Five Below Hair Haul

The “I’ll Just Grab One Thing” Lie 😅

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but walking into Five Below for “just a quick look” is basically a trap 😂 Every time I step in, I’m like: okay, I only need ONE hair thing. Next thing I know, I’m holding a mini basket full of hair goodies and somehow I’m mentally planning five different hairstyles for the week.

What makes it so fun is that it’s not just random stuff—there are actually some super useful hair tools and accessories that can level up a routine without feeling complicated. If you’re into quick styling, slick looks, protective styles, or just keeping your hair looking neat on busy days, this is the kind of aisle that makes you lose track of time.

Hair Accessories That Actually Make Life Easier

First of all: the accessory wall is dangerous. It’s giving “cute but functional,” which is my weakness. I’m talking snap clips, hair picks, and those big mixed accessory sets that make you feel like you’re suddenly the most organized person alive (even if you’re not 😭).

Snap clips are one of those things I never think about until I need them. They’re perfect for pinning back bangs, holding a side part in place, or clipping sections while styling. And the best part is they’re the kind of basic tool that works for so many hair types—straight, wavy, curly, coily—because it’s more about sectioning and control than “fashion.”

A hair pick is also such a staple, especially if volume is the goal. I like using a pick at the roots when I want that lifted look without disturbing the rest of my curls or waves. The key is gentle movement at the scalp area—no aggressive yanking because we’re not trying to start a fight with our hair today 😅.

The Big Accessory Box Moment (So Satisfying)

Okay but can we talk about those big hair accessory collections that come in a storage box? Because that is the kind of purchase that makes me feel like I have my life together. It’s basically a one-stop kit: elastics, tiny bands, clips, and all the little pieces that disappear the second you need them.

I love having a stash like that for:

1) Quick morning fixes when I’m running late and my hair is doing the most.

2) Gym days when I need something secure that won’t slip.

3) Bag backups because I swear hair ties vanish into another dimension.

Also, if you do braids, ponytails, buns, or half-up styles a lot, having a variety of sizes is such a win. Some days you need a thicker elastic for a high pony, and other days you need tiny bands for sectioning. It’s giving “prepared.”

Mini Hair Straightener: Tiny Tool, Big Energy

Mini hair tools are honestly underrated. A mini hair straightener is one of those things that sounds like a gimmick until you actually use it for what it’s best at: edges, bangs, and quick touch-ups.

I’m not using a mini straightener to do my whole head (personally, that would take forever), but for small areas? It’s so clutch. Think:

• Smoothing the front pieces when they flip out weird.

• Fixing bent ends after a ponytail.

• Polishing a sleek look when I’m trying to look “put together” in five minutes.

My biggest tip: keep it moving and don’t clamp too long in one spot. Quick passes are the vibe. And if your hair is more textured, it can still be useful for detail work—like smoothing just the parts you want neat without flattening everything.

The Slick-Back Era: Wax Stick Talk 💁‍♀️

If you’ve been in your slick-back bun era (same), you already know the struggle: flyaways that refuse to behave, little frizz halos, and that one patch that pops up like it has opinions 😭

A hair wax stick is one of those tools that can make a style look instantly cleaner. The whole point is sleek + slick and helping with no flyaways—especially around the hairline, part, and nape area.

How I like to use it for a smooth look:

1) Light application first (seriously, start small).

2) Smooth with fingers to place the hair where I want it.

3) Follow with a brush to blend and lay everything down.

4) Add a tiny bit more only where needed (usually temples and crown).

What I’m not doing: going heavy and making it feel stiff or greasy. The goal is controlled and polished, not crunchy. And if you’re doing a ponytail or bun, it’s also great for making the top look clean before you secure it.

Braid-In Hair Extensions: The Fun Switch-Up

Sometimes you just want a new look without committing to anything major. That’s where braid-in hair extensions come in. They’re such a fun way to switch up a style—especially if you’re doing braids, adding length, or just wanting that extra “wow” factor for a weekend.

