Tousled hair | How to get tousled hair | Short tousled hair | long tousled hair

These days, women are going crazy over “I woke up like this” Instagram posts. Do you know the reason behind it? It’s the tousled hair look. This messy, undone hairstyle is becoming more popular among fashion lovers every single day.

No matter how difficult it seems, we are here to tell you that it is actually quite simple to achieve.

Women who love this look can create it at home or visit a professional hair salon. Getting your hair ready for tousled waves overnight is now easy using various methods and products.

This guide explains what tousled hair is, how to create it easily, and covers different hair lengths and types. Read on to learn everything about tousled hair, from basic techniques to advanced styling tips.

What Is Tousled Hair?

Tousled hair is a messy, undone hairstyle that looks effortlessly stylish. It mimics the natural texture your hair has after a day at the beach or when you wake up in the morning. The style features loose waves, separated curls, and plenty of texture.

This look works for almost any occasion. You can wear it casually during the day or dress it up for evening events. The key is creating controlled chaos that appears natural and relaxed.

Why Tousled Hair Is So Popular

The tousled look has become a favorite for several reasons:

• It looks natural and effortless
• It adds volume and texture to flat hair
• It works on different hair lengths and types
• It requires less time than perfectly styled hair
• It hides slightly dirty or day-old hair
• It gives a youthful, carefree appearance

Who Can Wear Tousled Hair?

Almost anyone can achieve tousled hair, regardless of their natural hair type. However, the technique varies slightly depending on your hair texture:

• Straight hair: Needs more product and heat styling to create lasting waves
• Wavy hair: Easiest to tousle since it already has natural texture
• Curly hair: Requires products that soften and separate curls without frizz
• Fine hair: Benefits from volumizing products to prevent flatness
• Thick hair: May need lighter products to avoid weighing down the waves

How to Get Tousled Hair: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t need a curling rod to get beautiful, tousled bed hair. You can prepare your hair overnight, or you can use sprays to create the look quickly. Some techniques might be harder for very curly or coily hair, but most hair types can achieve a tousled look within minutes.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Start by washing your hair properly. Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair, especially if it’s dry. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Next, wash your hair with shampoo to remove oil, dirt, and product buildup.

After washing, gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel. Don’t rub your hair vigorously, as this causes frizz and damage. Your hair should be damp, not dripping wet.

Pro tip: For extra volume, wash your hair upside down or flip it over when applying conditioner. Only condition the mid-lengths and ends, not the roots.

Step 2: Add Texture with Sea Salt Spray

Once your hair is partially dry, spray sea salt spray throughout your damp hair. This product adds grip and texture, making waves hold better. It also creates natural-looking separation between hair strands.

Run your fingers through your hair to distribute the spray evenly from roots to ends. Scrunch your hair gently while applying to encourage natural wave formation.

How much to use: Start with 3-5 sprays and add more if needed. Too much product can make hair feel stiff or sticky.

Step 3: Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into manageable sections before styling. This ensures every part of your hair gets styled properly. Use clips to hold sections in place while you work on one section at a time.

For best results, create 4-6 sections depending on your hair thickness. Thicker hair needs more sections for even styling.

Step 4: Curl with a Curling Rod or Wand

Take one section and wrap it around a heated curling rod or wand. Leave about 1-2 inches at the ends unwrapped for a more natural look. Hold for 5-10 seconds depending on your hair type and the tool temperature.

Gently release the curl and let it cool in your hand for a moment. This helps the curl set properly. Work through all sections this way.

Heat settings:

• Fine hair: 300-350°F
• Medium hair: 350-400°F
• Thick or coarse hair: 400-450°F

Always use heat protectant spray before applying any heat tools to prevent damage.

Step 5: Style Your Bangs or Fringe

If you have bangs, curl them away from your face for a flattering frame. Don’t make the curls too tight. Loose, relaxed waves work best for bangs in a tousled style.

Apply a light mist of sea salt spray to your bangs after curling to add texture.

Step 6: Break Up the Curls

Once all sections are curled and cooled, run your fingers gently through your hair. This separates the curls and creates a more natural, tousled appearance. Don’t use a brush or comb, as these make hair too smooth.

