30-03-2025
25 Products For Those Who Want Fabulous Hair But Don't Want To Spend An Entire Paycheck On It
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Those salon prices are getting a lil' bit too $$$$ — luckily, you can get salon-worthy results from the comfort of your home.
1. A Moroccanoil treatment made from the world-famous argan oil to help solve your ~hairy~ problems. It detangles, moisturizes, and fights frizz — so it basically does everything. Humidity doesn't stand a chance in the face of this ✨magical✨ product.
Promising review: "This stuff is the key ingredient to stop frizzy hair. After shampooing, conditioning, and leave-in conditioner, I apply a dime-sized amount (my hair is above my shoulders) to the middle to the ends. I style my hair and go about my day. Even on really humid days, my hair doesn't have frizz anymore. It's a miracle product." — Chelsey
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in three sizes).
2. An OGX air-dry leave-in cream with coconut oil and shea butter so you can get those beautiful crunch-free curls without the use of a blow dryer or other heating tools! This cream will leave your curls looking smooth and silky without the risk of humidity ruining your perfect look!
This cream helps define your natural texture and works best on those with wavy, curly, or coily hair!
Promising review: " I live in the Caribbean, and it is very humid — if I let my hair dry naturally it ends up frizzy. I have bought a lot of products to help me with my hair, and this one does it. To save time, I detangle my hair and put the product in my wet hair, and it's an all-day miracle." — Dinorah
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
3. A no-heat hair curler so you can boast perfect curls, spirals, twist outs, or waves without the use of any damaging heated appliances. Plus, it's made from cotton poplin so your hair stays soft throughout the day.
Promising review:"This product was very easy to use and my hair actually curled! My hair is naturally very straight and fine, and I am allergic to most hair products so I try and avoid using any. I ran a wet hair brush through my hair to dampen, rolled each hair strand around two of the vertical strips, rolled up, and used the provided hair ties to tie each strand up. The next morning I ran my fingers through my hair and I was done! It is fast, easy, and the final result exceeded my expectations." — Verona B.
Get it from Amazon for $22.09+ (available in 15 styles/sizes).
4. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment for anyone who wants a frizz-free, silky look without paying exorbitant salon prices. Just apply it to wet hair, leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it out, and say goodbye to the damaged look your hair has been sporting after years of abuse at the hands of bleach and flat irons. Reviewers basically swear by this treatment, which many say is even better than Olaplex, for a much lower price!
Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like.
Promising review:"Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn't worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can't beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that's been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" — BB
Get it from Amazon for $7.58.
5. A hair-finishing stick made from natural plant-based ingredients to slick back those lil' flyaways and frizzy baby hairs in mere seconds. Just use this stick to brush the pesky hairs away without having to resort to those sticky, greasy-to-the-touch gels.
Promising review:"I'm in love with this product! I have super curly hair that loves to frizz and now I can let it air dry, put it in a bun with no more flyaways thank God! It really isn't crunchy at all and surprisingly it's not greasy at all which is perfect for me with the curly hair! You won't be sad you bought this!" — Karissa Chavez
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in packs of two and a comb style).
6. Or an edge control gel that Will. Not. Budge. This will sleek back those baby hairs without any of that crunch or flakes ruining your updo.
BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they way want to! Check out " Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna."
Promising review:"Hands-down! The best edge control I have ever used, and I have used a lot of them. Stayed all day! No flakes and non-greasy! And this one is not even the strongest in the line. Love this product!" —
Get it from Amazon for $4.92+ (available in four sizes and multipack options).
7. A bottle of Fanola "No Yellow" purple shampoo to help you cancel out any brassiness and protect those beautiful blonde locks you've spent some good 💸💸💸 tryna perfect at the hair salon after just a few applications.
Promising reviews:"I absolutely love this shampoo, it really takes out the brassy color from the hair and gives it a more platinum look! And the bottle definitely can last me for a few months, almost a year. :) Very, very satisfied." — Nereyda
"I never write reviews, but this stuff is magic in a bottle. I'm a level 7 blonde with high-level highlights and hair that loves to pull red. If my hair starts to look brassy, I use this, and voila — it looks like I just came out of the salon again. I'd love it even if it didn't make my hair feel soft, but it does that, too! Please don't ever stop making this!" — scooptwins
Get it from Amazon for $12.25+ (available in two sizes).
