It can be hard to know what you should and shouldn’t be doing when it comes to your hair. In order to clear up any hairy details, I’ve compiled a simplified list of hair hacks, tips, and tricks + products that anyone can benefit from – most of which can be found around your home and won’t cost you a dime.
#1 Keep That Towel Away from Your Hair.
Take your shirt off, twist it around your head, spin it like a helicopter. No, just kidding. Well, kind of. Using a t-shirt instead of a towel can make a huge difference on your hair. Using a traditional bathroom towel can cause a lot of breakage, with some touting it as the worst thing you can put on your hair. Instead try using an old cotton tee shirt – it’s a much kinder alternative.
#2 Masks Aren’t Just for Your Face.
If you have color treated or dry hair- consider using hair masks a few times a week instead of a traditional conditioner. Although most of us have been conditioned to use them (see what I did there? ?) the truth is that most conditioners don’t moisturize all that well. Ditching the normal shampoo/conditioner routine and opting for a hair mask like Christophe Robin’s Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil will penetrate the hair shaft and leave your locks thoroughly moisturized.
#3 Take Advantage of The Sun.
If you want to go lighter on your color, make sure to color your hair a few weeks before you go on vacation. Why? The sun will accentuate your new color while continuing to lighten it even more. Darker tones should do the opposite – making sure to color hair two weeks after a sun-filled vacation, so as to avoid any fading or lifting from the sun (which can sometimes result in caramel tones turning to orange.)
#4 Think Before You Spray.
Spray a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo onto your brush instead of onto your hair. Why? Spraying on your brush vs. directly onto your hair provides for more even coverage and is a foolproof way to avoid any pesky white streaks or powdery residue being left behind.
#5 Dry Twice.
If you’re dealing with particularly dry, stubborn hair and you’ve got a little time on your hands – try adding an additional step to your shampoo and conditioning routine. After shampooing, dry your hair. Then hop back in the shower and condition it. Why? Removing the excess water in your hair before conditioning means that the conditioner will be able to truly penetrate the hair shaft and deliver the necessary moisture to keep hair smooth.
#6 Combs Aren’t Just for Honey.
Do not, I repeat, do not use a brush on wet hair. When your hair is wet it is weak, fragile, and prone to breakage. Opt instead for using a comb on wet hair and work from the ends up, reserving the brush for partially dry or fully dried hair. The exception to this rule: a padded brush like the QuikStyle Paddle Brush by Goody. Unlike the average hair brush, the QuikStyle Paddle Brush has micro fibers which soak up excess moisture without snagging or breaking wet hair.
#7 Stay Squeaky.
When I was a taking a bath as a kid, my Mom used to always ask me, “is your hair squeaking?” According to her, until my hair audibly “squeaked” – it wasn’t clean. And you know what? She was right. If you want to avoid buildup, you must make sure that you’re removing all the shampoo and conditioner out of your hair. If product is truly washed out – hair should feel and sound squeaky clean.
#8 If You’re Sleeping, It Better Be on Satin.
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction and lead to hair breakage. Try opting for a satin pillowcase like the Savvy Sleepers’ Pillowcases instead. Made of 100-percent polyester satin, Savvy Sleepers Pillowcases provides a smooth surface that allows hair to glide over the fabric instead of causing friction. Pro tip: Satin is the more affordable cousin to silk and its machine washable – making it an affordable option that won’t break the bank.
#9 Dryer Sheets Aren’t Just for Laundry.
Dealing with Static? While there are fancy “hair sheets” on the market like Ouai’s Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets (which will set you back $18), the same results can be found from the sheets in your laundry room. Simply rub your hair down with a dryer sheet – and voila! Instant static removal for half of the cost.
#10 Aspirin Isn’t Just for Headaches.
If you suffer from a dry, flaking scalp – run to your drug cabinet and find your trusty bottle of aspirin. Crushing up one aspirin tablet into your shampoo every two weeks can help to clean and combat dullness. The secret? The salicylic acid found in aspirin removes buildup that occurs from products over time resulting in a smooth scalp and silky hair.
By Sara Estelle Grayum