Gently shake your head from side to side to help the waves settle naturally. Add more sea salt spray if your hair needs extra texture or hold.

Step 7: Scrunch for That Messy Look

Take sections of hair at the ends and scrunch them upward toward your scalp. This creates a messy, lived-in texture. The key is to scrunch gently, not aggressively.

To maintain the tousled look throughout the day, carry a small bottle of sea salt spray. Spritz and scrunch whenever your hair starts to fall flat.

Alternative Method: Overnight Tousled Hair

If you prefer not to use heat, you can create tousled hair overnight using these methods:

Braiding method:

1. Wash and partially dry your hair
2. Apply sea salt spray or mousse
3. Create 2-4 loose braids
4. Sleep with the braids in
5. Undo braids in the morning and scrunch

Twisting method:

1. Apply product to damp hair
2. Twist sections of hair into loose buns
3. Secure with soft hair ties or clips
4. Sleep on it
5. Release twists and tousle in the morning

How to Get Tousled Hair for Short Hair

Getting tousled waves on short hair is actually easier than on long hair. Short hair holds texture better and requires less time to style. Here’s how to create the perfect tousled look for short hair:

Step-by-Step for Short Hair

Step 1: Add volume at the roots

Apply dry shampoo to your roots, especially if your hair is clean. Clean hair often lies too flat. Dry shampoo adds grip and volume. Spray generously at the crown and massage it in with your fingertips.

Step 2: Create random curls

Heat your curling rod or wand. Take random sections of hair and wrap them around the barrel. Don’t curl every section the same way. Alternate directions (some toward your face, some away) for a more natural look.

With short hair, you only need to hold each section for 3-5 seconds. Short strands heat up faster.

Step 3: Finger brush and lift

Run your fingers through your hair gently to separate the curls. Lift the hair at your crown to add height. If you have layers, work with them piece by piece, lifting and scrunching each layer.

Step 4: Lock in the style

Spray with sea salt spray or texturizing spray for hold. Let it set for a few minutes before touching your hair again. Add hair accessories like clips or headbands if desired to make the style more dramatic.

Best Short Tousled Hairstyles

• Tousled pixie: Add texture to a pixie cut by applying styling paste and messing it up with your fingers
• Tousled bob: Create loose waves in a bob for an effortless, chic look
• Tousled lob (long bob): Perfect length for beachy, tousled waves
• Tousled shag: The layers in a shag cut naturally create tousled texture

Tips for Short Hair Success

• Use a smaller curling barrel (3/4 inch to 1 inch) for better control
• Don’t over-style short hair or it will look too “done”
• Short hair needs less product than long hair
• Refresh the style by adding water and scrunching between washes

How to Get Tousled Hair for Long Hair

Every woman wants to achieve an easy, tousled hair look. Whether it’s a Victoria’s Secret model or your favorite celebrity, tousled hair on long locks is fashionable and trending more than ever.

Long hair gives you more styling options and creates beautiful, flowing tousled waves. Here’s how to get that perfect tousled look for long hair:

Step-by-Step for Long Hair

Step 1: Prep with the right wash

Wash your hair, but use a lighter technique. Apply conditioner first, then shampoo for a lighter, more voluminous result. This reverse washing method prevents conditioner from weighing down your roots.

Towel dry gently by squeezing, not rubbing. Long hair is more prone to tangles and damage when wet.

Step 2: Protect and prepare

Apply heat protectant spray throughout your hair. Long hair requires more heat exposure during styling, so protection is essential. Follow with sea salt spray or mousse for texture.

Step 3: Section into thin, long pieces

Divide your hair into thin sections. With long hair, you’ll need more sections than with short hair. Plan for 6-10 sections depending on your hair thickness. Thin sections create more defined waves.

Step 4: Curl section by section

Heat your curling wand to the appropriate temperature. Wrap each section around the rod, holding for 5-10 seconds. With long hair, you may need to overlap sections on the barrel.

This step takes time with long hair, but it’s worth the effort. Don’t rush, or the curls won’t hold.

Step 5: Cool and set

After releasing each curl, let it cool completely before moving to the next section. Some stylists pin the curl up while it cools for better hold, though this is optional.

