These days, many individuals are looking to save a few dollars, and one way to do so is by cutting costs on hair styling tools. To avoid having to spend money on a new hair brush, consider reviving your old, hardened one by softening the bristles. Doing so on a regular basis can extend the life of your brush by months, if not years, says Katty Samaniego, hair designer of Anthony Garubo Salon and Day Spa in Maplewood, NJ.

Pour oil into the warm water and agitate with a coffee stirrer or small spoon.

Pour mixture into the shallow container and place hair brush inside it, bristles down. Although the oil and water will not stay mixed together for more than a few seconds, warm water helps the oil penetrate the bristles.

Allow the hair brush to soak in the mixture for at least five minutes.

Remove hair brush from the mixture and pat dry with a paper towel.

Dry hair brush with the hair dryer for approximately 5 minutes on "medium" setting. If desired, you can use a low setting for approximately 7 minutes. Hair brush bristles should now be soft enough for continued use. If bristles are still hard, repeat steps 1 through 5 a second time.