Style

13 Weird Grooming Hacks That Make A Big Difference

by Emily Estep

From classic tips passed down from your mom to more modern tips you share with friends, there are a lot of beauty hacks out there. But which ones really work? To find that out, we consulted the experts to discover some weird grooming hacks that work and actually make a big difference, from your hair all the way down to your toes.

Between clever ways to use products besides their initial purpose and unique products that solve problems you didn't know were fixable, these grooming hacks cover a wide range of issues to make life a little easier for you. And while a few may sound a bit odd — like pushing loose powder into your lips before applying lipstick — we suggest you embrace the innovative spirit.

Most of these tried and true hacks were discovered when clever stylists needed to solve problems for celebrities, models, and clients, meaning they've been tested and relied upon in a professional setting.

So, instead of following your grandmother’s insistence that toothpaste cures pimples — which may not be good for you at all — be sure to follow the advice of trusted professionals. Luckily, these weird grooming hacks are good to go and expert-approved.

1

This Paste Transforms Your Hair Texture With The Help Of A Comb

R+Co Mannequin Styling Paste, $16, Amazon

If you feel like your hair just won't stay in the shape you want it, Celebrity Hairstylist and Co-Founder of R+Co Thom Priano has a solution. "Applying a pomade like (R+Co's) Control Flexible Paste or Mannequin Styling Paste and brushing your hair will change the texture," giving you way more control than before. Since this paste leaves a matte finish, it won't have that crunchy gel look, either. It's also got some great ingredients, like aloe leaf extract to add moisture back into your hair, ginger root to condition, and polymers that add volume without making hair static-y.

2

This Dry Shampoo Instantly Gives You Fuller Hair

R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste, $28, Amazon

Priano also has a hack for those with flat hair who wish they could add some oomph. Dry shampoo paste can "can turn flat fine hair into fuller textured hair and add more body," he says. This paste, which is made with volcanic ash, immediately gives your hair that coveted second-day texture while getting rid of any excess oil. A little goes a long way, so one tube will last you a while, and as an added plus, it's cruelty-, paraben-, sulfate-, and gluten-free.

3

This Pencil Covers Brow Stubble Between Waxes

Blinc Eyeliner Pencil, $20, Amazon

If you've ever fallen behind on your eyebrow maintenance schedule, Boom Boom — the owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar in New York — suggests that all you need is a nude eyeliner pencil. "Use a nude shadow or pencil to highlight the brow bone and cover regrowth until you can wax again," she says. The formula of this eyeliner pencil, which glides on easily, is packed with antioxidants and vitamins, so it will nourish the area around your eyes, too.

4

This Hairspray Keeps Unruly Brows In Place

Free & Clear Firm Hold Hairspray, $11, Amazon

When your eyebrow hairs are out of control, Boom Boom suggests using a mascara wand coated with hairspray to hold them in place. This hairspray is free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde, so it's great for people with sensitive skin and scalps that get easily irritated. Just keep in mind that it's a firm hold formula, which, as one reviewer pointed out, means "your hair WILL NOT MOVE."

5

This Product Restores Old, Clumpy Nail Polish

Seche Restore Nail Polish, $9, Amazon

Sara Miranda, founder of Beauty & the Beets, likes to use this product from Seche to thin out her favorite nail polish when it gets old and clumpy. "Resist the urge to use nail polish remover. It will only evaporate and make the polish even thicker," Miranda says. Seche Restore's thinning formula replaces all the ingredients in nail polish that evaporate over time, and since you only need to use two to three drops per polish, one bottle will last you forever.

6

This Brush Helps Prevents Ingrown Hairs

Wholesome Beauty Dry Skin Body Brush, $10, Amazon

Karen Young, founder and CEO of Oui Shave, stresses the importance of exfoliating before you shave to avoid ingrown hairs. The process "lifts the hairs away from your skin and allows the blade to meet the hair much closer to the surface of the skin," says Young. You can use this dry brush everywhere else, too, as it increases circulation, stimulates blood flow, and unclogs pores, resulting in smooth, glowing skin.

7

This Foot Rest Stops You From Missing Spots When Shaving

Changing Lifestyles Safe-er-Grip Foot Rest, $8, Amazon

Young also knows why you tend miss sections of your legs when you shave — and offers a solution: "Bend your knees when you shave your legs — the tighter skin allows your razor to glide smoothly and lessens the chances of a patchy shave." This shower foot rest, which uses a suction cup to ensure it doesn't slip, makes it easy to comfortably bend your legs in the shower. A simple, but effective solution to a struggle we all know too well.

8

This Glycolic Acid Scrub Stops Pores From Producing So Much Oil

CANE + AUSTIN Retexturizing Treatment Scrub, $42, Amazon

Dr. Craig Austin, the founder of Cane + Austin, has a hot tip for anyone with oily skin. "Exfoliating products like peel pads and micro scrubbers in facial cleansers can actually decrease oil production in your skin. This scrub treatment uses glycolic acid, which "helps keep your sebaceous glands from over-producing oil." (In other words, it'll help prevent breakouts.) Use this product up to three times a week — it makes for a great body scrub, too. It's also got salcylic acid in there as well.

9

This Exfoliator Makes Spray Tans Last Longer

Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator, $36, Amazon

We definitely recommend a safe spray tan over direct sun exposure, especially if you know how to make one last. Yazmin Cavale, founder of GLOW, an app that brings beauty services to your front door, says, "For spray tans to stay, you have to exfoliate your whole body first." She recommends this gel-based exfoliator that buffs away dryness and flaky spots, turning your skin into a blank canvas.

10

This Setting Spray Will Stop Your Makeup From Melting Off

Urban Decay Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray, $23, Amazon

When you're trying to keep your makeup in perfect condition all night long, use a setting spray. Cavale knows the optimal way to use it, saying, "To apply, breath in and hold your breath. Then spray your face top to bottom in a horizontal direction." She calls this setting spray "hairspray for the face," because it works so well. It releases a microfine mist that doesn't make your skin feel tight, and helps prevent too much oil production.

11

This Translucent Powder Will Make Your Lipstick Pop

Coty AirSpun Loose Face Powder, $7, Amazon

If you find that your lipstick often bleeds and fades, you might be surprised to learn that all you need is a bit of loose face powder. "For the best application and staying power, apply concealer to your lips first, followed by translucent powder, then lip liner, and finish with your lipstick," Cavale says. This translucent loose powder is super lightweight and, in addition to setting your makeup, can be used to contour and highlight, too.

12

This Hair Towel Is The First Step To A DIY Blowout

Aquis Original Hair Towel, $21, Amazon

The key to getting a salon-worthy blowout at home is less complicated than you think. "Towel dry hair after a shower and then let it air-dry until it's damp before blow drying," Cavale said. This hair towel is made of microfiber, which absorbs moisture faster without creating frizz. It'll dry your hair quicker and reduces friction caused by traditional cotton towels, and is great for use on all hair types.

13

This SPF Hand Cream Hydrates And Protects Your Nails

Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl SPF 25 Hand Cream, $28, Amazon

To keep your nails hydrated and healthy, nail expert Deborah Lippman recommends keeping a bottle of hand cream "on every sink in your home, at your office desk, and in your purse. Easy access is key, because when adding a step to any routine, often times, out of sight means out of mind." This hydrating hand cream has an SPF of 25 and a rich shea butter and avocado oil formula.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.