The demands of increasingly style-savvy consumers have prompted Suave to launch what it claims is a professional line of styling products at a low drugstore price.

Rolling out to shelves now, the new styling branch of the Suave Professionals line will encompass heat, anti-frizz, curling and shine products that will retail from $2.69 to $2.99 per item.

But can a bargain brand really outperform the fancier formulations found at salons?

We put some of the products to the test.

A standout winner is the Dry Shampoo, which is similar in concept to the iconic Pssssst! spray, boasting an aerosol blast and a quick-drying powder emulsion that absorbs oils to refresh and lift strands at the root.

The trick is to take the few extra minutes to separate sections of the crown with a pick comb, and then spray the root in the opposite direction from how it lies, as Suave celebrity stylist Luke O'Connor taught us at the launch event.

The result is a head of freshly scented strands that stand with impressively higher lift, making it a wise prep choice for even clean hair if you lack the time or inclination to coax roots toward voluminous with a big round brush and dryer.

Dare we say the absorption rivals that of René Furterer's Dry Shampoo, is far lighter than Bumble & Bumble's Hair Powders and has swiftly replaced Stila's Jade Blossom Hair Refresher's multiple-year stint in our bathroom cabinet. All for less than $3 per generous-size bottle.

The Heat Protection spray proved nice and light with a sweet strawberry-like scent, while Volumizing Root Boost Spray was reminiscent of Amplify's similar Root Booster Spray. However, we found the dry shampoo to be more reliable in terms of volume-building at the root.

Suave Professionals has also reinvented its shampoos and conditioners with new formulas and sleeker packaging.

A friend who tried the Captivating Curls line was impressed by the shampoo and conditioner that left curls frizz-free and drenched in hydration, allowing for a more defined shape. She was, however, more impressed with her Ouidad styling aides than with the Captivating Curls Cream Mousse.

Suave has additionally revamped its Naturals line, reformulating the originals and adding a new Mango Mandarin Shampoo and Conditioner and Creamy Milk & Honey Splash Body Wash. The kids and deodorant lines will also reemerge refreshed with new products, adding up to a total of 175 newly launched products.

Overall, we think those little Suave elves have been churning out some of the drugstore's best hair- and body-care deals.

We say keep 'em coming!

Want more price-savvy advice? Read how you can delay salon appointments longer by effectively treating split ends at home.