One suggestion I haven't seen is a spritz bottle. I have long thick hair and in this cooler weather usually all I need to do is spritz it a lot, scrunch it with my hands, and I am good to go. I keep supplies at work - a comb, some hair pins - but with short hair you're in great shape! I check my email for anything urgent before changing, and my clients (both inhouse and external) are always impressed/jealous that I am riding to work. In hot weather I'll either do the full shower or if short on time I'll stick my head in a sink -- I keep a towel at work. A pack towel, the kind that dries fast, works well for this.
On the food front I stoke up before I go, then tea and almonds when I arrive, but I'm a morning piglet.
Bike commuting -- best health benefit I know.
Marcy in Colorado