Biolage Thermal Activating Spray Review

This product in a nutshell: works great on my baby-fine hair.  I'm in the process of growing out my locks, so I'm currently on the prowl for any type of tonics or sprays to apply to my hair in an effort to keep it shiny and healthy.  Heat-styling can be pretty brutal for hair like mine that is color-treated and of a fine texture, so I'm open to trying any product that makes the claim that it will protect my hair from heat damage. 

Biolage by Matrix Thermal-Activating Spray is a protective heat styling treatment that is to be applied to the hair before a blow dryer or any other type of heat styling tool is used on it.  I allow my hair to air dry about 10 minutes prior to spritzing this on to allow it to coat the hair shaft better.  The smell is delightful...very fresh and clean with a hint of cucumber.  After distributing the product throughout my hair with a wide-toothed comb, I applied my fave mousse and styled as usual:  Blew it dry with a round brush and then straightened it with a flat iron.  The result was what I was seeking: shiny, straight hair with healthy-looking ends and bit of volume at the roots.  This thermal spray doesn't dry out my hair or leave it with a sticky feeling.  In fact, my hair felt clean and revitalized upon using it.  The product packaging claims it can deliver medium hold, but I don't experience that when I use this spray.  Any self-respecting girl from Northeast Ohio doesn't leave the house without first putting on high to ultra-hold hairspray, especially in that blustery, wintery wind.  I always follow-up with a healthy dose of aerosol hairspray after styling my hair with this product.  My overall review of this product is exceptional, however, at a retail price of around $14 for an 8.5 oz. bottle, this stuff makes me hold my wallet up to my heart and say, "Oh dear!"  I will look for other alternatives in the drugstores before I purchase another bottle of this pricey thermal setter.

I give this product 4/5 stars because: of the cost.  I am certainly willing to pay for quality, but I just can't help but think that there are other options out there from drugstore brands that will deliver the same result.