Tired women need low-maintenance hair products, so we found 12 that work

We’re doing this for our lazy girlfriends too

Tom Cochrane sang that life is a highway, and we’re OK with riding it all night long, but only if the windows are rolled up. We’ve all been personally victimised by the wind blowing through our autorickshaw, making a mockery of the inordinate amount of time spent taming our frizz. On most days, we’re tired and overworked. It feels simpler to throw it up in a bun and get on with the day, dreaming of low-maintenance hair products that would make up for the lack of pep in our steps.

In service of tired women everywhere and our lazy girlfriends, we unearthed tools, hacks and potions that will help you unlock that elusive balance between the bare minimum and turning heads. Without having to bust your bank account receiving VIP treatment at your local salon.

Get that high-maintenance look with these low-maintenance hair products

A nourishing mask that suits your hair type

For hair that looks like it’s high-maintenance, you need a good canvas to start with — happy, healthy, nourished hair. Invest in an effective hair mask, especially one that’s made for your hair type and needs.

Whether you’ve got curls for days or hair that’s poker straight, masks can balance moisture levels. They’ll hydrate dry strands, even control excess oil on your scalp (if you’re using the right one).

But it’s not just about softness; it’s also about strength. Hair masks often come packed with proteins, vitamins, and essential oils that repair and fortify your hair. Think of them as your hair’s personal trainers, helping it flex without snapping.

Pure mulberry silk pillowcase by Dame Essentials, ₹2,695

These pillowcases won’t just make your bed look like it’s straight out of a Pinterest board, but it’s also better for your hair.

Cotton pillowcases can be a little rough on your locks; silk is the smooth operator that reduces friction, meaning fewer knots and a hearty goodbye to annoying split ends that just won’t quit. Silk is the gentle giant of bedding, treating your hair with kid gloves, with no tugging or snagging in sight.

Unlike cotton, silk doesn’t strip and soak up your hair’s natural oils. So, no more waking up like your hair went to a sweaty rave party without you. Every day can be a good hair day.

Mulberry silk heatless hair styling curling rod by Furbo, ₹1,300

Can you really get gorgeous curls without exposing your hair to heat damage? With this strange-looking tool on your head, it’s possible, but it’s also likely that you’ll scare a few people at night if they spot you wandering around in the dark. The bendy ‘rod’ is made with mulberry silk and foam, so it’s gentle on your strands.

You’ll find plenty of tutorials online on different techniques to use when wrapping your hair. This comes with scrunchies to tie up the ends and a big clip to hold the entire thing in place. It’s meant for overnight curls, but it’s not the most comfortable to sleep with at first, so that does take some adjusting and getting used to.

OUAI Air Dry Foam, ₹2,720

This product is the low-maintenance hair product that’s a shortcut to effortlessly luxe hair. The air-dry foam lets you embrace and enhance your natural hair texture while maintaining a polished and frizz-free look.

You can get the best out of your curls or waves without the need of any hot tools to wrangle them into good form. It’s lightweight enough to let your hair move naturally while keeping your usual flyaways in place, and it also saves time. Just one pump (or more, depending on your hair length) scrunched through your hair, then let nature do the rest.

SlickUp Wand, ₹399

If you’re trying to reduce the amount of product in your hair but still want something to deal with the flyaway and frizz that makes you look like you’re an electrocuted Looney Tunes character, then this nifty little product is for you.

Imagine a mascara tube, except you’re not coating your lashes but settling down the flyaways. Using ingredients like jojoba oil and fruit extracts, it holds down the baby hair without hardening or greasing up your mane. A little goes a long way with this winner from our curation of low-maintenance hair products. Pop it into your handbag and you’re good to go. You’ll be the envy of everyone, especially during the monsoon, with seemingly smooth and frizz-free hair.

L’Oreal Paris Magic Retouch Spray, ₹349

We love a silver fox but if you’re uncomfortable with your roots growing out and can’t be bothered to sit through an entire hair colouring session, you’re going to love the L’Oreal Paris Magic Retouch Spray.

You might have seen reels of people trying to create faux freckles with this spray, but let’s just use it for what it is, a pigmented grey cover-up, because it does that very well. Just be sure to get the shade that comes closest to your natural hair colour and go in with a light hand when you start until you ascertain how much product you need.

Clip-in hair extensions by Nish Hair, price varies according to pieces

From the arsenal of low-maintenance hair products, clip-in hair extensions are the easiest way to get length, volume or completely revamp your look. Want to try coloured hair without the commitment and upkeep? A brief daliance with bangs? You can do it all. Nish Hair has plenty to offer, and their pieces work well with heat tools and products too.

If you’re based in Mumbai, you can also do a trial at their studio before making your purchase.

Gel it and accessorise

There are days when after a full calendar of chores and office work, the last thing on your mind is dealing with your greasy hair. And it’s always on those days that a bin bulaya mehman drops by and insists that you go out for dinner and drinks.

Pick up some hair gel, slick it back into a stylish bun or ponytail ‘clean girl’ style, and let your hair accessories become the star of the show. Let these statement pieces draw the eye away from what’s going on with your scalp.