Buzz
1. The Beachwaver Co. rotating curling iron is incredibly user-friendly. Even those who are skilled with heat styling tools (like myself) have switched to this one (myself included). If you can clamp a section of hair and press a button, you can master this tool. *Plus*, it features a 9-foot swivel cord for effortless handling.
2. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray effectively fights frizz and delivers a glossy finish, thanks to its anti-humidity technology. It works even in the harshest weather conditions. AND its effects remain intact through multiple washes. (I can personally vouch for this.)
3. K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask Treatment is a trusted leave-in solution designed to restore bleached or chemically processed hair. This compact yet powerful bottle features a patented peptide formula that offers 50 applications, ensuring long-lasting use. Plus, it’s suitable for all hair types.
4. Verb Ghost Oil effortlessly smooths frizz and flyaways. It’s the ultimate hair oil for those with coarse, thick hair like mine. Users with hair textures ranging up to 4c absolutely love it! It leaves your hair looking polished *and* feeling incredibly soft — even after the most intense blow-dry session.
5. If you’re ready to invest a bit more, Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil boasts over 37,000 5-star reviews, backed by stunning reviewer photos. This lightweight styling oil not only enhances shine and boosts color vibrancy — it also provides heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Drybar Single Shot Blow-Dryer Brush saves you time and spares your arms by combining a round brush and hair dryer into one tool. It’s a total game-changer for effortless styling.
7. BondiBoost Sonic Hair Blow-Dryer offers an incredibly quiet drying experience without compromising speed, allowing you to chat or listen to a podcast while styling. It’s perfect for those who have the skills but lack the patience to endure the noise of traditional hair dryers.
I recently tried a blowout using this dryer (FYI, I have a THICK mane of naturally curly hair) and was amazed by how effective *and* quiet it was for achieving a sleek, straightened look!
It includes a diffuser and concentrator, making it suitable for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair types.
Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this dryer! It’s incredibly powerful and dries my hair in no time!! I love the adjustable temperature and airflow settings!! Plus, it’s compact, easy to handle, and even lets you lock your preferred settings — such a handy feature! It’s also stylish, which is a bonus. 10/10! While not completely silent, it’s much quieter than other dryers I’ve used." —lulu18276
Available at Sephora for $199.
8. SexyHair Healthy Gloss N' Glow Lightweight Acidic Conditioning Rinse is designed to boost shine by up to 23x and requires just eight seconds in the shower. That’s barely enough time to overthink, unlike your usual hair mask routine.
9. Dyson Airwrap multistyler has become legendary since its debut. If you’ve been online since its 2018 launch, you’ve probably seen countless demonstrations — and for good reason! This multitool’s capabilities are truly impressive.
For a detailed breakdown, check out my review of the Dyson Airwrap's first model. Since 2018, Dyson has enhanced the design with longer attachments, making drying and styling even more efficient. TL;DR: After a bit of practice, using all the attachments becomes effortless, and your hair ends up shinier and less dry compared to traditional heat styling methods. Pro tip: Rough dry your hair slightly before using the attachments. While it’s a significant investment, if you spend a lot of time heat styling like I do, it might just be worth it.
Available at Sephora (one color option) for $599 or Dyson (two color options) for $499.
10. Introducing the newer Dyson Airstrait, which dries *and* straightens your hair at the same time WITHOUT hot plates. As expected from Dyson’s innovative tech, it uses airflow to straighten without causing dryness. If you’re tired of blow-drying followed by flat ironing, this will feel like a dream come true.
My colleague Heather Braga owns and adores it:
"I had the chance to test the Dyson Airstrait, and WOW, it’s a technological marvel. Yes, I called it 'tech' rather than just a beauty tool. While it serves both purposes, I was instantly struck by its gadget-like features. I even had to choose the language for MY STRAIGHTENER on an LCD screen — mind-blowing! The Airstrait can straighten both wet and dry hair without relying on damaging hot plates. Instead, it uses directional airflow to smooth and straighten, creating a truly magical experience. The biggest adjustment for me was ensuring the copper pieces (housing the fan) face outward to avoid blowing my hair everywhere. The fan speeds up when you clamp the Airstrait around your hair (HOW DOES IT KNOW!?) and pauses completely when you set it down (as shown in the GIF on the left). As a busy parent with a toddler, time is precious. With this device, I went from freshly-showered wet hair to naturally straight locks in just 10 minutes! This is a total game-changer for me!!! It’s absolutely worth the investment. Add it to your holiday wishlist or, better yet, treat yourself now."
