https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pmsLjQblLc
I have a confession to make: I wear my hair up. A lot. This is partly because I have a compulsion to play with it, partly because there’s so much of it, but mostly because I want it out of my face. Over the years, I’ve probably amassed thousands of bobby pins and hairties, yet I’m constantly on the hunt for new haircare items to give me that perfect updo look.
Cue Goody Simple Styles. As soon as I saw the commercial on TV, which only featured the Spin Pin, I knew I had to buy it. A few days ago, I went into my local CVS and bought myself three of the goodies (I’m so punny!) from the collection: The Spin Pin, the Modern Updo Maker and the Volume Boost Comb (the Pony Pouf Clip was sold out.) How did they work out? Read on and see!
Spin Pin, Modern Updo Maker and Volume Boost Comb– $5.99 each at Target
1. Spin Pin
Spin Pin – $5.99 at Target
As someone who wears her hair in a messy bun a lot, I had high hopes for this product. According to the commercial, this corkscrew-shaped pin does the work of 20 bobby pins. 20!! That’s half a pack. As soon as I got this home, I had to test it out.
After twisting my hair into a perfect little knot, I spun two Spin Pins in – one from the top and one from the bottom. In the commercial, they only use one pin, but the instructions tell you to use two, and with my thickish hair (I’d compare it to the texture of Anne Hathaway’s), two is a must. Two seconds later, I had a perfectly deconstructed bun. After trying so many ASOTV products for this column (and usually ending up disappointed), I kept thinking that somehow it would fall out- but no, the Spin Pin kept my hair in for 2-3 hours, which is basically how often I re-do my hairstyle anyways.
My Rating:
I’m really impressed with this and now keep both pins in my bag at all times. I give the Spin Pin a 9/10, taking off one point because the pin can be difficult to take out (not necessarily a bad thing if you want your updo to stay!). Overall, if you want a messy chignon, get this ASAP!
2. Modern Updo Maker
Modern Updo Maker – $5.99 at Target
After my success with the Spin Pin, I was excited to try the Modern Updo Maker, which promises to help you create that perfect chignon.
Once I had my hair in a bun, per the package’s instructions, I inserted the Modern Updo Maker. I then twisted it around to create the updo, and as I pushed it down, it kept scratching my scalp- which was really painful! In order to avoid this, I attempted to push the pin in without letting it touch my scalp. When I did that, however, the updo would just fall out. It was annoying.
Finally, after a half hour of toying with it, and many views of this YouTube video, I finally put the Modern Updo Maker in right (pain-free!). When I did it correctly, I had a great French twist that stayed in all day, although the pin did show through my hair.
My Rating:
Overall, I rate the Modern Updo Maker a 6/10, taking points off for the difficult instructions and the discomfort I felt when I put it on the first few times. Also, If you don’t insert it just right, your updo can come out pretty quickly! If you want an easier way to create a French twist, then invest the $5-7 for this product—but make sure to follow the instructions correctly because you’ll have to re-do it a few times!
3. Volume Boost Comb
Volume Boost Comb – $5.99 at Target
Out of the three Simple Styles products I bought, was the most skeptical of this one- after my failed attempts at using the Bump-It, I had little faith left in these “volume boosters.” But I decided to give it a try anyway.
This comb fits into my hand- it’s about 3.5 inches in length and ½ an inch in height. To be fair, my hair does have volume on its own- much more than this small comb can provide, which perhaps explains the core problem I had with this product– It’s too small to do any good. The little volume it gave me looked awkward, because the comb is so small compared to my head. Like the bump-it, the Volume Boost Comb made me look like I had a growth on top of my scalp! On top of this, I couldn’t get it to stay, and there was no helpful tutorial online. Thumbs down.
My Rating:
After another bad experience with a volume-boosting comb, I’m giving this a 1/10. I really don’t see how this product could be of use to anyone, so save your money and skip this one! Even a Bump-It would probably work better than this.
My Overall Opinion:
As far as As Seen on TV products go, the Goody Simple Styles collection is pretty solid– I will definitely be incorporating the Spin Pin and Modern Updo Maker in my beauty routine. Of course, no product is perfect – I had issues with the Modern Updo Maker, as well as the disastrous Volume Boost Comb. That said, once I learned to use the Modern Updo Maker, I was sold. The Volume Boost Comb, however, ended up in the trash. They can’t all be home runs, but the Simple Styles collection batted 2 out of 3.
What do you guys think?
Have any of you tried these products? What was your experience? Are there any other ASOTV products you’d like me to try next? Tell me in the comments!
I bought the spin pins today, am currently using only one in my hair and I love it! As far as reviews go where the consumer says they are unhappy and either is stuck with the product or simply threw it in the trash … don’t be silly! CVS and others have return policies. In this economy – if you don’t feel you got your money’s worth – get your money back!
Love the spin pin, love the “Twisty Pin” even more. Its a little firmer and like 1/3 of the price because they are selling them in packs of 10 on Tv and online. Had to share this 10 for $10 find ….www.twistypin.com
I love the Modern Updo Maker. I’m Filipino and have very dense hair, slick hair. I had never successully been able to get the cute messy bun I see so many girls sporting, until my friend gave me her Modern Updo Maker. I can’t believe that it can hold my hair securely in the perfect french roll all day. Just one pin. I’m a 20 hairpin kind-of-woman, but not anymore.
