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

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

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

Pantene So Smooth Humidity Proof Hairspray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $6.99

THE SKINNY: I have a love-hate relationship with Pantene's So Smooth Humidity Proof Hairspray, so it's a good thing it’s not that expensive. Some days I really like it. On those days, it leaves my hair a little tacky with good texture, something that’s important when you have a short, pixie cut.

But on other days, if I spray a little too much my hair feels crunchy all day long.

Overall, Pantene's hairspray has an OK hold, even on humid days, and seems to put a little shine in my hair. But it’s not something I would use every day because I get an inconsistent result. (Whether that’s me or the hairspray remains to be seen.)

The tip gets clogged easily, too, so that may factor into the inconsistency.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep

CHECK IT OUT: The nice thing about Pantene products is you can find them at every grocery store and drugstore.

-- Tested by Shay

KMS California Hair Stay Dry Xtreme Hairspray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $16.99

THE SKINNY: I had never heard of this brand before getting the good sized sample in a bag from Ulta but I have to say I was pretty impressed.

KMS California Hair Stay Dry Xtreme Hairspray had good hold but also allowed my hair to move and looked natural. It did not leave behind any of that hairspray glossy residue that you sometimes get.

I also like that this product did not really have any smell and seemed to spray on dry. I will look for it next time I hit the beauty store for sure.

The only downside is the price. It almost pains me to pay more than a few bucks for hairspray as seldom as I actually use it.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: KMS California is one of those brands is often part of a special promotion at Ulta.

-- Tested by Carrie