Available at Sephora for $499.
11. A satin-lined Hairbrella ensures your hair stays flawless, rain or shine. That blowout you worked so hard on? It’ll LAST.
12. BondiBoost Prep and Protect Hair Primer feels lightweight upon application (yet you can still sense *where* it’s been applied). It pairs seamlessly with other heat protectants and styling products, leaving your hair free of stickiness or stiffness — unless you decide to finish with a freezing hairspray, of course.
I’m halfway through a (pretty sizable) tube of this product, and I’m absolutely obsessed. It’s definitely my new favorite!
Promising review: "WOW, JUST WOW!! My hair felt incredibly soft after blow-drying and had the most gorgeous volume. It was also super smooth post-blowout (no diffuser needed). Normally, my hair ends up looking like Hagrid from Harry Potter after blow-drying, but this had me channeling Draco Malfoy instead. Seriously, the value is amazing, and even though I got it for free, I’ll be buying it again! :) Plus, it’s fragrance-free, which I absolutely adore." —dianaericaa
Available at Sephora for $25.
13. Redken Quick Blowout Heat Protection Spray is a game-changer when your usual drying routine fails to deliver that smooth, shiny finish you’re used to.
14. Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray dramatically reduces heat-styling time — by up to 50%! It also controls frizz and provides heat protection during styling. Oh, and it’s all the rage on TikTok.
15. A Kitsch satin pillowcase feels incredibly smooth and luxurious, offering a gentler alternative to traditional cotton pillowcases that can tug on your hair and skin. It also helps extend the life of your blowout by keeping your hair sleek while you sleep, dreaming of George Russell in The Gilded Age.
16. TGIN Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Mask For Damaged Hair revives and shields your natural hair texture when other products fall short. It’s a lifesaver that does the heavy lifting before you even begin styling.
17. Moroccan Oil Intense Curl Cream harnesses the power of argan oil to beautifully define your curls without leaving any sticky or crunchy residue.
18. Bomba Curls Dominican Forbidden Volumizer Oil helps you celebrate your natural hair texture while air drying, deeply moisturizing, and leaving an irresistible scent. A small amount works wonders, making it my go-to travel product when I want to skip blow-drying. Below, I’m on a February trip to Iceland, wearing a winter hat, and letting the visible part of my hair shine in its natural texture.
Bomba Curls is a WOC-owned business founded by Lulu Cordero, inspired by her Afro-Dominicana heritage. The products are designed to help curly-haired individuals naturally enhance growth and retain maximum length. This formula is enriched with pure coffee seed and castor oil to deeply moisturize your hair and scalp, promoting growth and adding a glossy shine to your strands.
That’s me marveling at the icy beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. During my time outdoors, I wore a bucket hat with the hood pulled over it — it was that cold! The wind was relentless, so I knew my skin and hair needed serious hydration. Enter Bomba Curls hair oil. I used it as a leave-in treatment and styler on wet hair, letting my natural texture shine. It worked wonders, helping my curls form beautifully and providing much-needed moisture after the drying effects of the Blue Lagoon. (I had to wash my hair FOUR TIMES afterward due to the mineral-rich water.) I also bring this on hot, humid trips when I embrace my natural curls.
Available at Target for $26.99.
19. INH Clip-In Messy Buns let you achieve a photo-ready hairstyle without heat styling, all while looking effortlessly natural — no one will guess it’s a clip-in!
INH Hair is a woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles, dedicated to providing high-quality, trendy styles that boost your confidence. Their buns are crafted from vegan synthetic fiber sourced from Japan. Be sure to check out their styling and care tips for the best results!
Promising review (for the messy bun): "My bun game has reached new heights! It’s incredibly easy to apply and feels so realistic — you’d never guess it’s synthetic! The color matched perfectly. As someone with fine hair, my usual buns look awkward (like a round pot handle), but with the Sammy, I feel polished and confident. Application was a breeze, and unlike some ponytail extensions that feel heavy, this didn’t cause any tension or discomfort on my scalp." —Jia
Available at INH Hair for $27+ (available in multiple colors).
20. Some Bunzee Bands are designed for Afro puffs, locs, dreads, and thick ponytails. They’re incredibly durable, lasting up to two years (which is impressive for a hair tie), and are gentle on your hair. The adjustable bands ensure they stay securely in place.
21. A CurlCap is a backless, adjustable cap designed to accommodate natural hair or updos while providing extra shade for your face and keeping sweaty hair off your neck.
22. Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer smooths and hydrates hair instantly, offering a great alternative to hair oil. It reduces up to 92% of frizz on dry hair and revitalizes your look between washes.
23. An I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo effectively combats greasy roots without using an aerosol formula. I’ve been taking this on flights where I only bring carry-ons, and this little puff works wonders. For example, during a late May trip to New Orleans, I was trying to extend the life of a blowout, and this kept my oily roots looking fresh and matte. It’s the real deal!
Promising review: "I needed a travel-friendly dry shampoo for a trip, and this was perfect. It passed through TSA without a hitch and was super convenient to use on the go. Simply pat the poof on your scalp and massage the powder in. As someone with black hair, dry shampoo can be tricky, but this blended in just fine. It absorbed oil effectively and added volume to my hair. While the price is a bit steep for the quantity, it’s lasting longer than expected. I’d definitely recommend it and will buy it again." —Teresa
Available on Amazon for $16.
24. Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Diffuser & Curly Hair Dryer is possibly the largest at-home diffuser I’ve encountered, perfect for those who love their curls but dread the drying process. Who has hours to air dry, anyway?
25. A Denman hairbrush features evenly spaced bristles designed to detangle and define your curls, especially if your regular brush isn’t doing the job for your curly texture.
26. Chi Spin N Curl simplifies the curling process by handling all the twisting and turning. Just place your hair in the tool, and it does the rest.
27. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, because your scalp deserves exfoliation just as much as your skin.
28. Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo may be pricier than budget options, but it’s worth every penny when you’re on day-three hair and feeling less than fresh. As someone who’s tried nearly every dry shampoo out there, I can confidently say this one delivers!
29. Bread Hair Oil enhances shine for 3a–4c curls without leaving a greasy residue. The secret ingredient? Australian Kakadu plum. (You’ll want to remember that name because your friends will definitely ask how your hair looks so glossy.)
Bread is a Black-owned haircare brand specializing in products for curls, braids, and natural hairstyles. It’s especially ideal for those with 3a–4c hair — and the Instagram-worthy packaging is a bonus.
Available at Bread or Sephora for $24.
30. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is a splurge that reviewers swear by — even those who usually opt for drugstore haircare. It’s an excellent volumizing alternative to dry shampoo.
31. Big Sexy Hair Weightless Volumizing and Texturizing Powder delivers serious root lift without the sticky residue of hairspray. Plus, it’s translucent!
32. DevaCurl Dry No-Poo Moisturizing Dry Shampoo offers the flexibility to target either your roots or mid-lengths to ends, since roots often need extra attention. This ensures a refreshed look without over-drying the lower half of your hair.
33. JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Cream defines and adds lift to curls. Don’t just take my word for it — reviewers with fine hair, who’ve struggled to find the right products, swear by it! Plus, it provides UV protection.
JVN is a haircare line by Jonathan Van Ness (yes, from Queer Eye and other amazing ventures!) designed to drive change in the beauty industry and celebrate individuality. Cheers to that!
Promising review: "Leaves my wavy, slightly graying hair soft, less frizzy, and lightweight. Perfect for my low-maintenance, wash-and-air-dry routine. Love the packaging too." —megawf
Available at Sephora or JVN for $26 (vegan, cruelty-free, and recyclable packaging).
34. Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel gently absorbs water, reducing drying time significantly so you’re not stuck with a lengthy blow-dry session. Trust me, I own three. Plus, it dramatically speeds up air drying.
