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1. If you feel like you can do NOTHING with your hair rn, try the Elizavecca Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment that goes on like a hair mask, except it'll give you even more dramatic results thanks to Ceramide 3 and collagen. Any time I use it, my hair looks and feels so much healthier, and is more easily styled.
Promising review: "As soon as I put it on my hair it was amazing! It practically detangles itself. Will buy again. ♡" —bibi
Get it from Amazon for $8.80.
Read our review of Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment to learn more about why one former BuzzFeeder calls it, "the miracle product I've been searching for."
2. Or TGIN Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Mask For Damaged Hair nurtures and protects your natural hair texture after other products have failed you. Gotta love something that does major work for you before you even start styling.
Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN) is a small business founded by Chris-Tia Donaldson after she graduated from Harvard Law School, started her first job at a law firm and wore wigs out of frustration for the lack of hair products for natural hair. TGIN is now sold at a variety of retailers. Chris-Tia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and until her passing in 2021, used her success to advocate for women experiencing financial difficulties and who are undergoing treatment, to highlight health disparities due to race and socio-economic factors and help through the TGIN Foundation. You can read more about her empowering story in her book This is Only a Test.
Promising review: "I LOOOOVE THIS PRODUCT LINE! I use the daily hair food to the hair mask! If you are protecting your hair and maximizing hydration these products will be your best friend!" —K Taylor-Cain
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
3. OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream is a great, affordable scrunch-and-go option with legions of fans to back up that claim. This'll provide more time for hammock reading than hair styling. Win-win.
Promising review: "I put some in my hair for the first time today and I'm impressed! I towel dried my hair and then put about a quarter size in my palm and spread throughout my hair, scrunched my hair, and then let it air dry. I think it did a good job at defining my waves and eliminating the serious frizz." —ninjamommy
Get it from Amazon for $6.97.
4. Or if you'd like some more curl definition, Moroccan Oil Intense Curl Cream uses argan oil to do some serious work defining your gorgeous, gorgeous curls without leaving them sticky or crunchy.
When I go on a beach vacation, I don't bother with my intense blowout hair routine. I always pack this (a little goes a LONG way) and let my hair air dry.
Promising review: "This is a GREAT product for fine hair. I have a lot of fine hair that is between wavy/curly. I have always had a hard time finding a good product that doesn't give my hair the crunchy look when I let it air dry. I have found this to be the best moisturizing curl cream without weighing hair down, controls frizz AND defines curls. My advice is to shampoo (skip conditionor if your hair gets oily) apply the product in the shower, brush with a wide tooth comb to evenly distribute it then scrunch hair using a cotton t shirt. I think I finally found what I have been looking for and am so excited I can let my hair air dry now and not hate it!!!" —Lydia
Get it from Amazon for $34.20 (alcohol-free).
5. But if you REALLY want a do-it-all, Bomba Curls Dominican Forbidden Oil is infused with pure coffee seed and castor oil mean to moisturize your hair and scalp, while promoting hair growth and making your strands look glossier. This is an excellent option for anyone looking to embrace their natural hair texture instead of heat styling. I have naturally curly hair and love it!
Bomba Curls is a WOC-owned business founded by Lulu Cordero and inspired by her Afro-Dominicana roots. The products are meant to help curly-haired folks naturally boost growth and achieve maximum length retention.
Promising review: "Very lightweight and has a great smell to it as well. It did not weigh down my hair and it gave my hair great shine through out the week." —Nordstrom Customer
Get it from Nordstrom, Target, or Bomba Curls for $22.
6. A hair finishing stick helps you achieve that sleek look when you're putting your hair up in a high pony and calling it a day — whether you just washed it this morning or you're currently running on day-four hair.
Promising review: "I have super fine hair with lots of breakage. No matter how I put my hair up I have bad flyaways. This stuff is great! So easy and it stays better and looks smoother than stiff hair spray." —Jill Stilfield
Get it from Amazon for $7.98.
7. A hair wax stick to help make a perfect part or slicked-back look sans the flyaways. No more layering on the hairspray. This stuff is far more effective. Lots of stuff love using it with a hot comb for maximum results.
Promising review: "I have so many flyaways and always wear my hair up, and look like a hot mess. This was easy to use, didnt look greasy, and keeps all my little hairs in place. I have dark brown hair so for me, this doesn't show in my hair. A little goes a long way! Highly recommend and so excited to use this more regularly." —Olivia Zratko
Get it from Amazon for $7.59.
8. INH Clip-In Messy Buns help you skip the heat styling in the pursuit of a pic-worthy hairstyle without looking like you just clipped in some hair pieces.
INH Hair is a woman-owned small biz based in Los Angeles. They aim to get you the best quality and trendiest styles and boost your confidence. Their buns are made of vegan synthetic fiber from Japan. Make sure to read their tips on styling and care!
Promising review (for the messy bun): "My bun game has gone to a new level! Very easy to apply and the feel is very realistic, it doesn’t feel like a synthetic hair! The color match was to a tee. I have quite fine hair so my usual buns look very odd (like a round pot handle vibe) but with the Sammy, I feel so confident and put together. The application was super easy and unlike some of the ponies that make you feel weighted, there was no issues with feeling tightened or restricted on my scalp." —Jia
Get them from INH Hair: the messy bun for $45 and the space buns for $54 (both available in a variety of colors).
