One of the great parts of being a hairdresser is that most of what you're taught in your career is learned on the job! Over the past few years, I've been fortunate enough to have my job take me to New York Fashion Week, where I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing stylists and designers. Being in the middle of such an intense, fast-paced environment often calls for a few tricks and cheats to cater to the lack of time backstage. I want to share some of these tricks with you today in hopes that they'll help your everyday beauty routine and save you time - especially in a world where there never seems to be any!

1. A Quick Trip To The Shore

One of my absolute favorite ways to get a beachy texture is something I learned backstage at NYFW - and it can take as little as 3 minutes! All you have to do is divide your hair into 4 sections and braid each one. Next, take a flat iron and run it over each of the braids until the braid has flattened and compressed. After letting the braids cool down, start to break them up by flipping your hair upside down and running your fingers through them. Use a little spray wax to help define the waves (My Favorite is ) and you're ready to go!

2. Reach For The Sky

If you want to get a little more volume after your blowout, start by dividing the top of your hair into three sections moving back along your head. While directing the section forward, spritz the roots with an extra hold hairspray like L'Oréal Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray . After giving the roots a spray, drape the section back over the can of hairspray and let sit for 5 seconds. Your hair will take on the rounded shape of the can, giving you sky high volume!!

3. Wait A Minute

When heat styling your hair, it's a great idea to use a little product to enhance your look. Whether using a thermal setting spray to make your curls last longer, volumizer to give you a lift or mousse for the perfect blowout, using products can help you obtain gorgeous styles that otherwise may fall flat. However, just because you're using these products doesn't mean you're achieving optimal results! Next time you apply a product to your hair before styling, try and let it sit for a minute or two. Over time the product in your hair will begin to break down, which will make the shape and texture of your hair drop. Allowing the product time to sink in between application and styling will allow it to absorb and make it last longer. You can even test it yourself! Typically when blow drying, curling or straightening hair that has fresh product in it, you'll see steam coming off of your hair. This is excess product that is being burned off, which happens for two reasons: 1. You have applied too much product or 2. Your product hasn't has time to penetrate into your hair strand. After giving it time to do so, you will notice a significant decrease in the amount of steam your hair lets off.

4. Bungee Jumping

The ponytail is one of the simplest and chicest looks shown on runways and has been for years. However, achieving the perfect pony is a little harder than it looks. I suggest you ditch the elastic - throw it out, go to your local beauty supply store and get Hair bungees instead. Hair bungees are elastics that aren't connected at the ends. Instead, they have a hook on each end that allows you to get your hair as tight as possible without trying to maneuver your whole ponytail through the elastic as you twist. All you have to do is brush your hair back and hold your ponytail in your hand. Next, hook one end of the bungee where your hand touches your head. Now continue to wrap the bungee around your hair until you have reached the opposite end of the bungee, then hook that end into your hair - you will end up with a tight, secure, runway-worthy look that won't droop as the day goes on.

5. W Pins

To gently secure "tendrils" while wearing you hair up, take a U-shaped hairpin and bend each side down so it turns into a W shape. Place the piece of hair where you would like it to rest and weave the newly shaped pin around it. This will not only hide the pin but also prevent it from slipping out during the course of the day or night.

I hope you find these tips and tricks as useful as I do. I would love to hear about your experiences with them, as well as any questions or tips of your own - just share in the comments section below!

photo credit: Crista Funk