VALENTINO FALL 2013.
You’ve been invited on a yacht for a weekend mini break. How lovely—and yet, how inconsiderate. With no styling tools aboard, the first thought is: What to do with your hair? Sporting your layers long and loose means windswept hair, which can be really rather endearing, but tangled lengths swept over your face resembling Cousin It from The Addams Family are not. But if you opt to tie it up, you’re at risk of frazzled baby hairs making an unwanted appearance.
What to do? A sleek side-swept braid is the answer. Completing it with a leather hairband is even better. What is so wonderful about this particular style is that it looks good both damp and dry and works equally well for both curly and straight lengths. And all you’ll need is a little spritzing of hairspray to keep every hair in its rightful place.
The Product: L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Fix Anti-Frizz Spray
Formulated with humid environments in mind, this strong hold hairspray promises to stand up to frizz and humidity for 24 hours.
The Durability Test: Having doused my braid with a good misting of product, I took my new hairdo for some open air dune bashing in the desert. With my head bobbing around every which way, I am surprised that the braid managed to stay put, although a few fine, wispy hairs did come loose, which unfortunately made for a pretty undone style.
The Result: A little tacky to the touch during the dry down, yet it does hold up to any hint of frizz. It leaves behind a beautiful shine that makes hair lengths look in tip-top condition.
VS.
The Product: Redken Control Addict 28 High Control Strong Hold Hairspray
What initially impressed me about this anti-humidity formula was how fast it dries and locks your hairstyle into place. Designed with the added flexibility as a brush-out formula makes this a must-try for girls on the go.
The Durability Test: Styling complete, I liberally spritzed this product the suggested 8-12 inches away from my hair. Drying in a matter of seconds, I cranked up some Metallica for an air guitar session with serious head banging action.
The Result: The hair band flew off and a little fringe came loose—but I think that was down to sheer ferocity rather than product inadequacy. After my heart rate had settled, I took out the braid. The hairspray brushed out easily, as promised, and my hair was left kinked like a mermaid’s—quite apt for the seaside and no stylist required.
THE VERDICT: This time it’s the former, L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Fix Anti-Frizz Spray, that takes home the prize. Who wouldn’t want hair that shines like glass?