One thing I noticed is that braid-in packs often come in longer lengths (like around 20 inches), which is perfect if you want that dramatic braid moment. I like the idea of using them for:

• Accent braids (just a few pieces for a pop of length)

• Full protective styles if you’re going all in

• Quick style experiments when you want to see what you’d look like with longer hair

My practical tip: before installing anything, I always separate and prep the hair first so it’s easier to work with. It makes the whole process smoother and helps avoid tangles while braiding.

Scalp & Hair Oil + Massager Duo: Self-Care Energy 🌿

Hair care isn’t just about styling—it’s also about the scalp. A scalp massager paired with a nourishing hair oil is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner” combos.

What I love about a scalp massager is how it turns a basic wash day into a mini reset. It feels relaxing, and it helps me be more intentional about cleansing the scalp instead of just scrubbing my hair and hoping for the best.

Ways I like to use it:

• In the shower while shampooing to really work through the scalp.

• Before washing with a little oil as a pre-wash moment (especially when my scalp feels dry).

• On stressful days when I just need a calming routine.

And the oil part? I keep it simple: a little goes a long way. I focus on scalp and ends depending on what my hair needs that week. If my ends feel thirsty, they get attention. If my scalp feels tight or dry, I’m focusing there.

Little Extras That Make Getting Ready More Fun

Even though I went in for “hair stuff,” I always end up staring at the little beauty tools nearby because they’re so tempting. Things like a compact LED mirror or an ice massager are the kind of extras that make routines feel cute and elevated.

An LED mini mirror is especially handy if you do your hair in different lighting and then step outside and realize your part looks completely different 😭 Having a bright mirror for quick checks helps a lot—especially for sleek styles, edges, and braid parts.

And an ice massager? That’s more of a “feel good” add-on, but it pairs so well with getting ready. I’ll do my hair, then use something cooling for a quick refresh and suddenly I feel like I’m in my main character montage.

My Go-To Styling Combos (When I Need Results Fast)

When I’m trying to look put together without spending forever, these are the combos I keep reaching for:

Combo 1: Sleek bun day
Wax stick + brush + snap clips (for sectioning) = clean top, controlled flyaways, and a bun that looks intentional.

Combo 2: Wash day support
Scalp massager + hair oil (pre-wash or post-wash depending on the vibe) = scalp feels refreshed and hair feels softer.

Combo 3: Quick touch-up
Mini straightener + snap clip = fix the front pieces, smooth the ends, and pretend I had time to style my whole head.

Combo 4: Protective style prep
Accessory box + braid-in hair extensions = everything in one place so I’m not hunting for elastics mid-braid.

What I Pay Attention To Before Tossing It in My Basket

Because yes, it’s easy to get excited and grab everything, but I still try to be a little picky so I don’t end up with stuff I never use.

For clips and elastics: I check if they feel sturdy and if the edges look smooth (no snaggy parts). If it looks like it’ll pull hair, I’m not doing it.

For styling products like wax sticks: I think about my hair goals. If I’m doing sleek styles often, it’s worth it. If I’m not, I’ll skip it so it doesn’t sit in a drawer.

For mini tools: I’m realistic about how I’ll use it. Touch-ups and detail work? Yes. Full styling replacement? Probably not.

For extensions: I focus on whether I’m actually planning a braid style soon. If not, I’ll wait—because I know myself and I’ll forget it exists until it’s too late 😅

The Real Reason I Keep Checking the Hair Aisle

It’s honestly the mix of practicality and fun. One minute I’m grabbing something basic like snap clips, and the next minute I’m imagining a whole new look with braid-ins. It’s that “small change, big impact” feeling—like you can refresh your hair routine without making it complicated.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll walk in thinking you’re being so responsible… then walk out with a handful of cute finds and a plan to try a new hairstyle tonight 😂💖