The Chinese zodiac [1] may say 2016 is the year of the monkey, but we think it's the year of the hare — well, the year of the hair, that is. (Sorry, couldn't help ourselves.)
We all have something we've been trying far too long to fix with our manes — such as frizz [2], a tedious morning blow-dry routine, or locks that won't hold curls.
Make 2016 the year this all changes: the year you "hack" [3] your mane. To help you do so, we've rounded up our favorite tips and tricks — a range that is guaranteed to cover even the most problematic hair issues. The struggle may be real — but, at least this year, the hair struggle doesn't have to be.
Style your hair the night before
Girls with especially thick and/or long hair have been doing this for years — but any style or cut can benefit from this time-saving hack [4]. Whether you’re sleeping in braids, a texturizing product, or even on straightened locks, styling the night before saves you the morning hassle. Plus the next-day look is always better.
Extend your blowout with dry shampoo
One of the best parts about a blowout is that you can make it last a few days after the actual treatment — aka, skip the hassle of washing and styling your own hair. Win, win. One of the best ways to extend the blowout without letting your hair turn greasy is to apply dry shampoo [5] to the roots, around the ears, and at the nape of the neck. Then massage it in, brush it down, or blast it with a blow-dryer. Poof. Your hair is perfect again.
Eliminate dandruff with lemon juice
One of the most embarrassing hair problems is undeniably the culprit behind white flakes left behind on collars and scarves: dandruff. For a homeopathic and DIY [6] solution to this common issue, use a combination of lemon juice [7], olive oil, and water to lift the flakes and moisturize the scalp underneath.
Clean hair with baking soda
If there’s product and residue left even after shampooing, a DIY water-and-baking-soda paste [8] can easily strip even the worst buildup. The best part? There’s a good chance you already have this product in your house.
Leave an inch border between your hairline and your moisturizer
If your roots tend to get greasy after a blowout [9], it may be your moisturizer that’s doing the harm. By applying moisturizer up to the hairline, some is likely to travel to your roots — instead, leave an inch border between this product and your blown-out hair to ensure that your style lasts longer.
DIY coconut oil hair mask
The religion of 2015 was coconut oil [10], and there’s no surprise that this moisturizing product makes a great DIY [11] hair mask. To get the best benefits, smooth it over your hair before bed and leave in (after wrapping it up to spare your sheets) while you sleep, and then wash out in the morning.
Twist wet hair to enhance curls
Wavy hair can often be difficult to define and coax fuller curls from, but it’s possible courtesy of the twisting [12] method. By turning strands into twists while still wet — even before blotting dry — it helps curls take shape.
Lighten dark hair with chamomile tea
While lemon juice is often used to create natural highlights by reacting to sunlight, chamomile tea is a great way to brighten dark hair [13] in the non-Summer months. By steeping the tea, pouring over your mane, and leaving overnight, superdark strands can achieve a golden glow.
Reduce frizz with a dryer sheet
Since frizz [14] is a form of hair static, it makes sense that this laundry product also works on our strands — even if it does sound a bit odd. Grab one sheet, and rub it over your head to solve this common problem on the run.
Curl your hair with socks
Yes, you read that right — all you need to achieve salon-worthy mermaid waves are a few pairs of socks. Check out the tutorial [15] from Nicole Sykes [16] to learn this supersimple and convenient trick for waking up with a ready-to-go style.
Apply conditioner to fine hair with a comb
For women with fine, long hair [17], finding ways to detangle can be tricky. One of the easiest ways to ensure your tresses don’t dry in a rat’s nest is simply by applying conditioner with a long-tooth comb in the shower.
Use sugar to make a hair spray
This supersimple hair spray can be made quickly, with just hot water and sugar. This DIY spray [18] will hold like store-bought spray, but is easier on hair and won’t leave behind the signature sticky residue.
Blow-dry your hair last
By doing everything else in your routine before grabbing the blow dryer [19], there’s a good chance your hair will already be partly dried by the time you’re ready to finish it up.
Learn to “plop” or “plunk” your hair
By mastering the this faux lob hack [20].
Moisturize and strengthen hair with avocado
Is there anything avocado [21] can’t do? This antioxidant- and vitamin-rich food can be used as a deep-conditioning treatment, especially when mixed with other household products (including lemon, honey, and egg whites) to create a full-fledged DIY [22] hair mask.
Use silicone protectant for hot tools
For those of us with a somewhat (read: huge) addiction to hot tools, finding the right product to protect from damage [23] is key. The pros suggest looking for a protector made with silicone to ensure that your locks will be smoothed and shielded.
Use Vaseline to tame flyaways
Ugh, flyaways, the bane of a sleek-hair-lover’s existence. A tiny (really tiny, or else it'll look greasy) dab of Vaseline can help smooth flyaways back into place.
“Press and smooth” conditioner into curly hair
For curls [24], conditioner can be a make-it-or-break-it step of your hair routine. Instead of using your fingers to comb the conditioner through your locks, press and smooth the product in and then rely on your fingers to detangle. This way, the product will help repair and smooth the cuticle before damage or frizz has a chance to occur.
Wash with beer to cleanse hair
The alcohol and hops in beer work as an astringent and help ensure that your finished look is clean and full. Use it in the shower between shampoo and conditioner to add extra body and freshness.
Use salt spray to get beach waves
This DIY salt spray [25] is the easiest — and best — secret to getting beach-worthy waves all year round. Made from just water, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and, of course, salt, it’s one of the most simple and useful products you can keep in your bathroom cabinets.
Remove bobby pins with tweezers
This tip comes to us straight off the runway, where professionals use tweezers to remove bobby pins without damaging complicated styles. Though we may not need it as often as the models walking the runway with intricate headpieces, this definitely comes in handy for weddings or other occasions that require involved updos!
Request dry cuts
If you haven’t been happy with your haircuts, there’s a good chance it has to do with the stylist cutting wet instead of dry. Many professional hairdressers to the stars cut hair dry [26] — and straight — to offer a clear picture of what the cut will look like day to day.
Save time by washing your bangs only
In a rush or want to hang on to a blowout for another day? Bangs can pose the biggest problem, especially in terms of greasiness. To ensure you’re looking fresh (no matter how you feel), pull the rest of your hair back and quickly wash and blow out your bangs [27].