Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
Easy Hairstyles Using Affordable A-List TRESemmé Products (Salon Results on a Budget)
Updated: 5/15/26
If you’ve ever wanted that polished, “just-left-the-salon” look without spending salon-level money, you’re going to love this. With the TRESemmé A-List Collection, you can create elevated, long-lasting hairstyles at home using budget-friendly, PETA-approved cruelty-free products that smell incredible and actually perform.
Below, I’m breaking down some easy hairstyles I created—perfect for busy days, events, or whenever you want your hair to look effortlessly put together.
Easy 1960’s Big Hair Half-Up Hairstyle Tutorial with TRESemmé A-List Collection
Shop the Post
Support me as a creator and shop my links with no extra cost to you! See my creation come together via my Amazon Shop plus get buying links at affordable prices!
Here’s the link to the Voluminous Hairstyle Tutorial in my Amazon Shop.
Here’s the link to the Third Day Curled and Braided Hairstyle Tutorial in my Amazon Shop.
Here’s the link to the Curly Messy Bun Hairstyle in my Amazon Shop.
We also love shopping CVS (the ExtraCare card savings stack helping you to save!) and here are some of our CVS finds to stock up on (especially when you get that 40% off coupon!) and love Walmart (Walmart+ gets you free shipping and delivery on many items) and Sam’s Club for extra savings on beauty, fashion and we love their furniture too!
Bookmark or pin this one by clicking the Pinterest SAVE button on the images in this article for hair magic in an instant.
More Product Loves
You can also get the products I’ve featured and more of my product loves via my Target shop here or my CVS Store here (use your ExtraCare card to double up on savings!) or via my shop my store here or below:
My Hair Why
I have had lots of brands send me hair products and I am here to say that EXPENSIVE DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN BETTER. I have been blown away by TRESemmé products and their affordability and performance. I have tested a $67 shampoo brand vs. lower cost ones like Aussie and Viori (use code CAROLYNBRADEN or my discount link for 10% off Viori…I love the brand too!) and even TRESemmé and all have been better than the $67 one. Seriously! TRESemmé and Pinterest sent me the entire A-List Collection to test and I did and it’s awesome!
Do your research on all products and always remember that if it’s marketed to you as “high-end” with a high price point, it may not always give you high end results due to the fact that all our hair types are different and unique. One size fits all doesn’t apply to haircare, skincare and more including high end purses. I’ve tested sooo many luxury purses too and know that brand name doesn’t always equal high quality or durability.
Why I Love These A-List Hairstyles
Using TRESemmé products makes it easy to get luxury-looking results on a real-life budget. These products are:
💸 Affordable (drugstore-friendly pricing)
🐰 PETA-approved & cruelty-free
🌸 Beautifully scented (like high-end hair perfume)
💁♀️ Performance-driven (they actually hold and last!)
See me create a fun and easy hairstyle using my rotating curling iron below in my YouTube short video via my channel @carolynjbraden:
Whether you’re working with second- or third-day hair or starting fresh, these styles prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to look put together. I’ve loved their Volume Clean dry shampoo for years as it smells amazing, and this collection and its smell didn’t disappoint!
Most of my Tresseme links go out to Amazon, but Walmart also carries the A-List collection here. The collection is also located in my CVS storefront here…don’t forget to use your ExtraCare Card coupons for stackable savings!
See my favorite jewelry I’m wearing in these photos (the necklaces never tangle when I layer them!) in my shop my store or above
Easy Half-Up Side Braid + Curls Using Affordable TRESemmé Products
Hairstyle #1: Third-Day Half-Up Side French Braid with Soft Beachy Curls
This look is proof that third-day hair can actually be your best hair. It’s textured, voluminous, and perfect for adding a little glam with minimal effort. Did you know that up-dos actually do better on dirty hair or hair that has a little grip? It’s true! I’ve known stylists that have added lots of dry shampoo to clients that show up with clean hair in order to make the style hold and last.
Love hair pins! They truly make styles hold and are comfy!
How I Created the Look:
I started by refreshing my third-day hair using the A-List Collection Style Extend Dry Shampoo from TRESemmé. This instantly absorbed oil and gave my roots that revived, just-washed feel. I brushed it out with my favorite UnBrush.
See my full video tutorial for this look on my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden or below:
Next, I added volume and grip with the A-List Dry Texturizing Spray, which made braiding so much easier and helped the style hold all day. I then created a deep part on one side of my head.
I then created a half-up, side French braid, gently pulling pieces up for a fuller, more effortless look, and secured it with my favorite hair pins.
The styling stick really tames flyaways
Before curling, I applied the A-List Collection All-In-One Style Primer for heat protection (a must), then used a small tapered Beachwaver curling iron (I have the multi barrel which has three attachments) to create soft, defined curls.
My pup, Minnie Pearl, loves the final result!
To finish:
I smoothed flyaways with the Smoothing Cream which also hydrates and makes curls last!
