Make tress distress a thing of the past with our quick-fix solutions from top celebrity stylists

You’ve got an important meeting or you’re running late for work, when out of the blue a bad hair day strikes. Suddenly your hair products have lost their magic and your usual styling routine fails to tame your lively locks. Fear not – help is at hand with the following tips.

1. Get a smart cut. The best strategy for coping with bad hair days is to prevent them in the first place. London stylist, Nicky Clarke, explains, ‘it’s the cut that counts, so get one that suits your hair type, face shape and lifestyle.’ For example, a sleek Jennifer Aniston look, for example, will be a nightmare to achieve if your hair’s naturally curly – especially if battling against wet weather or high humidity is a common occurrence. Likewise, there’s no point in getting a high-maintenance style if you only allow yourself 10 minutes to do your hair each morning. Combine a suitable style with regular trims and you’ll be amazed at how much easier your hair is to manage.

2. Find the right shampoo and conditioner. This sounds like a simple solution, but products can make or break a bad hair day. Stylist Andrew Collinge points out that ‘…hair products today are a lot more advanced to cope with the specific needs of different hair types’. So, while a moisturising is perfect for dry hair, you’ll need a shampoo with oil control if your hair is greasy. When washing your hair, remember to rinse away traces of conditioner, as any residue can leave hair matted, dull and unmanageable.

3. Banish build-up. Hairdresser Errol Douglas pinpoints product residue as one of the major culprits of bad hair days. ‘It weighs hair down making it difficult to style,’ he says. Douglas recommends using a detoxifying product every few washes to solve the problem.

4. Don’t take the heat. There are numerous ways of styling your hair, from the good old blow-dryer to heated rollers, tongs or straightening irons. The trouble is they all use heat that can cause hair to become dry and brittle, so choose styling products that reduce heat damage before you blowdry or straighten your hair. Make sure you take time to style your hair properly, as this is crucial to prevent bad hair days. You’ll want to make sure your hair is totally dry before leaving the house, or else you risk it kinking or frizzing. If you’re likely to be pushed for time in the morning, wash your hair the night before – you’ll find it far more manageable than freshly washed hair – and you can wet it just before styling.

5. Give your hair some life. If dull, limp hair is your problem, treat yourself to a deep conditioning treatment and try a final rinse in mineral or cold tap water to flatten the cuticles and boost shine. It’s also worth considering livening up your natural colour with an all-over, semi-permanent tint that will coat and smooth the hair shaft and give a really glossy sheen.

6. Combat the dreaded frizz. To humble unwieldy curls, expert stylist Charles Worthington recommends that you don’t ‘handle the hair too much and avoid using a hairbrush.’ He suggests investing in a wide-toothed comb or using your fingers to separate curls for a more defined style. If you don’t have time to wash your hair in the morning, try spritzing it with water then scrunching it with your hands to revive the curls and tame frizz.’

7. Avoid bed head. According to Charles Worthington, you can avoid waking up with 'bed head' hair by sleeping on a satin pillowcase. ‘Satin fabric allows your hair to gently slide across it as opposed to cotton that causes more friction and disrupts the hair cuticles,’ he explains.

8. Apply some finishing touches. Once you’ve styled your hair, you’ll need something to keep it in place. Nicky Clarke explains that hair wax like is the perfect grooming product for permed, naturally curly or coarse hair. He adds that, ‘fine, flyaway hair will benefit from a little serum to add hold and keep static at bay’. Finally, a touch of fixing spray helps to hold that just-styled look.

9. Experiment with different looks. Trying out various hairstyles will give you a selection of alternatives to fall back on when things don’t go quite to plan. For longer hair, Errol Douglas suggests wearing a ponytail. ‘It’s the best way to disguise a bad hair day that’s gone too far. If your hair is long enough, simply secure your hair in a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, adding a little hairspray to control any loose ends,’ he says. If you have shorter hair, he recommends using a high shine wax and sweeping your hair back off your face for a sleek effect.

10. Stock up. Last but not least, prepare yourself for the worst – a bad hair day that’s beyond help. If you have some fashionable hair accessories on hand they’ll add instant glamour, yet provide a diversion from your unmanageable mane. Accessories are also a great way of inexpensively updating your hairstyle.