The Beauty Box: Hair

Beauty Bargain: Frizz-free Hair Gel

What: Aussie Tizz No Frizz Gel

Why: Ah, spring—the flowers bloom, the days grow longer and my hair turns into a frizzy snarl that’s impossible to manage. Even worse, when I try to tame the thing with some styling gel, I end up with a suspiciously ‘80s “wet look” disaster. Naturally, Aussie understands. As an Australian company, they practically majored in frizz, damage and dehydration. I was skeptical about their Tizz, No Frizz hair gel, mostly because I have no idea what “Tizz” is. But given its light, clean hold and frizz-free effects, maybe it’s short for “fan-tizz-tic”? Research continues. But don’t take my word for it—now is the perfect time to check it out before the frizz has a tizzy fit. What have you got to lose but the frizzies?

Price: On sale for $3.79

Get Yours: Drugstore.com (Earn 10 Pts/$1 spent)

Beauty Find: A High-Tech Hair Dryer

What: Farouk Systems CHI Nano Ceramic Hair Dryer

Why: The other day at the gym, my hair dryer blew out spectacularly. It gave a loud pop and produced so much smoke I was afraid the smoke detector would go off. Embarrassed and crinkle-nosed at the stench of burned hair, I shoved the still-smoldering dryer into my bag and hurried off to work with half-dried hair.

Once there, I immediately began the search for a new hair dyer, knowing that the messy ponytail look would only go so far in my office. As I only use salon-quality shampoo and conditioner on my hair, I figured, why not look into buying salon-quality tools, too?

I found exactly what I was looking for in the Chi Nano, from stylist favorite, Farouk. It is lightweight, quiet and very effective. Since it dries hair quickly from the inside out with infrared and negative ion technology, it reduces frizz and static, getting me out the door and into the office that much quicker… minus the ponytail.

Price: $189.99

Get Yours: Drugstore.com (Earn 10 Pts/$1 spent)

Beauty Find: Easy Color Sans Highlights

What: Sunsilk Beyond Brunette Color Boost, For Non-Highlighted Brunette Colors

Why: Summer is right around the corner, but are all those trips to fancy salons that your girlfriends are taking simply lost on you?  If you’re not a fan of highlights, but you want to give your hair some pizazz, then check out Sunsilk Color Boosts, available for both brunettes and blonds alike.  Dark-haired vixen should try the “Beyond Brunette” formula and tow-headed sirens should check out the “Blond Bombshell.” This temporary colorant gives your locks a little extra lovin’ and attention with vibrant color that lasts for about four washes. Now, you add a little kick to your look at a fraction of the price of a salon visit and from the comfort of your own shower.

Price: $7.99

Get Yours: Drugstore.com (Earn 10 Pts/$1 spent)

Beauty Find: Healthy, Sexy Soy Hair

What: Sexy Hair Concepts Healthy Sexy Hair Soy-Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner

Why: Now that the weather has taken a turn for the oh-my-gosh-it’s-so-hot-I-can’t-breathe turn, I find myself ending up in the shower at least twice a day.  As a result, my oft-damp hair has taken a beating.

In order to protect it from any further damage, I’ve taken to spraying it with Sexy Hair’s Soy Wheat Conditioner.  Despite the name, there’s no tofu-smell here–rather, the spray has a light, hint of coconut scent.

By using a spray conditioner, I’m able to detangle and soften my hair without the heavy, over-oiled, greasy feel. It’s a quick application on towel-dried hair, and anything that calms these tresses is a welcome addition to my haircare stable.

Price: $11

Get Yours: Drugstore.com (Earn 10 Pts/$1 spent)

Eco-Chic Hair Care: ABBAcadabra!

What: ABBA Moisture Scentsation Shampoo and Conditioner, Two-Minute Care For Moisture-Starved Hair

Why: ABBA hair care works like magic. If you have even the slightest skin sensitivities, you know that most hair care products can leave your skin itchy and irritated. ABBA’s eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners combine fruits, herbs, flowers, leaves, roots and stems into a pure and natural product that is 100 percent vegan and free of sulfates, DEA and synthetic dyes. They will never irritate your skin and will always treat your hair right, leaving it soft, silky and shiny. To top it all off, the signature blend of wild cherry, lavender and rosemary extracts make your hair smell great. While you won’t find ABBA at your neighborhood drugstore, you can locate it at a salon in your area or shop online.

Price: Shampoo, $9. Conditioner, $15.

Get Yours: drugstore.com (Earn 10 Pts/$1 spent)

Oscars Beauty: It’s All About (The) Bob

Category: Best Red Carpet Hairstyle

Winner: The Bob

Why: A dear old friend made an appearance on the red carpet – the bob was out in full force with fashionistas Naomi Watts, Jennifer Lopez and Rachel Weisz sporting loose, 20’ and 30’s-inspired curls and waves.  It appears that old Hollywood glamour was the trend for red carpet hair last night and it was a welcome change from the severe up-do.

Get the Look: Don’t think your hair can turn up the volume for this style?  It’s all about the product.  Try spritzing Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Spray onto damp hair, then blow out and set with rollers. Be sure to finger comb this style, as you’ll want the curls to be loose and wavy.

Get Yours: Drugstore.com (Earn 10 Pts/$1 spent)