DIY Large-Scale Hair Styling: Save Money with These 23 Affordable Home Hair Products Instead of an Expensive Salon Blowout
Rewritten Article:
Crave a fabulous, salon-worthy blowout without the expensive visit? Look no further! Here are our top picks for tools and products that make achieving a stunning hairstyle at home a breeze.
1. Drybar Single Shot Blow-Dryer Brush
Say goodbye to cumbersome brushes and blow dryers! The Drybar Single Shot Blow-Dryer Brush lets you smoothly style your hair while reducing styling time and arm strain. It works wonders for multiple hair types, including straight, coily, curly, and wavy. Before diving in, remember to rough-dry at your roots first.
Amazon
Promising review: "This blow-dry brush is fantastic! As you can see in the picture, I have naturally curly hair. I straighten it quite often because it's more manageable. I usually use a round brush and a blow dryer. This blow-dry brush is great because it's just one tool, saving time compared to using a round hairbrush and blow dryer combo. It delivers the same results while turning wild hair into smooth, shiny straight hair. I roll the tool inwards a couple of times at the ends to get a nice curl. My only complaint is the size – it's quite large, which can be heavy when using it. Be aware of this if you don't want to lift something that big to do your hair." - J & M
Get it on Amazon for $124.
2. Revlon Hot Air Brush
On a budget? The Revlon Hot Air Brush is a cost-effective alternative that dries and styles your hair with minimal effort. Simply rough-dry a bit before using the dryer brush for a salon-worthy blowout.
Amazon
Promising review: "I've never written a review before, but I felt compelled to share my positive experience with this dryer/styler! My hair is about shoulder length, very fine with a slight curl, and now has some gray in it. It's frizzy, no matter what I use. I'm 61 years old, so trust me, I've tried a lot of products! This is the only tool that has given me stunning results – my hair looks amazing after using this, just like I've left the salon! It's easy to use, although it's bigger than I thought it would be. My hair came out looking beautiful with smoothness, no frizz, and volume." - Anon anon
Get it on Amazon for $38.98 (available in four styles).
3. Revlon One-Step Styler and Dryer
Prefer a straighter style with volume? Try the Revlon One-Step Styler and Dryer. This tool can even dry your beard if you want!
Amazon
Promising review (for the left picture): "Whoever invented this is a genius!!! I was scared it wouldn't work on my 4c hair. It worked perfectly! I combed through each section of my hair, applied heat protective product, and used this blow-dryer brush. It easily glided through my hair. I'm tender-headed but had no issues at all with this. It's easy to hold and gently glides through my tight 4c curls. I've included pre-blown-out and natural pictures of my 4c hair so you can see the difference. The other reviews on here are not lying – this thing is amazing!" - Reesy
Get it on Amazon for $37.95.
4. Claw-Shaped Hair Clips
Need a helping hand with your hair while blow-drying? These easy-to-grab clips are perfect for moving your wet hair out of the way without those pesky small clips in your house. Each set comes with four hair clips.
Amazon
Promising review: "These hair clips are amazing! They are cute and sturdy. I am able to fit all of my hair in the clip and go about my day without my hair falling down and having to reclip it. That's a first for me! I even did a quick workout and the jumping didn't cause my hair clip to fall. If you're looking for a nice hair clip that will stay in place, these are perfect!" - Amanda Davis
Get a four-pack on Amazon for $6.99 (available in seven different color sets).
5. Crave Naturals Detangling Brush
Getting your tangles sorted doesn't have to be a pain! The Crave Naturals Detangling Brush gently glides through your hair without tugging or pulling out strands.
Amazon
Promising review (for natural hair): "I never write reviews, but I had to for this one. This brush is a holy grail for me! I have the tangliest, hardest-to-manage curly, natural hair. But this brush made my hair shine brighter than a baby's bottom and glided through my hair with ease. I recommend it wholeheartedly." - Amazon Customer
Promising review: "Omg! This detangling brush is the best ever! Shampoo bath nights have been dreaded, but now they are restored! I dread every time I have to detangle my daughter's hair, no matter how much conditioner I use, it always ends in tears and frustration! My daughter's hair has super tight curls, and I don't think I have ever really fully detangled it until now! This brush is amazing! We've used other combs and brushes, and this by far was the holy grail! No more tears and I feel confident her hair is fully detangled!" - Ashlee Gordon
Get it on Amazon for $11.88 (available in six colors).
