Beyond The Zone The Scruncher

Finding the Perfect Scrunching Product for Your Hair Type and Style

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for the perfect hair products that will help you achieve your dream locks. As someone with naturally wavy hair who loves wearing beachy waves and tousled curls, I’m constantly testing out different scrunching creams, gels, and sprays to find the ones that enhance my texture and provide long-lasting hold. Recently, I came across Beyond The Zone’s The Scruncher, and let’s just say it’s become my new holy grail styling product!

In this buying guide, I’ll give you a full rundown on everything you need to know about The Scruncher – what it is, how it works, what hair types it’s best suited for, application tips, reviews, pricing, and how it compares to other popular scrunching products like sea salt sprays and mousses. If you’re looking to achieve touchable texture and effortless, natural-looking waves like me, this might just become your new product obsession!

An Overview of Beyond The Zone The Scruncher

Beyond The Zone is a professional salon haircare brand that makes a range of styling products targeted towards specific hair needs and styles. The Scruncher is part of their “Surf Crush” line, which is focused on achieving beachy, windswept texture.

It’s marketed as a curl-defining crème that enhances waves, cuts down on frizz, and provides flexible hold. The formula is lightweight and contains conditioning ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and panthenol (vitamin B5). It’s meant to boost definition, control, and hydration in wavy to curly hair types.

The product comes in a bright teal bottle with a flip-top lid that makes it easy to dispense the creamy formula. It has a pleasant fruity scent but isn’t overly perfumed.

You apply it to damp hair after shampooing and conditioning and scrunch it in from roots to ends, then air dry or diffuse. It’s free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, and mineral oil.

So in a nutshell – it’s an affordable, salon-quality, scrunching cream specifically designed for curly and wavy manes!

Using The Scruncher for Maximum Waves, Texture & Definition

For those with naturally wavy or curly hair, The Scruncher helps to enhance and define your God-given texture. The moisture-rich formula elongates the curl pattern and prevents strands from becoming brittle and frizzy.

Here are some tips for using it to get the most out of your waves and curls:

• Apply to clean, damp hair – this helps the product absorb properly into the hair cuticle.
• Scrunch generously from roots to ends, concentrating on the areas that need the most definition. For me, that’s around my face and ends.
• Let your hair air dry or diffuse for best results. Air drying will give you a more relaxed texture while diffusing amps up the volume.
• Use on day 2 or 3 hair to redefine fallen waves and smooth down frizz. Just emulsify a dime-size amount between your hands and scrunch into areas that need touch-ups.
• Pair it with Beyond The Zone’s Turn Up The Volume Foam for extra lift at the roots.
• For looser beach waves, apply to damp mid-lengths and ends, then braid sections. Let dry before unraveling.

No matter your natural texture, The Scruncher enhances it without leaving hair crispy or crunchy.

Why The Scruncher is a Game-Changer for Curly Hair

As a curly-haired girl, I’m always game to try the latest defining creams and curl enhancers – but many end up weighing my hair down or leaving it looking greasy. The Scruncher has been a total game-changer! Here’s why it works so well on curly and wavy locks:

• It avoids heaviness or greasiness thanks to the lightweight, airy cream formula. It moisturizes without oversoftening curls.
• No flaky residue! The cream absorbs smoothly without leaving any sticky or stiff residue behind.
• It fights frizz and enhances definition from root to tip for bouncier, springier curls.
• Prevents dryness or crispy texture thanks to moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and aloe.
• Leaves hair touchably soft – never crunchy! Defines curls without rigidity.
• Good hold power that lasts for days. Curls pop and stay lively.
• Enhances natural texture rather than altering it. Brings out your best waves and curls!

So if you have naturally curly or wavy hair and want a product that boosts hold, hydration, and definition without weighing it down, The Scruncher is a winner!

Get Beachy, Textured Waves with The Scruncher

A common styling goal for a lot of us wave-haired girls is achieving that perfectly imperfect, beachy texture – think Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon!

The thing is, it can be tricky finding products that give you that natural “I just emerged from the ocean” look without ending up either too stiff and crispy or falling flat.