Step 6: Let it flow and texturize

Allow your hair to fall naturally behind your back. Run your fingers through all the curls to break them up. Apply sea salt spray throughout, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.

Flip your head upside down and shake gently for extra volume at the roots.

Challenges with Long Hair

Long hair presents unique challenges for tousled styling:

• Weight: Long hair is heavy and can pull waves out faster
• Time: More sections mean more styling time
• Product amount: You’ll need more product to coat all your hair
• Heat damage: More heat exposure increases damage risk

Solutions for Long Hair Success

• Use strong-hold styling products designed for long hair
• Consider getting long layers cut into your hair for easier styling
• Let curls cool completely before breaking them up
• Apply hairspray before curling for extra hold
• Use a larger barrel (1.5 inches) for long hair to speed up the process

How to Get Tousled Hair for Medium Hair

Medium-length hair is actually the easiest length for creating tousled waves. It’s long enough to hold beautiful waves but short enough that the weight doesn’t pull them out too quickly.

Step-by-Step for Medium Hair

The process for medium hair is similar to long hair, with a few adjustments:

Step 1: Wash and condition

Start with clean, conditioned hair. You can use the reverse washing method (conditioner first, then shampoo) for extra volume, or wash normally if your hair tends to be dry.

Step 2: Apply styling products

On damp hair, apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and sea salt spray throughout the lengths. Medium hair responds well to layered products.

Step 3: Section your hair

Divide into 4-6 sections. Medium hair doesn’t need as many sections as long hair, which saves you time.

Step 4: Curl with heat

Using a 1-inch to 1.5-inch curling barrel, wrap each section around the rod. Hold for 5-8 seconds. Leave 1-2 inches at the ends uncurled for a modern, relaxed look.

Step 5: Break up and texturize

Once all sections are curled and cooled, run your fingers through your hair to separate the waves. Flip your head upside down and scrunch from ends to roots.

Apply more texturizing spray and scrunch again. Medium hair absorbs product well without getting weighed down.

Why Medium Length Works Best

• Not too heavy to pull out waves
• Not too short to limit styling options
• Takes less time than long hair
• Holds tousled texture longer
• Easy to refresh between washes

Best Medium-Length Styles for Tousled Hair

• Shoulder-length with layers: Layers create natural movement and texture
• Collarbone-length lob: Perfect length for beachy, tousled waves
• Medium shag: Built-in layers make tousling effortless
• Medium length with curtain bangs: Adds face-framing softness

Tousled Hair for Men

Wild and carefree men’s tousled hair looks are popular on fashion runways and in everyday style. The tousled look for men appears messy but is actually styled intentionally for a relaxed, masculine appearance.

It can be styled to look more defined with wax or paste by separating the hair in different directions. It’s easier to achieve a tousled look with longer hair on top (at least 2-4 inches).

Step-by-Step Tousled Hair for Men

Step 1: Create texture with volume

Apply volumizing foam or mousse to damp hair, working it through from roots to ends. Use a blow dryer with your fingers (not a brush) to rough-dry your hair. This creates natural, messy texture and movement.

Dry your hair in different directions to add body and prevent it from lying flat.

Step 2: Add styling wax

Take a small amount of cream wax or styling paste (about a dime-sized amount) and rub it between your palms. Run it through your hair from roots to tips, using your fingers to create separation.

Move your hands in various directions to generate a tousled, lived-in effect. Don’t comb or brush at this stage.

Step 3: Style and finish

Use your fingertips to twist and position the ends of your hair in different directions. Lift sections at the crown for added height. Some pieces should stick up slightly while others fall naturally.

For extra hold, finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray.

