Since it feels like entirely too much of 2024 was spent sweating in front of the mirror with a curling iron in hand.
1. An air-dry leave-in cream so you can get touchable, crunch-free curls and enjoy less frizz without getting the blow-dryer or other heat styling tools involved.
This cream helps define your natural texture and works best on those with wavy, curly, or coily hair!!
Promising review: “I’m so grateful that I found this product. My hair is wavy and frizzy. Every once in a great while, my waves resemble curls, but the frizz is always there. I’ve only used this product one time so far and I never want to be without it. I put some on after towel-drying (no brushing) my hair, and my waves actually resembled curls! It wasn’t instant, so I was skeptical, but after about 15 minutes, I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror, and I was amazed. It looked styled rather than a ratty mess. I slept on it, and it still looked great in the morning!!!” —mich0610
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
2. Or Lottabody’s super fluffy mousse for a lightweight, set-and-forget option that’ll help leave your air-dried curls looking less frizzy and more defined.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “I have permed hair with 3b curls, and this is the best mousse I have found! It does not leave my hair sticky or stiff, it’s very moisturizing, and the foam has a great consistency. The scent is light and pleasant, and this is my new go-to for both freshly washed hair and the day after re-boost. So glad I found this!” —Tonii
Get it from Amazon for $3.98.
3. A soft curling rod headband that’ll bring some “I woke up like this energy” to your styling routine. This set comes with everything you need to achieve flawless waves — no hot tools required. Simply wrap damp locks around the roller, fasten with the provided clip, and catch some Z’s knowing that you’re in for a fuss-free morning.
Each set comes with a curling rod and two hair scrunchies. These are designed to work with all hair types, but work best if you roll them with damp hair!
Promising review: “It’s very quick to learn how to use this, and the results are fabulous! I love how my hair looked the next morning. It was slightly uncomfortable to sleep with the first time I used it, but the second time I did not notice it. Comes with the heartless curler and two scrunchies made of the same material, but lacks a claw clip to secure it in place when wrapping your hair.” —Abby A.
Get it from Amazon for $12.48+ (available in 13 colors).
4. A non-aerosol dry shampoo powder packed in a travel-friendly compact to prolong wash day and revive greasy locks so you can basically roll right out of bed and into the office and STILL have coworkers complimenting your fabulous hair.
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 just about 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, and it may soon be your favorite!” —Melanie Havert
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in six shades).
5. A set of flower hair clips if you’re determined to exude eye-catching, main character energy from your head to your toes, even on days when you wake up late but want to look next-level cute.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “So different and get a lot of compliments. People keep asking me where I got them. Use it wherever and holds my thick hair with no problem.” —Bellap
Get a set of six from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in five color combinations).
6. Or a stunning claw clip because it can turn even the most haphazard of up-dos into an eye-catching work of art.
Amazon
Promising review: “These hair clips are really good quality. My hair is a couple of inches past my clavicle, about 4 inches past, and medium thickness. The clip holds it very securely. I think these clips could hold thin or thick hair. Thank you for a fabulous product.” —Debra DeMattei
Get two from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 12 designs).
7. An adjustable satin bonnet so you can protect your fabulous ‘do from overnight destruction and wake up to curls that are still intact, frizz-free, and darn near ready to go — even if you’re a wild sleeper.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “I have long curly hair and use bonnets at night to prevent tangling, drying, and breaking of my hair. I knew this bonnet was different as soon as I put it on. The wide, soft band was so comfortable on my head, and the long straps to tie it were incredible. I’ve had bonnets before where the elastic was just one size with no option to tie, and they were often too tight or too loose; both were awful to sleep in. I also love the size of the bonnet because I did not have to find a way to fit all of my hair in; it was roomy enough to fit with ease. The material is so silky and smooth, and it’s incredibly lightweight, so it didn’t feel like it was tugging down. I was not disturbed at all in my sleep wearing this bonnet because it was so comfortable. The color is super pretty, and I will be buying more of these. They’re now my favorite!” —Emily
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes and 19 colors).
8. A silicone-free L’Oréal moisturizing treatment for anyone who wants visibly healthier-looking hair FAST — like, eight seconds fast. This rinse-out formula works on any hair texture or length, delivering the proteins and amino acids necessary for a shiny, flippable mane.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “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.
9. Some corkscrew Goody hair pins that do the work of 20 regular bobby pins to deliver all-day staying power for your fanciest up-dos. Just pull your hair into a bun like normal, twist these pins into place, and you and your ballerina bun are ready to take on the day.
