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Products for people who are simply too dang busy to mess around with ineffective hair care.

I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, where I'm focused on everything from home decor to beauty to where to buy the world's most comfortable high heels.

Promising review: "My hair growing up was super thick and straight, blow-dried or not. After my 40s, though, my hair thinned out and I couldn't get rid of the frizz no matter what I used...until now. I've used this product once and my hair has only gotten better looking as the days go by. The 'after' pic is about threer days after the first use/wash. It still looks super shiny and feels so silky! Highly recommend!!" —Cindy H.

Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "I am a female rapidly losing my hair at 51 years old with no explanation. I've felt much less confident because my hair has been looking flat all the time. This stuff rocks! It's the bomb! A little dab will do ya. I am so appreciative to find SOMETHING to help!" —Robin

"I have very fine, thin but very curly hair — basically a nightmare to deal with! I have five children and not much time to dwell on my hair. But I had been feeling very down about its appearance as it has been getting finer since I hit my '40s — I shudder to think what it's going to look like in 20 years, but that's to worry about later. I won a bottle of this product by chance at a raffle and wasn't even sure I'd use it, since I'd never heard of it before. I am familiar with other Sexy Hair products and have used one or two with success, just not this one. 

I use it on my dried hair after applying a curly spray, when it is almost dry. It has made such a HUGE difference in how my hair looks, and I swear I was on the verge of tears of happiness! Now, I will admit that the texture can be a bit weird at first, but for me, at least, it's no more goopy, sticky, or gummy that the hundreds of other products I've put in my hair over the years! My hair is shoulder length when dry, and I know, unless they stop making this product, I am hooked for life!" —JenGB39

Promising review: "The minute I got done styling, I was so happy with the results. I recommend that your hair be almost dry or dry for the best styling results. You can dry your hair when it's completely wet, but I have super fine, colored, 59-year-old hair, and when mine is almost dry or air-dried, I get the fullest, most beautiful shine that I barely have to apply hair spray after. Occasionally, I use a little mousse before drying, but it's not necessary. I highly recommend giving this brush dryer a try....my hair is so happy...it grows fast, and it feels so great and soft and full!" —Kelly Howards

Get it from Amazon for $43.54+ (available in two colors and four styles). 

Promising review: "I get so many compliments on my hair. The curl holds for days! It is so easy to use. It only takes me about 20 minutes to use. I love that there is a timer for how long the hair is in the barrel, so each curl is the same. I am 55, and this is very easy to use — no more burning my skin or hands or anything because the barrel is inside." —Luvtoshop

Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in three sizes).

Promising reviews: "This product has a light but really lovely scent. I absolutely love it! My almost waist-length hair was seriously damaged by my last hairstylist. I've tried everything to make my hair shinier and more manageable, with less frizz. I've been through countless deep conditioning treatments with little results...’til I found CER 100! I'm in my early 50s, so I have far from 'virgin' hair. If mine looks this great, that says a lot! My only wish? That it came in a bigger tube/bottle!" —C. Fordham

"First and foremost, I got compliments from my husband, sons, and the lady at the checkout counter, my first time using it. I did the wash, towel dry, product application, and then proceeded to get busy as hell and forgot to rinse for about an hour. Oops! Rinsed, towel dried, blow dried, and my HAIR WAS GORGEOUS. I am 40, and the health of my hair is not what it was at 20. It is dry, tangly, and difficult at best to make look really good. This product brought my hair back to the softness and shininess of my 20s.

Downside, it doesn't look as good after the next wash and regular condition, so to expect those results again, you are going to have to apply again.

Upside, it is inexpensive for the amount of joy it brings me. I am currently purchasing my second tube, so I don't run out without a backup. My butt-length highlighted hair, and I are in heaven. Thank you, Elizavecca!" —Elizabeth E.

Promising reviews: "It matches my natural color every time, and really covers the gray spots. I feel like it's more gentle than other hair colors I've used." —Lisa

"Since turning 50, Madison Reed has been my best friend." —Angel

Get it from Ulta for $38 (available in eight colors).

Promising reviews: "I have long, straight, baby-fine hair halfway down my back. When I wash my hair, it gets tangled the most. I just got out of the shower...and am fascinated by how well this thing worked through my WET hair. I hardly lost any hair! Being 56, I am lucky to have all this hair! Having a tool like this ensures I will keep as much as I can!" —Blind Man Frank

"I have baby fine hair and am in my '40s. So certain brushes literally rip out my hair and then matte it down. This has been my favorite brush by far that I’ve ever purchased. It’s even better than the tangle teaser in my opinion. The shape is cool, and my hair looks soft after every use. Worth it!" —JennyJenJen

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 10 styles).

