Hair spray is a common styling product that is designed to hold a hairstyle in place.

It's a fine mist applied to the hair which, upon drying, provides varying levels of hold without adding excessive weight.

The right hair spray can tame flyaways, add texture, and maintain the hair's shape from day to night.

Whether you're looking for a light touch of control or a stronghold for elaborate styles, hair spray has become an essential part of hair care routines everywhere.

How to Use Hairsprays Effectively

To get the most out of your hairspray, start by selecting the appropriate hold level for your desired style.

For everyday looks, a light to medium hold hairspray will suffice, whereas updos and more intricate styles might require a strong hold.

Before heat styling, remember to use a heat protection product; this safeguards your hair from potential damage, and for finishing touches, apply hair spray to lock in your look with confidence.

As a general rule, hold the can about 12 inches away from your head to ensure an even application. Spritz lightly for a few seconds in a sweeping motion.

For added hair volume, lift sections of hair and spray towards the roots.

Remember, it's better to build up your hairspray layer by layer than to apply too much at once, which can lead to stiffness and flaking.

Hair Spray Effects on Different Hair Textures and Types

When choosing a hair spray, it’s crucial to consider your hair type, as products will behave differently on thick, thin, straight, curly or fine hair.

For fine hair, a volumizing hairspray can add body without weighing hair down, while those with thicker hair may need a stronger hold to maintain their style throughout the day.

Thin, fine hair benefits from hairsprays with thickening properties, and for those with straight hair, a light-hold hair spray can suffice to keep frizz at bay and add a sleek finish.

Curly hair, on the other hand, often requires a flexible hold spray that can maintain curls whilst being crunch free

Keep in mind that the wrong type of hairspray or application technique can lead to undesired effects, such as excessive stiffness, flaking, or reduced natural hair movement.

Selecting the Best Hairspray for Your Needs

When shopping for the perfect hair spray, assess your specific hair needs and styling goals.

Start by reading labels carefully; look for keywords that align with your hair type like 'volumizing' for thin hair or 'moisturizing' for dry, damaged hair.

It's also wise to consider the weather and your lifestyle; if you live in a humid climate or engage in high-intensity activities, you might opt for a humidity-resistant formula or extra-strong hold.

Don't forget to factor in the scent and chemical composition—opt for alcohol-free versions if you're prone to dryness.

Lastly, reviews and recommendations can be incredibly helpful; consider what hairstylists and people with similar hair types suggest.

By taking these factors into account, you can choose a hair spray that elevates your style while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.

Oribe Superfine Hair Spray

Oribe Superfine Hair Spray

Best Medium Hold Hair Spray

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • Modern Hairspray with Medium Hold: In a world where hair can often feel either stiff as a board or frustratingly unmanageable, Oribe Superfine Hairspray delivers the perfect balance. The medium hold hairspray is adaptable, offering flexibility while maintaining the integrity of your style. This is no cookie-cutter fixative; it's a bespoke level of control tailored to the dynamic way we live our lives.
  • Ultra Dry Finish: Have you ever styled your hair just right, only to have it undone by a damp or sticky hairspray? Oribe's Ultra Dry Finish ensures that your style remains exactly as you intended. Your hair is left looking shiny and healthy, with no unwanted dampness or dullness.
  • Sheer High Performance: Sometimes ‘sheer’ can be a deceiving word, used to dress up a lackluster offering. But in this case, sheer is a pledge of quality. Oribe has crafted a hairspray that’s high-performance with a barely-there weight, providing the perfect final touch to your styling routine.
  • Lightly Scented Hair Perfume: The delightful fragrance of Oribe Superfine Hairspray is a subtle reminder that every detail in your beauty regimen can be a pleasurable experience. With notes that intrigue without overpowering, it’s akin to adding a finishing touch of luxury to your hair.

What You Should Know

  • Easy Application: The ease of application with Oribe Superfine Spray cannot be understated. The spray bottle design eliminates the struggle of stiff nozzles and messy application, making it a pleasure to use from start to finish, whether you're a professional stylist or a beauty novice.
  • Key Ingredients: Enriched with nettle leaf extract, this hairspray goes beyond styling to offer nourishing benefits to your strands. Nettle leaf is known for its hair-strengthening and scalp-soothing properties, which means using Oribe Superfine Spray isn't just great for styling – it's a treat for your hair's health.
  • Free From Harsh Chemicals: Shoppers today are more discerning than ever about the products they use, and rightfully so. Oribe Superfine Hair Spray ticks all the boxes – it's sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. It’s also safe for color and keratin treatments, ensuring that all hair types can benefit from its luxurious formula.

