Hair Care Reviews

Sebastian Professional Shaper Hairspray is one of those rare heritage formulas that has genuinely earned its place in the modern beauty cabinet. In our testing, it delivered the kind of hold that feels almost invisible: hair stayed lifted, curled, and polished, yet remained soft, brushable, and remarkably clean-feeling even after several days of use. Fine and thinning hair, often punished by heavy sprays, seemed to come alive—gaining body, texture, and a subtle thickness without stickiness or crunch.

This is not the spray for gravity-defying bridal updos or bulletproof lacquered looks; it’s the one you use when you want your hair to look like you just woke up with great hair. The main trade-offs of this luxury classic are its temperamental nozzle and a noticeable salon-style scent that won’t please every nose. But if you’re seeking a prestige, brushable hairspray that respects the movement and health of your hair, Shaper remains a benchmark—and one we still reach for, decades after its debut.

This Wahl 3‑in‑1 trimmer is the grooming equivalent of a reliable city car: not glamorous, not silent, but it starts every time and gets you exactly where you need to go. In our testing, the powerful AA-driven motor and rotary head made light work of nose and ear hair, while the detail head and brow guide kept necklines and unruly eyebrows in check between professional cuts. The experience is far from lavish—the plastic attachments feel fragile, the noise is unapologetically loud, and the trim is more ‘tidy and presentable’ than surgically sharp. Yet for most people, that combination of strength, simplicity, and versatility will be more than enough. Consider this a pragmatic, everyday grooming tool from a heritage brand, best suited to those who care more about being well-kept than being pampered.

Hicober’s Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap is the kind of under-$20 upgrade that quietly changes your routine. In our testing, it transformed that drippy, post-shower window into a soft, cocooned pause where hair was gently wicking dry while we moved through skincare, emails, and getting dressed. The plush microfiber feels indulgent yet purposeful, pulling out enough moisture to noticeably cut blow-dry time and soften frizz without over-drying curls.

It isn’t a magic wand for extremely long or ultra-dense hair, and the button-and-loop hardware is the one element that occasionally betrayed its price point. But as an everyday hair-care staple, it delivered a consistently comfortable, secure, and efficient dry for most of our testers. If you’re ready to retire the bulky bath towel on your head and want something that feels both practical and a little bit pampering, this wrap earns its place on the hook behind your bathroom door.

Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo is the hair equivalent of slipping into a freshly pressed silk shirt instead of a cotton tee. It doesn’t shout; it refines—lifting oil, softening odor, and infusing hair with that just-left-the-salon scent that quietly announces you take care of yourself. In our testing, it excelled at first- and second-day revival, particularly for fine to medium, color-treated hair that needs a gentle, non-talc touch. The formula feels modern and thoughtful, but the packaging lets the story down: a beautiful mist housed in a can that too often misbehaves. If you’re willing to accept that risk for the sensory payoff and ingredient profile, this can absolutely earn a permanent spot in your styling arsenal. If reliability and value outrank romance on your priority list, consider this a luxurious treat rather than your everyday workhorse.

OSiS+ Thrill Fibre Gum is the styling equivalent of a perfectly cut blazer: structured, polished, but never stiff. In our testing, it brought layered bobs, pixies, and short crops to life with elastic hold, airy volume, and that coveted piecey, editorial texture. The fibrous, gum-like consistency looks intimidating in the jar, yet melts into hair with a glossy, healthy sheen that feels more ‘lived-in luxury’ than ‘over-styled product.’

We did note trade-offs: on very fine or long hair, it can skew shiny and a touch heavy if you’re not extremely restrained, and those craving concrete-strong hold will want something firmer. But for most short to medium cuts, Thrill strikes a beautiful balance between control and movement. It’s the product we kept on our desks and in our kits because it quietly, consistently made hair look better—without ever shouting for attention.