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An Air Dry Cream, Hair “Mascara” Wand, And 27 Other Products If You Want To Do The Least To Your Hair This Summer

Whether you want to basically do nothing to your hair or are trying to maintain your blowout for the week in this heat.

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by Elizabeth Lilly BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

Getting ready in the summer can feel like even more of a chore when the chances of your makeup melting off your face and your hair frizzing out are sky-high. Alas, we're here to help! Take it from someone who's spent what feels like lifetimes trying to maintain the blowout of the moment or is an eager guinea pig for the latest hair mask. There are techniques and products that'll give you the highest impact for the least amount of effort when you don't even need to look at the weather app to know it's above 90 outside. 

1. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse helps your curls, waves, or straight locks get a little more definition and a lot less frizz. Get ready for a queue of folks to ask you, "Why don't you wear your hair curly more often?!"

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have super frizzy, curly hair and live in New England, where we have super humid summers. I have been struggling to find a product that de-frizzes my hair without making it look oiled down, and this is it. I put it in my wet hair after washing, towel dried, and put my hair in a ponytail to go to work. My hair was frizz-free all night — even working outside in high humidity. People even asked if I did something to my hair! This is an amazing product for the price. Absolutely buying again and would recommend to anyone with a frizz issue." —Marissa 

"Awesome product, repeat buyer." —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $4.22. 

2. Or Ogx Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream if you prefer a cream formula for a great, affordable scrunch-and-go option with legions of fans to back up that claim. 

www.amazon.com

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.

3. A viral 5-in-1 Edgelift Curl Brush finally helps you nail some definition in your curls, waves, or coils if that always feels just a BIT out of reach. (I can relate.) There are lots of fans of all hair types and parents *especially* rave about it because it makes detangling gentler and quicker! 

Amazon

Bounce Curl is a small business that specializes in curl brushes. 

Promising review: "Best brush hands down, I am a mixed girl with thick curly hair, and when I run this brush through my hair wet, it does magic. My curls after using this in the shower to detangle are amazing, then I use my choice of product to style it row by row, and it gives me bouncy curls that help cover more scalp but separate effectively. It's extremely sturdy. I break brushes all the time, and this one lasts!!!" —Janay K 

Get it from Amazon for $29.99(available in four colors). 

4. IGK's Color Depositing Mask is a super low-lift way to get a color refresh outside of the salon. AND because it's a two-fer (condition + color), it's even less of a hassle! The color options range from this rich brown to soft pink to light teal. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Easy to apply, comes out pretty even, doesn't leave marks on clothes once it's washed out. Smells good I guess but STRONG. My hair is still damp in the after picture collage thing. It's kinda orange on the ends outside in the bright sun, where the lightest highlights were, but that may be because my highlights were very brassy to begin with." —Kaycie

Get it from Amazon for$32 (available in 13 colors). 

5. Adjustable satin hair ties for afro puffs will let you pull off the style you want without pulling *out* your hair. And it's super easy to adjust the size of the ties with ABS cord locks that stay where you want 'em. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have tried allllllllllll types of scrunchies, puff cuffs, socks, ponytail holders, you name it, for holding my 4C hair in variable states of tightness without damage. These are the best so far. They definitely won’t be going in the Graveyard of Hair Ties.

When wearing my hair in its natural state, I often like to go with a loose pullback, a tight puff on top, or two puffs, and this works for all of the above WITHOUT pulling my hair out at the end of the day. Also, sometimes I’m a bit ambitious with how tight I should be, and just loosening this a bit to relieve a headache is super easy." —Ntombi A. Peters

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6.50.

6. Kristin Ess 12-in-1 Leave-In Primer packs SO much into one mere bottle so you can towel-dry your hair, spray this on, heat style your hair, add some hairspray, and go on with your glamorous day.   

www.amazon.com

The benefits include moisturizing, detangling, shine-enhancing, frizz-fighting, smoothing, nourishing, enhancing color vibrancy and elasticity, helping protect against environmental stressors, preventing split ends, offering heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, AND has a long-lasting fragrance. 

Promising review: "I really like this primer! The product sprays out evenly and it smells really good. I put it on my towel-dried hair, then blow dry and straighten it for styling, so I love that it’s a heat protectant. It also keeps my hair soft without weighing it down!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12.60.

7. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a K-Beauty product that's probably come across your radar for its stunning before-and-after results *and* lower price tag than a comparable $44 Gisou hair oil. Locking down a cheap but transformative hair oil will soften the blow of putting off having your split ends snipped off for a few more months. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Its seven-oil blend (Moroccan argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oil) promises to reduce your hair-drying time and provide heat protection up to 450 degrees. 

Promising review: "Literally, the best hair product you can possibly get that is affordable and doesn’t leave your hair greasy — it makes it shiny and super soft. After I get out of the shower when my hair is still damp I put some on my ends and work the rest up into the top of my head. Sometimes I blow my hair dry after I get out of the shower and put it on and then after I blow dry I put it on some more, and it looks absolutely beautiful — no greasy hair here. My hair type is fine and gets oily really fast and yet somehow this product tames it a bit and keeps it looking healthy for days! Will purchase again and again!!!" —Tara Klein

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas).

8. A pomade hair wax stick keeps all your flyaways and frizzies controlled whenever you put your hair up into a ponytail or bun. This is DEFINITELY going to come in handy for days when you sleep in instead of washing your hair. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love it! Works great, doesn't look greasy. Leaves the hair looking sleek. I have naturally curly hair and straighten my hair some days." —Nicole Woods

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

9. Or Dae's Hair Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream & Taming Wand for when you realize in the work bathroom (under HARSH lighting) that your ponytail isn't nearly as slicked-back as you previously thought when you left the house. This lil' guy can help you zero in on flyaways and smooth frizzy spots. (OK, I'm talking about myself here.) 

Amazon

Dae is a small business that specializes in haircare and styling products. 

(It goes without saying that you don't need to lay your edges if you don't want to, but this is a handy option if you do.) 

Promising review: "I’ve tried numerous products for taming baby hairs, especially post-partum, and this is hands down the best thing I’ve tried. It also smells incredible! Love the size of the styling wand!" —Completely happy customer! 

Get it from Amazon for $18. 

10. 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. 

www.amazon.com

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).

11. A pack of eight French-style hair clips in case you want your hair up and out of your face for the WHOLE day but aren't really a polytail gal. This design means you can rest your head up against a headrest (or pillow) easily without the claws digging into your scalp like regular claw clips. And reviewers with thick hair say they work great!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Where have these been all my life??? I have to admit, I saw them on TikTok. I LOVE THEM!!!! I have very thick hair, and these hold my hair. I love that I can wear them in the car and not have to worry about the clip preventing my head from the headrest. The colors are great, and they are comfortable — I even slept with one when I forgot to take it out. The size is good, and there is no hair pull. I will be buying more and also gifting them. They are great! They hold my hair with a good grip." —Tracey L .

Get it from Amazon for $8.45+ (available in 17 color combinations).

12. Or a Kitsch's French hairpin comes in handy when you wanna look very put-together — even though you had to peel yourself out of bed because you spent a little too long scrolling on TikTok the night before and totally threw off your whole sleep schedule and morning. This beaut is made to work for all hair types and on medium to long hair lengths. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This Kitsch French hairpin is both beautiful and functional. The gold finish is sleek and adds a touch of elegance, whether I'm dressing up or going casual. It holds my thick hair in place all day without slipping and is much more comfortable than hair ties. Great for buns, twists, or quick updos. Super easy to use once you get the hang of it. Definitely a staple in my hair routine now!" —J. Lee Hall

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in four colors and in two packs). 

13. L'Oreal Paris root cover-up spray helps bridge the gap between your *real* roots and the time between colorings. Color can be harsh on hair so anything that helps you eke out a bit more time in between is worth celebrating. 

www.amazon.com

Plus, it's water-resistant!

Promising review: "My hair grows somewhat fast so I find myself coloring my roots at minimum every two weeks, which I think is bad for my hair. This product has been a lifesaver in allowing me to extend that time frame some. I wish I had found it sooner!" —Mmandkcs

Get it from Amazon for $11.97+ (available in 12 colors).

14. Or if you feel a little less confident with your aerosol aim, a root touchup powder masks grays or helps fill in a sparser harline so you see less scalp. Simply rub the powder directly where you want it with the included sponge and lasting power. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine!