9. A faux puff extention you can clip into your hair for a quick and easy 'do for when you've gotta look really cute, really quick with your hair up and off your face.
10. Some Bunzee Bands are made for Afro puffs, locs, dreads, and thick ponytails. They're super strong and built to up to two years (that's a really long time for a hair tie), but they won't harm your hair. Plus the adjustable bands mean that they'll stay put.
Though they may not be very visible with some hair styles, these hair bands are super cute and come in some vibrant shades!
Bunzee Bands is a small business dedicated to providing pain-free hair ties for people of all hair shapes and sizes.
Promising reviews: "Sent from the HEAVENS!! This. Is. Everything. During the summer time my hair was placed in time out. The curls that came out in the morning from my braid out would succumb to humidity the minute I stepped out. So I was left to just do puffs, and I'm was used to using the typical headband to do so. It would cause major headaches and being prone to headaches, it wasn't fun. So this product was a complete godsend! I can rock my puffs on my busy class days and forget I even have a puff in because there's no headache! 😍😍" —Mikaylia
"I absolutely love this. It does the trick. My locs are long and thick and so rubber bands take too much to try to get them on, and usually I can't get them tight enough. Finally I found something that works." —Karen
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $18.95 (available in eight colors, a single pack, and a smaller size).
11. Spiral hair ties you can use as a base for a ponytail or bun — without leaving creases and dents in your hair. They're also good to keep on your when you have your hair down, are overheating, but don't want to put an actual dent in your blowout.
Note that while some thick-haired reviewers love these, others say they're relatively small and better suited for thinner hair.
Promising review: "Definitely better than traditional ponytail holders. These do not leave a crease in my hair and hold it up very securely. I was worried that during the HIIT or cardio portions of my workouts that my hair would fall down, but it stayed up the entire time. It doesn't rip my hair out when I take it out of the ponytail or bun either." —Jessica Westen
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $5.99 (also available in three other colors).
12. A set of flower hair clips because you're tired of just a regular ole high ponytail you've been using to keep your hair off your sweaty neck thus far this summer. Prepare thyself for an onslaught of compliments.
Check out a TikTok of the flower clips in action.
Promising review: "So different and get a lot of compliments. They keep asking me where I got them. Use it wherever and holds my thick hair with no problem." —Bellap
"I love these claws clips! Not only are they functional, they are perfect accessories for any hairstyle. It has a strong clip and they are cartoony and fun. I love the way they are able to be used together and how the pastel colors look together. They are cute and I use them all the time. If you want to get such cute flower claw clips, they are perfect for you. I have no issues and they are beautiful, definitely a worthwhile purchase!" —Lauren Weathersby
Get a set of six from Amazon for $12.98+ (available in five color combinations).
13. Or some Hawaiian-inspired flower claw clips that'll bring some island fun to your landlocked 'fit.
See them on TikTok!
Promising review: "Would buy in 20 different colors. Love buying new things to accessorize, these clips are super cute and hold long thick hair; would recommend using two. The colors are vibrant. I'm in love!" —Danelly Santos
Get the set of six from Amazon for $14.99.
14. Or a minimalist set of claw-shaped hair clips if it's so hot that your brain can't compute an outfit that'll go with those flower clips.
Each set comes with four hair clips.
Promising review: "These hair clips are amazing! They are cute and sturdy. I am able to fit all of my hair in the clip and go about my day without my hair falling down and having to reclip it. That is a first for me! I even did a quick workout and the jumping did not cause my hair clip to fall. If you are looking for a nice hair clip that will stay in place, these are perfect!" —Amanda Davis
Get a four pack from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in seven different color sets).
15. A waterproof satin-lined Hairbrella hat that'll easily fold up and be ready for those days when you find the perfect spot by the pool and there are some SPLASHY kids (or drunk adults) playing nearby. Not today, Satan-with-a-frozen-daiquiri.
Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather since 2016.
Promising review: "I traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. Two of the three days were rainy (some quite heavy), and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too." —Miss Information
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in seven colors).
16. A set of Goody hair spin pins take care of the hard work in creating the *perfect* bun. You simply put your hair in a pony, wrap your hair around the base of said pony, and then secure with one pin on top of the bun and one pin on the bottom.
Promising review: "I'm a nursing student and have to wear my hair in a bun every day. I've tried all the bun makers, watched YouTube videos, and spend way too much time on getting my hair into a bun. I was able to make a pretty bun that was secure in under 30 seconds. I thought it was a fluke so I did it again, and then again. I just ordered two more packs because I know if I lose one of these, I'd have to tear the house down looking for it. I have hair to my mid back, and three of these worked perfectly for me. If I can get my hair in bun in under 30 seconds, trust me...anyone can." —Tina
Get it from Amazon for $6.49 (also available in a three pack).
17. A six-pack of scarf scrunchies gives you a one-and-done task of putting up your hair and adding a glam touch even if you have to do some REAL math to figure out the last time you washed it.
