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31 Hair Items To Experiment With Now That You’re Not Shoving Your Locks Under A Hat Every Day
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Straighteners that straighten your hair with steam, curling custards, and even braiding hair for your boho braids — time to experiment like Bill Nye. Promising review: "This is the only wave spray I’ve used that didn’t dry out my hair, weigh it down, or leave it crunchy. I have straight hair, so I only get light waves from using this, but that is fine with me. The smell is divine too." —COChick9 Get it from Sephora for $16+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "Oh my GOODNESS, this is an amazing product. I have very curly 4c high-porosity hair. I am of mixed descent. I have, on occasion, used flat irons, but have hated how they made my hair look and feel — not completely straight, and SO dry...dry. Like sticks, no joke. However, recently, I saw Glam Fam's review of this baby and decided to try it. It is simply magical. My hair came out like soft silk with just one pass of the wand at the second-hottest temp! I tried it at the highest temperature the second time I used it, and it was too much heat for my fine hair texture. It adds moisture to the hair, and straightens it like a silk press, and it lasts foreverrrrr!! I didn't have to touch it up once, and kept it in that straight style for a whole week with no issues with frizz or dryness. I do keep my hair wrapped in a satin cap nightly, so of course, that helps too. I was blown away!! Totally blown away. With the exception of the Caruso Molecular Steam Curler Set, I've never used a hair tool this exceptional. Get one. Trust me! It's worth every penny. If I were a hairdresser, my salon would not be without one of these at every single station." —T.M. Get it from Amazon for $68.39+ (available in four colors). Promising review: "Absolutely love this stuff! It's the one hair product I have to have. I rotate shampoos and conditioners, but have never found anything to put on damp hair that I like as much as this. It says it's for curls, but works great on straight hair, too." —Bunco Queen of the Universe Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a two-pack). 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 $4.22 (available in a two-pack). Promising review: "I love this for a sleek ponytail or bun look! I often wear it to postpone wash day by one or two days. I like to pair it with the Dae styling cream for the sleekest look. I recommend applying it to your hands to heat up the product first instead of applying the stick directly to your hair." —SamTay123 Promising review: "I love these clips so much! They are adorable and don't break easily. The supplier is so nice, too; they left a little note on my order. Would highly recommend if you want to feel more like a fairy on a day-to-day basis." —Elise Jorgensen Get a six-pack from Amazon for $16.45 (available in seven other pack sizes with different colors). Promising review: "It's been so hot that I wanted a clip that would hold all my hair. These do that. They have a really firm grip, but don't pull my scalp. They hold all my hair for hours while I clean my house, and they don't let it go. I also get compliments on how nice my hair looks. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. NOTE: These are huge." —Rheba Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in seven colors/styles and a 12-pack of minis). I have this, and it's truly a 10/10. I honestly forgot I had it because I have SOOO many hair products, but I found it hidden under my usuals and decided to give it a try one morning. First of all, it smells heavenly, but like, duh, I haven't tried a Cécred product that didn't smell immaculate. I sprayed it all over my hair and took a deep sigh because I hadn't combed through my curls in about a week. I thought that detangling my hair was gonna be a painful nightmare, but that's where I was wrong. My brush glided through my hair so easily, I literally could not believe it. It's like magic, seriously. I have never detangled my curls faster, ANNNNDDD my curls were dry and hadn't been combed in a week! This stuff looked at the knots and tangles in my hair and said, "What knots and tangles?" It became an immediate staple, and I haven't detangled my hair without it since. They have more colors and textures, if this one isn't your vibe. And in case you *haven't* seen this hair, you can check it out on TikTok! Promising review: "Ywigs human hair is amazing for boho braids!! Rarely gets tangled, and easy to comb out. Holds the body for the entire wear. I’ve ordered it eight times, and every time is the same. I trust this company and this product. The curl pattern is very good, and affordable pricing is just a plus!!" —Janelle M. Get it from Ywigs for $55+ (available in eight lengths from 14"–28" and two-, three-, and four-packs). This baby comes with 225 adhesive gems in multiple colors and shapes. Pick your fave gem disc, load the Blinger (facing up and in the center of each hole in the Blinger), insert your hair, click down, and boom! You've got Maddy Perez–style hair! Promising review: "These hair gems are my new favorite thing. The gems are easy to take off, but at the same time, they