Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $25 for 8 ounces

THE SKINNY: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner did amazing things to my hair over the three days the sample lasted.

It turned my fine, don't-like-to-hold-a-style locks into healthy, voluminous, bouncy hair. Several people asked me if I'd gotten a trim and a new style.

It didn't matter if I paired the shampoo and conditioner with Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Hairspray or not. I got the same incredible result.

But I could only give this product 3.5 stars because it's harsh on my fine hair, making it feel stiff and brittle when it was wet. The conditioner was a requirement, not a bonus, to make my hair feel soft and almost normal again.

It makes me worry about the long-term effects of using this duo day in and day out.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep, but I wouldn't use this product more than once or twice a week.

CHECK IT OUT: Bumble and Bumble's thickening line includes the hairspray and a leave-in conditioner.

-- Tested by Shay

Davines MoMo Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $25 for the shampoo, $29 for the conditioner

THE SKINNY: Davines' MoMo shampoo and conditioner is made for dry and damaged hair and meant to be low-foam so it rinses away cleanly.

My hair isn't normally dry or damaged, but it still loved this shampoo and conditioner. Both left my fine hair silky smooth and shiny.

My hair was soft but still manageable. And I especially enjoyed the smell which was a luxurious cross between a vanilla and a peppermint.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I used the whole sample over the course of a few weeks.

CHECK IT OUT: The MoMo line includes a shampoo, a conditioner and a hair potion (leave-in conditioner).

-- Tested by Shay

Aussie Sun-Touched Shine Spray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $3.49

THE SKINNY: Aussie recently changed the name of this product to "You Can Shine." Regardless, this hair spray offers flexible hold and a little bit of shine.

It does a decent job on my fine hair, which often has trouble holding any kind of style. It doesn't leave my hair feeling sticky or crunchy.

This gets a lower score because of two issues.

1. I expected a little more shine, especially on my dirty blonde hair.

2. After a few weeks on the bathroom shelf, the hairspray did start showering me with little droplets of product -- maybe that's the shine part.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. It does a decent job of helping my hair hold its style.

CHECK IT OUT: Aussie's You Can Shine line includes shampoo, conditioner and styling products.

-- Tested by Shay

Caudalie Divine Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $32 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: I will try anything to beat winter weather dry skin. Caudalie Divine Oil is a "dry oil" that can be used on the body, face or hair.

I stuck to using it as a body oil because it was well ... pretty oily.

Which is not always a bad thing. It was super moisturizing and great on my winter skin. It went on smooth, had a woodsy fragrance and lasted for hours.

That's really all you need to keep winter dryness at bay, right?

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Caudalie Divine Oil at Sephora. Let me know if you use it on your hair and how that works.

-- Tested by Carrie

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Styling Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $26 for 4 ounces

THE SKINNY: Every time I use a Living Proof product, I expect my hair to look like Jennifer Aniston's. Every time I end up disappointed.

But that's not to say I wasn't pretty happy with Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Styling Treatment. It actually works pretty well on my shoulder-length+ hair. Used just on the ends, it smoothed and eliminated a lot of fly-aways.

This stuff does seem a little thick to use anywhere else and I'm not sure how it would feel on short hair.

You use a little (a very little) on damp hair before styling. I still had to use a finishing product to get rid of winter static and get some final hold.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: The Living Proof PHD line also includes shampoo and conditioner.

-- Tested by Carrie

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $28 for 8 ounces

THE SKINNY: Admittedly, I'm bad about reading the directions. But the first few times I tried Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Hairspray, it seemed one of the worst products on the market.

Then I read about the product and realized it wasn't a hairspray in the sense that it holds a finished style. It's a hair product that gets sprayed onto damp hair to help style it.

Facepalm.

But I'm happy to report that this spray does a great job (when used properly).

It adds volume and texture to my fine hair without weighing it down. And the effect lasts a full workday and into the evening.

The smell of this product is kind of awesome, too. It's kind of peppermint-y and fun.

I'm ready to try the whole line now.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. The nice thing about short hair is samples last longer!

CHECK IT OUT: Bumble and Bumble's thickening line includes shampoo, conditioner and a serum.

-- Tested by Shay

Uberliss Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $24 each

THE SKINNY: With a name like Uberliss, I just new this shampoo and conditioner due would be awesome when it arrived in a beauty box.

It was only average.

Neither product really did anything for my hair. They worked fine, they lathered and cleaned well, but generally did not do anything that made this product stand out from anything else.

And if you are going to get me to pay $24 for a bottle of shampoo, I need to really like it.

Sadly, my favorite thing was the design of the bottle. (That skinny little text on the purple container is uber cool.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: I had never heard of this brand. You can learn more from the Uberliss website if it's new to you as well.

-- Tested by Carrie

Surface Taffy Whip

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $18 for 4 ounces

THE SKINNY: I was introduced to this product by chance. My stylist used it during a recent visit to the salon and I was sold the minute I smelled the stuff.

Then when she explained that Surface Taffy Whip is made by a fairly small, family owned business, I bought some and have been very happy ever since.

The thick cream goes on -- just a super, itty-bitty, tiny dab -- dry hair to hold your style. And it is the best thing I have ever tried in terms of keep winter static away.

The product line is made for color-treated hair (yay!) and everything is made with sustainable harvested ingredients and certified organic botanicals. So you can feel good about using this products from the Surface line.

Plus this stuff is made for practically any hair type -- straight or curly, men or women, long or short ... you name it. And it smells like a bakery. Seriously.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about Surface, which is available at salons.

-- Tested by Carrie

12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $20 for 6 ounces

THE SKINNY: I had never heard of the 12 Benefits line of products until I got this little bottle in a recent Glossybox. But 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment is a keeper.

This leave-in goes on wet hair before styling to help correct damage and protect your hair (including color!).

The 12 benefits include: Seal hair color, smooth frizz, repair damage, prevent split ends, moisturize dry hair, strengthen fragile hair, prevent flat iron damage, prevent chlorine, wind and sun damage, add shine, softness and a silky finish, protect hair from blow-drying , improve detangling and manageability and keep hair youthful.


I can't attest to them all but I love that this product fights the frizzies and winter static. That alone makes it a great find in my book!

Seal hair color + Smooth frizz + Repair damage + Prevent split ends + Moisturize dry hair + Strengthen fragile hair + Prevent flat iron damage + Prevent chlorine, wind & sun damage + Add shine, softness and a silky finish + Protect hair from blow-drying + Improve detangling & manageability + Keep hair youthful - See more at: http://12benefits.com/instant-healthy-hair-treatment/#sthash.ZzzGd9Di.dpuf

Seal hair color + Smooth frizz + Repair damage + Prevent split ends + Moisturize dry hair + Strengthen fragile hair + Prevent flat iron damage + Prevent chlorine, wind & sun damage + Add shine, softness and a silky finish + Protect hair from blow-drying + Improve detangling & manageability + Keep hair youthful - See more at: http://12benefits.com/instant-healthy-hair-treatment/#sthash.ZzzGd9Di.dpuf

Seal hair color + Smooth frizz + Repair damage + Prevent split ends + Moisturize dry hair + Strengthen fragile hair + Prevent flat iron damage + Prevent chlorine, wind & sun damage + Add shine, softness and a silky finish + Protect hair from blow-drying + Improve detangling & manageability + Keep hair youthful - See more at: http://12benefits.com/instant-healthy-hair-treatment/#sthash.ZzzGd9Di.dpuf

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about this brand if it's new to you (it was for me).

-- Tested by Carrie

BlowPro Blow Up Thickening Mist

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $21

THE SKINNY: BlowPro Blow Up Thickening Mist isn't a miracle spray that gives my fine hair amazing volume. But it is a light spray that's easy to use and gives my hair a little help.

And at the end of the day, that's the best we fine-haired girls can ask for -- a little help that's not sticky or tacky or wreaks havoc on our hair or scalp.

I get decent bounce from Blow Up that lasts for most of the day.

The spray itself smells a little on the chemical side, but it's tolerable for the short time you actually smell it.