I used to be a hairdresser and I think this product is outstanding. After seeing the spin spin review, I’m going to get those for my daughter to see if they work for her. She has nice natural wave.
I’m a fan!
I bought the updo pin thinger today and I love it! I have hair just shy of tailbone, around medium-thick. It does hurt to get the thing in if I don’t get it just right but once I do it stays until I tell it not to.
Very interesting. These are some smart & simple tools. They look well made too. I’m only nervous because the commercial is too fast for me to really understand how the products work.
I have one I bought from Hong Kong but still have to figure out how to use it. For me, I think it’s really hard to make the updo with this kind of pin. Or mayb I just don’t know how to use it -_-
Ooh I am definitely going to try out that Spin Pin one. I love messy buns! They’re so French-chic to me 😀
I saw the spin pin commercial and wrote it off. I have very thick hair that tends to eat bobby pins. But who knows maybe now I will give it a try!
Love the spin pin but found the Twisty Pin to be a much better and you get 10 for $10 as advertised on TV or online, go to twistypin.com.
I bought the spin pin & I love them!!!
I bought the volume boost and had the same results. It didn’t hold securely in my hair. The best product for this is the Vidal Sassoon Hair Poufs sold at Ulta, Walgreens and CVS. They are like little pillows to hold the tease in place. They have a snap clip attached at the bottom so you don’t have to worry about it falling out. I use it for my front bang pouf. They help make a cute pouf not crazy over the top.
i just bought the spin pin after originally reading this article, and it took me less than thirty seconds to do my hair! it looks so nice too! I have fine hair, and i only needed one, but i was so surprised how easy it was! i love it! and i might try the modern updo maker too!
I’ve seen the Spin Pin made by other companies and it’s intrigued me. I’m glad to hear it works! I’ve got thick hair, so I wanna see how it holds up.
Hey guys! I definitely wanted to take pictures but my hair is really dark, so I don’t know if there is enough contrast to accurately show off the styles! For the bun (Spin Pin) and French twist (Modern Updo Maker, which I am actually using right now!) I’d suggest going to https://goodysimplestyles.com/styletips.php . For the Volume Boost Comb, look at the Bump-it post I did and imagine a boost 1/4th of the size of
http://www.collegefashion.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/BumpIt2.jpg , which is when I tried the Bump-It.
Hope this helps guys!
My hair is really to thick for these… I have tried many different types and nothing works…
I bought the spin pin a few weeks ago and I seriously doubted it’s ability. Yet, it works amazingly. I have found that my buns hold better if I make an X with the pin (even if they say not to do that), but this is probably because my hair has some layers and it is not really long yet. Also, as I don’t have very long hair, the pins show a little bit through the hair. Otherwise the pins hold a fantastic undone bun in place for hours.
I recently bought the Spin Pin on a whim and saved my receipt because I knew it wouldn’t work. Much to my surprise, it did, and I love it! It saves me from hunting down all those hair twist ties too!
I’m gonna have to hit up a Wal-Mart and give these things a try. Having read this article and watched the commercial (twice)…. then hopping over to http://www.goody.com which seems to have the finished-product pictures that everybody’s longing for (plus extra ‘do ideas!)… I’m convinced. I’m an eternal sufferer of the ponytail bump. I’m also forever snapping hair elastics (the last time, I whacked some poor guy right in the face!) and losing bobby pins, so… I guess I’ve got to try! 🙂
(PS: They chip to Canada from the Goody website! YAY!)
i will definitely be trying the spin pin…it looks like it’s fun to use haha!!
The spin pin is pretty cool actually, but it only worked when my hair had been washed the same day. I have a kind of thick and wavy hair, cut in layers, so I think because on the second day my hair is oilier and heavier the spin pin didn’t stay put. I still think it’s worth buying one though.
By the way, the bump-it is ridiculous. I wasted my money in it so I didn’t even think about trying the volume boost comb.
thank you, this was very intresting… I have to check if they ship internationally, I’m excited to try them!
I hadn’t seen these commercials, but I definitely wouldn’t bother. I wear my hair down 90% of the time, and only wear it up if I really have to. In those cases, I prefer good old fashioned bobby pins: the possibilities are endless with those!
And what is with all these plastic hair volume inserts?? Hasn’t anyone heard of teasing?
I had never even heard of these products before but I m eager to try the spin pins and easy up do pin. Here is a video from Emilynoel83 on the spin pins if anyone is interested. I wanted to see someone actually attempt the look and she demonstrates it really well. Great product review!
I would love to see a review on the infinity razor. I’ve seen it in CVS but I doubt it works, it would be an interesting review for sure.
Sry here is the emilynoel83 link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvhE75bxf2I&feature=related
Would have been nice if you included pictures of the finished hairdo’s… even if it was just your hair (meaning you don’t have to show your face).
But I don’t think I’d buy these… now, if someone made something for a ponytail girl like me, I’d have to look into that (I still own my ponytail flipping wand from 15 years ago)