stay on incredibly well. I had them in my hair the entire weekend, and I don’t think a single one fell off! So fun and received compliments everywhere I went." —Lauren Dubin Promising review: "This actually blew me away. I was truly SHOCKED by how well it worked. I bought it because I was going to be taking photos on a misty day, and my hair stayed sleek, not only in the rain, but through the wind as well. I cannot recommend this enough! It also smells amazing." —Zipproah Get it from Sephora for $14+ (available in two sizes). I have this! And to be clear, the curling attachments aren't like actual curling irons — they blow air to give you that Love Island *a new bombshell has just entered the villa* blowout look. Put it by your hair, it'll grab it and wrap it around the attachment, and *voilà* — curls! Basically, I'm obsessed. I LOVE how my hair comes out. I mean, just look at it! It's so luscious, and the curls don't fall. *I* think it's the best my hair has ever looked. I've also used the brush attachment to blow dry my hair, and it's perfection. The only thing I haven't tried is the concentrator because I just don't think it's for my hair. I have curly hair, so I have to blow dry with a brush attachment to get it straight. But overall, I love it! The Doux is a woman-owned small biz that specializes in professional-quality products for all hair types. A slick back ponytail hates to see me coming, for real. It's my go-to quick hairstyle. I have this, and seriously, it's probably one of the best gels I've ever used. My hair literally does not move until I make a valiant effort to make it move...the next day. It smells so dang good — like bananas — and it gets the job done with ease. My hair has been in a neat bun or ponytail for about a week and a half now, and this has been a key step in my effortless, reliable, quick hairstyle. Best of all, since I sleep with my silk bonnet, it literally stays neat overnight. I wake up, wet my brush, add a bit more gel to brush down the inevitable flyaways from sleeping, and go about my day. I haven't even taken my hair tie out, not once in a week and a half. It doesn't leave any residue, and it gels my hair down easily in about two minutes. It's seriously unbeatable. Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this brush. If you’ve ever spent way too much time trying to style your hair only to end up with stringy curls, you need this. The edges are brilliant. They create this perfect tension that clumps your curls into smooth, juicy ribbons so easily. It gives you that polished look without the frizz, and it actually helps with volume at the roots, too. It’s a bit of a splurge for a hairbrush, but it saves me so much time!" —Naynay7780 Promising reviews: This product is incredible — just WOW. In all my years of existence, I was never able to tame my naturally curly hair into a sleek, silky, frizz-free look, until now. I don't know what kind of magical sorcery went into making this product, but this stuff is amazing. —Lillee45 "It's not just a TikTok fad, it really works! You MUST blow-dry your hair in order for it to work, but sooo worth it. Shiny, strong hair with heat protectant! Lasts 1–2 showers without the need for reapplication. No scent!" —Shay Rooney Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes). And check out this version for ~crunch-free~ curly hair! I have this! I'm so used to curling my hair with a flat iron that I forgot I even had it in my hair product collection. It creates the most perfect, big, voluminous curls I've ever seen. I got the 1.5" size, and I love it so much. It's easy to use, and the curls last. What more could I ask for? Promising review: "This was an impulse buy for me, but I regret nothing. I get so many compliments on my curls when I use this. I have the 1.25-inch barrel; super easy to use, heats up fast, and the curls hold and fall nicely. I seriously can't do my hair any other way anymore, I'm always gravitating toward this curling iron." —G Get it from Ulta for $159.99 (available in three sizes). Don't believe me? Watch this stylist dye their client's dark hair (with highlights) using this (and the red color) on TikTok! This is what made me go red all on my own (with the help of my cousin). I just add some 30 Volume developer and go to town! The first time I dyed it (November 2024), my cousin helped me, but I just freshened up the color again all on my own in March. When my cousin helped, we left it on my hair/ends for 20 minutes, and then did my roots, and left it in for an additional five minutes, watching it closely because I wanted a deep, dark burgundy. My hair is naturally very dark brown, almost black, and this magic dye lifted it and colored it beautifully. When I did my hair myself, I had literally no routine. I just slapped it all over my head and left it in for about 7–10 minutes. I use a color sealer every time I shampoo to lock in the color and keep it vibrant longer. Red does bleed, so the sealer helps A LOT with that. Believe me, I've had red hair before, and my mom still wants to kill me because her white couch had pink spots from my hair. Don't lie on anything when your hair is wet, and let it dry before getting dressed, or you will drip red onto EVERYTHING. If you've been thinking of going red, DO IT! Just