Here's How You Can Use Heavier, Moisture-Rich Products Overnight

Ever spend your hard-earned money on a product, just for it to not work? Yeah, we’ve been there, too. Fortunately, this doesn't mean that you have to go through the hassle of returning it. And, you certainly don’t have to toss it in the trash. Just because your products didn’t work out for your hair doesn’t mean they have to go to waste. And what’s a better, more environmentally and financially conscious way to cut down on the number of hair products you use than by repurposing them?

Here are a few suggestions on how to do just that.

If a leave-in product is too thick for your liking, use it as an overnight masque! Have you ever looked at the difference in the ingredients between an overnight hair treatment, a leave-in conditioner, and a generic in-shower conditioner? More often than not, the main difference is that the masques simply contain more heavy, occlusive ingredients. So, if your hair’s beginning to feel like it requires a little TLC, give a chance to one of the richer products in the back of your shelf! 

Oils are not made equally! While learning about what types of products work best for your hair type, testing out oils can be a lengthy process of trial and error. You may have found yourself buying into the claims on a bottle of oil, but felt disappointed, or maybe even grossed out, at the greasy mess it left on your hair. But don’t fret! Oils can work as a protective layer over your hair strand prior or drenching it in water and lathering up shampoo. All you need to do is coat the hair from the nape of your neck down for atleast a few hours before you hop in the shower. You’ll be amazed at how manageable and glossy your hair appears without any residue. 

Sometimes, products are only meant to be used as a leave-in product and don’t work otherwise. In this case, try diluting it with a little bit of water. If this product has too much "slip" for your hair or leaves it feeling too heavy, then making the formula slightly thinner might help make it work for you. After all, the lack of water used in the product’s development is most likely why it’s weighing your hair down in the first place! If you suspect that altering the formula might disrupt the product altogether, please consult with the haircare brand. Not only will they be more than happy to help you, but they might even share other tips on how to use it. In the most ideal case scenario, a representative from the brand might even point you in the right direction of products you’ll love in their “natural state.”

No matter what the situation is, there are always solutions when it comes to minimalism, repurposing “unuseable” products, and implementing creative beauty tips!