It may be our job to demystify the secrets to gorgeous, shiny, frizz-free hair on the regular, but even beauty editors have bad hair days. Luckily, our line of work means we’re constantly experimenting with new products and picking up tricks from the pros — which means we’re always adding new techniques to our toolbox of tress-taming know-how. From runway stylists’ unusual secret weapon to the ultimate beach day strand saver, here are some of the most game changing tips that we’ve discovered on the job.

Presented by John Frieda

Backcombing hair can create va-va-voom volume, but we hate the way it leaves hair in knots. To loosen up tangles, use your fingers to comb a few drops of hair oil through your strands — try John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir. Not only does the oil take care of serious snarls, it acts as a pre-shampoo nourishing treatment for your hair and scalp.

Adding volume at the crown creates the illusion of length and slims the face — the equivalent of contouring chiseled cheekbones, but for hair. Ask your stylist to add oomph to the roots at your next blowout, or give yourself a lift by misting your fingers with hairspray and roughing up hair at the scalp.

Spray bobby pins, clips and other hair accessories with dry shampoo before using them to keep them from slipping out of your hair.

Accessories, from top to bottom: Arrow Hair Pins, Jennifer Behr Hairclip, Jane Tran pearl bobby pins.

We love the idea of accessorizing hair with a fresh flower for a summer occasion. To secure a hair flower, pierce the stem with a hairpin, starting from the base of the bloom and running lengthwise through the stem. Avoid spraying your flower with hairspray, since the alcohols in hair products can cause petals to wilt.

Your tresses deserve a vacation, too! Before taking a dip in the ocean or pool, comb a hair mask or deep conditioner through hair to protect strands from damaging salt and chlorine. Bonus: the heat from the sun will help the moisturizing ingredients penetrate into hair’s cuticle. John Frieda Full Repair Hydrate+Restore Deep Conditioner contains lightweight, omega-3-rich Inca Inchi Oil to restore moisture and leave hair soft and shiny.

Who needs a curling iron? For the perfect beachy texture, twist your hair away from the face as you blow dry each section. Too hot to blowdry? Coat damp hair with a styling cream and twist it into six sections. Let it air dry, and don’t touch. Once hair is dry, comb through with your fingers for soft, frizz-free waves.

If you’re plagued by fuzzy flyaways around your hairline, make like the pros and try this MacGyver maneuver: mist an old toothbrush or clean mascara wand with hairspray (or use the tiniest bit of anti-frizz serum) and comb over the problem area for a smooth, sleek finish that’s not too product-heavy.