be sure to take extra care of your hair — deep conditioners, less heat, ya know. Red hair makes me feel like the main attraction. I get tons of compliments daily, and I always stand out. Oh! And BTW, check out this color-depositing conditioner that'll help with keeping your color vibrant. I also use this Kiss Tintation semi-permanent dye in "red velvet" (I add a little of the "black cherry" shade in the winter) for upkeep. It has no bleach and doesn't need developer. Promising review: "This product is the best on the market. Not oily or heavy. It absorbs into hair for a clean, fresh finish and adds shine. Been using it for many years. Great for gray hair and against frizz. Lovely product." —Stef Get it from Ulta for $22+ (available in two sizes). Promising reviews: "Very beautiful. The charms are adjustable and hold well. Upgraded my outfit with just a little effort." —Guadalupe Quiñonez "These were so cute, and there are plenty of different pieces to create a look that’s right for you. I used them on boho braids." —Sharon Get a 259-piece set from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors). It comes with clips and a carrying case! I have these, and I'm *obsessed* with how they make my hair look. Ariana Madix, Peacock, if y'all need a Love Island bombshell for this summer, I'm available, cuz these rollers have me ready. I used them for my first professional photoshoot, and my hair looked phenomenal. I was way more confident knowing my hair looked immaculate, seriously, it helped calm my nerves about being in front of a camera, cuz how can you not feel like the hottest thing alive when your hair is perfect? They're fairly easy to use; I just curl my hair, roll it up in these, let 'em cool, take 'em out, spray my hair with hair spray, and *voilá* — the most perfect blowout look without spending hours in a salon (but still looking like I did 😉). Plus, the curls last all day without falling. Buy the dang rollers, you won't regret it. Promising review: "I tried the Cécred Silk Glaze, and honestly, this might be one of my favorite styling products right now. It really gives that 'silk press/polished finish' vibe, especially on blowouts or flat-ironed styles. What I love most is that it adds shine without weighing the hair down, which can be hard to find." —J. Miaway Promising review: "The fragrance is amazing—warm, fresh, and not overpowering. It works perfectly as a leave-in, leaving my hair soft, manageable, and well-moisturized. It also saves so much time by cutting out an extra step in my bath routine, which I really appreciate." —SamyAli Get it from Sephora for $12+ (available in three sizes). Promising review: "These hair accessories are absolutely stunning! The satin silk material gives them a luxurious look. The bows are the perfect size — not too big or small — and add an elegant touch to any hairstyle. The metal clips are sturdy and hold well, even on thicker hair, without slipping or causing discomfort. The burgundy and black colors are rich and versatile, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions. I love how these clips instantly elevate my look with minimal effort. They’re a great value for a set of two high-quality accessories. I’ve received so many compliments on them already — highly recommend!" —Lance Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.19+ (available in 18 color sets and 6- and 12-packs). I've had this flat iron since 2018, and it really leveled up my results. I bought it because it's what my hairdresser used on my hair, and she always had my hair looking teaaaa. It's worth every penny, works better than any flat iron I've ever used, and I have no regrets. In the GIF above, I had just straightened and curled my hair with this, and omg the shineeee, the way my hair moves...it looked and felt exactly like when my hairdresser would do my hair. I love this thing. It gets hot quickly and straightens my hair as a pin, too. It has made a HUGE difference in how my hair looks after straightening it, and I recommend it to absolutely everyone. It takes me wayyy less time to straighten my hair now, and I can use it to curl and crimp my hair flawlessly. Get it and thank me later. Get it from Amazon for $209.99+ (available in three sizes, five colors, and bundled with a mini version). Rizos Curls is a Latine woman-owned biz! Promising reviews: "I have 2b wavy curls, and this has saved my life. It does not weigh my hair down and defines and moisturizes my hair. I was looking for something that would give me mousse-type definition without feeling crunchy, and THIS IS IT. I have gotten compliments on my hair, and feel so much more comfortable wearing it down. Also, it smells godly." —mar "My first holy grail. I have fine, 2b/3a mixed girl curls/waves that are always dry. This product has made my hair so happy. I will shave my head if they ever discontinue this. Not going back!" —Becca Get it from Ulta for $7.70+ (available in two sizes). You'll need 2–3 packs, depending on thickness, and each pack contains 20 tapes. And check 'em out on TikTok! Okay, so, who's gonna tell me this isn't my hair? I got them professionally installed for my birthday in 2024, and they were simply perfection. I could probably watch tutorials and figure out how to do 'em myself, but I'm a little scared