Check it out in action on TikTok here!

Promising reviews: "This product is awesome. Covers the grays/roots. Stays on all day. Also, if you have thin hair, it will fill in the spots nicely. Comes with a sponge that you unscrew off the bottom. This will last a very long time. This is much easier to use than the spray that doesn't always get the right spots and tends to get on your clothes. A good selection of colors. Great price. Will re-order when the time comes." —Amazon Customer

"LOVE! so easy to use and perfect for helping my thinned hairline from postpartum hair loss. I tried a more expensive brand and liked this one more. Definitely recommend it for helping the hairline look fuller. I toss it in my makeup bag and apply quickly ." —Catie B.

Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in two sizes and 14 colors).

15. The Beachwaver Co. Braid Balm preps your strands for neater braiding and keeps your braids looking how you intended for MUCH longer. Folks also love to use this to braid hair for future waves!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review (for the left pic): "I was trying to find a pre-braid product that would keep my braids from looking 'fuzzy' after an hour or two, and this is it!!!! Super easy to use, you just finger-comb it through your hair. Next time I might not focus so much on my roots like the instructions tell you to do because it made my hair look a little greasy. But THESE BRAIDS!! This is after 6 hours at work with a stethoscope coming on and off my neck and my hair brushing against me...Braids are locked in! I wish there was a little more product for the money... for someone with super long hair, I felt like I needed to use a lot of product to get the right texture before braiding." —Katie Binversie

Promising review (for the right pic): "Gives great grip to hair for braids. Makes it stay for a few days, which is fantastic." —ErinTank

Get it from Amazon for $24.

16. Spiral hair ties cleverly coil around your ponytail or bun without leaving a dent like elastics. And according to thick-haired reviewers, they keep their hair up all day long.  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have been using this packet of hair ties for 2.5 years now! I have thick hair and so I wear one of these on my wrist all the time so I am always ready to put my hair up. In the time since I purchased this pack I have only used 2 hair ties! They last forever! They start out tight around my wrist, but over the course of a couple of weeks they loosen up. They will hold my hair tight all day long. I started out using Telaties and I love that product, but it was a little bit expensive. I decided to give these a try. They are a little bit fatter than Telaties, but it’s not that much different. I like the colors because they match my hair. The picture shows a new one in the package versus one I’ve had on my wrist for several months." —Urban Pepper

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $7.99.

17. A bow scrunchie from the Hill House Home x Wet Brush collab (which is so good, btw) to dress up a ponytail or messy bun day and keep it there so it looks like that was your plan all along. 

Hill House Home

Get it from Hill House Home for $16. And check out the rest of the charming collab. 

18. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum staves off humidity-induced frizz in a super lightweight argan oil formula. After all, you wanna keep your sleek style without weighing down your head. Reviewers say it also helps define waves and curls. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Once you use this, you'll never go back. I’ve been searching for a product to use in my hair that will help with the frizz, but was starting to lose hope. Most products take away the frizz for about 10 minutes and then you’re back to being a lioness. However, I am in love with this hair product. It lasts all day, and not only does it take away the frizz and give you shine, but it also makes the waves/curls in my hair more prominent. I just love it!" —Abigail C. 

Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in larger sizes and multipacks).  

19. 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. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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

"Honestly, wow! This spray leaves my hair so soft and with a salon-like shine. The best part is that even with humidity, my hair doesn't puff up at all. It activates with the heat from the blow dryer and the effect actually lasts for a few days, even after washing. Totally worth every penny!" —Shatasha

Get it from Amazon for $28 (sulfate-, gluten-, alcohol-, and paraben-free; also available in a curly formula).

20. Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Diffuser & Curly Hair Dryer is, perhaps, the largest at-home diffuser I've seen in case you love your curly texture but find the drying process very annoying. Sometimes you don't have hours to let it air dry! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I’m not one to write reviews, but for this diffuser I had to. Absolutely hands down the best diffuser for curly hair I’ve ever used. Leaves my curls bouncy and fresh all day. My curls have never looked so good." —James G.

Get it from Amazon for $99+ (available in three variations).

21. A 2-in-1 hair bun maker helps you achieve THE perfect ballerina bun. And if you put it in when your hair is damp, it'll lave you with gorgeous curls. 