8. Mane Club One Hit Wonder that has basically everything you need a for great hair day but won't cost you the price of 10 products. This baby is a 10-in-1 spray that'll detangle, take care of frizz and split ends, while also providing heat protection.
The formula contains ~cannabis sativa seed oil~, which works to moisturize and hydrate without adding a bunch of weight. It's a 10-in-1: it conditions, detangles, controls frizz, offers heat protection, boosts shine, prevents breakage, hydrates, smoothes, softens, and strengthens!
Mane Club is a California-based small biz that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan haircare products.
Check out how one user transforms their straight hair into waves using One Hit Wonder in this TikTok! And check out Buzzfeed writer Elizabeth Lilly's Mane Club 10-in-1 spray review for more deetz!
Promising review: " My hair gets very fluffy the second it detects a hint of humidity outside. I spray this in my hair after my shower and then give a quick mist before I leave for work, and my hair stays glossy and manageable all day. If this ever gets discontinued, I may just shave my head. It's that good." — Emma S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
9. A Color Wow Dreamcoat anti-frizz hairspray to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to help stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving it feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow dry it for the finishing touch. Thanks to this spray, your blowout will stay put all day long!
Promising review: "I bought the travel size to try it out and see if it was a product I could use. I was blown away with the results. My hair is thick, dry, and has the tendency to get frizzy. In the first use after reading the instructions, I noticed a significant change! The longer I use it the more positives I see. I do not need to restyle as heavily from day to day. The humidity has no effect. My hair looks richer in color and healthier." — Shauna
10. A styling mousse made with rose water and acai berry designed to help define your curls while leaving them soft to the touch. Say goodbye to the days of flakiness and crunch — this will keep frizz to the minimum despite those rising temps!
Thank God It's Natural is a Black woman-owned small biz based in Chicago, Illinois that specializes in hair products.
Promising review:"This is my favorite for my curly, 3a–3c, medium-coarse, very dry hair. This mousse makes my hair soft and bouncy and it holds the curl well. My hair does not get as dry and frizzy as it used to. This gets reactivated easily with the Curl Refresher Spray, and my curls last for days." — ShaniAZ
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
11. A Denman styling brush that will help sculpt and shape your perfect curls while detangling and reducing frizz. Hop out of the shower and run this brush through your hair to help ensure your curls are as defined as can be.
This is recommended for 2c–4c curls.
Promising review: "I never would have believed I would go against everything I thought I knew about curls. As someone who has had a love/hate relationship with my hair, it had taken years to perfect my method of wide-tooth comb in the shower and never would I think to put a brush through my wet hair. After my curl expert hair stylist rocked my world by using this brush, I've converted! And my curls have never been more uniform, less frizzy, hold better the next day, etc. Go for it, curly one!" — Patricia
Get it from Amazon for $25.95.
12. Mielle's (TikTok-famous) Rosemary Mint strengthening oil to be that magic lil' potion that'll stimulate your scalp and help promote hair growth straight from the root. Not only does it nourish your hair, but it smells like jojoba, rosemary, and mint! Help restore your curls, smoothen out split ends, and bring a ✨healthy shine✨ to your hair!
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some researchers have found rosemary oil to be as effective at encouraging hair growth as Rogaine! And read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "This oil has brought my hair back to life. The Florida humidity is not a joke and it has helped to restore my frizzy curls back to curls the more I use it. I use it every few days on my scalp and ends, it is incredible! Best paired with the shampoo that is also just as incredible. I'm not going back to my old routine... this is staying in my weekly self care!!" — Miranda Hatman
Get it from Amazon for $9.46.
13. A L'Oréal moisturizing treatment if you want healthier-looking hair in eight seconds flat! Using water lamellar, this magic-in-a-bottle penetrates your locks to leave silky, smooth, and shiny hair with just one use! Just rinse it out after shampooing your hair, and watch as those frizzy strands get under control!
