Even testing new products as often as I do hasn't stopped me from becoming brand loyal from time to time. If it works, why change, right? I've been using Aveda hair care products for years after trying a friend's Rosemary Mint conditioner in college and loving it. Lately, though, my hair hasn't been responding as well and it's still just as dry and frizzy as ever. I decided to stray and try KMS Haircare, another salon brand that is easier to find and a bit less expensive. I started with their Moisturizing Shampoo ($6 for 8 ounces) and Silker Reconstructor ($8 for 8 ounces), and now I think I have a new brand!

The Moisturizing Shampoo left my hair clean, soft, and actually comb-able, then adding the Silker Reconstructor made all the difference. This daily detangling conditioner made my hair soft and touchable again without weighing it down. To add a little control and soften those frizzies, I finished with Flat Out Relaxing Balm ($17 for 6 ounces) and was amazed at how well it worked. Just working a little through my towel-dried hair made it instantly straighter. I didn't have to tug at it with a brush as I dried it to keep it straight, and the final style was smooth and soft, not stiff or sticky. If you have wavy or even curly hair that you'd like to try straighter, this is one straightening balm that actually works.

When it comes to dealing with my hair, the less I have to do to it, the better. I want softness and volume without complicated blowdrying techniques, or three or four individual products for volume, shine, and hold. After discovering KMS recently, I decided to put their AMP Volume line of shampoo ($6.50), reconstructor ($8.50), and styling foam ($8.96) to the test with my fine, dry, flyaway hair. Made with Amino acids, Magnesium and Panthenol (hence the name AMP), these products are supposed to add substantial volume to fine hair without weighing it down.

While I found that they really do give fine hair a lift, the compromise is hair that is a bit stiff and almost gritty, like the hair is heavily coated. What this added "texture" is great for, however, is involved hair styles like french twists, ponytails, and up-do's that fine hair can often slip out of; for someone with fine hair that is often unmanageable, being able to actually style the hair is a fair trade for a little stickiness!