Spray Blow Up onto damp hair and style as usual. The spray uses rice and milk proteins to strengthen and restore your hair.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I've gotten consistent results from this thickener.

CHECK IT OUT: BlowPro offers seven products in the Blow Up line, including a traditional and a dry shampoo.

-- Tested by Shay

It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Lite

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $35.96 for 10 ounces

THE SKINNY: It's a 10 Miracle Leave In has been my favorite hair prep product for years. It is good to help hold color, keep the frizzies away and hold your style in place. So I jumped at the chance to try the "lite" version.

It is almost as good as the original. The "lite" formula is designed for shorter strands so it was not quite enough for my longer hair when it came to use. (It took more product and it still left a little static behind.)

But it did the job and would probably be a 5-star item for hair less than shoulder length. This is a pricey product, but it and the full-test counterpart are worth it. And it will probably last for about 6 months with everyday use.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Lite at salons and Ulta.

-- Tested by Carrie

Proganix Volume Root Booster

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $11.99

THE SKINNY: Caffeine for hair? If it works for the rest of me in the morning, it is worth a shot.

Overall I was fairly satisfied with the results. The spray, which goes on wet hair before styling, was easy to use and light enough that my hair did not fall limp.

It seemed to add a little extra body and volume.

But it was not tough enough to stand up against my fall/winter pet peeve -- static-y hair. Maybe this is better suited for warm-weather.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find the Proganix line almost everywhere, including Ulta.

-- Tested by Carrie

Pantene Age Defy Thickening Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $18.99

THE SKINNY: Can your hair look old? That's what Pantene wants you to think with the new Age Defy line of products.

Pantene says this product is for anyone with damaged or "fragile" hair: "Thickens existing hair so it's like you have up to 6,500 more hair strands.
Your hair looks more beautiful on you than it does in your brush. This potent formula of Vitamin B3, Panthenol, and caffeine helps thicken existing hair strands and provides strength against breakage."

So I tried it. (Even though I insist that I am not "aged" in any way.)

And after a week, my hair actually did seem thicker and fuller. You just spritz on 15 -- not sure why the number is relevant -- pumps each day on wet hair, then style.

It worked well to hold my style and did not weight hair down in any way. I did though notice a lot of static in my hair when I used it; that could be the cooler air, but Age Defy did nothing to combat it.

I'll use the bottle, but I am not sure if I would buy more.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Pantene Age Defy at mass market retailers and online.

-- Tested by Carrie

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo, Conditioner and 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $10 to $26 each

THE SKINNY: If I had hair like Jennifer Aniston, I would love this product.

Perfect Hair Day relies on two things: A so-called "volumizing molecule" that attaches to each piece of hair to give body and bounce that lasts 48 hours and a "healthy hair molecule" that provides strength and shine.

In theory, it sounds wonderful.

But I don't have long, flowing hair. Mine is short, fine and doesn't hold a style for more than an hour. That's why I need more than Living Proof Perfect Hair Day's 5-in-1 Styling Treatment to help it look better. Instead, the 5-in-1 Styling Treatment left feeling thicker but still limp.

The shampoo and conditioner are good products. But the reality is I can get the same result from a drugstore brand at a fraction of the cost.

KEEP OR TOSS: I used all the samples, hoping for a better result each time.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about the trio of Perfect Hair Day products at the Living Proof website.

-- Tested by Shay

Bvlgari Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $45 for 6.76 ounces

THE SKINNY: I love a conditioner that smells great and fights tangles. Bvlgari's conditioner does both.

But I just can't see myself ever paying $45 for it.

The scent is light and fresh -- what you would expect if you have ever used a Bvlgari fragrance -- and does not "stick" in hair too long. It smells great in the shower but is not overpowering after you style hair, so it won't compete with other scents that you might be using.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find this conditioner at department stores or get it direct from Bvlgari. There's also a matching shampoo.

-- Tested by Carrie

Drybar Triple Sec

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $25

THE SKINNY: Drybar's Triple Sec promises to amplify, texturize and refresh hair, three things I'm always seeking in hair products.

