If you’re worried about keeping your hair, skin and over-all well-being in check as you start off the school year, worry no more. Check out these tips below for some problem-solving realness.

1. Deep condition under a hat

We’re all busy in college, and everything is demanding our time, our sleep and our attention, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect our hair’s number one, yes number one, need — moisture. Deep conditioning, preferably at least once a week, is something that all hair needs regardless of hair type. Some people choose to do so for 30 minutes to an hour, but I tend to shoot for four hours to even overnight. Naturally, nobody in school has time to be chilling and watching TV while our hair deep conditions for hours.

So what’s a naturalista to do? Deep condition on the go! Apply your deep conditioner and follow up with either a plastic bag or shower cap. Then just put a hat or beanie on and go about your day. It’s super convenient and doesn’t interrupt your plans. Then, when you go to shower that night, you can wash it out. So when your professor tries you in class with that “did you do the reading” stare, you can confidently say yes because you had time to read AND study. And he hasn’t the slightest idea that you’re getting that good-good protein treatment in International Politics.

2. ALWAYS have Apple cider vinegar on hand

You need apple cider vinegar. Having even just a single bottle of ACV in your room will save you so many expenses as it can be used as a remedy or an aid for problems you haven’t even anticipated having. Let me learn you on the basic ACV uses so we can collectively get our lives:

ACV can be used as a clarifying shampoo. First of all, huntys, you should aim to clarify your hair once a month if you can, because no one is trying to have a whole bunch of buildup on their scalp and be itching and scratching and blessing their classmates with heavenly snowfall in Introductory Bio. Instead of going out and buying an expensive shampoo or one that is too saturated with sulfates (they strip your hair), holla at that $3 bottle of ACV. To use: mix one part ACV with two parts water and apply all over scalp. Massage thoroughly. Apply a decent amount to the length of the hair and rinse. Repeat 1-2 times or until clean.
ACV can also be used as a toner. For people struggling with acne, acne scars, blackheads, whiteheads or large pores, this can really help. To use: apply it once or twice daily with a cotton ball on the face or any part of the body with acne.
ACV can be used as a teeth whitener and also assist with bad breath. To use: gargle every morning before and after brushing.

These are only a few of the many ways ACV can save your life. Grab a bottle from your local supermarket or grocery store.

3. Coconut Oil

Most people are aware that coconut oil is the real MVP when it comes to hair care, which is enough reason to have a jar in your dorm room. However, like ACV, it has multiple uses that can prove to be ultra beneficial.

Use coconut oil as a sealant. Coconut oil is great for sealing in moisture because it has light protein in it and can strengthen your hair while closing the hair shaft so that moisture stays in.
Use coconut oil as a leave-in. If you are really in a rush and don’t have time to wait for your hair to dry, you can apply coconut oil to the entirety of your hair and allow it to air-dry. It’s protein, moisturizing, and sealing properties will give you the quick fix you need until you have time to tend to it later.
Use coconut oil as a lotion. Coconut oil is very moisturizing and kind to the skin and has been known to help with fading scars and even stretch marks.

4. Make sure you always have a hair tie and/or some bobby pins

You never know when you’re gonna have a hair emergency during the day, and going home to try to fix your hair might not squeeze into your schedule. Sometimes our hair doesn’t come out the way we want when we take it down, but bobby pins and a hair tie could be just what you need to spice that style up and cure your bad hair day.

5. Research beauty supply stores near your school

If you’re going away to school for the first time or if you just haven’t done this yet while at college, it’s a good idea to look up beauty supply stores that are close to you. Sometimes because of the neighborhoods nearby or the college town your school is in, there might not be any beauty supply stores or any hair salons that cater to people of color. If you can’t seem to find any nearby, it would be a good idea to stock up on your favorite products before heading off to school.

6. You don’t have to take your twists down from the night before

Sometimes when you put your twists in at night, your hair isn’t dry by the next day. That’s okay. You don’t have to take your twists down, you can always pull your hair back in a ponytail or tie it down under a cool hat or beanie. Giving your hair an extra day to dry allows yourself to go longer without having to wash your hair because you can get an extra two days out of the style. Try it out and save yourself some time.

7. Detangle hair before showering

If you have a roommate, sometimes detangling your hair in the shower can leave hair in the drain and possibly clog it. This can take time, effort and energy to clean up, and you can save yourself the trouble by detangling with coconut oil before stepping in the shower to wash your hair. This can help reduce the amount of hair you lose not only in the shower but overall.

8. Invest in quick conditioners for when you can’t deep condition

Sometimes we don’t have enough time to deep condition at all or quite frankly, we’re just not here for it. Instead of beating yourself up, get a quick conditioner, such as Aussie’s 3-Minute Miracle Moist. After shampooing or co-washing your hair, just apply the quick conditioner. Leave it in while you shower your body and wash it out when you’re done! Saves you trouble and time.

BONUS: Use conditioner to shave your legs. Yes, really.

Sometimes you run out of shaving cream, or you simply don’t feel like paying for it. Use your conditioner! Sometimes you can even get a closer shave, and it can also leave your skin feeling soft and smooth after. Save yourself the money, boo!

What are your favorite school-friendly hair and beauty hacks? Share them with us below.

Loving Blavity’s content? Sign up for our daily newsletter!

Conditioner

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week