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  1. Real Simple
  2. New Uses for Old Things
  3. Hair Care New Uses for Old Things

Hair Care New Uses for Old Things

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated January 27, 2014
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New Use: Blow Dryer as Mirror Defogger
Credit: Levi Brown
The hidden talents behind hairspray, the hair dryer, and more.
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Hair Dryer as Mirror Defogger

New Use: Blow Dryer as Mirror Defogger
Credit: Levi Brown

After a steamy shower, clear the bathroom mirror with a quick blast of hot or cold air.

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Baking Soda as Hair Cleanser

Baking soda in the shower
Credit: David Prince

If daily use of mousse or gel is weighing down your locks, add a pinch or two of baking soda to your shampoo once a week to remove product buildup. Getting squeaky-clean strands is a piece of cake.

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Bobby Pin as Gift-Card Clip

Bobby Pin as Gift-Card Clip
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

More than just a hair accessory: Attach a note to a ribbon with a colorful or bedazzled bobby pin.

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Hair Clip as Shoe Embellishment

Hair Clip as Shoe Embellishment
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Are those comfy pumps in need of something special for your big day? Attach your favorite sparkly hair clip to add just the right amount of flair.

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Dryer Sheet as Static Stopper

Woman using a dryer sheet to remove static cling
Credit: James Baigrie

Stop static cling on clothes—or tame flyaway hair—by rubbing a sheet over the problem area.

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Bobby Pin as Small Nail Holder

Bobby Pin as Small Nail Holder
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

When working with a too-tiny-to-grip nail, slide it into the grooves of a bobby pin, then hold the end of the bobby pin as you hammer.

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Hair Elastic as Tights Bundler

Hair Elastic as Tights Bundler
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

Roll up pairs of stockings or leggings and wrap hair ties around them to keep the rolls from unraveling. It will be easier to find a specific pair on mornings when you're, well, tight on time.

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Hair Dryer as Eyeglasses Fitter

Hair dryer used to reshape sunglasses
Credit: Ellen Silverman

Give store-bought plastic eyeglasses a custom fit. Heat them with a dryer, then mold them to suit your face.

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Hair Dryer as Sticker Remover

Hair dryer used to remove price stickers
Credit: Christopher Coppola

A little hot air quickly loosens price labels—with zero fingernail-chipping frustration.

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Hairspray as Static Stopper

Hair spray used to stop static cling
Credit: Christopher Coppola

Banish static cling in the winter with a quick spritz of hairspray on the areas that are bunching.

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Hairspray as Needle Threader

Hair spray used to help thread a needle
Credit: James Baigrie

Thread a needle quickly by spraying the string’s end to prevent it from fraying and raising your frustration level.

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Paper Clip Dispenser as Bobby Pin Holder

Paper clip dispenser used to stash bobby pins
Credit: Aya Brackett

Corral bobby pins and hair clips in a paper clip holder. The magnetic ring makes them easy to dispense.

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Rubbing Alcohol as Hairspray Remover

Rubbing alcohol used to lift hair spray residue
Credit: Sang An

Lift off hair-spray residue from bathroom walls. Spray a mixture of one part rubbing alcohol, two parts water, and a dash of dishwashing liquid onto vinyl wallpaper or semigloss (not flat) paint. Wipe clean.

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Hosiery as Hairbrush Cleaner

Pink hairbrush lying on a white towel
Credit: Anna Williams

Prevent gunk from settling into your hairbrush by pushing a swatch of stocking fabric over the bristles, so it rests on the base. When the brush needs cleaning, remove the swatch and hair and product buildup will go with it.

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Toilet Paper Tube as Hair Accessory Holder

0705water-tap-bangles
Credit: Monica Buck

Store hair accessories on an empty TP tube by stretching elastics around the roll and sliding clips and bobby pins on one end.

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Oven Mitt as Heat Guard

Oven mitt as heat gaurd
Credit: James Wojcik

When you don’t have time to let your styling tool cool (say, you’re headed for the airport or going straight to work from the gym), stash it in a heat-resistant mitt before packing it up.

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Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo

Baby powder used to refresh hair
Credit: Beth Galton

Fake freshly washed hair by sprinkling powder on, then comb through down to the roots.

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    1 of 17 Hair Dryer as Mirror Defogger
    2 of 17 Baking Soda as Hair Cleanser
    3 of 17 Bobby Pin as Gift-Card Clip
    4 of 17 Hair Clip as Shoe Embellishment
    5 of 17 Dryer Sheet as Static Stopper
    6 of 17 Bobby Pin as Small Nail Holder
    7 of 17 Hair Elastic as Tights Bundler
    8 of 17 Hair Dryer as Eyeglasses Fitter
    9 of 17 Hair Dryer as Sticker Remover
    10 of 17 Hairspray as Static Stopper
    11 of 17 Hairspray as Needle Threader
    12 of 17 Paper Clip Dispenser as Bobby Pin Holder
    13 of 17 Rubbing Alcohol as Hairspray Remover
    14 of 17 Hosiery as Hairbrush Cleaner
    15 of 17 Toilet Paper Tube as Hair Accessory Holder
    16 of 17 Oven Mitt as Heat Guard
    17 of 17 Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo

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