I Tried Zara's New $50 Hair Kit, and I Have Thoughts

Zara has been one of my go-to spots for quick and easy outfits for years. Need a last-minute wedding guest dress, a blazer for a work event, or an inexpensive but comfortable pair of shoes? Zara is the spot. I don't typically turn to the brand when searching for new beauty products, but its latest drop might change that. Zara officially launched a makeup line back in 2021, and they've continued to add new products to the category over the years. Just last year the retailer launched a foundation that went viral on TikTok, but now, they're looking to enter the hair-care category.

The brand's first foray into hair care is a collection called Glitter in Gold ($50), which officially launches on Nov. 30 and includes four different products that were created with the help of editorial hairstylist Guido Palau. Of the line, Palau says in a press release, "[This is] make-up for your hair . . . you can update your hair and make it look fun just for a night."

As a self-proclaimed Zara expert, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the brand's latest innovation and see whether it was worth the hype, and I was doubly excited that the products were launching right around the holiday season — the exact time when my hair is in need of a fun update. Keep scrolling to read my full review of Zara's first ever hair-care drop.

My favorite product in the set that I get the most use out of (aside from the comb) is the Give Me Glitter Hair Make-Up Spray. It doesn't offer any hold like a typical hairspray, but it does leave my hair looking ultra shiny with a sheen of glitter — like a highlighter for your hair. It's been the easiest to work into my typical routine because I can spray it on any time for a subtle glimmer.

The gel is similar to a traditional styling cream, and offers great hold without being sticky or leaving my hair feeling crunchy, but I do have to be careful about how much product I apply. The product itself has a white-gold sheen to it, and if I put too much on I'm left with a block of color, which is fun for going to an event, but not usually my go-to look for an everyday slicked back bun.

I recently combined the gold gel and the bobby pins for a fun night out with my girlfriends where I wore a slicked-back high pony, and the look was a hit. I plan on utilizing this set often during the holiday season both for parties and fun intimate events. Both the gel and the spray have a nice subtle scent that reminds me of freshly washed laundry.

Using the wide tooth comb and bobby pins is pretty self-explanatory; I use the comb when my hair is wet to get tangles out, and I opt for the bobby pins when I'm looking to make a statement and hold a style in place at the same time. I have brown hair, so the gold pins don't exactly blend in — they're more so for when I want to stand out. If I'm going for a more subtle look, I'll opt for my plain brown options.

When I want to use the gel, I squeeze a dime-sized amount into my hands and work it into my hair. From there, I use a boar bristle brush to brush everything into place, and then I secure it with a hair tie. I use the glitter spray any time I want to add a little shine. I hold it about five inches from my hair and spray.

This hair set isn't for your typical, every day use — at least it wasn't for me. I've found that I get the most use out of this set when I'm going to fun events or looking to do something different than my normal go-to looks. If you're looking for products that can be everyday basics, I'd hold out until Zara drops its basics line, which is coming in spring 2024. However, if you're looking for something to up your holiday hair game — this set is 100 percent for you.

Rating:

★★★★☆