Creating life balance can prove to be a challenging feat for women, especially when you combine family, careers and physical activity into 24 hours. The simply fact of the matter is that we must all live in balance to ensure we create happy and healthy lives. The question is: how can we enhance a morning beauty regimen especially if it has to be completed in the fluorescent-lit change rooms of a gym?

The most important point to remember when you are creating a look for your ‘on the go’ schedule is to really reflect honestly, on what you are willing to commit to. If you know that you have between 10-15 minutes to complete a total look before you leave the gym acknowledge that as your truth and build on that foundation of time. This is all about manifesting what works for you, and ultimately your lifestyle.

Create a cut and style for your hair texture – This season we have seen that fashion is inspired by primitive beauty. Styles are left a little unpolished and texture remains key. Put down your flat iron, look at your hair when it is wet and with the help of your stylist determine how you can make natural curl or wave work for you- instead of fighting against it.

The products that work for you - Professionally dosed styling aides are created for hair types and textures. Different mousses achieve different looks, and the same with texture pastes. The average look will utilize at least three styling products to enhance texture, control frizz, promote shine or hold the final look. The next time you are visiting your stylist, observe the products they use and quiz them on what aspects of the style the products support.

What’s in your gym bag? - Start to think of your gym bag as a piece of carry-on luggage you are bringing on a vacation. To make your life easier, store a travel kit of styling aides, shampoo and conditioner in your gym bag (or purchase multiples) so that you have a healthy supply when you are not in your bathroom.

Quick style tip - Always take your natural texture into consideration when you are choosing how to execute your styling process. By embracing what you already have you will free yourself from frustration of fighting against it. For example if you have wave, use a mousse and diffuser to create a soft beach style look. Simply blow dry your fringe first, and with a diffuser on high heat and low speed dry the root first and work your way to the ends.

When working with fine textures, take into account that you must not over-dry the ends to prevent excess damage and splitting. Your root area will always retain moisture the most and therefore after a volumizing root lift is applied the concentration of airflow from your blow dryer should be focused there. Finish the ends with a round brush, working in sections from the bottom up, when the section is complete hold your ‘cool shot’ button to lock the volume in place.

Finish it Up (if all else fails…) - Bad hair days (like rainy days) are a fact of life and will continue to happen. Know that it is perfectly acceptable to use an elastic and bobby pins as your secret weapons. A slick pony tail set high on the head can look amazing with the right facial features, and fine curly hair can be loosely pinned up to create height. Ask your stylist to demonstrate an approach that you can create on those gloomy beauty days.

Just remember, that your mind (like a parachute) always works best when it is open. Changing your beauty regimen will usually take between 3-4 weeks of repeated behavior to ensure that it feels natural and normal. Once you conquer this challenge head on, your day is guaranteed to run a little bit more smoothly.