studies scalp and hair health) and founder of Philip Kingsley Haircare. Use the balls of your fingers to massage the shampoo into your scalp, moving from the hairline to the back of the head. This move boosts blood flow and stimulates the hair follicles for growth.

"Brushes that cause a lot of traction call pull hair out from the follicle," says Kingsley. "If done repeatedly, this can lead to permanent hair loss." Always start towards your ends (not your roots), moving gently from section to section.

"Hair is at its most fragile [and prone to breakage] when it is wet, being that the protective cuticle is slightly raised," says Robert Dorin, a hair-restoration surgeon at True & Dorin Medical Group in New York City. Always wait until your hair has fully dried before putting it in a ponytail or brushing it through.

Another simple fix: "Instead of wrapping hair in a towel turban, which can cause breakage, gently pat wet hair with a towel to soak up excess moisture," says Jill Crosby, a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles.

"Too much UV exposure from the sun can damage your hair, weakening it and causing it to appear dull," says Dorin. "This is because the keratin proteins in the hair break down when exposed to UV rays." Not only does he recommend seeking shade (year-round, ladies!), he suggests spritzing strands with a hairspray that has UV protection prior to sun exposure.

Weird Reasons Women Sometimes Fall for A-holes

It's not you, it's his striking resemblance to your father.
You probably think you have a good sense for what gets you totally smitten. A whip-smart wit, an awesome sense of adventure, a seriously huge heart—whatever it is, you can usually spot a good one. So why is it that you sometimes find yourself drawn to a guy who makes your head say no, no, no…but makes your heart say yes, yes, yes? Here are just a few things that science says might lead to you falling hard, despite your best intentions:

1. He's the Male Version of You
We know, we know, it's opposites that are supposed to attract—but several studies over the years have shown that the more alike you are, the stronger the attraction. From having the same sense of humor to looking similar, all the stuff you have in common could cancel out his more unsavory qualities (you know, the ones you don't share).   

Get Holiday Party Pretty

Holiday season is all about looking like you primped and prepped — without spending a heck of a lot of time actually doing it. Here, speedy beauty tips for going from daytime to don't-you-look-hot!

Your Skin
Get sleek legs with a subtle shimmer lotion. (Try Jergens Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance Moisturizer, $6.99, drugstores.) "The pigments reflect light, obscuring minor stubble and veins," says Joyce Carboni, director of Skinsational Skin & Body Spa in Carlsbad, California.

Show off your shoulders. Lightly dust an icy, iridescent powder like Tarte Glistening Powder in Material Girl ($40, sephora.com) over your bare shoulders and arms, blending in circles, for an understated glow.

Boost your decolettage. A low-cut top can quickly take your outfit from the office to a big night out. Apply a drop of foundation to even out the skin tone on your chest, then add definition with a sweep of shimmery bronzer over your collarbone, says celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal.

4 Easy Ways to Winter-Proof Your Hair

Cold air can leave hair dull and dry. Revive strawlike strands with our four easy-to-follow steps, then get ready to love your hair, no matter the season.
Pretreat. Before you get in the shower, apply a few drops of oil to dry hair, says Mario Russo, a salon owner in Boston. "Because water repels oil, dry hair is able to soak up the moisturizing properties better than wet hair," he says. "Shampoo at the end of your shower; the steam will help the oil penetrate to the cuticle." Try Alberto VO5 Shine, Glow & Go Beauty Oil ($5, drugstores).

Powder less. If you have a lot of breakage or dandruff, use dry shampoo sparingly. "The powder removes essential oils," explains Sunnie Brook Jones, a celebrity hairstylist for Head & Shoulders.

Mask it. Once a week, use a deep-conditioning mask. Apply it to damp strands, then cover with plastic wrap, Brook Jones says. The heat helps the treatment penetrate deeper. Try Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque ($13, Target stores).

Rethink your style. Heat styling is only going to add insult to injury to parched strands. "Let your hair dry naturally and experiment with ponytails, low buns and sleek, slicked-back styles," Brook Jones says.

The Best Short Haircuts and Hairstyles

Short haircuts can be intimidating, especially when it also means parting with your go-to gym ponytail. We asked Jen Atkin, a celebrity stylist for Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, to transform three FITNESS readers and prove that short haircuts can look just as amazing as long locks but with a lot less fuss. Get inspired to switch up your style!

Sleek and Chic

Makeover motivation: "I've had long hair my whole life. I've cut it only a few times to donate it, so I've never had a real style. The long look isn't working for me anymore as a young professional, and I'm excited to get something more sophisticated."
— Victoria Phillips, online editor

Works best for: Fine hair that is straight or wavy

Key to the cut: "The blunt lines make fine hair like Victoria's appear thicker. If your hair is wavy, as hers is, the cut is much more versatile — you can wear it straight or go natural," Atkin says. "Ask your stylist to maintain blunt lines when she cuts it and to keep the length longer in the front."

4 Easy Ways to Winter-Proof Your Hair

Cold air can leave hair dull and dry. Revive strawlike strands with our four easy-to-follow steps, then get ready to love your hair, no matter the season.

Pretreat. Before you get in the shower, apply a few drops of oil to dry hair, says Mario Russo, a salon owner in Boston. "Because water repels oil, dry hair is able to soak up the moisturizing properties better than wet hair," he says. "Shampoo at the end of your shower; the steam will help the oil penetrate to the cuticle." Try Alberto VO5 Shine, Glow & Go Beauty Oil ($5, drugstores).

Powder less. If you have a lot of breakage or dandruff, use dry shampoo sparingly. "The powder removes essential oils," explains Sunnie Brook Jones, a celebrity hairstylist for Head & Shoulders.

Mask it. Once a week, use a deep-conditioning mask. Apply it to damp strands, then cover with plastic wrap, Brook Jones says. The heat helps the treatment penetrate deeper. Try SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque ($13, Target stores).

Rethink your style. Heat styling is only going to add insult to injury to parched strands. "Let your hair dry naturally and experiment with ponytails, low buns and sleek, slicked-back styles," Brook Jones says.