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 spent way too much time 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 a bun in under 30 seconds, trust me…anyone can.” —Tina
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.99.
10. Or a 2-in-1 hair Curlinator to achieve *the* perfect ballerina bun and heatless curls (when used with clean, damp hair) with one multitasking tool.
Curlinator Designs / Etsy
Curlinator Designs is a North Carolina-based small biz that specializes in helpful hair accessories.
Promising review: “Love it!!! I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to figure out how to use it, but videos make understanding simple. So much easier to use in the mornings than fixing your hair in a bun!!!” —bld9
Get it from Curlinator Designs on Etsy for $12.50 (available in 18 colors).
11. A Cantu curling cream if you’re in a constant battle against thirsty locks and relentless frizz. Look no further than this reviewer-beloved blend of pure shea butter, coconut oil, and seven other essential oils for happy, hydrated curls that POP.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “You have to try it! I’ve been looking for something like this for a long time! I put it in my hair while it’s still wet and go to bed with it in. In the morning, I don’t have to touch my hair… It’s already perfect as is! Wow!” —Amazon Customer
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.96.
12. A viral Denman hair brush because it’s an effective detangler and curl definer wrapped up in one tried-and-true tool.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “TikTok made me do it. I never knew I had 3a curls until I used this brush. It evenly spreads product throughout the hair and clumps up your curls. It’s just an amazing brush!” —mariela
Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in six colors/patterns).
13. Or a size-adjustable Bestool detangler brush so you can kick knots to the curb with flexible combs specifically designed to separate 3a–4c hair, whether wet or dry! We’re leaving painful mornings spent with your previous brush in 2024, thank you very much.
Promising review: “This was the best purchase ever. I had braids and took them down three months later, and if I didn’t have this brush to get the knots and tangles out, I don’t know what I would have done. I swear by this brush. It’s a must-have. I have type 3c coil hair if you are wondering, but I recommend it for all hair types if you deal with knots and tangles.” —Monica
Get it from Amazon for $7.98 (available in five colors).
14. A fragrance-free texturizing powder that’ll add some heatless *oomph* to fine hair that usually likes to do one thing and one thing only: lie flat. Simply massage this translucent powder into your roots to enjoy hours of texture and va-va-volume.
Promising review: “I have very fine hair, and no matter what product I use, it never seems to have any volume…until I found this miracle powder! I’ve been using it for years. Just a few dashes of powder to my roots and my fine, limp hair looks amazing! If you have fine hair, don’t hesitate to buy this!!!” —Kitty Blocher
Get it from Amazon for $21.95.
15. A hair-finishing stick to weatherproof your ‘do and tame flyaway hairs in seconds with a translucent formula that can easily be applied on the go. It’s the size of a mascara tube!
Promising review: “I have thick, curly hair and was skeptical about using this product, but it is a game changer! I will recommend this product to every single person I know. This helps keep my baby hairs flat even in Chicago winds!” —Cait
Get it from Amazon for $6.79 (available in three other styles).
16. Or a nongreasy hair wax stick for taming flyaways and smoothing edges without weighing down your entire look with globs of gel. Feel free to apply the stick directly to your hair for mess-free application and all-day staying power.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “Perfect for humid weather. I have relatively fine hair, and my hair looks HORRIBLE every time we travel somewhere topical. I came across this wax one day, and I am in love. I’ve been able to do cute hairstyles and have them stay in place all day.” —arlerh n.
Get it from Amazon for $7.98.
17. Orrrrrrr an edge control gel that’ll help you get the sleekest of styles by smoothing edges and baby hairs without any greasiness or flaky residue.
Just a note that you don’t have to lay your edges, but this is great if you do!
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!” —Mrs.Washington
Get it from Amazon for $5.44+ (available in five sizes).
18. A set of sponge rollers because what’s old is new again, and TikTok has been abuzz with vintage-inspired hair sets you’ve been dying to try. Don’t worry; these are a lot softer than your grandma’s hard rollers (so you can actually get some sleep) but no less effective.
Promising review: “I’ve always had bad experiences with foam rollers in the past. I don’t know what makes these ones different, but they stay in your hair, don’t take long to dry, and give you long-lasting curls! I’m in love with them. I use about 12 at a time to curl my hair, spray a setting lotion, and either let them stay in overnight while I sleep or I sit under my hooded dryer for 10 minutes.” —Katrina Holte
Get the set of 36 rollers from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four sizes and in black or pink).
