Fall hair refresh: 9 staff-tested picks
Updated: Sep. 24, 2014
Fall is the ideal time for a hair refresh. We tested these nine options in pursuit of glossier, healthier-looking locks
Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shine & Care Spray ($6, 150 mL)
I colour my hair regularly, so it can get dry. After shampooing, I shook this bottle well, then sprayed on the leave-in treatment, focusing on the ends since they tend to be really dry. The spray had a subtle scent and made my thick hair easier to comb through when wet-a real bonus! Once my hair was dry, I did notice it was shinier and softer than usual. I love the fact that this prolongs my colour, too. -Jennifer Walker, Deputy Editor
Matrix Oil Wonders Shaping Oil Cream ($23, 100 mL)
I’ve been hearing so much about the beauty benefits of argan oil but had yet to try it on my hair. I smoothed this styling cream through my damp, freshly washed hair and then blow-dried with a paddle brush. True to the package claims, my hair ended up soft and shiny with just the right amount of body. Note: This product has a powerful, though pretty, fragrance. -Melissa Greer, Content Producer
L’Oréal Paris Nutri-Shimmer Crystal Instant Miracle Complete Shine Care ($7, 200 mL)
I recently dyed my blond hair a little lighter-I love the look, but it felt so dry. With just one use, this treatment left my hair glossy, soft and buoyant. It worked better than a pricier brand I usually buy. You just finger-comb it through and rinse immediately-no wait. -Chloe Berge, Associate Editor
Live Clean Professional Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil ($12, 100 mL)
My grey hair is very dry, so I liked the “emergency conditioning” promise. I shook it as directed, spritzed out about 10 drops to spread on my very thick hair, then went about my morning routine before jumping in the shower. My hair is now softer and feels healthier. The trick for me will be to remember to apply it before I shower (at least 10 minutes prior). -Ruth Hanley, Copy Chief
Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect Miracle Repairing Shampoo and Protecting Conditioner (each $6, 375 mL)
This duo claims to “erase six months of damage in one use.” I tried them when my hair did its usual post-summer frizz freakout rebellion. Hate to bend to cliché, but it immediately made it more soft and manageable. And isn’t that the first step to getting some shine back? Also, I try to avoid perfumed hair products, but in this instance, I like the light scent; it smells great in the shower and doesn’t cloy once my hair is dry. –Rhonda Rovan, Editor-at-Large, Beauty & Fashion
Kocostar Hair Therapy Deep Conditioning Steam Hair Wrap ($8, 1 wrap)
The thin plastic cap is big, and a bit awkward for my short hair because all the conditioner is at the top of the cap. The trick is to get all of your hair in and evenly covered with the goop. When I rinsed after 15 minutes my hair was super-smooth, and so easy to style. And, yes-I even got comments on how shiny it looked! -Jessica Harding, Associate Web Editor
Kérastase Discipline Maskeratine ($59, 200 mL)
My platinum-dyed hair needs frequent bleaching and toning-cue perpetual dryness. This luxurious mask was the cure. Post-shampooing, I smoothed on the rich cream and let it sit for five minutes. When rinsing, I could feel right away how silky my hair had become. Once dry, it was softer, shinier and less tangle-prone. It’s not cheap-but it really works. -Jennifer Masseau, Associate Editor, Beauty & Fashion
OGX Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Shampoo and Conditioner (each $10, 385 mL)
Dull, dehydrated, frizzy? For my hair: check, check, check. This duo claims to fix all of these problems, so obviously I was excited to try it. My first impression was good; I loved it on my hair the first day. It felt lightweight and silky. My second-day hair felt a bit heavy. I plan to keep using this, but I’ll try a clarifying shampoo in between. -Stephanie Han, Art Director
Moroccanoil Boar Bristle round Brush 35 mm ($84)
My regular brush has widely set plastic bristles, and running this new one through my long, thick hair feels so different; I really have to put some arm power into it. But because of its dense bristles, the brush is amazingly smoothing: Normally, I need to flat-iron my bangs to prevent “wings,” but with this brush I don’t need to take that step. Big price tag, though. -Bonnie Munday, Editor-in-Chief
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