6. Ultra-Fine Continuous Water Mist
Staying on top of a proper blowout necessitates a damp hairdo. This water mist is handy for maintaining your hair's moisture level during styling, but it's also a favorite among those with naturally curly hair for reviving their tresses after a night's sleep.
Amazon
Promising review: "Used for wetting my 2-year-old's hair. Could have used it for crafts, could have used it for misting plants, so many things. It's super durable, I know because she dropped it a million times. You don't need to refill it every day; it doesn't use a lot of water in each spritz, but it does feel like it. Incredibly smooth. Would buy it again (and I will because I left it at my sister's while traveling)." - Savannah
Get it on Amazon for $8.99 (available in four sizes).
7. BondiBoost Sonic Hair Blow-Dryer
If you crave a quiet blow-dry session, the BondiBoost Sonic Hair Blow-Dryer is your answer! It's efficient, quiet, and doesn't compromise on speed. This is perfect for those with existing blowout skills but lack the patience for a noisy hair dryer. It comes with a diffuser and concentrator and works well for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair textures.
Sephora
Promising review: "Absolutely love this dryer! It's super powerful and dries my hair super fast! I like that I can adjust the temperature and airflow! Also, it's a great size and has an easy handle! You can lock the settings, which I thought was really helpful! This dryer is also aesthetically pleasing, and that makes me happy. I give it a 10/10! It is quieter than my other dryers, not super quiet but definitely less loud." - lulu18276
Get it from Sephora for $199.
8. Hair Proud Glass Hair Gloss
Give your 'do a serious shine after spraying it on and blow-drying! I've tried this out myself and it delivered incredibly smooth roots on my naturally curly hair with a round brush blow-dryer like never before.
Promising review: "Did wonders for my hair! I color my hair so it looks a little dull and dry, but spray this in before I dry, and it's so smooth, shiny, and voluminous! I love this brand!" - Em
Get it from Walmart for $8.98.
9. SexyHair Healthy Gloss N' Glow Lightweight Acidic Conditioning Rinse
This quick-to-use conditioning rinse increases shine up to 23x in just an 8-second shower commitment. Markings on the side of the bottle help you figure out the right amount for your hair type.
Amazon
Get it from Amazon for $24.95.
10. BondiBoost Prep and Protect Hair Primer
Apply this weightless primer before styling with heat for enhanced protection and ease of use. It works well with other heat protectants and styling products without leaving your hair feeling sticky or stiff.
Amazon
Promising review: "UMMMM WOW!! My hair was soooo soft after I blow-dried it and had the most beautiful volume. It was also very smooth after the blow-dry (without a diffuser or anything). Usually, my hair looks like Hagrid from HP when I blow-dry my hair but this left my hair looking (almost) like Draco Malfoy instead. OK, but seriously, the value is incredible, and even though I got it for free, I will be repurchasing! I think it's my new go-to! Also, there is no scent and I LOVE that." - dianaericaa
Get it from Sephora for $25.
11. Dyson Airwrap Multistyler
The Dyson Airwrap Multistyler needs no introduction. If you've been around the internet since its 2018 release, you've probably seen it demoed countless times. This multitool is remarkable, offering impressive results for various styles.
Sephora
12. Dyson Airstretch Dryer and Styler
Looking for a tool that dries and straightens your hair simultaneously, without hot plates? Welcome, Dyson Airstretch Dryer and Styler! The innovative gadget uses airflow to straighten hair without drying it out.
Sephora
My colleague Heather Braga has and loves it:
"I've had the pleasure of testing out the Dyson Airstretch, and, OMG, it's an incredible piece of technology. Yes, I called this 'tech' instead of a beauty tool. While it is both of these things, I was amazed by the gadget-ness of it right off the bat. I literally had to select on an LCD screen what language my straightener should be set to...wild. Anyways! The Dyson Airstretch has the ability to straighten both wet or dry hair – and does without using damaging hot plates. It uses directional airflow to smooth and straighten hair and, honestly, it's a pretty magical experience. The biggest learning curve for me was realizing that the copper pieces (where the fan lives) need to face outward, so you're not blowing your hair all over the place. The fan increases when you clamp the Airstretch around your hair (HOW DOES IT KNOW?!), and pauses entirely when you set it down. This gadget is going to be such a game-changer for my life!!! It's definitely worth the splurge. Add this to your holiday wish list or, you know, get it now."