Promising reviews: "This is without a doubt the best dandruff shampoo ever. I am 50 years old and have had a very bad dry scalp and dry skin on my face and ears all my life. I have tried everything on this side of the moon without any success until now. This stuff truly works and is amazing. I literally put it on my face, and even on my ears, where I’ve always had problems with dry skin, and after even the first use, I saw amazing results — no more itching, no more flaking. I can actually wear a black shirt now with confidence; no flakes to worry about. I truly highly recommend this product. Where was it when I was a teenager and had to endure many embarrassing moments? Thank you so, so much for this shampoo. It’s worth every last penny!" —stacy

"I am an African American with eczema and dry skin. For the first time in my 40-year life, I am finally dandruff and itch-free. It’s nice to have a normal scalp, and I wish I had tried it sooner. It does not strip my relaxer, which is a huge plus." —Chanell

Get it from Amazon for $15.88 (also available in a set with conditioner).

Promising review: "I've significantly reduced how much/what types of makeup I've been using (only using under-eye concealer, eye brightener, and mascara). Instead, I focus on a great skincare routine, which has dramatically improved my skin (I'm 42, and this is HUGE for me), and I only use makeup on my eyes and a ChapStick or tinted lip moisturizer. 

Prior to buying this, I didn't use anything on my brows because, besides a couple of barely noticeable spots where they were thinner, they're pretty okay. I bought this just to try because the price was great. This pencil is very forgiving. If you put on too much, you can easily blend it in with the spool on the other end. 

I got the soft brown, which was a perfect match. You can also wipe any off with your finger or a cotton swab if you get it on the skin above or below your brow. I do like the look of my eyes when I use the pencil to define my brows. I think my eyes look more striking and awake. I'll continue to use this product, and I will buy it again. The first day I got this, I tried it at night, forgot I had it on, and went to sleep with it, and when I woke up, it was still intact. So I can say it's long-wearing and didn't smudge at all!" —ALP

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four shades and one and two-pack).

Promising review: "I'm so glad someone came up with an affordable product for people like me that have a very thin line for eyebrows due to YEARS of pulling them out. In my childhood, I had (what I thought) were 'thick' eyebrows. I spent years pulling them out to have a thin brow (wish I still had them). Now that I'm older (I'm 53), they stopped growing back where I NEEDED them to grow and only grew where I don't want to grow. I can't afford microblade so this product adds a brow to where I have NONE and darkens the fine line I have. I do have to leave it on twice as long as it's recommended. I just wash my face around my brow area, and it will last for at least 48 hours (sometimes longer) for me. I'm sure it does better for someone that actually has brows and just needs areas to be darker and fuller. I love it." —Robin Thomas

Get it from Amazon for $19.30+ (available in two shades).

Promising reviews: "OK, over-50 female club members, this is for you. My hair has not only been getting thinner, but its texture has also become dull, dry, and impossible to style. I came across this product during one of my desperate online searches for anything that would help restore shine to my hair. I doused my scalp and ended with this, and put my hair into a ball cap. Then I was outside gardening in the 80-degree heat for about 6 hours. I was sweaty and very hot when I came inside to shower and rinse this stuff out of my hair. I didn't blow-dry; I just air-dried. And to my amazement, my hair is now SO SHINY and GLOSSY that I can very easily slide my fingers through my hair! It looks incredible! So the true test will be whether it actually regrows my hair... especially my non-existent eyebrows, which I plucked back in high school and never grew back. So far, I'm very happy with this purchase and will continue to use it." —Justme

"I'm in my mid-40s, and I've noticed more hair shedding in recent years. My hair is also a bit drier, even though I stopped using heat.

I read that rosemary is helpful in scalp health and encourages hair growth and health. I put this on the end of my hair after each wash. In addition, I use it as a scalp treatment once a week. I section my hair, place it on my scalp, and massage it in. I sleep with it in, and wash my hair in the morning.

I've been using this for about 1-2 months. My hair is softer and appears healthier. My hair is starting to feel thicker close to my scalp. Loving the results!" —Angela J.

Promising reviews: "My hair is always dry…always suffering. I have thin hair that I often use a blow-dryer on. That, coupled with the heat outside and my age (mid-'40s), means my hair is dry, dry, dry. This made a world of difference!" —K. Lone

"I'm 40. I have long, thin, blonde, color-treated hair with damage and flyaways. Bought this because the reviews were so good. And I was not disappointed. I LOVE this stuff. My hair is so soft. So glad I tried it. :)" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in a tube or jar).

Promising review: "For the price of this small bottle, I had very high expectations, and it truly delivered! This is not a hair conditioner. As it says on the bottle, it is a 'hair bonder.' I am 55 years old, and I dye my gray Asian hair every 3–4 weeks. This makes my hair very frizzy and dry-looking, no matter how much I condition. After using this twice — I washed my hair first, towel-dried it, applied Olaplex, left it on for 10–15 minutes each time, did a quick rinse, towel-dried it, and then blow-dried it — the result is amazing! No more frizz and fly-away hair. That was two days ago and still looks good." —SusannaF

Get it from Amazon for $34+ (available in two sizes and two styles).

Just tap the powder onto your hair and run it through your roots with your hands. Once distributed through the hair, it'll absorb grease.

Promising review: "I love this product. I have never gotten the hang of the dry shampoo spray, but this works like a charm! I know many reviews say it's great for children, but I am 50 years old, and I love it!" —Carolyn

"I just wanted to say this little product is AWESOME!!!!! I love the size of the container and with a little winking eye to boot. What I love most about this product overall is the fact that it is completely SCENT-free, and it works right away. I am in my mid-40s now and experiencing 'pre-menopause' symptoms. So I get a greasy scalp about three days after washing, and it's very FRUSTRATING, along with having  'fine hair.' However, after using this little powder application, it worked instantly!!!!! Plus, it lasted all day without losing its LIFT ability, which happens to me with most aerosol shampoos. I have to wear a hair net for four hours a day, and it didn't get flat at all. Thank you Sooooooooo much for making a scent-free option that really and truly lasts ALL DAY long. :)" —Anneliese

Get it from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in two scents, one and three packs, and refill packs).

Promising reviews: "I have shoulder-length hair that is frizzy without product. This product is the best I have ever used in my 56 years. If I put it on damp hair and blow-dry, my hair looks great and bouncy. If I use my flat-iron after blow-drying, it stays smooth, even on rainy days." —delenbaas

"This is the best product on the market for curly hair!!!! A Little goes a long way….just two pumps when wet…that’s all! Keeps my hair frizz-free and very shiny. Took me 40 years to finally find hair products for my natural curls that work." —Kerri W.

Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in four sizes).

Promising reviews: "I ordered it, tried it the day I received it, and went back to Amazon and ordered four more bottles the same day. NO JOKE. I cannot be without this stuff. It made my hair look and feel exactly like I wanted it to. I’ve never had a hair product do that for my hair before in my 50+ years! I am SHOOK, I tell you. I have top-of-shoulder-length hair with 2b wavy curls, and it's medium thickness and slightly on the fine side (but not too fine). I used an amount about the size of a nickel or a fat dime. PERFECTION! I let it air dry about 75% of the way and then used a diffuser to scrunch it for about 1–2 minutes. That’s it. WASH AND GO curly hair. When my hair was completely dry, it looked soft and moisturized, was not too flat or too fluffy, and my curls were controlled and beautiful with ZERO CRUNCH and ZERO OILY/GREASY FEEL." —Hardy Clan

"I am a white female in my '40s with curly, sometimes frizzy hair, and this product has changed my life. I can apply this product to my wet hair, scrunch, and go. My hair is soft and curly with little to no frizz. It also smells amazing. I get a ton of questions about my curls now and have turned a bunch of my friends on to this product." —Tawny Johnson

Get it from Amazon for $5.97+ (available in two scents and in 1-, 2-, and 12-pack sizes).

Covering up gray hair is absolutely your choice, but if you want to, this spray can make the upkeep a bit simpler.

Promising review: "Lightweight and great coverage on gray/white roots. I bought dark blonde, and it's more of a light brown, but it works well with my highlights/lowlights. I’m horrible about getting my hair done every two months. I usually go 4–5 months between colorings to save time and money. I’m 49 and have about two inches of gray growth on each side of my part, so it‘s actually four inches of gray roots on the top of my head. As long as you don’t spray too close, then it doesn’t get heavy or sticky. I highly recommend this product." —Michelle D.

Get it from Amazon for $11.97+ (available in 11 shades).

Promising review: "I purchased this product when my stylist recommended it after I put merlot highlights in my hair. Clenditioner works really well, better than I expected. I wear plastic gloves when I apply it, as your hands will get stained. WEAR PLASTIC GLOVES. My hair looks like day one of getting it done, and it's been 4+ weeks. Highly recommended 5**** My hair is really hydrated as well. I have dry frizzy curly hair, and I'm 40 years old." —laura

"I’ll be honest: When I read the reviews, I was nervous. Only because there were no reviews for my hair type. I’m 3c, so for those that are natural and understand, my hair is very kinky curly. As a Black woman, it’s important that I find products that work for my texture. I grabbed this to touch up my color and make it more vibrant, so I don’t have to always dye it. It worked amazingly. A great refresher for gingers wanting to boost their color, and no big commitment. It’s definitely a buildable color. I see working on this maybe every few weeks for a touch-up. Love it!" —The Alexis Henry

Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 20 colors).

Promising reviews: "It has taken me more than 50 years to find a product that works on my baby's fine hair. It does exactly what it purports to do, and I couldn't be more pleased. I'm tempted to buy about 20 bottles now in case there's ever a shortage. What a gift this is for someone with my hair type. Thank you to the people in the lab. You've made at least one customer extremely happy, and I suspect there are many, many others!" —Jenny Bowser

"Love this!! My hair is super depleted of moisture, and this pumped moisture right in and made each strand more visibly plumper." —Heather

Promising reviews: "I am 50 years old. My hair just got so dry, and I didn't know what to do. My hairdresser friend recommended this product. It works great! My hair is much more hydrated. It is less frizzy. It curls nicely. It's a very light product, and I can go a couple of days in between washes." —DDeStefano

"I love this stuff! Over 50 and my hair feels the softest ever!" —Kay Dee

Get it from Amazon for $12.49+ (available in six sizes and in one-, two-, three-, and four-packs). 

Promising reviews: "I love this stuff so much, I had to buy the BIG bottle, which should last me at least six months if not longer. If you have silver or graying hair with dark brown or black, get this. You won't regret it.

I have fiftysomething salt and pepper hair that, sans any coloring, is about 60% silver, with the other 40% a mix of dark brown to almost black. We have well water with a filter on the showerhead, and yet, my hair gets dull-looking with tinges of brown being more prominent, and the silver losing its sparkle. I have used many purple shampoos, and the problem I run into is that most are very drying, which is something that my thick, curly hair doesn't need. This product is not drying at all, and within one wash — leaving it on my hair for 2-5 minutes after suddsing — makes a noticeable improvement. Dark strands are darker, and white-gray strands have whitened.I use this product for several days until I've achieved the look I want, and then use it twice a week thereafter, always using a quality conditioner after the shampoo— not a purple conditioner, although you certainly could do so. I do use the Matrix So Silver leave-in conditioner spray occasionally, too.The shampoo is somewhat runny, so it takes very little to get a good lather. I focus on the mid-shaft to ends of my hair and run it all through right before rinsing. My hair feels soft and moisturized after using it. I like the scent and have had no scalp or skin irritation using it. (Avoid contact with your skin for long periods of time, as it will stain your skin and/or scalp if prolonged exposure occurs).Overall, it's one of the best options for blonde and silver-haired folks. Definitely recommend giving it a try." —Andrea Polk

Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "In my 40s, and this product completely transformed my scalp. Amazing product—I’m so happy I purchased it. I’ve noticed much less shedding, and I’m truly amazed at how it has eliminated scalp inflammation. It’s an incredible product that I will definitely continue using." —Annabelle

"Absolutely works. My temples were thinning, and my eyebrows had developed bald spots. The top of my head is also much thinner, and I decided to do something when I badly sunburned it, which had never happened before.

I've been putting this on my brows, scalp, and temples for over a week, and you can already see and feel a difference. My eyebrows are much fuller, and I can feel and see new baby hairs on my temples and scalp. I'm so excited to keep using this! I've been dipping a new small makeup brush into the jar and applying it to my scalp that way since rubbing it in seemed to mostly get the product on my hair." —MK

Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in one or two packs).