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Best Men’s Haircuts for Tousled Styling

• Medium-length on top with short sides: Classic contrast that highlights the tousled texture on top
• Textured crop: Short all over with choppy layers for easy tousled styling
• Modern quiff: Longer front and top sections perfect for tousled styling
• Messy fringe: Forward-falling hair with tousled texture
• Longer surfer style: 4-6 inches on top for maximum tousled potential

Product Recommendations for Men

• For fine hair: Volumizing powder or sea salt spray for texture without weight
• For thick hair: Matte clay or paste for control and definition
• For short hair: Strong-hold pomade or fiber cream
• For longer hair: Light cream or styling lotion

Common Mistakes Men Make

• Using too much product: Creates a greasy, stiff look instead of natural texture
• Styling on wet hair: Hair should be barely damp or dry for best results
• Combing after styling: Removes the messy texture you just created
• Wrong haircut length: Hair that’s too short (under 2 inches) can’t tousle properly

Tousled Wavy Hair

The tousled wavy hair look combines the messy, undone texture of tousled styling with soft, flowing waves. This creates a romantic, feminine style that works for both casual and formal occasions.

If you already have naturally wavy hair, creating tousled waves is simpler since you’re enhancing your natural texture rather than creating it from scratch.

How to Create Tousled Wavy Hair

The technique is similar to standard tousled hair, but with these adjustments:

1. Work with your natural texture: If you have natural waves, enhance them rather than fighting them
2. Use wave-enhancing products: Choose products specifically designed for wavy hair
3. Create looser curls: Use a larger barrel (1.5-2 inches) for soft waves instead of tight curls
4. Break them up more: Really work your fingers through the waves to create that tousled separation

Combining Tousled Style with Beach Waves

When you mix the tousled technique with beach waves, you get a relaxed, vacation-ready look. Beach waves are slightly different from regular tousled waves because they have a more S-shaped pattern that mimics hair after being in ocean water.

To create tousled beach waves:

• Use more sea salt spray than usual
• Braid damp hair in 3-4 sections and let air dry or sleep on them
• Undo braids and scrunch with sea salt spray
• Don’t brush or comb at all

Best Products for Tousled Wavy Hair

• Wave-enhancing mousses
• Sea salt sprays with stronger hold
• Curl-defining creams (used lightly)
• Texturizing sprays designed for waves
• Anti-frizz serums to keep waves smooth but not flat

Best Products for Tousled Hair

The right products make all the difference when creating and maintaining tousled hair. No matter how far you live from the beach, you can achieve carefree, beachy tousled waves with the right styling products.

Tousled waves are a beautiful look for summer, and nearly every beauty brand has tried to bottle the effects of the sea so you can get perfect summertime hair at home.

Choosing Products for Your Hair Type

Your hair type determines what kind of products will give you the perfect tousled hair:

For wavy hair: You only need a light texturizing spray to separate your natural waves and enhance the texture. Wavy hair already has movement, so heavy products will weigh it down.

For curly hair: Use a heavier product like a curl cream to soften and elongate your curls into relaxed waves. Curly hair also benefits from anti-frizz products to keep the tousled look smooth, not frizzy.

For straight hair: Choose light mousses or creams that add grip and shape to your hair. Straight hair needs help creating and holding waves, so products with some hold are essential.

For fine hair: Pick volumizing products that won’t weigh hair down. Powders, light sprays, and foam mousses work best.

For thick hair: You can handle heavier products like creams and oils. Focus on products that control and define without creating stiffness.

Essential Product Types

Sea salt spray: The foundation of tousled hair. Creates texture, grip, and that beachy feel. Can be used on damp or dry hair.

Texturizing spray: Similar to sea salt spray but usually lighter. Adds separation and definition without the salty feel.

Volumizing mousse: Applied to damp hair before styling. Creates body and helps waves hold their shape.

Wave cream: A leave-in product that defines and holds waves while keeping them soft.

Dry shampoo: Not just for cleaning hair. Adds texture and grip, especially helpful for second-day tousled styling.

Heat protectant: Essential if you’re using heat tools. Prevents damage while helping styles last longer.

Styling paste or wax: Best for men or short hair. Provides strong hold and texture.

Top Recommended Products

Here are some of the most popular and effective tousled hair products:

• Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse – Creates defined waves with a lightweight feel. Works on damp hair before styling.
• Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray – Affordable option that delivers great texture. Perfect for everyday use.
• Bumble and Bumble Texture Hair Un Dressing Creme – A cult favorite for creating piece-y, separated texture. Works on all hair types.
• Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray – Premium option that adds incredible texture without stiffness. A little goes a long way.
• TRESemmé Expert Selection Perfectly (un)Done Wave Creation Sea Foam – Budget-friendly mousse that creates soft, natural-looking waves.