Promising review: "I wear ponytails a lot as I transition to a natural gray with my curly hair. Using 'unique' hair accessories helps with making a plain, boring, and simple haircare routine way more interesting, and the material is a welcomed safety to help reduce breakage when wearing ponytail scrunchies. I plan on ordering other colors in the near future. You can't go wrong with this purchase!" —Tru
Get them from Amazon for $9.99.
18. Some velvet scrunchies with a secret zipper for storage in case you'd rather go without your bag or, tragically, the cute dress you're wearing doesn't have pockets! Reviewers also love it for travel.
LokiEssentials is a woman-owned, California-based small business established in 2020 that specializes in hidden pocket scrunchies and keychains.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Tasia Bass says, "I have so many of these ponytail holders and I think they are absolutely fabulous. I regularly use them when I am walking around my neighborhood or at the gym. I also used it to take the LSAT, because the exam didn't permit any bags and I took my exam in a different state and needed to take my hotel key with me. I also always suggest them on vacation, so even if your bag or wallet is stolen, you have some extra money and your hotel key set aside. It's so simple to use, just add in your money, key, lip balm, and whatever else you want, zip it up, and slide it on your hair (or wrist). No, it won't completely replace your purse, but it's great if you just have a couple of small items you want to carry. Plus it doesn't get tangled and rip your hair like some scrunchies. All of mine have been used a ton over the years and never lose the elasticity."
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.99 (available in seven colors).
19. An ultra-fine continuous water mister will refresh your hair in the morning after you've slept on it (and possibly sweated on it). Let's keep that air-dry style looking fresh instead of using more time, water, and hair products on a whole wash!
Promising review: "Used for wetting my 2-year-old's hair. Could have used it for crafts, could have used it for misting plants, so many things. It’s super durable, I know because she dropped it a million times. You don’t need to refill it every day, it doesn’t use a lot of water in each spritz but it does feel like it. Incredibly smooth. Would buy again (and I will because I left it at my sister's while traveling)." —Savannah
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four sizes).
20. A CurlCap backless adjustable cap with plenty of room for your natural hair or updos while giving your face some extra shade and getting your sweaty hair up and off your neck.
CurlCap is a Black-owned apparel company founded by Britney Sade that specializes in caps designed for natural hair with an open back and flexible scrunchie design.
Promising review: "This hat is comfortable, well made, and cute! It is now my go-to hat for casual days when I put my hair in a ponytail. I have also worn it playing tennis and found that it's more comfortable than wearing a visor. The back elastic really keeps the hat secure without feeling too tight. I have the black twill, and would love to see it in other colors in this fabric for walking, running, and tennis. Love." —Me
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 11 styles).
21. A metal tulip claw clip gives some serious Disney Princess vibes but will come especially in handy when you feel like anything but royalty while sweating it out in line for Big Thunder Moutain Railroad at Disney World.
Sunnie Creative is a small business based in Thousand Oaks, California!
These are made of metal, not acrylic, so they're slightly heavier than cheaper clips and can hold a lot of hair!
Get it from Sunnie Creative on Etsy for $15 (available in pink or purple).
22. If you're really digging in your heels for wearing your hair down, Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer instantly smooths and moisturizes when you don't want to use hair oil. It tames up to 92% of frizz on dry hair and really zhuzhes your hair in between washes.
Promising review: "I personally am not a fan of how the hair oils feel on my hands and have found this product to be a great alternative! I like to braid my hair at night and then pull it out and wear it wavy. But if I comb through it, it’s a frizzy mess! This product definitely tames it down!" —Sarah Thielke
Get it from Amazon for $32.
23. Perhaps you're someone who'd rather die than leave the house without a blowout but haven't figure out how to make it work in this heat? Good news: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray works to stave off frizz and give you a glass-like sheen thanks to its anti-humidity powers. Even in the nastiest of weather.
Promising review (for pic on the left): "LOVE this product sooooo much! I’m obsessed! I am of mixed race and have very curly frizzy hair naturally. Even with relaxer my hair has always had dry-looking frizzy ends. I have tried so many different products but nothing else compares. Best by far!" —Amazon Customer
Promising review (for pic on the right): "I NEEDED to try this product after all the positive hype. It certainly did live up to my expectations. I went from balayage to a medium brown color with my hair. The bottom part of my hair was still very porous from the bleaching. After blow-drying my hair where the blonde was it was never smooth. Not anymore! My hair is so smooth and healthy looking. I absolutely love this product and I highly recommend it. It has completely transformed my hair." —Lori
Get it from Amazon for $26.60 (sulfate-, gluten-, alcohol-, and paraben-free).
24. And an I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo tackles greasy roots without the aerosol formula. I've been packing this for flights where I carry on only and this little puff is EFFECTIVE. Like, I went to New Orleans recently in late May with a blowout I was trying to make last. This kept my oily roots matte again! It's LEGIT.
Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
25. A reversible bucket hat because, well, EVERYONE looks great in a bucket hat. This'll also do a swell job of hiding a lackluster hair day.
You to roomie hurrying you to get to brunch before you've used your wax stick on your sleek summer-proof ponytail:
