As someone with frequently styled hair, I know the importance of using a good heat protectant. We all want beautifully sleek and shiny locks, but constantly exposing our hair to hot tools can lead to some seriously parched ends. That’s why I was so excited when I discovered Beyond The Zone’s Smooth Criminal – this line totally protects my hair against damage while giving me flawless styles.

If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, Beyond The Zone creates salon-quality haircare products at affordable drugstore prices. Their Smooth Criminal collection is specially designed to shield hair from high heat while smoothing and softening. With so many options to choose from, I wanted to share my tips for finding your perfect Smooth Criminal product match. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Decoding the Smooth Criminal Lineup: Sprays, Creams, and Serums Oh My!

Beyond The Zone’s Smooth Criminal encompasses a range of formulations, each geared towards a different styling need. They offer options for fine, thick, curly, straight, and color-treated hair – so there’s definitely something for everyone! Here’s a quick overview of the main products:

Smooth Criminal Heat Protection Spray – This lightweight mist helps defend hair against damage from hot tools up to 450°F. It contains nourishing antioxidants along with a blend of silicones to seal in moisture. The spray acts as a primer for other styling products and leaves hair touchably soft.

Smooth Criminal Straightening Serum – Formulated with botanical extracts, this serum preps hair for smooth, long-lasting straight styles. It protects against heat up to 450°F while adding brilliant shine. The non-greasy formula eliminates frizz and flyaways.

Smooth Criminal Blowout Gel Lotion – This unique blow-dry gel cream provides superior heat protection up to 450°F. It transforms unruly locks into a smooth, flawless blowout and helps speed up drying time. Silk proteins increase manageability and softness.

Smooth Criminal Leave-In Treatment – This lightweight leave-in conditioner detangles, hydrates, and protects hair up to 450°F. It prevents split ends and controls frizz, leaving hair healthy and more manageable. Great for fine or frequently heated hair.

Smooth Criminal Pomade – This nourishing pomade tames frizz and flyaways while shielding hair from heat up to 450°F. Natural oils and butters replenish moisture and give hair a brilliant polished finish. It has a flexible hold ideal for curly and wavy hair.

Finding Your Perfect Match Based on Hair Type and Styling Needs

With all these options, it can be tricky choosing the right Smooth Criminal product for your unique hair. Here are my tips for selecting based on your hair type and styling preferences:

Fine, thinning, or damaged hair – Opt for the Heat Protection Spray or Leave-In Treatment. Both are lightweight, non-greasy formulas that won’t weigh down finer hair textures. The leave-in conditioner is particularly great for parched, over-processed strands.

Coarse, thick, or frizzy hair – Try the Blowout Gel Lotion or Pomade. They provide thermal protection while taming unruly hair and eliminating frizz for smoother styles. The pomade nourishes dry thick hair.

Straight styles – Use the Straightening Serum before flat ironing or hot brushing. It preps hair for super sleek looks with less damage thanks to its 450°F heat protection. Finish styles with the frizz-fighting Pomade.

Bouncy blowouts – Apply the Blowout Gel Lotion before blow drying for faster drying and tons of volume. Get smooth styles that last by following with the anti-frizz Straightening Serum to finish.

Curly or wavy hair – The nourishing Pomade controls frizz and defines waves/curls without crunch or stickiness. Finish with the Leave-In Treatment for extra hydration and heat protection when diffusing.

Color protection – To keep color vibrant, make the Leave-In Treatment your go-to for thermal protection up to 450°F. It helps lock in moisture and prevent drying of color-treated strands.

Maximum heat protection – All Smooth Criminal products protect up to 450°F, making them ideal for high heat tools. For even hotter styling, layer the Heat Protection Spray underneath other products to supercharge protection.

Get Smoother, Shinier Hair – Without the Damage!

Now that you know how to pick the right Smooth Criminal product for your hair, let’s dive into the main benefits this line offers:

Serious heat protection – Applying any Smooth Criminal product before hot tools provides guaranteed protection up to 450°F. Some reviews even report less damage when cranking tools up to 500°F! The thermal shields prevent dryness and truly help hair stay healthy.

Smoother hair – The Smooth Criminal collections tames frizz and flyaways for noticeably smoother hair from root to tip. Ingredients like silicones and oils seal the cuticle flat, while polymers provide long-lasting polish.

Faster blowouts – The unique formulas allow hair to dry quicker by facilitating airflow to the roots. Say goodbye to arm fatigue! Smooth Criminal cuts my blow dry time almost in half.

Less need for other stylers – With built-in frizz control, thermal protection, and shine enhancers, you can skip other products in your routine. For me, Smooth Criminal is the only styler I need for flawless locks!

Soft, touchable hair – Nourishing ingredients like argan oil, silk proteins, shea butter replenish moisture and softness as your style. Even after hot tool styling, my hair feels healthy instead of crispy.

Brilliant shine – Light reflective ingredients give hair major glossiness and luminosity. The Smooth Criminal really enhances the vibrancy of my color too!

Flexible hold – Unlike some heavy creams and serums, Smooth Criminal products don’t stiffness or stickiness. You get natural-looking styles with movement.

Affordable prices – With prices ranging from $5-$9 per bottle, this salon-quality brand won’t break the bank. You can stock up on your faves without spending a fortune.

