3 brilliant time-saving hair tricks every stressed-out mama needs

My kids are the reason I wake up every morning. Really early. Every feckin' morning.

They are also the reason I wake up with bad hair. Most evenings I swear blind that I will take an extra few minutes the next day to sort out my mop and generally make myself presentable. Obviously, it never happens because I inevitably choose an extra few minutes of sleep instead. Sound familiar? Check out these quick and easy night-before tricks that will fool the world into thinking you actually have five minutes to spend on yourself in the morning (cue manic laughter). 1. Dry shampoo - every mother's best friend You can help prevent greasy hair in the morning by applying dry shampoo before hitting the sack at night. Spray the roots of your hair until it feels chalky; the powder will absorb oils as they're produced and while you are sleeping. The following morning, you don't have to worry about degreasing or powdery residues; just style and go. Many brands now offer dry shampoo with a hint of colour to complement both lighter and darker hair tones - something you can also use to blend in root re-growth if you don't have time to get your colour or highlights done (which of course you don't because you're a mum). 2. Wake up with waves A quick and easy way to get waves is to braid damp hair before going to bed. You can either do a series of small braids or one French braid, depending on your hair type and desired style - the smaller the braid, the tighter the wave. Then belt out your best rendition of Let It Go. In the morning, undo the braids, gently run your fingers through, and spritz with a texturising spray. 3. Get volume overnight To get a voluminous look overnight, apply a beach spray to damp hair and twist into a high bun (to make sleeping easier) before going to bed. Use a hair clip to secure the bun and prevent creasing. In the morning, blow dry hair while still in the bun for a couple minutes, before letting your bouncy hair down. You can set the style with a little hairspray. And don't forget the wise words of Dolly Parton; if anyone tells you your hair is too big, get rid of them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life. Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie