We know the days — you know, the bad (and sometimes, really bad hair days). We’ll pick up any and all volumizing shampoos, foaming hair mousses and bottled-up treatments we can find, simply to make our locks look good again.
But, all of that experimentation can cost a pretty penny, especially with the hundreds of hair products you’ll find on the market. So, leave it up to the 9-to-5 product testers (like me!) to show you the way.
I’ve been trying hair products far before reporting for New York Post Shopping and now, my haircare closet has amassed to 100+ products (I know, I know, that’s why I invest in good storage options).
The good news? You don’t have to spend beyond your pay grade to lock in effective, amazing products for your locks. Though everyone’s hair types are different, my hair is truly a mutt (naturally curly, sometimes frizzy and on the fine to medium side when blow-dried straight).
Ahead, you’ll find the tried-and-true haircare products that are all under $25 and I recommend wholeheartedly to my loved ones IRL.
From hair sprays to hair rollers, you may want to add a few of these (or, honestly, all) to your wishlists and shopping carts. That said, you’ll just have to buy, try and cry (tears of happiness, because your hair will look so good).
Before you shop, check out some related shopping guides:
- Best Amazon Items Under $25
- Best Amazon Beauty Products
- Best Beauty Products Under $25
- Best Target Beauty Products
1. amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Volume Spray, $14
The amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Volume Spray is the crème de la crème as far as blow-drying sprays. Not only is it the most phenomenal-scented (just trust me on this one) but it leaves your hair feeling smooth and helps mitigate frizz.
2. Batiste Overnight Deep Cleanse Leave-In Dry Shampoo, $9 to $12
Truth be told, when testing dry shampoos, Batiste wasn’t at the top of my list (I understand, this is an extremely hot take). But, its Overnight Deep Cleanse Leave-In Dry Shampoo beats so many out of the water.
If you wash your hair about every other day like me, and toward the second day, you notice your hair become flat or oily, spray this product in your hair, wake up and notice a difference. It’s a great product to have on hand.
3. It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Spray, $15
If you’ve been perusing beauty store shelves or researching hair products, you’ve likely seen the It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Spray. Amazingly, it nourishes hair, acts as a thermal protector, detangles, helps protect hair color, restores shine, helps reduce frizz, offers natural UV protection, helps replace lost proteins, enhances your hair’s natural body and helps prevent split ends.
After using this product for more than five years, rest assured this is one you should spritz on post-shower.
4. Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo & Conditioner, $10
The Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo & Conditioner continues to impress me as a quality drugstore shampoo. It’s enriched with avocado and Australian jojoba oil, never dries out my hair and is a formulation I like to put on rotation along with the other shampoos I reviewed.
5. Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers (6-Pack), $12
If I have some extra time when styling my hair and I desire that salon-quality blowout, I’ll reach for the Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers. This six-pack is one of the only ones I’ve used that’ll actually stay on my hair. Oh, and all hail the largest roller for front pieces; it results in that ‘swoop’ that looks bouncy yet natural at the same time.
6. L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, $15
If you don’t want to spend all your hard-earned coin on hair spray, I recommend buying the L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. For $15, you’ll receive a larger-than-life-sized bottle that leaves your hair nearly locked in place without that unwanted crunch.
7. Odele Volumizing Shampoo, $12
Meet Odele, the haircare brand that means ‘to share’ in Norwegian. As its name suggests, it’s meant not only for maybe yourself and your girlfriends, but also the male in your life (you know, who likes to double his shampoo and body wash in the shower) and your children in the bath. It’s gentle, smells like a fresh botanical garden.
8. PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Curl Mousse, $20
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross is especially equipped for all the curly hair folks, and I love to use the brand’s Curl Mousse when I want my natural mane-like locks to shine. It smells great, doesn’t weigh your hair down and is a true gem for just $20.
9. JVN Complete Leave-In Conditioning Mist, $12 to $21
When I first began using JVN haircare products (which was founded by “Queer Eye”‘s Jonathan van Ness with his initials as a namesake), I was beyond impressed. I continue to use the Complete Leave-In Conditioning Mist and, just as fittingly, it’s one of the closest salon-like products you’ll grab on this list.
10. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, $9 to $11
The Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil is a No. 1 Amazon best-seller with more than 38,000 rave reviews. It’s infused with biotin, is equipped for those with dry hair and, while it’s a bit difficult to notice a tangible difference when using a hair oil, my hair has always felt clean and refreshed after each use.
11. adwoa beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment, $15
I’ve been a fan of adwoa beauty for years. The brand simply has a knack for making curly and coily hair types sparkle, but after speaking with a Sephora beauty director, she told me “this is a product everyone has to use at least once.”
The brand’s Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment is specially designed for dry textured hair, makes your hair smell incredibly fresh (thanks to the mint) and is perfect to use once a week for a deeper conditioner.
12. AG Care Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion, $22
If you’ve been sleeping on AG Care, it’s time to pick up its wealth of cruelty free, vegan, sustainably packed and well-formulated products. Its Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion is the star of the show, helping my hair to retain that smoothness with hardly any frizz.
13. AQUIS Hair Wrap, $17
Before I tried the AQUIS Hair Wrap, I thought to myself, ‘why can’t I just use a bath towel to towel-dry my hair?‘ Now I understand the hype surrounding these top-rated hair wraps because they speed up your hair-drying game before using a blow-dryer (or, even if you wish to air dry).
14. COLOR WOW Pop + Lock Frizz Control + Glossing Serum, $20
Want to adorn your hair with that glossy, coveted shine? Use the COLOR WOW Pop + Lock Frizz Control Serum. For $20, you’ll not only love the hydration it brings but also how it doubles as a heat protectant and an anti-frizz formula.
15. Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray, $14
Not only is the Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray ideal for traveling, but it smells like a coconut-y dream. Whenever I hop out of the shower and use this sweet-smelling spray, it never lets me down. Plus, it’s great for color and heat protection, too.
16. Tayshia by Conair Signature Flexible Cushion Paddle Hairbrush, $10
OK, you may be thinking, ‘this is just a typical hairbrush.’ But, let me tell you — I’ve been through several of these paddle brushes and the Tayshia by Conair (founded by “The Bachelor” star, BTW) Signature Flexible Cushion Paddle Hairbrush is just $10 and has held up the best. It’s exclusively at Walmart, too.
17. dae Signature Shampoo, $12
Truth be told, my mother stole the dae Signature Shampoo from me. It’s just that good, is great for curly and straight hair types alike (a huge win) and is especially great if you have an oilier scalp. Once you use, you won’t go back.
Not to mention, it pairs well with the brand’s Signature Conditioner ($26) to match.
18. Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, $13
Adorable bottle aside (though, I’m not going to lie, it’s part of what drew me in), the Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer is less than $15, is infused with natural vitamins and minerals and is 100% sulfate-free, so it won’t dry out your hair. It’s similar to the It’s A 10 product, but a bit more of a lightweight mist, if you prefer something less hydrating.
19. FEKKAI Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Scalp Scrub, $11 to $14
Looking for a hair detox? The FEKKAI Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Scalp Scrub is your best bet. You’ll feel like all of your impurities will be gone for its gentle yet effective scrub and incredible scent. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and one I recommend to every. single. person.
20. Andrew Fitzsimons Fantasy Curls Curl Crème, $16
Want to have Victoria’s Secret-like curls? The Andrew Fitzsimons Fatasy Curls Curl Crème is one of the best curl creams I’ve tried, namely for enhancing the natural look of my hair without giving them that ‘wet’ look. With this formulation, my hair has significant body and holds its shape.
21. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash Shampoo, $13
I know, I know, Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil ($46) is top-rated, but I think its Honey Infused Hair Wash Shampoo is just as extraordinary. It gives you that five-star hotel quality and is simply divine for a self-care night. Plus, it smells great and makes your hair look great (what’s not to love?)
22. John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Styling Creme, $8
This is the hair product I’ve been using since middle school (side note: that’s 10 years ago!) and I still use it to this day. The John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Styling Creme is not only a blessing if you have frizzy hair but one of those products where a little goes a long way. Not to mention, it’s less than $10.
23. Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo, $16
Try out a luxe dry shampoo in miniature form with the Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo. It works well and tangibly cleans your hair, too, thanks to its fresh scent. It’s one to score and see if you like it for less than $20.
24. OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil, $8 to $11
This impressive hair oil is less than $15 and worth every penny. Shop the OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil, This is another product where a little goes a long way, and you’ll love the boost of hydration it brings.
25. Virtue Volumizing Full Shampoo for Fine Hair, $16
Virtue has been one of my favorite haircare brands as of late (read: best hair mousses we reviewed) and its Volumizing Full Shampoo for Fine Hair is simply one of the best there is. If there’s anything you try from this list, let it be this shampoo that visibly makes your hair feel thicker — even when you’re applying it in the shower.
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