How to Layer Products

For best results, layer products in this order:

1. On damp hair: Heat protectant, then mousse or wave cream
2. During styling: Light mist of sea salt spray on each section before curling
3. After styling: Texturizing spray throughout, then scrunch
4. For hold: Light hairspray if needed (optional)

DIY Sea Salt Spray Recipe

You can make your own sea salt spray at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or argan oil
• 1 teaspoon gel (optional, for hold)

Instructions: Mix warm water and sea salt until dissolved. Add oil and gel if using. Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before each use.

Maintaining Your Tousled Hair Look

Creating tousled hair is just the beginning. Maintaining the look throughout the day and between washes is equally important.

Making It Last All Day

• Carry a travel-size texturizing spray: Refresh your waves by spritzing and scrunching when they start to fall
• Don’t touch it too much: Constant touching can make hair greasy and flat
• Pin it up strategically: If your style falls, twist sections and pin them for 10 minutes to reset the waves
• Flip and scrunch: Every few hours, flip your head upside down and scrunch to revive texture

Sleeping with Tousled Hair

To preserve your style overnight:

• Gather hair in a loose, high bun on top of your head (not tight)
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction
• Try the “pineapple” method for curly or wavy hair: gather all hair at the very top of your head in a loose ponytail
• Wrap hair in a silk scarf

Refreshing Second-Day Hair

Your tousled style can look even better on day two with these tips:

1. Apply dry shampoo to roots to absorb oil and add volume
2. Lightly mist hair with water or leave-in conditioner spray
3. Scrunch in texturizing spray
4. Use a curling wand on just a few front sections if needed
5. Shake out and scrunch

How Long Does Tousled Hair Last?

• Without touching it up: 6-12 hours depending on your hair type and products
• With refreshing: Can last all day
• Between washes: 2-3 days with proper overnight care and daily refreshing

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Waves Fall Out Too Quickly

Solutions:

• Use stronger-hold products before styling
• Let curls cool completely before breaking them up
• Try pinning curls while they cool
• Use a lighter conditioner that doesn’t weigh hair down
• Consider getting layers cut into your hair

Problem: Hair Looks Too Messy, Not Styled

Solutions:

• Use less product so hair doesn’t look crunchy or greasy
• Create more defined curls before breaking them up
• Make sure hair is clean before styling
• Style more sections for better wave distribution
• Frame your face with a few more polished pieces

Problem: Hair Gets Frizzy

Solutions:

• Apply anti-frizz serum before styling
• Don’t touch hair too much throughout the day
• Use a microfiber towel instead of regular towel to dry
• Finish with a light oil on the ends
• Control humidity with anti-humidity spray

Problem: Hair Looks Too Flat

Solutions:

• Apply volumizing mousse at roots before styling
• Blow dry hair upside down
• Tease roots gently with a comb
• Use dry shampoo for extra lift
• Curl sections away from your face at the crown

Problem: Hair Feels Stiff or Crunchy

Solutions:

• Use less product overall
• Switch to lighter-hold products
• Scrunch hair more after products dry to break up the hold
• Apply products more sparingly and evenly
• Avoid hairspray or use very little

Alternative Methods for Tousled Hair

No-Heat Methods

If you want to avoid heat damage, try these methods:

Braiding method: The most popular no-heat option. Braid damp hair into 2-6 braids depending on desired wave size. Sleep on them or let them air dry completely (4-6 hours). Undo and scrunch with texturizing spray.

Twist and pin method: Twist sections of damp hair into small buns all over your head. Pin them securely. Let dry completely. Release and scrunch.

Headband method: Place a stretchy headband across your forehead. Take sections of damp hair and wrap them around the headband. Let dry overnight. Remove headband and shake out waves.

Sock bun method: Make 6-8 small buns using sections of damp hair wrapped around cut sock pieces. Let dry completely. Remove socks and tousle.

Permanent and Semi-Permanent Options

For those who want a longer-lasting solution, consider these professional options:

Beach wave perm: A modern perm that creates loose, tousled waves that last 3-6 months. If you’re looking for more permanent tousled texture, you might want to check out our collection of beach waves hair products that can help you achieve and maintain that perfect messy-chic style.

