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6 Cheap, Old-School Hair Styling Products Everyone Should Use

Choosing the right hair styling product takes trial and error. Sometimes it takes months to get the hang of those hot rollers or to decide on a favorite brand. You also have to consider your hair type, hair health, and personal style preference. Oh, and there’s the weather effect. What your hair needs in winter is often different from what it needs in the summer.

These days, celebrities and other fashion icons are replacing the flat-ironed look of the past decade with hair that has movement and looks glossy and healthy. To achieve this look, I’ve gathered five amazing and cheap hair styling products. These are the perfect first options when you’re ready to try something new — they’re all priced under $20.

Profile of woman smiling and holding her hair with text overlay.
Source: Canva.

1. Garnier Fructis Curl Construct

Sale
Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Creation Mousse, 6.8 Oz, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)
  • Styling mousse for curly hair…
  • Curl mousse with shea butter…
  • Powerful holding technologies…
  • Create and control your curl style…

With so many new types of hair products out there — dry shampoo, anti-aging serums, coloring shampoos — it’s easy to forget old favorites like mousse. This one is awesome because it boosts curls and eliminates frizz at the same time. And the price tag under $5? That’s an inflation buster for sure.

More than 8,000 shoppers rate this product 4.4 stars on Amazon.

2. Herbal Essences Set Me Up

Sale
Herbal Essences Set Me Up Spray Gel, Extra Hold, 5.7 oz
  • Herbal Essences Set Me Up Spray…
  • Extra hold formula that’s strong…
  • For hair styles with luscious shine
  • With Lily Bliss fragrance
  • Level 3: Strong Hold

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One simple word: spray. Gone are the days of squeezing sticky gel in your hands and trying to make something of your bed head. This stuff holds all the power of gel without the mess. Just spray it on your hair and use your hands to shape it into the style you want for the day.

3. Bobby pins

Bobby Pins Brown Hair, MORGLES 240pcs Brown Bobby Pins Hair Pin Hair Accessories with Box for Women Girls (Brown,2.2 Inch)
  • Bobby Pins for Brown Hair: Fit for…
  • High Quality: These bun hair pins…
  • Safer Use: The hair pins have small…
  • Wide Usage: The brown bobby pins…
  • Clear Storage Box Set: The package…

With all the amazing tools and technology out there, bobby pins are still on the best-5 list. Why? Because they are essential for holding buns, half-ups, messy braids and more together. You can also combine overlapping bobby pins to make unique designs. These little gems hide in your hair, tucking, pinning, and allowing your hairstyle to last throughout the day.

4. Hot styling brush

Conair Curls N’ Curls Hot Styling Brush, 3/4-Inch
  • Styling Brush: Featuring an…
  • Safe and Easy To Use Design: With…
  • Smooth Waves: For super smoothing…
  • Innovative Styling: From curling…
  • Conair Hair Care: Since 1959, we…

Products that save time and don’t cost a bunch are worth a second look. Conair’s hot styling brush checks both boxes. Use it for a full style or a quick refresher. It’ll curl or smooth out kinks left behind by sleeping in your ponytail. All for under $15.

5. Thermal rollers

ConAir Thermal Self Grip Rollers – 12 Pack
  • Great Quality
  • Brought to you by Conair
  • Save money by buying in bulk!
  • These thermal self-grip rollers…

Get the curl without the damage. Pop these self-grip rollers into damp hair and let your hair dry. You could eat some breakfast, pick out your clothes, and apply your makeup. Add a few shots of hairspray, let it dry, and then unravel the rollers. Use your fingers to smooth the look. You should have a nice tousled, natural wave.

6. Castor oil

Castor oil has long been used to promote growth of healthy, strong hair. This updated formula also includes argan and avocado oil for smoother, shinier locks. Even better, the oil is packaged in single-serving capsules for less mess.

You may also want to see my review on Davines hair care. This isn’t a budget line-up but it is a collection I have used and personally recommend.

Don’t fix what isn’t broken

There are so many hair solutions out there — including customized formulas to cutting-edge ingredients. But sometimes the old-school solution is the best. A handful of mousse teamed with hot rollers, for example, could create your best hair day yet.

If you’re ready to try a new style process, give these old favorites a shot. Your stylist may not approve, but who cares? You’ll have fun experimenting on the cheap.