This is where The Scruncher really shines (pun intended!). Here are some tips for making beachy magic happen with this product:

• Apply to damp mid-lengths and ends after shampooing.
• Use a wave-enhancing shampoo and conditioner – I like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Shampoo.
• Let your hair air dry or diffuse at a low heat/speed to allow the waves to form naturally.
• Once dry, scrunch out any hard cast left behind for touchably soft texture.
• Spritz sea salt spray (like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Salt Spray) onto dry hair and scrunch for added texture.
• Create beachy braids or twists while hair dries for cool, crimped waves when you take them out.
• Use The Scruncher to refresh waves on non-wash days. Just emulsify a penny-size amount between palms and scrunch where needed.

The end result is bouncy, beachy waves with movement, body, and texture – no crispy curls in sight!

Where to Buy The Scruncher (and How Much it Costs)

Since The Scruncher is a professional salon-brand product, you can purchase it from the comfort of your couch!

Here are some places you can find it and how much it typically costs:

• Ulta – $12.99 for a 10 oz bottle. They often have sales and coupons available too!
• Amazon – Also usually around $12.99, sometimes cheaper. Prime shipping is handy!
• Select Sally Beauty stores – Price is comparable to Ulta/Amazon. Not all locations may carry it.
• eSalon – You can add it on to any customized hair order from this personalized salon service.
• Some local hair salons may carry Beyond The Zone products. Call around to check!

For a 10 oz bottle, The Scruncher ranges from $10-15 on average. It’s very reasonably priced for a professional formula – making it a great drugstore find for us thriftier haircare junkies. A little goes a long way since you only need a small amount per use.

Scruncher Reviews: The Verdict is In!

So what are people actually saying about The Scruncher? Is it living up to its promises for frizz-free texture and touchable waves?

After scouring reviews, the consensus seems to be overwhelmingly positive! Here are some of the most common praise points:

• Leaves hair with a “beachy, lived-in look and feel” – great for effortless waves
• Cuts down on frizz – reviewers call it a “frizz-tamer”
• Doesn’t feel sticky, stiff or greasy – has a lightweight, clean feel
• Leaves hair touchably soft – eliminates that crunchy look
• Good for enhancing natural texture and waves
• Pleasant scent – smells fresh, not overly perfume-y
• Affordable price point for a salon-quality product
• Works well for refreshing hair on day 2 and 3 to re-activate waves

The most common critiques were that it doesn’t provide enough hold for tighter, kinkier curls and that the container makes it a bit messy to dispense the cream.

But for loose waves, almost everyone said it gave them bouncy, touchable texture without sticky residue – hooray!

How The Scruncher Stacks Up Against Other Stylers

Since there are so many scrunching creams and gels out there, you may be wondering how The Scruncher compares to other popular options. Here’s a quick breakdown:

vs. Sea Salt Sprays: These give you more of an undone, gritty texture. The Scruncher defines waves better and avoids dryness. They can be used together though!

vs. Mousse: Mousse is better for volume, while The Scruncher defines. Again, you can use both together.

vs. Gel: Gel typically offers stronger hold but can get crunchy. The Scruncher is more lightweight and touchable.

vs. Foam: Foam gives volume and fullness. The cream formula of The Scruncher defines waves better.

vs. Curl Creams: It’s very similar to curl creams but has a bit more hold power. It just comes down to your preference!

vs. Custards/Butters: These heavier products can weight waves down. The Scruncher gives a softer hold and movement.

So in summary – The Scruncher has a lightweight hold that’s ideal for wave enhancement and texture. Stronger hold gels or heavier creams may work better for tighter curls.

How to Use the Scruncher for Straight Hair

The Scruncher is formulated specifically for wavy to curly hair types, but can you use it on straight locks too?

Short answer: yes! Here are some tips:

• Apply just to the mid-lengths and ends of damp hair. This creates texture while avoiding roots getting greasy.
• Let hair air dry or diffuse on low to enhance natural movement.
• Pair it with a sea salt spray – spritz it in before scrunching The Scruncher in. This adds grit and piece-y texture.
• Use a texture spray afterward too for extra hold. Focus on ends and leave roots out.
• Braid or twist damp hair into sections before drying for cool, crimped waves when released.
• Try a half and half technique – use mousse or gel on roots for volume and The Scruncher on ends only.

While it works best for curly hair, straight-haired ladies can absolutely use The Scruncher strategically too – just don’t apply it all over! Focus on the mid-lengths to ends and use other styling products on roots for the best results.