Body wave perm: Creates gentle S-shaped waves for natural-looking volume and texture. For those who want a more permanent solution, considering a perm might be an option. There are various types of perms available that can give you long-lasting waves and texture without daily styling.

Keratin treatment: While traditionally used for smoothing, some treatments now offer a “wave-enhancing” version that creates soft texture while reducing frizz.

Digital perm: Uses heat and chemicals to create lasting waves that look more natural than traditional perms.

Men interested in achieving more texture and volume in their hair might want to explore male perm styles that can create a naturally tousled appearance with minimal daily effort.

Tousled Hair for Different Occasions

Casual Everyday Tousled Hair

• Keep it simple with just sea salt spray and scrunching
• Don’t worry about perfection
• Second-day hair works great for this look
• Pull front sections back with clips for a functional yet stylish look

Professional/Work-Appropriate Tousled Hair

• Keep waves more controlled and defined
• Style front sections more polished
• Consider a low tousled ponytail or bun
• Use less product for a softer look
• Keep frizz under control

Evening/Formal Tousled Hair

• Create more defined waves before tousling
• Add shine spray for a polished finish
• Style one side behind the ear with decorative pins
• Try a tousled updo or half-up style
• Add hair accessories like jeweled clips or headbands

Beach/Summer Tousled Hair

• Embrace the messy, undone texture
• Use extra sea salt spray
• Don’t worry about frizz or flyaways
• Let hair air dry when possible
• Add braids or twists for beach-appropriate details

Frequently Asked Questions About Tousled Hair

How often should I wash tousled hair?

Tousled hair actually looks better when it’s not freshly washed. Wash every 2-3 days for best results. The natural oils help create texture and hold. Use dry shampoo between washes to refresh roots.

Can I create tousled hair on very short hair?

Yes, but your hair needs to be at least 2 inches long on top. Very short hair (under 2 inches) won’t have enough length to create visible waves. Focus on using styling products to create texture and separation instead.

Will tousled styling damage my hair?

If you use heat tools, there’s always some risk of damage. Minimize it by always using heat protectant, not styling on the highest heat setting, and limiting heat styling to 2-3 times per week. No-heat methods cause no damage at all.

Why does my tousled hair look frizzy instead of textured?

Frizz happens when hair is dry or damaged. Use moisturizing products, apply anti-frizz serum before styling, and make sure you’re not over-drying hair with heat tools. Also check your water temperature when washing—hot water causes more frizz than lukewarm water.

Can I get tousled hair if I have naturally straight hair?

Absolutely. Straight hair requires more effort and stronger-hold products, but you can definitely achieve tousled waves. The key is using volumizing products at roots and curl-holding products on the lengths.

How do I know if I’m using too much product?

If your hair feels stiff, greasy, heavy, or sticky, you’re using too much. Start with less than you think you need and add more gradually. It’s easier to add more product than to wash it out and start over.

What’s the difference between tousled hair and messy hair?

Tousled hair is intentionally styled to look effortlessly messy. It has structure, texture, and style, even though it appears undone. Messy hair is actually unkempt and unstyled. The difference is control and technique.

Do I need to cut my hair in a specific way for tousled styling?

Layers help tremendously with tousled hair because they create natural movement and prevent hair from looking too heavy. Ask your stylist for long layers or a shag cut. However, tousled styling works on blunt cuts too—it just requires more product and technique.

Can I sleep on wet hair to get tousled waves?

Yes, but you need to braid it or twist it first. Sleeping on loose wet hair will just create a tangled mess, not tousled waves. Put hair in 2-4 braids while damp, sleep on it, and undo in the morning for natural waves.

What size curling barrel works best for tousled hair?

For short hair, use 3/4 inch to 1 inch. For medium hair, use 1 inch to 1.5 inches. For long hair, use 1.5 inches to 2 inches. Larger barrels create looser, more tousled waves. Smaller barrels create tighter curls that need more breaking up.

How can I make my tousled hair last longer?

Use strong-hold products, let curls cool completely before breaking them up, sleep with hair in a loose bun on top of your head, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizing spray between washes, and don’t touch your hair too much throughout the day.