Get it from Sephora for $499.
13. Redken Quick Blowout Heat Protection Spray
Save your hair from damage during heat styling with the Redken Quick Blowout Heat Protection Spray.
Amazon
Promising review: "This stuff is magic in a bottle. I split dye my hair and was having some issues with fading due to heat damage. The price tag scared me, I'm not going to lie. But it's worth it! My hair had super vibrant color with no signs of fade like with the last few hair dyes. And it made my hair feel so nice. It was a total life saver." - Martina Hayes
Get it from Amazon for $26 (sulfate- and paraben-free).
14. Hair Proud Pre-Cleanse Hair Mask with Vitamin C
Revitalize hair that's seen better days with the Hair Proud Pre-Cleanse Hair Mask. Its biotin, amino acids, and squalane formula nourishes your strands and restores vitality.
Walmart
I have this stuff in my shower and after a week of mishaps, I can confidently vouch for its effectiveness. Last night, I accidentally leaned into a lit votive candle at a bar and my hair caught fire (yes, really). My friend quickly put it out, but I lost a few inches of my naturally curly-and-blown-out hair. Panicking, I immediately washed my hair four times to try and get rid of the smell (it helped somewhat), then used this hair mask for 15 minutes before going in for another double-shampoo session. Super easy to rinse out, but I can tell a difference in its moisturizing capabilities. My hair feels silky smooth post-conditioner, and although you wouldn't have a clue I had that accident, my hair looks quite sleek after a blow-dry with a blow dryer brush.
Get it from Walmart for $9.98.
15. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Fight frizz and ensure a glass-like sheen with the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray's anti-humidity properties. Plus, this product is formulated to last through several washes.
Amazon
Promising review (for picture 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. After trying so many different products but nothing compares. Best by far!" - Amazon Customer
Promising review (for picture on the right): "I NEEDED to try this product after all the positive hype. It certainly did live up to my expectations. I went from balayage to a medium brown color with my hair. The bottom part of my hair was still very porous from the bleaching. After blow-drying my hair where the blonde was it was never smooth. Not anymore! My hair is so smooth and healthy-looking. I absolutely love this product and I highly recommend it. It has completely transformed my hair." - Lori
Get it from Amazon for $26.60 (sulfate-, gluten-, alcohol-, and paraben-free).
16. Verb Ghost Oil
Subdue frizz and flyaways with Verb Ghost Oil, especially if you have coarse, thick hair like me. Users with hair textures up to 4c rave about it! Your hair will feel sleeker and softer, even after the roughest blow-dry session.
Amazon
I got turned onto this stuff after some colleagues put it in stories and after testing out almost every hair oil available, I can assure that this is the good stuff. It's great for finishing off your look after heat styling or helping your hair calm down post-blow-drying. I always keep a bottle in my medicine cabinet!
Get it from Amazon for $19 (sulfate-, gluten-, and paraben-free).
17. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
Add shine, tame frizz, and protect your hair from heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil. With over 36,000 5-star reviews, this product contains a blend of ingredients that smooth, nourish, and protect your locks.
Amazon
Promising review: "This is one of my holy grail products for a blowout. My hair is going on week two and still has shine and bounce." - Brianawit1N
Get it from Amazon for $30 (cruelty-free).
18. Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray
Fast-track your styling session with the Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray, which reduces heat-styling time by around 50% and tames frizz. Psst! Use this spray on medium to coarse hair types; fine to medium hair should try the Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Mist instead.
Amazon
Psst! The brand suggests using this spray only on medium to coarse hair types, and for fine to medium hair, use the Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Mist!
Promising review: "I LOVE the smell of this! Bought it due to frizzing from coloring my hair, but really didn't believe that it shortened drying time. I mean, how can something putting moisture on your hair shorten drying time? I was shocked. I don't know if it cut it down by 50%, but I did notice blow-drying my hair took quite a bit less time. I am sold on this stuff. Makes my hair feel like silk, but not greasy (I was worried about it making my hair greasy) and it takes only a few sprays to get the results. Perfect!" - Janice C. Henderson
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three sizes; cruelty-free).