19. A set of super gentle microfiber hair ties so you can toss your hair up while you get down to work without committing to a sore scalp, snagging, and the perma-dent that regular hair elastics tend to leave behind.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord swears by them:
“These are designed to work on all hair types. They’re game changers for me as a runner and a human. I basically have one on my wrist and in my hair at all times. They’re super soft but lock in place really well on runs — I’ve never once had to adjust or tighten them, even on long-distance runs. What I love most, though, is they are *super* gentle when you pull them out. As someone who already sheds a lot I am determined to keep as much of my hair on my head as possible!! These are also great for sleeping in because if you wear them loose, they don’t dent your hair like other hair ties might. They are definitely more expensive than other hair ties, but worth it — I’ve rotated the same pack of six for over two years now!”
Get a set of nine from Amazon for $15 (available in black and blonde)
20. Or a pack of two adjustable magnetic hair ties designed for allll types of thick hair, from afros and dreadlocks to braids and twists. Wrap the band around the base of your hair, gently pull the ends in opposite directions, secure the magnetic pieces together, and enjoy a perfect puff that you didn’t even have to redo a dozen times.
TwisteeMagnaHairTies / Etsy
MagnaGlam Hair Ties is a Florida-based small biz that specializes in magnetic hair ties.
Promising review: “Product is amazing. I’m happy. Give it a try guys!! No snagging, no pulling, no tangles, and very easy to use!! Absolutely 10/10. IT DOES WHAT IT SAYS, SERIOUSLY. No kidding!!” —Anissa
Get it from TwisteeMagnaHairTies on Etsy for $21.99 (available in black and brown).
21. A continuous mister spray bottle that dispenses an ultra-fine, aerosol-like mist across a wide surface area. It’s perfect for evenly wetting hair for morning styling without getting it sopping wet in the shower or leaning over a sink.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Psssst — I’ve never had strong spray bottle feelings. That has now changed. This has been SO helpful when I want to lightly wet my hair in the mornings for styling.
Promising review: “Another amazing product TikTok made me buy. Was looking for some thing for when I wet my hair in the mornings. My old typical spray bottles kept breaking or leaking. This one has a longer spray time and the mist is perfect when I don’t want to get my hair too wet. All in all worth it especially for the price.” —M.Zuniga
Get it from Amazon for $8.25+ (available in four sizes and four colors).
22. Some clip-in hair extensions to transform your standard look with an instant dose of volume, length, and an overall wow factor that won’t go unnoticed.
If you have 4b or 4c hair, check out these curly clip-in extensions.
Promising review: “This was the best nine dollars I’ve spent in a long time! The color is a perfect match to my hair. The hair is very long — I cut at least 12 inches off. It stays in place very well. This is a fun addition to my going out look.” —SBonert
Get them from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 6 lengths and 31 colors).
Find out more in my colleague’s Reecho hair extensions deep dive!
23. Or a synthetic half wig if you want protection and convenience in one affordable style you can quickly throw on without stressing over any glue and lace.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “This is my first half wig, and I honestly did not know what to expect. I really wish I had bought this when I first was trying wigs and extensions. The hair is so soft and not ‘wiggy’ looking like most synthetic hair. It is not too shiny at all. It is so easy to blend your hair and even though my hair is naturally a two I was able to get away with a four. People think this is my hair and I get tons of compliments…not sure how it will last but it definitely is a beautiful unit that looks so natural.” —Anise Lopez
Get it from Amazon for $22.16+ (available in nine colors).
24. A Living Proof de-frizzer because it helps add softness, smoothness, and shine to dull hair without ever wetting it. A real MVP on these frigid mornings when leaving for work with even a damp head is a serious no-go.
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 $33.
25. A tousled clip-in bun so you can live out the fantasy of a big, juicy bun that takes two minutes, instead of living the time-consuming reality that comes with teasing, curling, and fussing your hair into submission.
INH Hair
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: “I love this bun. It is so versatile to me depending on how you pin it. You can definitely get a lot of different looks out of it. It’s so easy to install, it saves me time getting ready and it’s comfortable to wear all day. The color match looks great with my chestnut brown zooey bangs (I’m wearing Sammy in mixed brown). I love that my hair can look this great without any heat damage to my natural hair.” —Alisa B.
Get them from INH Hair for $22.50 (originally $45; available in 16 colors and a range of styles).
26. Or a faux puff extension for all you curly-haired cuties who want in on the action, because haven’t we all been duped by deceptively easy hairstyles that are actually a huge pain to execute?
Promising review: “Quick and easy to use. Hair is soft and similar to my own natural curl patterns. It gives me the fullness that my own puff needed! Will be trying other colors.” —Nad
Get it from Amazon for $8.98+ (available in 14 shades).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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