Added a light mist of the Workable Hairspray for hold without stiffness
Spritzed the Signature Hair Fragrance (it smells SO good…like warm vanilla)
Placed a few fluttering gold butterfly clips for a whimsical, elevated touch
Festival-Ready Butterfly Clip Hairstyle (Easy & Affordable!)
Check out my 1-minute video tutorial for this project on my TikTok now or coming soon here and to my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden!
Where to Wear This Look:
Perfect for brunch, casual date nights, outdoor events, festivals, or even content creation days when you want something pretty but low effort.
Love this easy and glam style!
Hairstyle #2: Voluminous Blowout with Big Glam Curls
This second look is all about volume, shine, and that bouncy blowout effect—without the salon visit.
See the video tutorial for this look in the short video above via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden.
Velcro rollers really give you volume
How I Created the Look:
I started with clean, damp hair and applied a small amount of the Bonding Oil from TRESemmé for smoothness and shine. If you have a lot of breakage, regular use of a bonding oil can help strengthen your hair over time and reduce breakage. I know this as I do a lot of hairstyles and when my hair starts to look ragged, a bonding oil always helps.
Next, I used the All-In-One Style Primer for heat protection and blow-dried my naturally wavy hair straight using a boar bristle brush for a sleek finish.
This is a very soft daily hairstyle idea
To build volume, I:
Rolled my hair into velcro rollers
Sprayed each section lightly with Workable Hairspray
Let them set for about 30 minutes
After removing the rollers, I teased the crown slightly with a teasing brush and added the Dry Texturizing Spray for extra lift and hold. I parted my hair on the side.
All the products smell amazing!
Then, I:
Reapplied the All-In-One Style Primer before heat styling
Used a large tapered Beachwaver curling iron all over for big, bouncy curls, curling away from my face.
Get A-List Hair at Home Using TRESemmé on a Budget
To finish:
Smoothed flyaways with the Styling Stick (using my hands for a natural finish)
Added Workable Hairspray for flexible hold
Spritzed the Velvety Peach & Amber Hair Fragrance (again, love this scent and it’s available at Target)
Finished with the Lacquer Shine Spray for that glossy, A-list shine with humidity control
Love that shine spray for frizz control too!
Where to Wear This Look:
This is your go-to for weddings, parties, special events, date nights, or anytime you want that confident, polished look that lasts all day.
Easy Curly Messy Bun Hairstyle for Summer Using TRESemmé Products
Hairstyle #3: Messy Curly Bun with a Bow
If you’re looking for a fun summer hairstyle that keeps your hair out of your face while still looking stylish and effortless, this curly messy bun is one of my favorite go-to looks lately! I started with clean hair and brushed everything out using my Unbrush to make sure my hair was smooth and tangle-free before styling.
The curly ponytail would make a cute hairstyle too!
Next, I applied the TRESemmé Bonding Oil to help add shine while giving my hair a softer, healthier-looking finish. To create grip and volume for the updo, I sprayed in the TRESemmé Dry Texturizing Spray before curling my hair with a skinny tapered curling wand to create lots of defined, bouncy curls.
Adding some volume and more curls
Once my curls were ready, I pulled my hair into a ponytail and added a bun maker for extra fullness and drama. I sprayed in a little more texture spray for hold, then wrapped and pinned the curls around the bun maker using Magic Grip hair pins until it was fully covered and perfectly tousled.
Styling it two ways
To lock everything in place while still keeping movement, I finished the look with the TRESemmé Workable Hairspray. For accessories, I tried two fun options: a bedazzled butterfly claw clip (I made it and the tutorial is here) on the back for a sparkly statement look, and a butterfly printed bow for something softer and playful.
Messy bun with style
Where to Wear This Look:
Both accessories gave the hairstyle such a cute summer vibe and made this messy bun feel extra special for brunch dates, beach days, or even summer parties!
See this look being created in my YouTube video below or via my channel @carolynjbraden:
Hairstyle #4: 1960’s Half Up Hairstyle with a Birdcage DIY Bow
How to Create a Voluminous Retro Half-Up Hairstyle at Home
For this half-up 60’s inspired style, I added the dry shampoo to the roots to absorb oil and brushed it out. I then used the texture spray to add texture and grip to the front section of my hair and teased it out.
Adding the padding
I folded up some hair filler and bobby pinned it behind the front section of hair, then combed the hair over it to smooth it and used hair pins to secure it into a half up style. This adds lots of volume!
Love their hair fragrances!
I curled my hair after applying their styling spray. I smoothed my curls with the smoothing cream, finished with the lacquer shine spray and workable hairspray and added some of their hair fragrance.
I made the bow
I added the easy DIY birdcage netting bow I made and then it was done!
Take Action
If you try any of my ideas, let me know how it turned out—or tag me when you try them because I LOVE seeing your posts💚 If you tag me using @carolynsbloomingcreations or @carolynjbraden, I’ll see it! Or tell me about it in the comments below.
If you loved this article, we know you’ll love this one too: Flat Curls? Try These Viral Beauty Tools for Maximum Volume
Carolyn J. Braden is the owner of Carolyn’s Blooming Creations is a regular contributor and editor for CBC. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.