Promising review: "I have been using this taffy for years. I'm a 40+ yr old mom with a short choppy do (like Halle Barry's hair.) My hair is really thick, but without a good texturizing taffy, it sits on my head like a monk's cap, flat to my head. About a dime-sized amount of this stuff, rubbed between my palms and then raked through my hair, gives me movable-touchable-but-stays-off-my-head-and-separated texture. I finish with hairspray (doesn't seem to matter what kind) and am good to go for an entire 7 a.m. –10 p.m. day. Baseball cap for watching the kids' game? No problem, take off the cap and shake, and crunch your fingers through your hair, and you can reshape it again. Seriously. Also, no crispy crispy feel after it dries, as I've had with other taffies. This stays movable all day. I get compliments on my hair all the time, and I credit this stuff. Love it. As for the scent, my 10-year-old son (and do they ever lie?) said one morning watching me do my hair: 'Mom, I LOVE how your hair stuff smells. I'm glad you wear it.' I don't even notice that it has a scent, except first thing in the morning when I first put it on. The only time it's not enough is on those 90-degree summer days when the heat, humidity, and my own sweat combine to kill every attempt at keeping my hair up." —mother of 3

Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in one or two packs).

Promising reviews: "Depending upon your hair type, if you especially have dry hair, this is the perfect conditioner! Your hair will feel super soft and moisturized after use. Of all of the conditioners I have tried in my over 50 years of life, this conditioner is one of my favorites for moisturized hair care." —Rita Love

"This conditioner leaves my hair feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated without weighing it down. I have fine hair and a sensitive scalp, and this adds moisture without causing buildup or irritation. After using it, my hair feels silkier and easier to manage, especially after heat styling or long days between washes.

The texture is thick and creamy, and a little goes a long way. The scent is light and clean with a spa-like feel. It is not overpowering and makes the shower feel like a treat.

It is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with ingredients I feel good about using. If your hair is dry or stressed, this conditioner really does help restore softness and manageability." —Emily Swanson

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in four sizes). 

Promising reviews: "Don't typically leave reviews, but this product deserves it. I have long, medium, thick, straight hair. I don't color my hair or use any type of heat on it. Approaching 50, and my hair just seemed like it needed a little love. This mask makes my hair so soft! I use it once a week after shampooing and conditioning. Some have mentioned the smell is strong, but to me, it just smells like most shampoos. It doesn't leave a smell after washing out. I would highly recommend this product!" —Customer

"As many others say, I rarely leave product reviews, but this time I had to! I am 49, with fine hair that has been color-treated, and I have been using extensions for over 10 years. Because of the extensions and fine hair, I have not been conditioning due to weighing hair down and extension slippage. My hair has been soooo dry and never moves lol! 'Hair falls perfectly without her trying' was never relatable for me! But this treatment left my hair sooooo soft and smooth! I didn’t think it was possible. I did it this morning, and even with just a regular conditioner, my hair would be flat and lifeless by now. It’s still soft, shiny, and MOVES! Anyone with dry neglected hair for fear of conditioner aftermath knows what I mean!" —Love Mom

Promising reviews: "In my '40s and my hair is changing, thinning. I can honestly say I can feel and see a difference. It’s thick but somehow not heavy at all. I tend to get greasy by day 2 and/or an itchy scalp…No more!" —JCP1117

"Absolutely the best conditioner I’ve ever used, I will rebuy it until I’m bald (which I will never be because this conditioner is awesome). My hair is thick, smooth, and more hydrated than ever. I have an immunity issue that causes hair fall (plus I dye it, which doesn’t help), and I’ve seen it significantly improve with this product. 10/10 worth every penny. I’m on my second bottle." —Mika

Promising reviews: "I don’t typically write reviews. This is amazing. I felt a difference immediately. I’m in my early 40s, and this makes my hair feel like we are at least ten to fifteen years younger!" —starryfive

"I’ve been using the Nexxus Therappe Shampoo and Conditioner for years now, and I’m honestly impressed. The shampoo cleans my hair without stripping it, and the conditioner leaves it super soft, smooth, and noticeably less frizzy. My hair feels hydrated but not heavy, and the scent smells like a salon product that lasts all day.

I also noticed my hair looks shinier and feels healthier after styling. A little goes a long way, especially with the conditioner. If you have dry, damaged, color-treated, or thick hair, this duo works really well to add moisture and make hair feel silky again.

One thing I like most is that it makes my hair feel clean while still keeping it manageable and soft between washes. Definitely worth trying if your hair has been feeling dry or dull lately." —Customer

Get it from Amazon for $37.50+ (available in one or two packs).

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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.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.