Last Updated on April 14, 2021
Be The Envy of Your Friends with These Hair Tips and Tricks
Our hair is one of our most valuable accessories and hair tips and tricks are invaluable! Your hair can completely change your appearance. It goes with us everywhere, and let's be honest, it can be quite a hassle sometimes, but with a few hair tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can make your hair routine faster and easier while still getting the look you're going for.
I think, for the most part, we all want what we don't have. I have the thickest hair on the planet (my ponytail looks like a horsetail), and I've always wished I could just have flat hair that behaved itself. But, as I'm getting older, I'm starting to appreciate my mess of a mane. I actually kind of like my huge hair now! It's really all about making the best out of what you have. Here are a few of my favorite tips that make my hair routine just a little bit easier.
1. Concentrate On The Ends for this Hair Tip
Unless you have really dry scalp, most of use don't need the extra moisture conditioner provides on our roots. Our scalp naturally produces oil every day, so adding any extra can give your hair a greasy look, especially if you don't shampoo every day. For the best results, try to apply your conditioner on the bottom 3/4 of your hair, really concentrating on the ends.
2. Spray Your Bobby Pins
Do your bobby pins tend to slide out? Mine do! In fact, I never use my bobby pins without a quick spray of hairspray or dry shampoo first. It gives them a little extra grip so you don't have to worry about your hair style falling out.
Place your bobby pins on a paper towel or tissue, give them a light spray, and then allow them to dry for a minute or two before inserting them into your hair. This hair tip and trick is especially helpful on fine, straight and thin hair.
3. Switch To Silk
I think that most of us sleep on a cotton pillowcase, but there are so many benefits to switching to silk or satin. Not only is it better for your skin, but it does wonders for your hair! Cotton robs your hair of moisture, is more likely to cause bed head (especially if you have bangs), and is much harsher on your hair, causing damage and split ends. It doesn't seem like it would make much of a difference, but we sleep on it every night, so it adds up. Silk and satin pillow cases also feel luxurious — definitely worth the extra expense!
4. Massage Your Scalp
Giving yourself a scalp massage in the shower every morning may seem like a waste of time, but it really does stimulate your hair growth and enhance the strength of your roots. So, if you're growing your hair out, try to do this every day! Why not? It feels great! Did you know that the increased blood flow to your scalp from a massage can also put you in a better mood, reduce stress, and relieve pain by improving circulation? Sounds like it's worth every minute.
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5. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
Oops! I've been making this mistake for years — combing the tangles out of my wet hair with a paddle brush. After washing your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to get those tangles out instead. The comb doesn't tug and pull at your hair like a regular brush, so it safely and easily removes tangles with less damage. If you are really prone to tangles, consider leaving a comb in the shower, and use it while you still have conditioner in your hair to remove any stubborn tangles.
6. Fake a Super Long Ponytail
I wear a ponytail just about every day. How have I lived so long without knowing this secret?! There's nothing sexier than a super long and full ponytail. And, I have so much hair I think this little trick would work great on me. Just hop on over to the Free People Blog to get the instructions! Some pretty amazing stuff over there.
7. Use Spin Pins
If you like to put your hair up in a bun, you should give these pins a spin! It only takes two to hold up even the thickest of hair. This is a great alternative to using 3 dozen bobby pins to keep that perfect bun in place. I've purchased them from both Target and Walmart. I'm certain they are also sold online or at beauty supply stores.
8. Say Yes To Lazy Days
We all have those lazy days, where the idea of standing in front of the mirror messing with our mane is just not going to happen. Or, those morning when you wake up late and just don't have the time. Quick hair tip: keep a spray bottle handy on your bathroom counter, and use it to quickly fix bed head. This is especially helpful if you have bangs like me! Sometimes I wake up and my bangs are sticking straight up. Instead of washing, drying and styling my hair, I just give my bangs a quick spray and then use a hair dryer and round brush to make them as good as new!
9. Fake A Fuller Ponytail
Hey, not all of you were blessed with horse hair, and that's ok. Just fake it! Add that bump and fullness to an otherwise flat ponytail with this simple trick. Go check out the instructions over at Artzy Creations!
10. Brush Before You Wash
Most of us have never even considered the idea of brushing our hair before we jump in the shower, but it makes sense. We lose a lot of hair during the washing process, and guess where all of that hair goes? Down the drain! To reduce clogs, brush before you wash, especially if you are prone to tangles.
11. Wavy Side Down
But wait, isn't that putting it in upside down? You would think so, but that's what the wavy part of the bobby pin was designed for — the wavy part of a bobby pin grabs the hair, while the straight part holds it down. This way also looks better if your bobby pins are exposed!