Curlinator Designs/ Etsy

Curlinator Designs is a North Carolina-based small biz that specializes in 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 $12.75 (available in 18 colors).

22. A faux puff extention clips into your hair for a quick and easy 'do for when you've gotta look really cute, really quick. 

www.amazon.com

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 $9.99+ (available in eight shades).

23. Ebin New York 24-hour edge tamer helps you lay down your edges and adds shine — minus the flakes or weight. Even when you use it daily!

www.amazon.com

Just a note that you don't have to lay your edges, but this is great if you do!

Promising review: "The quality of this product is simply just amazing it will lay those 4C edges for all day up to 8 hours of coverage. The smell is not as pungent as other products I have tried, this product is thick, you must use edge control brush." —ms. jackson

Get it from Amazon from $6 (available in five sizes).

24. 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. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is honestly the best product for nasty Florida humidity!! It’s pricey for some hair spray, but 100% worth it. I have very thin hair that likes to curl the second I step outside. With this spray, my hair stays straight all day long!" —K.Lou

Get it from Amazon for $34.

25. A Ponyflo 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.

Amazon

Ponyflo is a small biz specializing in ponytail-friendly hats. 

Promising review: "There is nothing I don’t like about this hat!! My hair is thick and puffy, and I wear this hat around my ponytail!!! Looks like a normal hat, and I love the silk liner!!! I would say absolutely buy one! Gonna buy a few more colors!!" —Ericka

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in eight colors).

26. Baxter of California Clay Pomade delivers a matte, firm hold so you can be rest assured your perfectly coiffed hair actually stays put. Gotta love something that does the dang job and keeps your hair in place so you don't have to waste more product!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Out of all the pomade brands I’ve tried, this is by far the best. It holds up well for whole-day use. I’m usually out for 12 hours, and it keeps up. It washes out really well, too. I’ve been using this for 5 years, and it has held up consistently." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $18.

27. A satin-lined Hairbrella keeps your hair looking perfect, no matter the forecast. 

Hairbrella / YouTube

Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business established in 2016 that specializes in hats combining fashion and function to protect against all types of weather. 

Promising review: "I never carry an umbrella cause they’re too bulky, so when I saw the Hairbrella I was so excited. It keeps my hair dry and my curls nicely quaffed, rather than me looking like I stuck my fingers I a light socket. I’m telling everyone I know about it, it’s an amazing alternative to those wide-brimmed hats or a briefcase LOL! Truly it’s never going Read more about review stating Love it!!to leave my side from now on! I definitely recommend it." —Gina C.

Get it from Amazon for $39+ (available in three colors) or Hairbrella for $24+ (available in black).

28. And my favorite hairspray ever, The Beachwaver Co. Great Barrier that heat protects your hair when you spray it on before heat styling and REALLY holds your style. Listen, if I'm going to spend precious time curling my hair in the summer, it better STAY that way. 

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed, Amazon

I'm a huge fan of the Beachwaver rotating curling iron and it's my deserted-island beauty product. (Said island better have working outlets!) I have naturally thick curly hair but I wash it 2x a week and typically blow it out, then touch up each day with my Beachwaver. So I put my hair through a lot of heat styling. I've tried what feels like every long-hold hairspray on the planet and none of the others have held a candle to this one. If you want your style to STAY, I think this stuff is top-tier. And it smells lovely! 

29. 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. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

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 theTGIN Foundation. You can read more about her empowering story in her book This is Only a Test.

Promising review: "3a low porosity magic! I didn’t expect much from this mask, but was pleasantly surprised. I used it as directed after shampooing with a clarifying shampoo, and my hair is soft and smooth. It calmed the frizz so much that I didn’t even need a styling product!" —HumanPerson

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

Still searching for the perfect addition to your haircare routine? Try these:

* Things That’ll Help You Style Your Hair Without Relying On Heat Tools

* Even People Who Describe Themselves As “Picky” Love These 28 Hair Products

*  Easy-To-Use Products That’ll Make You Realize Your Hair Could’ve Looked This Great The Whole Time

* Hair Products That’ll Help You Combat Chlorine, Sun, And Humidity Damage In The Summer Months

* Summer Hair Products To Help Tackle Frizziness, Oily Roots, And More

Plus, finds from Walmart. 

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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.