Natural Beauty Breakthrough

Posted By Angelina Drennan on April 17, 2011

Introduction | I’m the queen of dirty hair. It’s a fact I’m strangely proud of since, most of the time, people are surprised when they learn I rarely wash my locks more than twice a week. My aversion to the long, drawn out shampoo-condition-detangle-blow-and-style process has pushed me to develop a stockpile of creative techniques for masking not-exactly-clean tresses. Next time you’re feeling less than motivated, try one of these tried and true techniques to cover up dirtiness and leave people impressed by your style savvy.  Intro 1 of 8 Next click image to expand

This fast fix soaks up oil and removes product buildup quicker than you can order a tall latte. Powder some on greasy roots and strands, rub it in, and brush it out. Bonus: It lightens up roots, too. (Oscar Blandi Pronto, $11, Sephora)

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A thick, scarf-like headband covers up oily roots and tops off locks with a pop of style. Pick up a few on the cheap, like this tribal-inspired one from Forever 21, or just use some of those scarves you already have piled up at home. ($3.80, Forever 21)

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Make that grease work for you by embracing a slicked-back look. Create a side part, tame flyaways with hair spray, and tie tresses back in a low pony or braid. Use clear, made-for-hair elastics to keep the look pulled-together instead of post-workout. ($3.50, Sephora)

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Ever since I met Kate Middleton through my television set, Ive fantasized of rocking more daring hats. Try the latest trends (sans feather for me, thanks) and hide less-than-fab hair. Outside? Try an oversized seventies straw topper. Going out? Surprise your posse with a right-now turban. ($21.52, ASOS)

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This is hands down the best beauty advice Ive ever received: If hairs looking a little too greasy, just do a quick shampoo of the bangs, either leaning over the sink or with the rest of your hair pinned back in the shower. The result? As fresh as if youd washed your whole head.

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Nothing keeps hair in place better than our own oil, so put that grease to work and rock a side braid. Starting on one side of the forehead, braid hair across, to the other side of the face, and pin the end back behind the ear.

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Jump on the natural bandwagon by rocking some undone, beachy waves. (Because thats totally what you had in mind when you woke up, right?) Enliven roots with a little hair powder and a quick blast from the dryer, and then rub a little oil on the ends for texture, like the divine-smelling Moroccan Oil. Voilà—youve pulled off the look. ($36.95, Amazon)

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If all else fails, distract from not-quite-hot locks with an attention-grabbing accessory, like shoes or these sunglasses from Ralph Lauren. A wow product like these classically shaped aviators with a modern pop of color will distract from any do disaster. ($150, Sunglass Hut)

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Category: Beauty Skin Advisor
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