Hair's the Scoop

Pixland/Jupiter Images

I don't know about you, but I've tried some crazy things on my quest for "perfect" hair.

I've ended showers with an ice cold rinse—in the dead of winter— to add shine, used raw egg as a reparative treatment, and even subjected my locks to a perm (after 1989).

What's the weirdest thing you've ever done to your tresses?

Source: Jason Kempin/WireImage, Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage, Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images, Bennett Raglin/WireImage

Need a new look for the new year? Whether you're stuck in a rut or simply love to switch things up, be sure check out Allure Magazine's 49 Hair Ideas for 2009. It's a slideshow full of tricks/tips on how to get major results with minimal commitment.

A few of my personal favorites:

Secure a Ponytail with a Barrette
It gives a looser result than an elastic. To create this style, spritz dry roots with volumizer and massage through with your fingers for a bit of lift, then wrap the ends of the hair around a curling iron. Clip hair back loosely just below the nape of your neck in a tortoiseshell barrette.

Switch Sides
Add instant volume at the end of the day simply by changing your part. Flipping it to the opposite side not only gives you more lift at the roots, but it also helps you achieve a different look—without a trip to the hair salon.

Shine On
The right brush can make hair look glossier by simply spreading out your hair's natural oils. Choose a paddle brush if you want smooth, straight hair, or a round one for hair that's fluffy and full—and always go with all boar or boar plus synthetic bristles for maximum shine.

To view the complete article click here.