Hair Care New Uses for Old Things

By Real Simple
Updated January 27, 2014
Levi Brown
The hidden talents behind hairspray, the hair dryer, and more.
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Hair Dryer as Mirror Defogger

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

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

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

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

James Baigrie

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

6 of 17

Bobby Pin as Small Nail Holder

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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7 of 17

Hair Elastic as Tights Bundler

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.

8 of 17

Hair Dryer as Eyeglasses Fitter

Ellen Silverman

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

9 of 17

Hair Dryer as Sticker Remover

Christopher Coppola

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

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10 of 17

Hairspray as Static Stopper

Christopher Coppola

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

11 of 17

Hairspray as Needle Threader

James Baigrie

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

12 of 17

Paper Clip Dispenser as Bobby Pin Holder

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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13 of 17

Rubbing Alcohol as Hairspray Remover

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

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

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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16 of 17

Oven Mitt as Heat Guard

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.

17 of 17

Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo

Beth Galton

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

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