Ingredient Highlights: Shea Butter, Aloe, and More

Whenever I try a new hair product, I’m always scrutinizing the ingredient list to make sure it seems clean and nourishing. Here are some of the key ingredients that caught my eye in The Scruncher:

• Shea Butter – softens and smoothes hair while reducing frizz. Also hydrates!
• Aloe Vera – adds moisture and a smooth, slick feel while softening strands.
• Coconut Oil – fatty acids help strengthen and repair damage. Also boosts shine.
• Panthenol – this vitamin B5 derivative penetrates strands to infuse moisture.
• Vegetable Glycerin – draws moisture in from the air to hydrate hair.
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – helps repair damage and improves elasticity.

I love seeing ingredients like shea, aloe, and coconut oil which not only style hair beautifully but also nourish it. The Scruncher seems to strike the right balance between holding and conditioning.

It does contain PVP polymer for hold, which some prefer to avoid – but it’s pretty far down the list. Overall, I was happy with the formula!

Why The Scruncher is a Great Sulfate-Free Option

More and more of us are looking for hair products that are free of sulfates, which are harsh cleansing agents found in many shampoos and conditioners.

The good news – The Scruncher is sulfate-free, making it a great option for:

• Color-treated hair – sulfates can cause color to fade faster.
• Dry, damaged strands – sulfates can be stripping and drying.
• Those avoiding skin irritation – sulfates can cause sensitivity.
• Curly hair – coils tend to fare better without harsh sulfates.

Since The Scruncher is focused on hydration and curl/wave enhancement, removing sulfates from the formula makes good sense. Plus, it’s gentler on the scalp.

If your goal is to have soft, bouncy waves or curls without sulfates drying you out, The Scruncher has you covered!

Use on Wet or Dry Hair for Flexible Styling

Another thing that I love about The Scruncher is that it can be used on both wet AND dry hair for flexible styling options. Here are some ideas:

• Apply to wet hair after shampooing and conditioning for maximum hydration and hold.
• Use on dry hair to refresh fallen waves and curls between washes. Just emulsify a little between palms and scrunch into place.
• Scrunch into dry sections before heat styling with a curling iron to boost shine and cut down on damage.
• Work through ends only on dry hair (not roots) for texture, separation and frizz control.
• Smooth over dry braids before releasing to enhance wave patterns.
• Re-wet hair on non-wash days and work through for a revitalizing boost.

No matter when you want to use it, The Scruncher delivers! Having the ability to use it on both wet AND dry hair makes it super versatile.

Does The Scruncher Provide Strong Hold for Curls?

For those with tight, coily curls – especially type 3c-4c curls – hold is a MAJOR priority for maintaining defined texture.

The Scruncher is formulated more for wavy to loose curly hair that wants touchable, natural-looking texture – not a super-strong gel cast.

The long-lasting but flexible hold comes from ingredients like:

• PVP – a lightweight polymer that provides soft definition
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – firms and helps hold the curl shape
• Honey – holds moisture in and improves manageability

If your curls need maximum definition and lasting hold from roots to ends, The Scruncher may not provide enough control. In that case, you’d want to look for a strong hold gel specifically formulated for tight coils.

For loose waves through medium curls, The Scruncher’s medium hold with a natural finish is ideal. But kinkier curls may need more heavy-duty products.

Gives Touchable Texture Without Crunchiness

If you love scrunching creams but hate that stiff, crunchy final feel, you’re not alone!

A lot of curl enhancers end up giving great definition but also leave hair crispy and stiff by the end. No fun to run your fingers through!

This leads us to another awesome benefit of The Scruncher – it smooths down frizz and enhances texture without ANY crunchiness.

Reviewers with wavy, curly, and coily hair alike say it leaves their curls bouncy, supple, and touchably soft.

Some of the ingredients that help avoid crunch include:

• Shea Butter and Coconut Oil – soften and smooth strands
• Panthenol – prevents dryness and brittleness
• Aloe Vera – imparts a slick, frizz-free feel
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – gives control without rigidity

So if you like scrunching out your waves but don’t want them to feel like ramen noodles, The Scruncher is a great option! Say bye-bye to crispy curls.

Does The Scruncher Leave Shiny or Matte Finish?

When selecting any hair styling product, it’s important to think about the finish – do you want a glossy, shiny look or a natural, matte texture?

With The Scruncher, you get more of a matte, touchable finish than a wet, glossy look.

It doesn’t contain any oils high up on the ingredient list, which helps keep the finish more natural than greasy.

It also skips silicones, which can sometimes cause buildup or heaviness.

The talc-free formula provides texture and light hold without adding noticeable shine or grease. This makes it great for casual, beachy styles rather than polished updos!

