Boris Ryaposov/shutterstock
Hot weather, humidity, and shampooing too much can wreak havoc on hair, especially if it's curly or wavy. Pricey salon products may prove tempting to anyone with out-of-control hair, but there are plenty of inexpensive hair products that can tame a wild mane. The ones featured here garner strong reviews on retail sites such as Amazon and Walgreens from users with all types of hair.
Gel isn't synonymous with slicked-back tresses. Tresemmé Flawless Curls Bouncy Curls Defining Gel ($4.92 for 8 ounces) manages to hold and define curls while leaving them bouncy and full of body, according to reviewers. Users appreciate that this gel holds without a crunchy feel.
For those who have straight hair that curls in humidity, Garnier Fructis Style Curl Scrunch Gel ($3.42 for 6.8 ounces) can create smooth, beachy waves. It gives hair just enough definition and lots of staying power without much effort. Reviewers say it controls without the typical sticky gel feeling.
Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream ($6 for 4 ounces) squelches frizz whether hair is naturally curly or straight, reviewers say. It also leaves hair smelling great, they say.
Summer can be a rough time for anyone wanting a sleek hairstyle, which can end up looking just plain greasy under high heat. John Frieda offers an array of inexpensive smoothers in the Frizz Ease line. Original Six Effects Serum ($9.97 for 1.69 ounces) coats the hair shaft with silicone to banish frizz. Scores of reviewers say it beats out competing products and leaves hair soft, shiny, and straight.
Natural waves can benefit from a mousse such as Tresemmé Curl Care Flawless Curls Extra Hold ($6.49 for 10.5 ounces). In reviews, users with medium-weight and thick hair say the mousse is ideal for creating soft curls that hold. It adds volume and lift to humidity-heavy hair.
Weatherproof straight hair with an anti-frizz hairspray such as Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray ($11 for 5 ounces), which users say really does make hair weatherproof while also keeping it soft and not stiff.
Gel is one option for controlling and defining ringlets. Dep Flex Hold Gel ($5 for 9.8 ounces) claims many satisfied users. The verdict in online reviews: The gel holds hair through humidity, workouts, and long days -- all without stickiness -- and has a nice smell to boot.
Creamy products are another solution for smoothing straight hair. Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk ($3.42 for 5.1 ounces) has a lotion-like texture designed to control hair without weight. Reviewers like the pleasant scent and rave about how soft and manageable their hair feels after applying the product.
A good leave-in conditioner smoothes and softens hair right out of the shower with minimal need for extra products. Not Your Mother's Way to Grow Leave-In Conditioner ($8.79 for 6 ounces) earns praise for de-tangling, getting frizz under control, and having a pleasant scent. In online reviews, users say the product helps even very curly hair look smoother and softer.
Of course, guys can use any of the aforementioned products, but Murray's Superior Hair Dressing Pomade ($6 for 4 ounces) is meant for men alone. It creates definition and a strong, shiny hold in any type of hair. User reviews attest that it's especially ideal for thick hair that has a tendency to frizz.