On my short hair, it does an OK job but it works more like a dry shampoo does than a styling product to amplify and texturize. More than anything, it seems to mattify my hair, which is OK, too.

I've found that on my short, fine hair, Triple Sec works best alone. If I style my hair with products, then add Triple Sec at the end, it's a little too much.

My real complaint is that the nozzle puts out a lot of product, like most dry shampoos, which seems like a waste on my hair. Be careful where you apply it.

It's also scented, sort of a hair product-meets-fruity drink kind of smell, but it's not lingering.

Overall, it's OK. But I'd like more texturizing and amplifying for $25.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Find a how-to video on the Drybar website.

-- Tested by Shay

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $26 for 5.25 ounces

THE SKINNY: Made with avocado, argan oil and rosehip, Don’t Despair, Repair! really is a deep conditioning hair mask that's easy to use and left my fine hair silky soft.

This stuff, from a recent Ipsy bag, smells heavenly, like something they'd use on my hair at the salon. Work it in. Leave it in for three to five minutes. Rinse it out.

I used it after on my color-treated hair after I spent a week at the beach being exposed to salt, wind and sun. The result? My hair felt much softer and had a lot of shine.

But my hair was too soft and wouldn't hold a style without adding in a lot of products (which seems to counter the results of the mask.)

The trade off? I could use it once every few weeks on a weekend to help keep hair healthy.

KEEP OR TOSS: I'm on the fence.

CHECK IT OUT: This mask gets great reviews on the Briogeo website.

-- Tested by Shay

Bumble & Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $38 for 3.4 ounces

THE SKINNY: I recently read in Allure magazine that argan oil can leave a little unwanted color behind if you have light-colored hair. (Typically in the form of a reddish tint.)

Bumble & Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil packs most of the same benefits of argan oil for hair but in a clear oil. (It's actually a blend of six oils.) This product sprays on damp hair and then you style as usual to help add shine and softness and time flyaway strands.

It works pretty well but you have to be careful with it. Too many spritzes and hair just looks ... well ... oily. (I have this same issue with argan oil products as well.)

But I do like the coating quite a bit for a day at the pool or beach. The oil also provides a UV protective layer to help shield your color from the sun.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Bumble & Bumble is available from the retailer and Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

DIY Sea Salt Spray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: <$5

THE SKINNY: I came across a recipe for DIY sea salt spray in a magazine. It's been one of the best texturizing sprays I've used, and it's a really simple recipe.

Mix a cup of tap water, 2 tablespoons of sea salt and a drop (or two) of conditioner in a spray bottle. Shake and spray.

I used Kroger's Private Selection Mediterranean Fine Sea Salt ($1.99) and two drops of my best conditioner, Philip B's cream rinse. My fine hair can get dried out when I experiment with new products, so I used two drops of conditioner just to be safe.

The hardest thing about the project has been finding a good spray bottle. (The one I'm currently using cost $1.99 and holds about a half-cup of liquid. My issue is it has a really wide spray pattern, which means I get salt water on everything, including my shoulders, my shoes and the floor.)

I've used this spray daily for about a month now, and my hair is still happy, healthy and moisturized. Plus, the salt spray gives it just enough texture and waves to look beachy.

Apply to damp or dry hair. This is almost as good as jumping in the ocean and better than anything I've bought at the drugstore.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

-- Tested by Shay

Matrix Biolage Hydrasource shampoo and conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $18 each

THE SKINNY: Matrix Biolage Hydrasource shampoo and conditioner smells wonderfully classic. It's easy to use and rinses clean.

The shampoo itself makes my hair feel like straw when it’s wet and leaves my short hair feeling tangled and tough to comb out. I imagine if I had long hair it would have a lot of knots.

It does leave hair bouncy, moisturized and looking shiny and healthy. But this shampoo and conditioner leaves it too moisturized, so there isn't enough texture to create a style.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I don’t like the texture when it’s wet or damp. And the knots? Forget it.

CHECK IT OUT: Matrix makes a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask in this line.

-- Tested by Shay