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Beauty Board: Anti-Frizz Serums

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 13, 2008

If ads for popular beauty products leave you skeptical, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board's veteran testers are ready to try the latest and greatest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making your life a little easier. This week: Anti-frizz serums. Will these creams make whoop or make our hair droop?

Frederic Fekkai Anti-Frizz Silkening Crème and Zero Humidity Frizz Control

Available at high-end salons and department stores, and at www.fredericfekkai.com; crème is $25 for 3.4 ounces, frizz control is $22 for 5 ounces.

"Dehumidify and defrizz hair under any weather or styling condition; conquer frizz all day with this weightless, water-free mist."

Rating: B+

Michelle says: When the Beauty Board's baroness of booty, Cloe Cabrera, gave me both of these anti-frizz products to test, I was suspicious. Did she think my hair was so out of control that I needed a double dose of treatment? Turns out I was taking her gesture too personally. These products are actually perfectly suited to use in tandem. The cream, which smells heavenly, goes on post-shower. (Just a little dab will do; don't get carried away.) After my normally big hair dried naturally, I had a smoother, more polished look. And that's where the frizz control spritz came in. I sprayed a light mist over my hair, and frizz, be gone! This will cancel out my New Year's resolution that There Will Be No More Product for my hair. This competent combo has convinced me to clear just a little more space on my bathroom shelf.

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tribune.

Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey

Available at Sephora and online at www.carolsdaughter.com; $15.50 for an 8 ounce jar.

"Controls frizz and adds shine to hair - relaxed or natural."

Rating: A

Cloe says: I'm always on the prowl for a product that can tame my beastly frizz and unruly curl without weighing my hair down. Mimosa Hair Honey did the trick. The combination of ingredients - corn oil infused with lavender, rosemary, sage, shea and cocoa butters and other moisturizers - isn't a bit greasy. But don't overdo it, a little goes a long way. It leaves behind a light citrusy scent you'll love. You also can use it on wet hair. Mimosa contains no petroleum or mineral oil, so my hair didn't feel weighed down with product. It had lots of body, movement and gorgeous shine. Eat your heart out, Beyonce.

Cloe Cabrera, 42, is the fashion and beauty reporter for the Tribune.

John Frieda Collection Weather Works Weather-Proofing Style Sealant Crème

Available at Target, Walgreen's and other mass retailers; $5.99 for 4 ounces.

"Seals out the style-ruining effects of weather for all-day control and ultra-smooth styles."

Rating: B

Kim says: My hair soaks up humidity like a thirsty sponge that just keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I haven't had much luck with anti-frizz products through the years. Either they feel too greasy or they don't seem to do much at all. Weather Works style sealant falls somewhere in the middle; I wasn't blown away by the results, but it did keep the frizz down a bit on some pretty damp August days. A big downside: The styling salon smell is overpowering. I purchased a similar product at Walgreen's just days before trying this one, and I prefer it. Ellin Lavar Textures LiquidGlass ($7.99 for 4 ounces) has a lighter scent, and I think it leaves my hair shinier and less susceptible to frizz.

Kim Franke-Folstad, 50, is senior features editor at the Tribune and editor of 4you.

Avon Advance Techniques Anti-Frizz Capsules

Available at www.avon.com; $4.99 for 18 capsules (.58 ounces).

"Tames and smoothes frizz. For straight or curly hair."

Rating: A

Rosa says: This product gives great bang for your buck if you are looking for something relatively cheap that can do some serious curl-taming in the Florida humidity. I've tried scores of frizz creams, gels, serums - you name it - and I was surprised that the gel in these tiny capsules was able to keep my hair from going haywire. The label says to break open one to two capsules for one application, but I had to use three or four because I have long and fairly thick hair. Once it's in, though, this product has decent staying power throughout the day. Another plus: The capsules are conveniently portable for non-messy touchups when you're out and about. And that comes in handy on a rainy day. At $4.99 for 18 capsules, you can't go wrong with this one.

Rosa Mercado, 29, is a recruitment advertising account manager at the Tribune.

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