My Personal Recommendations

Now for the fun part – sharing my personal faves! After testing all the Smooth Criminal products, these are the ones I keep coming back to:

• For fine straight hair – the Heat Protection Spray. This weightless mist doesn’t bog down my finer hair at all. And the 450°F protection gives me peace of mind when using hot tools daily!
• For smoothing frizz – the Straightening Serum. This helps me achieve the glossy, sleek straight locks of my dreams! A little goes a long way.
• For curly hair – the Pomade. I love that this controls frizz without making my curls crunchy or stiff. It keeps the natural curl pattern intact.
• For color protection – the Leave-In Treatment. This lightweight formula keeps my blonde highlights from drying out and fading. My stylist is impressed with how vibrant my color stays between appointments!

No matter your hair type or styling needs, Smooth Criminal has a product that can make your routine easier while preventing heat damage. Try out a few to discover your new holy grail styler. Just remember – always apply them to dry hair before heating tools for optimal protection. Your hair will thank you. Say goodbye to fried ends and bad hair days!

5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Smooth Criminal

Now that you’ve selected the perfect Smooth Criminal product, here are my pro tips for using it to get the best results:

1. Apply to dry hair – For the strongest heat protection, always apply Smooth Criminal to completely dry locks before using any hot tools. Putting it on damp hair dilutes the product and results in less protection.

2. Use on clean hair – Buildup from other hair products can limit how well Smooth Criminal adheres. Make sure to shampoo and condition thoroughly before applying for optimal performance.

3. Pay attention to amount – More isn’t always better! Use a dime to quarter-sized amount distributed evenly from roots to ends. Too much product can sometimes cause residue.

4. Layer with other stylers – Smooth Criminal plays well with other products. Use your favorite volumizer, then follow up with the heat protection. Just allow each layer to dry fully before applying the next.

5. Reapply as needed – Using hot tools for big sections or a very lengthy styling session? Mist hair lightly with Smooth Criminal to reinforce protection where you need it most. But never spray directly onto the hot tool!

I also recommend washing Smooth Criminal out fully at the end of the day if you use heavier products like the pomade or blowout cream. That prevents any buildup or residue issues over time. Taking just a few minutes to prep with Smooth Criminal makes a huge difference in the overall health and beauty of your hair. So don’t skip this important step in your styling routine!

Smooth Criminal Buying Guide: Where to Purchase and Price Details

Alright, I’ve given you all the tips for choosing the right Smooth Criminal product and using it properly in your routine. Now let’s talk about where you can get your hands on these heat protecting gems! Here’s the scoop on buying Smooth Criminal:

Where to buy – Smooth Criminal products are sold at many major retailers like Walmart, Target, Ulta, and Sally Beauty. You can also find the line at some CVS, Rite Aid, and grocery/drug stores. Shopping online makes price comparing easy too.

Price range – Most Smooth Criminal styling products cost between $5-$9 per bottle. The Heat Protection Spray tends to be the most budget-friendly around $5. The specialized serums and creams are usually $8-$9. Definitely affordable!

Sales to look for – Keep an eye out for buy one, get one 50% off sales at Ulta and Sally’s. Stock up on multiples to save! Or look for dollars off coupons at places like CVS.

Buy the set – Some retailers sell the Styling Essentials Set which contains the Heat Spray, Straightening Serum, and Blowout Cream together for one low price. Sets are cheaper than buying individually.

Consider bulk – Buying 2-3 bottles at once typically makes the per bottle price lower. Great if you find your new fave Smooth Criminal! Or get a set that covers all your styling needs.

Sign up for rewards – Places like Ulta, Sally’s, and CVS have free rewards programs that earn you money off future purchases. Might as well save while stocking up on protection!

With regular use, one bottle of Smooth Criminal should last 1-2 months. So I recommend buying 2-3 bottles at a time to get the best deal. And don’t wait until you’re completely out – no one wants to be caught styling without protection! Stay stocked up on your go-to Smooth Criminal products. Your hair and wallet will thank you.

Smooth Criminal Review Roundup: Real Reviews From Real Customers

Curious what real people think of Beyond The Zone’s Smooth Criminal? I did some digging on reviews to give you the scoop. Here’s what customers are saying:

“This stuff is amazing!” – Salon stylist reviewing Heat Protection Spray – “I can honestly say this is one of the best thermal sprays I’ve tried. All my clients with damage are religious about using it now.”

“Silky soft hair every time.” – Woman with thick curly hair reviewing Pomade – “This keeps my curls hydrated and frizz-free even when using my diffuser on high heat. Love it!”

“Smells great and leaves hair so sleek.” – Reviewer commenting on the Straightening Serum – “I get the look of an expensive keratin treatment with this stuff! And the tropical smell is so nice.”

“Dries my hair in record time!” – Woman with long hair reviewing Blowout Gel Lotion – “I cut my dry time way down with this stuff. And it leaves hair so insanely smooth too.”

“Saved my fragile strands.” – Person with bleached hair commenting on the Leave-In Treatment – “This Conditioner is a must for color-treated hair. No more breakage and it keeps my blonde shiny.”

The consensus across the board is that Smooth Criminal products deliver salon-worthy results at budget prices. People love how they protect hair from heat damage and leave locks looking healthy, smooth, and shiny after styling. The rave reviews prove these products live up to their claims!

Ready to Protect Your Hair in Style?

There you have it – everything you could possibly need to know before purchasing your new favorite Smooth Criminal styler! This buying guide covers how to pick the right one for your hair type and needs. I shared my personal faves too. Don’t forget those pro tips for getting maximum results from the products.

With Beyond The Zone’s Smooth Criminal heat protection, you can have flawless styles without all the damage. Give your hair some much needed TLC and defense against hot tools. Just remember to apply the product properly on dry, clean hair before exposing locks to high heat. Smooth Criminal truly lives up to its name, slaying frizz and damage for smoother, softer hair. Thanks for checking out my tips, and happy smooth styling!