With at-home beauty on the rise, it's tempting to buy a ton of hair products to create a salon-like experience in your bathroom. But which buys are really worth the investment?
Whether you're dyeing your hair, cutting your own bangs, perfecting a twist-out, or trying homemade box braids, you want an editor-approved arsenal of products to make the process as seamless as possible.
Summer hair care deserves even more specialized attention, like finding the best styling gel for your wash-and-go Afro or choosing a dry shampoo that can help absorb excessive sweat (and prevent sticky bangs).
And the tools you use are just as important as the products. A fancy blow dryer, a reliable flat iron, and a detangling brush that's effective but gentle on your curls are all must-haves for your bathroom cabinet.
A hair care item doesn't have to be expensive to be covet-worthy. Sure, some products and tools are worth the splurge, but you'd be surprised how many affordable drugstore options ended up on this list of editor's picks.
From a $6 Head & Shoulders shampoo to a $3 at-home hair dyeing kit, you don't always have to overspend to get an item that will stand the test of time. Ahead, find 10 summer must-haves to refresh your beauty cabinet, at every budget.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
1
The best-selling, dermatologist-recommended set boasts tea tree oil to keep your scalp cool and hydrated — a major plus, especially during the summer months.
2
Three bucks gets you a permanent at-home hair dye that'll keep your color looking fresh and shiny well beyond the summer. More importantly, it's enriched with keratin and silk amino acid so your hair remains healthy throughout the process.
3
Ask any natural what the hardest part of their haircare routine is, and it's pretty likely they'll say detangling. This magical brush makes the process super easy, thanks to its flexi-bristles that gently glide through the hair and pull it apart without damage.
4
If your natural hair gets drier during the summer months, this deep conditioning mask will be your savior. It moisturizes the hair with a tried-and-true formula of blue algae, cocoa, and mango butter.
5
Higher temperatures mean you sweat more than usual, especially on your scalp. Briogeo's dry shampoo helps absorb excess oil while keeping your scalp nourished and healthy. Added bonus: It comes in a travel-size bottle to easily pack up for your next trip.
6
With its 94 miles-per-hour motor speed to reduce drying time, this tool is well worth the hype — and the splurge. The ultra light version weighs less than a pound for easy handling and it even has a silencer so the noise won't drive your neighbors crazy.
7
Want beach waves, even though you might not make it to the beach this season? Just add texture to your wand curls with this Oribe spray. Even better, it also doubles as a dry shampoo.
8
Behold, mousse without the weight: This texturizing foam adds texture, controls frizz, and provides all-over hold for any hairstyle you want to create.
9
Straight summer hair without frizz is a gladiator-level feat, and this is the one flat iron that makes it easy. It features titanium plates with great heat conductivity — and they come in a cool rainbow design to boot.
10
Whether keeping a sleek bun in place or reducing frizz from a wash-and-go style, this gel gets the job done, while also keeping your hair hydrated.