19. Mane Club One Hit Wonder 10-in-1 Leave-In Spray
Streamline your hair routine with the Mane Club One Hit Wonder 10-in-1 Leave-In Spray, which takes care of basically everything but hairspray for a flawless blowout.
Amazon
I have a very thick head of naturally curly hair and have put it through just about everything, including all kinds of hot tools, at-home dye kits, and various shampoo and conditioner types. Lots of products either failed, were meh enough for me to not recommend, or exceptional but costly. My hair products will soon be history as I've found my new go-to with this spray-on treatment! Most of the time, I don't even need to follow up with hair oil after using this – it's that good! As an essential hair step for years, I usually apply a heat protectant and an oil treatment or leave-in conditioner before blow-drying. But this 10-in-1 treatment takes the cake! My hair now looks softer, shinier, and healthier, and it stays looking good for days – which is fantastic news, as I wash my hair about every four days.
Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (cruelty-free, vegan).
20. Honest Conditioning Spray
Detangle and take care of your hair, even those with 4c hair, with this blend of argan oil, shea butter, and quinoa extract in the Honest Conditioning Spray, which leaves your hair tangle-free and smelling wonderful.
Amazon
Promising reviews: "Ok. I've tried a plethora of hair detanglers for my daughters' type 4c African American hair. I was very skeptical at first being that this is not marketed for such hair, but after seeing a YouTuber's success with it, I decided to give it a shot. It definitely helps with tangles, but it also has tamed my frizz so well that I use it every day now! It leaves her hair moisturized, but not too greasy and smelling great. I'm very impressed!" - Tiffany F.
"This stuff is a holy grail product for me for a reason I wasn't expecting! I bought this to keep in my beach bag for days out on the boat. My hair is always a tangled mess by the end of the day, so I thought this would help. It definitely helps with tangles, but it also has tamed my frizz so well that I use it every day now! I spray it on right out of the shower and comb through. I'm excited to see what happens by the end of summer!" - Chelsea
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in three scents)
21. Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
Say goodbye to tangles and frizz with this satin-lined pillowcase from Kitsch. Plus, the luxury feel adds a bit of elegance to your beauty routine.
Kitsch is an LA-based, self-financed, woman-owned small business established in 2010 that specializes in hair accessories.
Check out a TikTok of the Kitsch satin pillowcase in action.
Promising review: "I'm really liking this pillow. I woke up today with nice wavy hair, not dry, tangled hair. I've been trying to grow out the layer of hair on the top back of my head and it's been stubborn! Keeps getting tangled and breaks here and there from bleaching and dye damage, but with this new pillow I notice it doesn't tangle, which means it can grow right without rubbing and tangling/pulling! So, I'm excited to see what happens by the end of summer! Also the pillow is soft and is so much more prettier in person!" - Amazon Customer 🌷
Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in two sizes and in 11 styles).
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
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- According to a user on Buzzfeed, the majority of the market for dryers that combine styling and drying, like the Drybar Single Shot Blow-Dryer Brush and the Revlon One-Step Styler and Dryer, is women seeking a salon-worthy blowout at home, such as those planning their wedding.
- Some users of beauty + personal care content sites, such as Buzzfeed and Amazon, have found that using the Crave Naturals Detangling Brush, in combination with other products, can make getting tangles sorted a painless process, especially for those with natural hair.
- While researching products for a home blowout, online content, such as reviews on Buzzfeed and Amazon, can provide useful insights into the performance and value of different dynamical dryers, like the BondiBoost Sonic Hair Blow-Dryer, for those interested in a quieter blow-drying experience.
- For those seeking alternative content sources, such as wedding blogs or Buzzfeed, there might be information on how to style hair using dryers, like the Drybar Single Shot Blow-Dryer Brush and Revlon Hot Air Brush, in order to create different looks, such as straighter styles with volume or curls, for their big day. Additionally, they may find reviews and tips for using tools like claw-shaped hair clips to make the process easier.
- When reading content about hair styling products and tools on sites like Buzzfeed, it is common to encounter promises of improved results, such as reduced styling time, reduced arm strain, smoothness, minimal frizz, and increased volume, for various products, like the Drybar Single Shot Blow-Dryer Brush and Revlon Hot Air Brush.