Promising reviews: "This product leaves my hair silky and resistant to frizz in humidity. It helps define curls if you don't straighten your hair. If you use the product and straighten your hair on high heat (I do ~400 degrees) it's almost like a silk press. I've sent this product to other people, and they loved it too. Highly highly recommend. I've been using it for a few years no,w and I actually can't live without it." — tiara
"OMG!!! Most amazing hair treatment I've ever used in my entire life. Most hair masks weigh my hair down, but since this is water, it makes it SO soft and bouncy. I'm obsessed and will keep buying. Holy grail." — Natasha
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
14. And L'Oréal's total hair repair leave-in conditioner because you deserve to have healthy-looking, shiny, luscious hair at all times no matter what the weather forecast says. With the use of protein and almond oil, this lil' potion protects your beloved locks with heat protection so that you don't need to worry about breakage as you enjoy a day under the sun.
Promising review:"My hair is badly damaged by heat and color, it's just a frizzy mess that only gets worse with the humidity outside. I am desperate to find a product that will smooth the frizz, soften, and not make my hair look greasy and unwashed. I think I have!! I found this and for the price, I had to give it a try. I washed my freshly-colored hair and worked this in well; it was instantly silky and shiny. The scent is lovely and light, and I didn't have frizzies from sleeping in the morning. My hair feels so soft!!!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
15. A bottle of Garnier Fructis leave-in conditioner to bring some hydration to your locks when that beach weather has completely dried it out. This conditioner uses keratin, plant and argan oil which works together to leave your hair feeling as smooth as butter. Just apply this to dry or damp hair and enjoy moisturized silkiness even as the sand and heat threaten to dry it out.
According to reviewers, this product works for all hair types, from straight, fine hair to 4c curls.
Promising review: "This summer's heat and humidity left my hair a frizzy mess. I love Garnier products. My hair looks full, not greasy, but also not frizzy. I add a little more of the 'leave-in' conditioner and comb through my hair when needed." — Joan P
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $8.97.
16. Amika's anti-humidity spray you can spray on liberally before you go out to brave the heat. It'll help protect your precious locks from the glaring sun rays as it uses hydrolyzed keratin to repair and restore moisture, elasticity, luster, and smoothness.
Promising review: "I have the thickest, frizziest, curly/wavy hair ever, and I spend so much time straightening it. I am also the biggest skeptic when I see products claiming 'anti-humidity.' THIS PRODUCT RIGHT HERE IS A GAME- CHANGER. I put it to the test a couple of weeks ago while on a beach trip and intentionally used it on the day we were going on a boat tour (it also happened to be the hottest, most humid day of our trip). Once the day was done, my hair looked almost the same as it did when I left the condo! This photo was taken [the review image on the left above] this afternoon after spending much of the day outside on a humid 90-degree (Georgia weather in May)." — Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $30.
17. A Revlon hot air brush so you can fix up your hair in just one easy step. This baby can dry, style, straighten, and add some volume without having to play with about 50 other appliances or products. Just step out the shower, turn this magic wand on, and brush!
Have coily hair? This paddle brush might work better for you!
Promising review:"I have a headful of thick, wavy, shoulder-length hair. I sometimes wear it curly, but when I want it smooth, this tool is a huge time saver. I used to have to section my hair and spend a half hour or more flat ironing it. I still section it a little, but I can go from a big mop of mess to a sleek flip in very little time. I just spritz my hair and go to work. I have arthritis, and it is a big bonus also that the handle is big, so I don't have to use a pinch grip to hold it. I also have shoulder pain, and the less time I can spend with my arms over my head, the better. This tool is worth every penny." — Anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $33.49+ (available in two styles and eight colors).
18. Living Proof's de-frizzer spray for those whose hair has been through years and years of abuse from chemicals and curling irons. This spray will stop your hair from having a life of its own by controlling your frizz and bringing life back to those previously dry locks.
This product is great for all hair types, including medium and thick. Finer hair types should focus on applying mid-lengths to ends and *avoid* applying it directly at the roots.
Promising review:"I used this on several humid days. It was quite good at keeping my hair manageable. My hair is naturally curly, but humidity makes it unruly. This doesn't weigh the hair down or appear greasy. Nothing is going to work 100% for me, but this will come close." — Jean
Get it from Amazon for $33.
19. A deeply nourishing hair mask with aloe vera and castor oil — this product keeps your natural curls looking shiny throughout the day. Sometimes your hair just needs that extra lil' push to keep your locks nice and hydrated.
This product is suitable for all hair types, including dry and damaged hair.
