Whether you're changing up looks for the season, adapting a new trend or simply striving for efficiency, hair hacks can switch things up quickly and easily—and usually for little or no money because they utilize items already on hand.
This month, Redken 5th Avenue NYC features 6 Top Hair Hacks from Sam Villa, global artistic ambassador, designed to make hair look amazing for the spring. “It’s all about taking familiar items/tools and using them in new ways,” says Villa.
1. HAIRSPRAY WITHOUT THE CRUNCH
A versatile styling product like hairspray is useful for many reasons, but nobody likes the side effect of crunchy hair. To prevent this when working with a strong-hold hairspray, Villa recommends spraying the product on your hands or a makeup brush first, then applying it to the hair. This hack helps the hairspray feel less sticky and crunchy and gives you more control over exactly where you want the hairspray to go. Alternatively, if flyaways are a concern, spray hairspray on a toothbrush and use it to smooth them down without messing up the rest of your client's hair.
2. GET SLEEK HAIR
Add sleekness to your client's hair by using a volumizing spray foam mousse. Separate the hair into a diagonal-forward section to create a deep side part, then spray mousse over this piece of hair. Instead of combing through the hair, hold the tail end of a rat tail comb horizontally at the roots. Press it down against the head and slowly move the comb down the entire section to slick down the hair. Tuck the ends behind her ear and use a bobby pin to hold the hair in place. When you finish, bring the rest of the hair forward to create a smooth asymmetrical look.
3. CREATE TEXTURE
To give hair a cool, model-off-duty look, Villa recommends adding some tousled texture using a chamois cloth. Start by spraying a chamois cloth with Wax Blast, then sweep it over any section where you want to rough up the hair for a messy textured look.
4. GIVE BOBBY PINS GRIP
Grab two sections of hair above each ear and clip them to the back of your client's head. Spray a bobby pin with Triple Take 32 hairspray to give the pins extra grip. Remove the clip to release a section of hair, then insert a bobby pin diagonally against the back of the head. Insert a second bobby pin diagonally to secure the other section. Finish by placing a bobby pin across the top to form a triangle.
5. HEATLESS CURLS WITH A STRAW
Give heat-damaged hair a break with this curling hack that uses a straw. Starting on dry hair, grab a random section of hair and spray it with Fashion Work 12. Hold up a straw vertically, wrap the hair around it, then slide the hair down to the bottom of the straw and tie both ends together. Repeat this technique throughout your hair. When you finish, untie the straws, pull them out of the hair and shake out the curls with your hands. Keep in mind that the smaller the section of hair is, the tighter the curl will be.
6. CREATE EFFORTLESS WAVES
For loose, flat, glam waves, grab a section of hair and bend it to form a C-shape. Then, take a flat iron and tap it throughout the C-shaped section to create a loose wave. Repeat the technique until you complete your client's entire head.