AVEDA Control Force

Right off the bat, I have to say that I LOVE this hairspray! There are only a few tiny things that I am not crazy about. If I had to describe Control Force in a nutshell, I would say that it is AVEDA's answer to Aqua Net. I mean, this hairspray has an incredible hold! For many, I think that Control Force may have a bit too much hold, but it does come in handy and it has a few added benefits.

I'd like to note that it is very easy to spray too much Control Force on; you truly don't need a lot. It is really best to start with a small amount, then if extra hold is needed, apply another layer. There is nothing worst that spraying down your hairstyle and having that crunchy texture! I don't personally use Control Force for my everyday hairspray. I tend to choose a light-hold working spray for my loose daytime styles, and I use Control Force for my nights out or more structured looks that require the extra umph. This product is marketed as 'no-flake', but I have noticed that if you intend to rock a second day hairstyle, Control Force does flake a little. Just a little. It may be best to avoid it for first day styling or you could use a light mist of a prepping product for a flake-free refresh.

AVEDA claims that this no-flake hairspray protects against humidity and contains antioxidants & UV filters. It is really difficult to measure how well Control Force does with blocking out harmful UV rays, but with the added antioxidants, this hairspray certainly has more added benefits than most other hairsprays on the market. I feel like it is also important to add that this hairspray is a more environmentally-responsible choice because it has a net-zero climate impact due to AVEDA's efforts for renewable energy and resources.

Now here's my major gripe with Control Force... the smell. I have been using this stuff for a long time now and I know that there is supposed to be some sort of 'calming' fragrance, but I really just pick up the scent of oldschool hairspray. I don't get it. I really think that the aroma should be re-worked to smell more along the lines of AVEDA's Air Control. If AVEDA fixed the whole fragrance issue, I really feel like Control Force would really be a force to be reckoned with. This will remain as my go-to firm hold hairspray and I still believe it is worth every single penny.

+Pros
+Very strong hold
+Contains antioxidants and UV filters for protection
+Environmentally conscious aerosol
+Doesn't flake much
+Humidity defense

-Cons
-Fragrance smells like oldschool hairspray
-At times, the nozzle will clog and will require cleaning
-May flake lightly
-Can get too stiff if excessive product is used

This product was rated on:
Strength of hold:  5
Workability/Flexibility:  4
Durability of style:  5
Fragrance:  2
Added benefits:  4

Averaged rating:  4.0

Available in 50ml & 258g/9.1oz. Order on-line from AVEDA or find your local retailer/salon HERE.

Product Review: Paul Mitchell's Mitch Reformer Strong Hold Matte Finish Texturizer

As you may know, the Mitch brand is Paul Mitchell's attempt to really break into the men's hair care category. Reformer is marketed as a strong-hold, gritty, matte-type texturizer that helps make fine hair appear thicker. Although it does do a great job with initial styling, I feel that the overall promoted effects of this product fall a bit short of spectacular after a good 4-6 hours. I would say that if you are looking for 1 single styling product with great control, this may not be the one.

In my experience with Reformer, I have noticed that the style just doesn't stay as long as I would like it to. If you really want a style that will hold, it will most likely require a good layer of hairspray (which I do recommend anyway). One concern that I have is that although this product is definitely not a high-shine finish, it really does not look or feel completely matte either. I find that a bit strange since this product is pretty heavily marketed as Mitch's matte-type styling product. Reformer has a slickness to it; not the grittiness that is mentioned on the official website. I really feel that this somehow contributes to the fact that the product doesn't hold all that well. Matte products do tend to work wonders for people with fine hair, but like I said, Reformer is not entirely matte. If you want that REALLY matte finish, I would steer away, but if you're trying to stay within the Mitch brand of products, this will be your best bet.

All of my test subjects and peers do agree that the consistency of Reformer is spot-on! It resembles a thick cream and makes it really easy to apply. I don't think anyone appreciates a styling product that causes so much friction that it creates a yanking effect on your hair while you're applying it. Reformer doesn't have this problem whatsoever. For most men, you'll only need a dime to nickel sized amount of product for styling. That is a nice incentive for those who don't care to use much, if any, hair products at all.

Mitch products seem to have a pretty universal fragrance. This one smells quite good actually. I wouldn't entirely consider it a neutral scent, but it definitely smells clean. The last point that I would like to take note of is that Reformer washes out pretty well. I find it rather unlikely that you would have to wash your hair more than once to break down any product build-up. Certainly no complaints about that! This review may come across a bit negative, but I believe that Mitch's Reformer is an overall solid choice for those that are looking for a pliable product with a semi-strong hold and a slight matte effect.

+Pros
+Clean and fresh fragrance
+Semi-strong hold
+Outstanding creamy consistency
+Easy to apply evenly and allows for great control
+Requires little product for most styles
+Semi-matte effect
+Washes out easily and doesn't appear to cause product build-up

-Cons
-Doesn't feel or appear fully matte
-Doesn't always have a lasting hold
-Will most likely require hairspray for a lasting hold
-Can end up feeling slightly oily throughout the day

This product was rated on:

Fragrance:  4
Product consistency:  5
Finish:  3
Strength of hold:  3
Durability of style:  3

Averaged rating:  3.6

Available in 85g/3oz. Find your local retailer HERE