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12. No-Heat Curls Do Exist
We all know that our heating tools cause damage to our hair. If only there was a way to get a natural looking curl without them. Hmmm… Well, there is! If you like to wash your hair in the morning, this one won't work for you, but you'd be surprised at the natural curls you get from just sleeping with your hair tucked in and around a head band. Go check out the instructions including a video tutorial over at The Paper Mama!
13. Camouflage Your Roots
Listen up, blondies! If its been a while since your last salon visit, there are a few ways to camouflage those dark roots. Whether your hair is freshly clean or not, spray them with dry shampoo, and then style your hair with a messy side part. Just zig zag your part a bit with a fine-tooth comb to help conceal those roots until your next hair appointment.
14. Tame Fly-Aways
You don't always necessarily want to spray your entire head of hair to tame a couple of fly-aways! To combat those little hairs that won't stay put, keep an old toothbrush handy and spray it with hairspray to easily target your fly-aways without stiffening your entire style.
15. Know Your Curls
Did you know there are a number of wrapping techniques to achieve a different type of curl? Yeah, me neither! I always just do it the same way. You'll need a curling wand for best results, but this visual certainly helps you achieve your desired results. Go check out The Beauty Snoop for more information!
16. Let Them Absorb, great hair tips and tricks
The average woman spends about $300 a year or more on styling products, but most of us are not reaping the full benefits! Just like you let your conditioner sit in your hair a little longer to give it time to work its magic, the same is true for your styling products. After combing your hair out of the shower, apply your products right away and let them absorb into your strands for about 10 minutes before you break out your hair dryer and other various styling tools.
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17. Hair Tips for Easy Beach Waves
Dry your hair and get those pretty waves all in just one step! I LOVE this technique because it gives you a more natural wave. I don't like to look like I've spent hours in front of the mirror curling and perfecting my waves. The Barbie look is OUT.
All you have to do is blow dry (or air dry) your hair like usual until it's about 80% dry, and then twist small sections of your hair from root to tip, and blow dry the twisted sections one at a time until they're mostly dry. The heat helps tame frizz and fly-aways, as well as lock in the natural wave created from the twist.
To save time, I usually prefer to scrunch my hair while it's wet and let it air dry for about an hour (if I'm home and have the time), and then only apply this twisting technique to the top of my hair where I have the most frizz. If some of the sections of your hair become too dry, simply mist them lightly with a spray bottle before twisting and drying.
18. Dry Before You Style
When you place a heating tool on wet or damp hair, it creates very hot steam, and causes slow but inevitable damage. Before you break out your curling iron or flat iron, play it safe and make sure your hair is completely dry.
19. Put An End To Split Ends
Split ends have never been considered attractive because they are a sign of over processed, damaged and unhealthy hair. Yeah, you can snip those ends off, but that sure does make it hard to grow out your hair!
The good news: there are a few DIY hair masks made from simple ingredients (you probably already have these in your kitchen) that you can apply regularly without spending the big bucks on salon products. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so be sure to include plenty of protein in your diet to prevent the ends from splitting in the first place.
Here is my favorite all-natural “split ender”. Mix together one egg yolk, 3 tbsp of olive oil, and 1 tbsp of honey. Apply this mixture to your ends (or any damaged hair), and then cover it with plastic wrap to really lock it in, as well as help keep it off of your clothes and furniture. Let it sit for at least an hour, and then wash as usual. Do this once a week before washing to keep your ends softer and stronger than ever.
20. Know Your Brushing Basics
Hair tips and tricks all about brushes! What are they for?
1. Paddle — A paddle brush is the most versatile brush, but it is especially helpful if you have long and/or thick hair. It can manage a lot of hair all at once and smooths it down for a sleeker look. If you lack volume, you may want to consider a different type of brush.
2. Wide-Tooth Comb — Because the teeth have such large gaps, these combs are ideal for combing tangles out of wet hair without causing any damage. You might also want to use one in place of a brush if you have frizzy hair.
3. Fine-Tooth Comb — these combs are great for teasing, creating a nice straight part, and for detailed grooming.
4. Thermal — these brushes work with your dryer, locking in heat. They create a faster drying time and allow you to easily curl and smooth your hair under.
5. Boar Bristled — These bristles are gentle and redistribute oils throughout your hair, bringing out its natural shine. They are ideal for fine to normal hair because they also give you a little extra oomph!
6. Skinny Round — This brush is great for bangs or short hair. It smooths your hair while drying and helps manage shorter pieces of hair.
7. Large Round — This brush can straighten or curl your hair while drying, depending on how you use it. A larger round brush is ideal for creating volume to otherwise flat hair.
8. Half Radial — This brush is perfect for shorter styles such as a bob when you like to have your hair curved up or under on the ends.
9. Vented — These brushes are ideal when blow drying your hair because they provide an ample amount of air flow and help create volume.
If you loved these hair tricks you will also enjoy some Easy Hair Style Tutorials you can do yourself!