Have you ever looked out the window after a long day at work, only to discover that while you were tapping away at the keyboard, a mighty storm is blowing pedestrians up and down the street?  I’ve been caught in sudden wind or rain too many times to count, and had to run screaming into the nearest drugstore for supplies.

Years ago, I got in the habit of keeping a ponytail holder in every purse and toiletry bag and backpack that I own – and in a few coat pockets as well – to protect against the eventuality that I would need to walk up the street with the wind at my back, trying to blow my hair into a Cousin It style over my face.  I try never to leave the house without emergency hair accessories!

But we all get caught off-guard, without a handy Duane Reade or CVS to provide a quick backup barrette.  When that happens though, you’re not doomed to desperately tangled, messy hair for the rest of the day.  Learn to improvise, and you’ll save yourself some seriously scary brushing sessions when you get home.

• First of all, always keep an emergency item or two in all of your bags. A clip, a ponytail holder, a bandana, even a hat that can stand to be squished in the bottom corner and forgotten about until your time of need. While you’re at it, throw in a small comb or folding hairbrush. Putting your hair up might mean that people don’t see your stunning blow-out, but it will also mean that they don’t see a stunning blow-up.
• What else do you have on hand? Headphones and glasses can stand in for headbands, keeping your hair off your face for a time. If you have a pen or pencil (or a discarded pair of chopsticks left over from your last Chinese takeout), you have a hair stick that can keep a bun or French twist in place. Check out these video tutorials to learn how to put it in!
• If you’re indoors and heading out, hit the office supply room for a rubber band, a piece of ribbon or string. Is there a t-shirt that’s been lying around in the lost and found box for months? Cut off a sleeve hem for an instant headband.