6 Hair Hacks From the Pros to Refresh Your Hair At Home

Shine Secret

An easy hack to get salon-worthy shine at home? Use a gloss. “You can find clear glosses now that act like an in-salon color treatment,” says colorist Ashley Streicher. “But because they’re clear, they make your hair shiny and keep it from getting too frizzy, almost like a topcoat. I recommend the Kristin Ess clear gloss ($14), which also seals up any split ends to help you get by a little longer until your next haircut.”

Hairstylist Creighton Bowman is a fan of clear glosses too for both natural and colored hair. “They are quick, no mess and great for fine hair because they won’t add weight like styling products can. And, they can last several weeks.”

Wave Maker

Spending more time at home might mean less heat-styling, but that doesn’t mean we’re stuck with flat, do-nothing strands. “Right after you blow out your hair while it is still warm, gather the lengths into a tidy twist and wrap it up into a bun. Then secure it with a large hair pin while your hair cools,” says hairstylist Sunnie Brook, recommending this one from Reed Clarke ($44).

“This will create a bit of bend and body in the hair without having to spend tons of time and effort using hot tools or a round brush.”

End Game

For hair that’s shoulder-length or longer, hairstylist Shab Reslan suggests a DIY “dusting,” which means cleaning your ends up. The best way to do it at home in the interim of salon visits, Reslan explains, is to start with dry hair parted down the middle and divided forward on either side of your chest.

“Comb each side down very well from the root so you have all your hair laying perfectly flat. Now grab one side at a time between your index and middle finger while keeping your hand in a neutral position— don’t look down, as it will change the way your hair falls. Once you’ve grabbed the section firmly, move it up closer to your line of sight and cut into the very ends with your scissors—hair scissors only!—angled so you’re not cutting straight across, but rather in a pointed manner. This will blend better and allow you to go a little at a time.”

Repair Shop

Colder weather can really dry out the hair, but hairstylist and OUAI founder Jen Atkin says a good scalp scrub and mask can make all the difference. “If your hair is feeling dehydrated or brittle, increase your use of masks for an extra dose of moisture—more than once a week if you have thicker hair,” she suggests.

“For flaky or oily hair, focus on scalp care—a scalp scrub once or twice a month will remove product or oil buildup and help fight flakes. It also just helps you reset your hair.”

One to try: OUAI Treatment Masque for Thick Hair ($38)

Texture Trick

Hairstylist Adir Abergel showed this “paper towel trick” to client Jennifer Garner to enhance her natural texture: First, on damp hair, combine a light styling cream and oil—Abergel likes Virtue Labs Healing Oil ($42)—and apply it from mid-lengths to ends.

“Then, use paper towels to absorb most of the moisture out, eliminate frizz and enhance your natural, hidden texture. Paper towels are much kinder to the hair than regular towels, which often add friction and cause damage.” Lastly, use a diffuser to maintain the hair’s natural wave pattern.

Curl Check

When frizz is a fear, channel your inner stylist and use a diffuser (most blow-dryers come with the attachment). After shampooing, conditioning and scrunching in a light styling mousse, stylist Nunzio Saviano, founder of his eponymous New York salon, says to set the diffuser to medium heat.

“Always hold it above the hair, pointing it downward so the air flows gently without causing frizz,” he explains. “When the hair is dry, a big mistake people often make is running their fingers through their curls, which only makes the hair frizz up. It’s best to let the hair rest without touching it.”