Let's be real: Sometimes 'life hacks' are only good in theory. (Yes, rigging a system of binder clips and plastic bread ties will organize my computer cables, but who has the time for that?) So, in celebration of National Simplify Your Life Week, we asked dozens of experts on everything from finances to skincare for advice on how we can really, actually make things easier. Today, we kick off the series with some tips on how to cut back on the time-consuming upkeep for long hair. 
Taking care of long tresses can be the most time-consuming part of getting ready, and the most frustrating. (Can't it just cooperate for once?) So when you're looking to spend more time relaxing over your morning coffee and less time fighting your blow dryer, keep in mind: Low-maintenance long hair starts in the salon chair.
TIP 1: GET A BLUNT CUT
If you want to keep your locks on the longer side, says Jessica Gillin, a stylist at NYC's Marie Robinson Salon, skip the dozens of angles, and fussy bangs. 'Blunter cuts with long layers around the face require way less maintenance, and are universally flattering,' she says.
TIP 2: FOLLOW THE 2-3 SHADES RULE
Then there's this coloring advice from hue expert Marie Robinson herself: 'Do minor enhancements, such as using clear or tinted glosses to add shine' as opposed to a full foil. If you're set on coloring, go for 'natural highlights that are no more than two to three shades lighter or no more than two shades darker than your natural color,' says Robinson, who's been entrusted with the locks of Rachel McAdams and Anne Hathaway. Those will be way less upkeep.
TIP 3: PICK YOUR SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER CAREFULLY
Getting lazy and thinking you can just buy any type of shampoo and conditioner will just create more work for you later. A low maintenance hair routine 'starts with the right shampoo and conditioner,' says Ted Gibson, whose styled the likes of Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldana, and Lupita Nyong'o. It's not about fanciness or price, but about type: 'If you're looking for volume, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. If your hair is dry, use something that's for dry hair.' This cuts down on the need to use other products (texturizing sprays, moisturizing balms, glossing serums) later. Beyond that, Gibson's only other must-have product is a flexible hold hairspray.
TIP 4: SLEEP IN A DOUBLE BUN...
If you're looking to get as close to an #IWokeUpLikeThis selfie as possible, work a Miley Cyrus double bun in bed. 'Part your hair from the top of the forehead all the way back to the nape, then pull everything up as if they're top ponytails on both sides of the head, twist them into little buns, and put bobby pins in to secure it. Then when you get up in the morning it will have some kind of natural wave and a little curl to it,' says Gibson. If hair is too damp, though, it won't dry—he suggests spraying it with a flexible hold hairspray or a dry shampoo if it's borderline.
TIP 5: OR TRY THIS TRICK IN THE MORNING
If your hair's still wet when you tuck in, make like mom and use hot rollers in the morning. 'Hot rollers are amazing for adding volume and bounce, and take about 10 minutes to set and another 10 to cool. You can do your makeup while they're cooling and be out the door in about 20 minutes,' says Gillin. She loves T3's user-friendly version: 'Set three rollers, all going back down the mohawk section of your hair. Roll two down on both sides. Set with a little hairspray and comb out with your fingers.'
And voila! With these tips, long-haired girls will be a little closer to nailing red carpet-ready hair on the daily...with the minimum amount of effort.
Related: The Right Way to Lighten Your Hair With Lemon Related: The Latest in Celebrity Hair Transformations
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