You Don't Need Expensive Hair Tools. Use These Instead.

It must be known before we delve into the beauty of not having to spend a lot of bank on hair tools, I don’t have good hair — it’s fine, it’s frizzy, it breaks easily, and turns orange when I spend too much time in the sun because my mane hates me and wants me to cry. It’s super dry, and if I don’t take good care of it, it feels like hay.

In the past, if a tool promised to straighten my hair so it’s smooth like a baby’s bottom, and claimed it wouldn’t spring to a triangle-shaped traffic cone the second I walked outside, I bought it. Because, damn it, I want good hair and I wasn’t blessed with it. If a brush promised to be gentle and not break my hair, I’d give the company all my money in hopes of having smooth tresses. And curling irons? I’ve spent $100 on a tool that said it would make sure my curls would last until I turned into a pumpkin.

And none of those expensive hair tools have worked better, and in some cases were out-performed by, these ultra-cheap ones I’m dying to tell you about. Some of my Scary Mommy team members added their faves as well.

1. The Plugged In Curling Iron.

I bought this $10 curling iron for my 12-year-old daughter. She’s been asking for one for a while, but since I’ve never had any luck with these things, and I wasn’t sure if it would be a quick phase for her or not, I got her the cheapest one I could find. After seeing what it did to her beautiful, thick hair, I decided to give it a go.

I had my doubts though. My hair always looks great right after I curl it, but after an hour or so, no matter what I do, the curls are flat as a pancake. I went to a stylist before my prom, and my wedding, and paid them to curl my hair — same deal, they didn’t last and I was $40 poorer. But for some reason, this curling iron worked like a dream. The picture on the left is me feeling very full of hope in the morning right after curling my hair. The photo on the right is 8 hours later. I’m still in awe; this was a first for me.

2. HSI Professional Glider

This flat iron is a professional styling tool for under $40. It straightens, flips, and curls and protects you hair from damage with its micro sensors while leaving your hair healthy and shiny. My friend (with long, thick hair) is a faithful user and says it works better than her more expensive Chi flat iron — that ended up breaking on her.

3. Revlon Ceramic Tapered Curling Wand

This tapered curling wand is under $20 and is better than any high-end curling wand you can buy, in our humble opinion. It gives you long lasting curls, will work on thin and thick, long and short hair, and has 30 different settings for all hair types. It also comes with a heat resistant glove which is essential for most of us.

4. Goody Clean Radiance Oval Cushion Brush

This brush from Goody works like a clarifying shampoo. It massages your scalp and reduces the build up in your hair revealing its natural shine and luster. The bristles glide through your hair, and can reduce the static we are all prone to this time of year. If you have one hairbrush in your home, it should probably be this one.

5. Revlon 1875W Hair Dryer

This is the hairdryer you need — it’s only $16.69, has two heat settings and dries you hair fast leaving it shiny and silky. It comes with a diffuser attachment, which is a must for controlling frizz, and when you blow dry your hair using this brush, and a little jojoba oil, you will look like you just stepped out of the salon (almost).

So, save your money for your savings account. You can still have amazing hair without dropping a ton of cash.

Editors may receive samples and/or a share from purchases made via links on this page. All opinions are our own.