Hair Care New Uses for Old Things

By Real Simple
Updated January 27, 2014
Credit: Levi Brown
The hidden talents behind hairspray, the hair dryer, and more.
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Hair 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: Christopher Coppola

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

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Hairspray as Static Stopper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: Beth Galton

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

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