Girl + Hair is a Black-owned, woman-owned small biz.
Promising review:"I have dry, wavy hair that often looks frizzy. I use a protein shampoo and a great leave-in conditioner, but still had frizz. I added this to my routine. I use once a week and have had no frizz. Absolutely love it. I just add it in the shower and rinse before I get out." — Jolene Bailey
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
20. A Ouidad heat and humidity gel so your curls can be protected even as you trapeze through Disney World in the height of Floridian heat. This gel firmly holds onto your curls without letting it frizz up like Monica's hair did in the Bahamas in that one episode of Friends.
This product is suitable for all curl types!
Ouidad is BIPOC- and woman-founded!
Promising review:"I live in Florida, and the humidity is awful. I have naturally curly hair and after a couple of hours outside, my hair is nothing but frizz. I used this for the first time yesterday and I really wish I'd found this sooner! My curls stayed defined after hours outside, with the breeze blowing! By the end of the night there was some frizz but this product reduced it by 75%–80%. Even this morning it is less frizzy than just a few hours without it. I will be buying again!" — Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in three sizes).
21. A wildly popular curl-defining foaming mousse with shea oil and coconut to hydrate your locks and create those soft, frizz-free curls you've always wanted.
Promising review:"I have 2b hair and I've never really understood the hype around refreshing your curls in between washes. No products I've tried have given me significant results that made refreshing worth the effort. I just figured, let my waves get a little limp or frizzy on day two or three and I'll just wash again when I can't stand it. This mousse changed my perspective. It's SO good at making a limp or frizz curl and look moisturized/juicy/defined again (sometimes better than my initial wash day). When I'd tried refreshing in the past, I'd wet my hair and it would look stringy/messy throughout the whole process, even after applying leave-in or gel after. With this foam/mousse, I just run the product over my problem areas and it wets and redefines the hair in one-go and smoothes everything out. It SHINES as a refresher on dry hair, no other products needed. It also doesn't cause noticeable buildup for me so I can use it every morning if needed." — ghostchai
Get it from Amazon for $3.98 (also available as a two-pack).
22. A non-aerosol dry shampoo powder so you can revive those greasy strands of hair and give yourself a great hair day without washing it as often. This dry shampoo comes in a compact travel case, soaks up excess hair oil, and volumizes your locks so that your hairstyle will get compliments no matter how little time you spend styling it!
Promising review: "I am so glad I gave this product a try, as it works amazingly well on my fine, oily hair. I have used almost every dry shampoo product on the market, and this is by far the best one yet. My hair looks beautiful, and I can now go nearly a week without washing (while still having absolutely gorgeous hair)! I used to have to wash my hair every other day when I was using my former favorite dry shampoo (and it made my scalp itch on day two). This product is definitely worth a try; it may soon be your favorite!" — Melanie Havert
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in seven colors).
23. Or a waterless Batiste dry shampoo *foam* because sometimes that alarm just does not go off (or ya hit snooze like 50 times... same thing) and you really don't have time for an actual shower, but still need to revive those greasy locks in the very few minutes you have to spare. This will bring some volume to your hair without leaving behind any residue or powder (like some other dry shampoos might).
Amazon
Promising review:"I have very, very fine and fragile hair. It's wavy (2b–2c with some 3a curls mixed in). My ends are dry, and my scalp gets very oily quickly. When the product arrived, I was on second-day hair. I worked the foam through my roots and the sides of my head. The most oily places for me. It was easy to work through, and it smelled fresh and clean. My results were amazing! My roots looked clean, with no residue or buildup like powder dry shampoos. My scalp does not itch, and it gives my fine, flat hair a ton of volume. Also, my hair looks thicker when I use it. I usually can't go more than a day or two without washing my hair. With this product, I was able to go four days without washing my hair." — Amelia Tilton
Get it from Amazon for $9.44.
24. An anti-dandruff shampoo because you're tired of the white flakes falling from your head onto your shoulders and getting on your 'fit. This shampoo uses ketoconazole — a clinically proven ingredient that kills the fungus that causes dandruff and helps reduce scalp flaking and itching. Hello sweet, sweet relief!
25. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo — a magic potion that'll help reduce breakage and give your scalp a fuller look. Not only does it nourish your hair, but it smells like rosemary and coconut!
