6 Genius Hair Hacks That Changed How I Care for My Hair

Growing up, I had honey-blonde hair that was straight, fine, and as long as Rapunzel’s. Jealous of my younger sisters’s springy, golden ringlets, I would wait in my mom’s bathroom, begging her to curl my hair as I pulled her Clairol Custom CareSetter electric hot rollers and Aussie Sprunch hairspray from the cabinet. Eventually she obliged, and the results made me feel infinitely more glamorous: my usual flat, straight lengths were somehow transformed into the shiny, bouncy, voluminous curls of my dreams.

Looking back, this transformation was the start of my hair obsession. You name a hair hack, I’ve tried it: I straightened my hair with a clothing iron when I didn’t have a flatiron; I dyed my hair red, chestnut brown, and black; and naturally, I once cut my own bangs. I’ve put my hair through a lot in chasing that good-hair-day feeling.

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Fortunately, through my career I’ve met many a hair expert who have helped bring my strands back to life. From restoring day two hair to shampooing correctly, I’ve learned several easier-than-ever tricks that have totally transformed the way I care for my hair—enhancing my daily shine, texture, vibrancy, and glossiness. All of the best tips I’ve collected, below, that make everyday a good hair day.

Spritz and Scrunch Day Two Hair

Straight out the shower without any styling, my hair dries pretty lifeless and flat, with no waves in sight. I’ve found that a perfect cocktail of products creates natural-looking waves; but unfortunately by day two, it’s back to square one. While I would generally reach for a waver or curling iron for added volume, celebrity hairstylist and founder of RŌZ hair care Mara Roszak gave me a hack to revive those textured waves: mix leave-in conditioner and (filtered) water in a spray bottle, apply thoroughly, and spritz and scrunch my hair as I go.

“My go-to ratio is about three to four pumps of Milk Hair Serum to roughly four ounces of water,” explains Roszak. “You want it concentrated enough that your hair can drink up the weightless hydration which helps bring life back to second-day hair.” To further zhuzh, Roszak says to reach for a root texturizing mist—like her Root Lift spray—directly at the roots and use creaseless clips to hold it in place. Not only does it extend the life of my hairstyle, it also keeps my hair hydrated and frizz-free which helps minimize the regular breakage for hair that grows fuller and longer.