HOW TO LOOK AFTER MY HAIR INBETWEEN WASHES?
Second-Day Hair Tips: How to Look Fresh Without a Full Wash
We’ve all had those mornings — no time for a full hair wash, but your style needs a refresh. Whether you're skipping a shampoo to protect your colour, save time, or preserve your scalp’s natural oils, second-day hair doesn't have to mean second-best.
At Arena Creative Hair, we believe that great hair days can happen every day — even the ones in between washes. Here are our expert-approved second-day hair tips to keep your style fresh, your hair healthy, and your mornings stress-free.
1. Dry Shampoo Is Your Best Friend
Start at the roots with a lightweight dry shampoo. It instantly absorbs excess oil, revives volume, and gives lift where you need it most.
Arena Tip: Apply your dry shampoo before bed to allow it to absorb overnight — you’ll wake up with fresher hair and less build up. Don't underestimate using dry shampoo as soon as you have freshly dried your hair.
🧴 Try: Kevin Murphy FRESH.HAIR – a non-drying formula that refreshes the scalp and leaves your hair feeling light and clean, not chalky.
2. Refresh the Ends with a Dry Conditioner or Lightweight Serum
While your roots may feel oily, your ends can often feel dry and rough the next day. Use a dry conditioner or a serum through your mid-lengths and ends to smooth, add shine, and tame frizz.
🧴 Try:
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Kevin Murphy YOUNG.AGAIN OIL – nourishing without weight.
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Shimmer.Shine Spray – adds shine without greasiness and works beautifully on dry hair.
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Young Again dry conditioner oil is perfect for those dry ends, and they smell amazing
3. Wash Your Fringe or Hairline Separately
If your fringe or front section gets greasy quicker, give it a quick shampoo in the sink without washing your full head. This keeps your style feeling clean without over-washing your lengths.
A quick rinse, blow-dry, and you're good to go!
4. Learn Easy Low-Tension Hair-Ups
A second-day hair day is perfect for casual updos — think loose buns, braided crowns, or chic ponytails. These styles hold better with a little texture and don't require tight bands or too much pulling. Instagram is full of simple diy videos to get you started.
Arena Tip: Use soft scrunchies or spiral bobbles to avoid breakage and reduce tension on your scalp.
5. Use Hair Accessories to Refresh Your Style
Second-day hair is the perfect excuse to get creative with hair accessories! There’s a wide range of pins, scrunchies, clips, headbands, and hats that can instantly lift your look and disguise any flat or greasy spots. These accessories add style without any heat or extra washing.
Arena Tip: Try soft scrunchies or decorative clips to add personality while protecting your hair from damage.
6. Keep Heat Low and Protect First
If you’re using a heated tool the next day to smooth or curl, always apply a heat protector first — even if you used one the day before. Heat damage accumulates over time.
Lower the temperature (ideally below 180°C) and only re-style where it’s needed.
🧴 Try: KEVIN MURPHY HEATED.DEFENSE – a lightweight foam that protects without buildup.
7. Braid It Before Bed
On wash days, try braiding your hair before bed. You’ll wake up with soft, effortless waves the next day, and it helps avoid tangles or greasy patches caused by hair being pressed flat overnight.
8. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction, helping your second-day hair stay smoother and less oily overnight. It also helps retain moisture in your hair and skin.
It’s a simple switch that makes a huge difference — especially for colour-treated or frizz-prone hair.
9. Add Texture with a Sea Salt Spray
If your second-day hair feels limp or too clean to hold a shape, revive it with a texture spray. A gentle mist of sea salt spray can add volume and grip without stickiness.🧴 Try: Kevin Murphy HAIR.RESORT.SPRAY – perfect for that beachy, effortless vibe.
10. In-Salon Blow-Dry or Quick Refresh
If you have a big event or your second-day hair just isn't playing nice, pop into Arena for a quick refresh or express blow-dry. We can revive your style, add body, or reshape your fringe without needing a full wash and style.
Or take advantage of Out Blow dry membership. Never have a bad hair day and great great tips and advice from your stylist on how to achieve salon results at home.
Click this link to find out more
Love Your Hair Between Washes
Second-day hair is a chance to switch up your style, experiment with texture, or enjoy a slower start to your morning. With the right tools and techniques, it can look just as good — if not better — than freshly washed hair.
If you’re not sure which dry shampoo or refresher is best for your hair type, pop into Arena or book a consultation. We’ll help you find the perfect products and a care routine that suits your lifestyle.
Need help building a second-day hair care routine?
💬 Speak to your Arena stylist – we’ll create a tailored plan with professional products and techniques designed just for you.