'It leaves my hair so shiny.' 14 women on their best cost-saving beauty hacks.

There are so many new trends coming onto our radars every single day — proving that the world of beauty and hair can be a tiny bit stressful if we aren't on top of it. 

So, it makes sense that when we find the hair hack, beauty recco or skincare tip that saves us money, time and a whole lot of effort — we hold on to it for dear life. 

Luckily for you, we're not in the business of gatekeeping, so we asked the Mamamia team and our Mamamia audience what their best cost-saving hacks are. 

Here's what they had to tell us. 

Keep your hair looking fresher for literally $9.

Image: Clairol/Mamamia.

"Have you ever wanted to go lighter, cover your greys or just add a bit more colour to your hair without paying hundreds of dollars at a salon? Thankfully, the hair gods have spoken and given us the most cost-effective alternative that doesn't break the bank, or steal too much time away from us. 

"I've been using the Clairol Nice 'n Easy Permanent Hair Colour when I am not going to the salon and it is so bloody good at adding some rich vibrancy to the hair with its colour blend technology. Its CC+ ColourSeal Treatment provides some extra protection for your hair and adds to its long-lasting formula. 

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"I'm not someone who can afford to spend all that much on their hair. I like to keep it simple and easy and, most importantly, affordable. Thankfully, this baby has saved my hair from the pits of dryness. I always look like I'm in a hair advertisement now!" — Shannen Findlay, Content Producer and Lifestyle Writer.

Baby powder is your best friend.

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"I still do the baby powder trick when my middle part and the front sections of my hair are giving greasy girlie. It’s so much cheaper than dry shampoo, and you only need the tiniest bit of baby powder to make the strands look fresh again with a little volume (I fully acknowledge my blonde hair privilege here too, as white baby powder blends without a trace!)." — Michelle Webb, Branded Content Manager.

Use paper towels instead of blotting paper. 

"Stay with me here... Don't bother with blotting pads, they are a waste of money! Just use some paper towel in the bathrooms instead and dab gently." — Eleanor.  

Look for TikTok hacks.

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"Instead of getting a professional blow dry, I love using some TikTok hacks for bouncy hair. My favourite one is using my sleeping gown's cord, twisting my hair around it and then sleeping with it in. A quick spritz of a good quality hairspray in the morning and a light comb then does the trick. Saves heaps of money from the blow dries I used to get too." — Isabella Ross, Senior News Content Producer.

Save money on hair gel.

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"Spending money on hair gel for the 'clean girl' slicked-back look is a sham. Spending money on hair gel in general is overrated. It's literally the one thing where the quality is pretty much the same across the board, whether we're talking a $5 one or a $20 one. Just go with the $5 one, it's going to do the same thing and the only person who would notice is Chris Appleton and he's in Kim Kardashian's mansion so don't worry, you're safe." — Olivia.

Layer your skincare correctly. 

"Layering skincare in the right order has upped my skincare game. After listening to You Beauty, I discovered the best step-by-step routine: serums, eye cream, face oils, sunscreen, moisturiser. My skin has never looked better." — Clare. 

Shop in the supermarket aisles instead of always going to the professionals.

"As my You Beauty co-host Leigh Campbell taught me, you really don't have to spend big on shampoo and conditioner (unless you want to, of course). The stuff you can grab from the supermarket or chemist is just as good as the in-salon stuff. Expensive isn't always better." — Erin Docherty, Beauty and Health Editor.

Use a hydrating hair mask over conditioner, if your hair needs it.

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"I've been testing beauty products for 20 years, including lots of high-end hair care, but I honestly love affordable supermarket products so much. One of my tricks is to use a supermarket hydrating hair mask in place of regular conditioner. they're rich and concentrated so you only need a tiny amount, and are fantastic at detangling and repairing. They leave hair so shiny." — Leigh Campbell, Executive Editor.

Ice cold water in the morning and night. 

"Splashes of ice-cold water on the face every morning and night result in brighter, smoother and firmer skin. I have been doing this for five years and it’s a winner." — Michelle Fry, Group Manager Partner Strategy. 

Buy in bulk. 

"I buy bulk shampoo and conditioner which is the price of at least two bottles but has three times the amount of product. Buying in bulk saves you money in the long haul and keeps you stocked up for way longer!" — Tara.

Scout for ingredients.

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"There's this app called YUKA that helps me figure out what the ingredients mean in my hair and skincare products, and if they're worth purchasing. It has stopped me a few times from buying products that aren't good for my hair. As a girly with red hair, I need to make sure I buy the right products that keep it looking vibrant and healthy." — Cygnet. 

Make your hair gel go the distance. 

"I found this hack on TikTok that claims hair gel can have water mixed into it so that more product is made. And it really works! Just mix about half a cup of water into your 1L tub of gel (although, you can honestly just play around with this and see what works for you) and it will make SO much more product! It's great! Of course, you can't add TOO MUCH water or else your hair gel will not be as strong, but it's a good hack — especially if you're in a bind." — Shannen.

Look for long-lasting treatments.

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"This is a time-saving hair hack as well...Keratin treatments genuinely saved my life. I have frizzy, curly and THICK hair. So a few years ago, I made the leap and had a treatment done. It has cut down the amount of time I spend doing it each day now, and the money I was spending on the volume of products to keep it tame. I recommend it to anyone that is unhappy with the amount of frizz in their hair. The best part is that it actually hasn't ruined my curly hair. I haven't had a treatment done for a while now and my curls are coming back with a beautiful bounce!" — Chelsea. 

Learn to do your nails at home.

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"Okay, I'm not sure why but I hate getting my nails done. It's a major time suck, so I've started hosting 'Girl Days' where my friends and I come together and just dedicate an entire day to our beauty routines, and save money by sharing products. I'll wax my friend's eyebrows and she will paint my nails. It's just a really fun way to get some time in together and keep the cost of living in check!" — Clarice.

Shop Clairol Nice 'n Easy Permanent Hair Colour from leading supermarkets and pharmacies, for easy, gently and effective colour at home.

Feature Image: Supplied.