Cheap Tricks to Try Out at the Drug Store Makeup Counter

ALLISON BABKA, 32, ST. LOUIS
Problem -- She likes to alternate wearing her hair curly and straight, and she's looking for products that aren't as expensive as those she gets at salons. Her hair has a heavy frizz factor.

Cheap trick -- Dana suggested John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray, Straight ($6.99). She told Allison to look for key words such as "thermal heat protection." Those products contain starches that will help slick the hair down and protect it from damage, especially because Allison has long hair which needs more care because it tends to be years old.

To help with moisture-retention, whether her hair is curly or straight, she suggested Frizz-Ease Hair Serum ($9.99).

When it comes to keeping curls groomed as the humidity rises, Dana said Allison will need a curl enhancer that is alcohol-free that she can scrunch into the curls.

Allison might also consider a wet set on the curly days for the most gentle results. Dana suggested cutting up a T-shirt and using it to wrap hair in coils overnight with a setting lotion like Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion Regular Hold ($4.49). Dana said that curly girls often overlook products in the ethnic section where the products often are cheaper and offer better results.

Allison's verdict -- The oil made her ends feel soft and made her hair feel smoother in general. It was not greasy on her hair or scalp, but she had to wash her hands after applying it. The straightening spray helped create a straighter style when blow drying and felt a little lighter than other sprays she's tried. The biggest problem was deciding how much product to use. Both had a scent that she wasn't crazy about, but in the end, she said that she "probably would buy the oil again. I'm not so sure the straightening spray added tremendous value."