Some reviewers noted The Scruncher works well even for fine, oily hair since it doesn’t create a coated or slick feel.

So if you’re looking for defined waves with subtle matte separation instead of slick shine, The Scruncher is your match.

Safe for Color-Treateded and Chemically-Textured Hair

For those of us with color-treated or chemically textured hair, finding safe, non-drying products is so key to maintaining vibrant color and healthy curls.

The good news about The Scruncher is that it’s free of harsh ingredients that cause color fade or damage.

Here’s what makes it suitable for colored and permed/relaxed hair:

• No sulfates – these stripping agents can cause color to fade faster
• Gentle cleansers – won’t strip color or moisture from strands
• Shea butter & aloe – help repair and maintain integrity of chemically-treated hair
• Seals cuticle – keeps moisture in and environmental damage out
• No parabens – these preservatives can be irritating and drying
• Lightweight texture – won’t weigh down fragile strands

I feel confident using The Scruncher without it compromising my hair color or health. It provides much-needed hydration without a heavy feel.

If you have color-treated or chemically textured hair, The Scruncher lets you scrunch worry-free!

Benefits for Thick and Thin Hair Types

Whether you have a lush mane of thick hair or finer, thinner locks, texture and frizz can be an issue.

The great thing about The Scruncher is that it seems to work for both thick AND thin hair types!

For thick hair, it helps:

• Smooth and define curls without greasiness
• Provide touchable hold without crunchiness
• Prevent poufiness and frizz
• Add shine and moisture to condition strands

For thin/fine hair, it:

• Boosts volume by enhancing waves
• Avoid weighed-down, greasy look
• Gives texture and separation
• Creates body without stiffness
• Control frizz without flatness

So no matter if your hair is thick and full or fine and thin, The Scruncher can give you bouncy texture minus frizz and grease!

How The Scruncher Compares to Other Wave Products

From sea salt sprays to curling creams, the options for wavy hair products seem endless! So how does The Scruncher compare to others on the market?

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Cream – very similar texture and results. Scruncher seems to offer a bit more frizz control but Beach Babe has more of a beachy feel.

Ouai Wave Spray – the Ouai spray acts more like a sea salt spray for texture. Scruncher defines waves better and has more moisture.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash – great shampoo but The Scruncher works better for waves as a leave-in styler.

Kristin Ess Beach Wave Spray – this is another lightweight spray. The Scruncher cream formula is more hydrating.

Aquage Sea Spray – imparts more grit than the Scruncher cream. But Aquage is great for texture.

Marc Anthony Beach Waves Cream – very similar cream texture and wave results to the Scruncher!

Verdict: The Scruncher delivers frizz-free definition and texture on par with or better than popular wave products – at a more affordable price point!

Does The Scruncher Have a Strong Scent?

Some hair products smell SO strongly perfumed, it’s like getting hit with an avalanche of manufactured “fresh scent” (I’m looking at you, Herbal Essences!)

The good thing about The Scruncher is it has a light, pleasant fruit scent – but it’s not overpowering or headache-inducing.

The fragrance comes from essential citrus oils like lemon and orange. It smells fresh and summery without being artificial or cloying.

Most reviewers say the tropical, fruity scent is enjoyable but fades quickly once hair dries. It won’t leave your hair smelling like candy all day.

Those sensitive to fragrance appreciate that it’s subtly scented. And it won’t interfere with other perfumes or products you layer.

So if you’re scent-sensitive or just don’t want a heavy perfumed product overwhelming your hair, The Scruncher has a pleasant, mild tropical aroma.

My Overall Review: A Must-Try Wave-Enhancer!

After breaking down all aspects of this product – the ingredients, effectiveness for various hair types, application tips, and more – here’s my overall take:

The Scruncher lives up to its reputation as a top-notch wave enhancer and curl definer. The lightweight formula smooths frizz, boosts definition, and leaves hair touchably soft without greasy residue or crunchiness.

It’s incredibly versatile – working on wet or dry hair and suiting a range of textures. Plus, the formula nourishes strands with shea, aloe, and other botanicals.

While it doesn’t offer strong hold for tight coils, it gives effortless texture and movement for loose waves and curls. And the subtle tropical scent is refreshing without being overpowering.

For under $15, you can achieve salon-quality beachy waves and touchable curls at home with The Scruncher. If you have wavy to loose curly hair and want frizz-free texture without heaviness, it’s 100% worth trying!