The Contenders:
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $27, vs. John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray, $9.99

The Breakdown:

In a battle of the cult classic salt sprays, we were eager to put the drugstore and high-end versions to the test. Apply a salt spray to dry or wet hair and ideally you'll end up with a subtle, tousled finish that looks as if you just stepped off the beach. The results are less volumized and more natural than those of a texture spray, but on a bad day, they'll be stringier and more tangled, as well.

Though Bumble and Bumble's surf spray is a fan favorite, our editors were unanimous — the John Frieda offers prettier, more perfectly tousled waves. The texture doesn't end up crunchy, frizzy or flat. And it doesn't hurt that John Frieda's scent is nostalgic and beachy, whereas the Bumble and Bumble smells a bit soapy. In other words, this stuff makes us especially glad the Beach Blonde line came back to life.

The Winner:
John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray, $9.99