to DIY this. Anyways! They're so so versatile! They're so so freakin' beautiful, seamless, and it looks like it's growing out of my scalp. I do recommend that if you have curly hair, get the curly ones for summer! I seriously can't wait to have the extra funds to start doing tape-ins again. Clip-ins are lovely, but these?! Top tier. I used about two and a half packs for my thick hair, which TOTALLY shocked me (I got four packs cuz I thought I'd need more). If you like extensions, I highly suggest trying these out! Get a pack of 20 tape-in extensions from Irresistible Me for $109.50+ (originally $219+; available in five lengths from 14"–28"; also available in more colors and a 3a curly texture). This also comes with two satin scrunchies. So, I bet you're thinking *how does this baby work?* Start with slightly damp hair. Position the curling rod in the middle of your head and secure it with a claw clip, then begin to wind one side around the curler. Once you get to the end of your hair, wind it with scrunchies and do the same on the other side. Take it out the next morning, and enjoy your voluminous, gorgeous curls! Kitsch is an LA-based woman-owned small biz that specializes in hair accessories. Promising reviews: "I was a little skeptical but finally decided to jump on the heatless curls bandwagon, and I'm glad I did. I have very fine hair, and it is a struggle to get it to hold a curl (if you know, you know!) But this really does work. I learned a couple of keys — my hair has to be slightly damp, almost dry, and I have to wind it tightly. When I do this, I get beautiful curls that last. I'm very pleased; it's not super uncomfortable to sleep in, and I've noticed way less frizz and more volume in my hair since I've started using this. If you're on the fence, go for it!" –Amazon Customer "Just like magic! My hair won’t hold a curl, but with this product, it did!! Amazing! Beautiful and lasting curls. Love this product! You won’t be disappointed." —Caroline weinstein Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in 11 colors). I have these, and I use 'em when my hair is straightened or naturally curly. They're easy to use, and you can find a bunch of tutorials on TikTok (for naturally curly hair and straight/straightened hair). They're not super comfortable to sleep in, but my mom started putting flexi rods in my hair when I was in middle school, so I'm used to the whole *beauty is pain* thing. The curls eat every single time I use these, and they last all freaking day. I definitely recommend trying them. Personally, I sleep in them because they make getting ready in the morning so much faster. I just take 'em out, fluff out my hair, and my hair is done. Promising review: "These rods are extremely easy to use. They deliver flawless heatless curls every time. They're flexible and easy to roll your hair around, and soft enough to sleep in. I always use them with damp hair and product for added hold. I love that there are so many different sizes. I can get super tight curls with the small rods, and loose waves with the larger rods. If you want to try heatless curls, these are the rollers to use." —Ben Amos Get a 47-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (also available with hair towels and bonnet dryers). Promising review: "10/10. 5 stars. ROUND OF APPLAUSE. This stuff is the BOMB. Firstly, if I could eat this product, I would. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is the BEST smelling hair product I have EVER used (and I've tried quite a few, folks). I am so, so happy to have finally found a product that suits my thick 2C/3A hair. I have a mix of curls and waves and often struggle to find something that 1) makes my entire head look good, and 2) lasts for more than a day. Whether I braid or blow-dry/diffuse my hair, it always looks fantastic with The Homecurl. Up until this point, I'd been using a mix of curl cream and gel, but I often found it was too heavy for my hair and weighed it down by the end of the day. This product feels so light in my hair, but has an amazing hold and does exactly what it claims to do." —TaliaSapphire Get it from Sephora for $17+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "OBSESSED. This wand is so good! I’ve wanted fine, tight curls without a perm forever, and this wand delivered. So easy to use and the results are chef’s kiss." —Amber Lynn Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in three colors). Promising review: "This wig is the best Burmese curly wig I’ve ever worn. I’ve had it installed for a month now, and I'm still not ready to take it off!! I will be buying a different length soon!" —Q*****e Get it from iSee Hair for $128.73+ (available in eight lengths from 16"–30" and two densities). * If You Want To Get Better At Doing Your Hair, These Products Are Game Changers * The Secret To Glossy Hair Is These 26 Korean Haircare Products * Skip The Hot Tools And Just Use These "Lazy" Hair Products Instead The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Jordan Grigsby is a freelancer and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer, who is a horror movie/show, Disney, Marvel, Halloween, and candle-obsessed ray of sunshine that loves glitter, pink, wine, traveling, all things beauty and fashion, and shopping, of course!