Living Proof StyleLab Control Hairspray

Living Proof StyleLab Control Hairspray

Best Firm Hold Hair Spray

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • All Day Firm Hold: Imagine a hairspray that's as reliable as your favorite little black dress – it's there for you from dawn to dusk. This firm hold hairspray offers unprecedented control, keeping even the most intricate hairstyles in place without a hint of droop. Whether it's a sleek updo or beachy waves, this hairspray ensures your style maintains its integrity against mild winds or hectic city commutes.
  • Touchable and Flake-Free: One common grievance with hairsprays is the stiff, crunchy texture they often leave behind. StyleLab Control Hairspray is a game-changer in this regard. Its innovative formulation allows for a touchable finish that feels soft to the fingertips and maintains a natural look. Forget about unsightly flakes; with Living Proof, your style is lush and your confidence, pristine.
  • Heat Protection: Heat styling enthusiasts, rejoice! Living Proof is not just about locking in your look; it's about safeguarding the health of your strands. This powerhouse product offers heat protection against temperatures up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit or 210 degrees Celsius, shielding your hair from the ravages of your favorite hot tools. It's the invisible barrier every fashionista can appreciate.

What You Should Know

  • Clean and Safe Ingredients: In an age of heightened consciousness about what we put on our bodies, Living Proof stays ahead of the curve. Their StyleLab Control Hairspray is pleased to be a carrier of responsible ingredients. It's devoid of silicones, phthalates, and parabens, ensuring that it cares for your hair without unwanted extras. As such, it's not just a product; it's a philosophy: a clean and responsible approach to hair care.
  • Cruelty-Free and Ethical: The allure of Living Proof goes beyond personal benefits. The company stands firmly against animal testing, earning its stripes as a cruelty-free brand. To take it further, the hairspray doesn't just avoid animal ingredients; it's also vegan and gluten-free, catering to a diverse spectrum of users. Living Proof places a premium on the ethics behind the aesthetics, inviting you to uphold your personal style with a clear conscience.

Pureology Style + Protect Color Care Lock It Down Hairspray

Pureology Professional Style + Protect Color Care Lock It Down Hairspray

Best Hair Spray for Color Treated Hair

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • Maximum Hold for All-Day Style: You want a look that stays put from morning to night. The Pureology hairspray keeps strands secured in your favorite style with a maximum hold formula. Say goodbye to midday touch-ups – this hairspray delivers the staying power you need without the weight, ensuring your style is locked in but your hair stays light and free.
  • Radiant Shine: Color-treated hair deserves a little extra love, and this hairspray delivers by adding radiant shine that makes your color pop. The non-dulling mist works with your individual hue to bring out the best in your hair, creating a vibrant and healthy-looking shine that reflects your style and confidence.
  • Fast Drying Formula: Nobody has time to wait around for hairspray to dry. Pureology's fast-drying formula sets your style quickly, allowing for rapid application and last-minute adjustments. It's the perfect on-the-go spray that doesn't leave your hair feeling sticky or stiff, for a worry-free finish that feels as great as it looks.
  • Strengthening Benefits of Olive Oil: Crafted with hair health in mind, the inclusion of olive oil in this hairspray isn't just for show. Its nourishing properties help to strengthen and fortify your strands, making hair resilient against daily styling and environmental stressors. You're not just locking in style; you're boosting your hair's health with every use.

What You Should Know

  • Aromatherapy Blend: The sensory experience is just as important as the results, and Pureology’s hairspray doesn’t skimp on either. Enjoy the delightful aromatherapy blend that smells amazing, featuring tuberose, almond milk, and cedarwood, that gracefully accompanies your styling routine. It's a subtle luxury that makes any style session a tranquil experience.
  • Vegan Formula and Antifade Complex: For the conscious consumer, this hairspray offers a clean, 100% vegan formula. Plus, Pureology's antifade complex ensures that your color-treated locks are taken care of. This means you can enjoy the lasting hold and style of the hairspray without worrying about compromising your hair care values or your color's longevity.
  • Suitable for All Hair Types: Whether you've got fine, straight hair or a wild, curly mane, Pureology’s hairspray is designed to cater to all hair types. It's a versatile spray that works with your natural texture to give you the style you want. So, don't be shy – grab a bottle to experience a tailored hold, no matter your hair profile.

Kenra Volume Spray Super Hold

Kenra Volume Spray Super Hold Finishing Spray

Best Hair Spray for Volume

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • Product Features Beyond the Superficial: Amidst the din of hairspray, Kenra stands apart not just for the volume and shimmer it imparts but for the resilience it guarantees. Its super hold is a veritable promise; a commitment to keeping even the most complex of hairstyles in place through adversities that include winds strong enough to form a natural windbreak around your face. The flake-free and fast-drying formula ensure that the hold it provides is as seamless as breathing on a brisk morning.
  • My Personal Tangle with Kenra: As someone whose hair seems to have a mind of its own, finding a product that can tame it has been an odyssey. My experience with Kenra's Volume Spray Super Hold has been nothing short of life-changing for my daily routine. Each morning, I stand in front of my vanity mirror with a bit more determination, knowing that whatever concoction of curls and waves I decide on, Kenra will ensure it remains a proud fixture atop my head. I recall a particularly blustery day where the spray's wind resistance was tested, and I emerged unscathed. The satisfaction of defying nature with a little help from a product that keeps my hair looking like a work of art is immeasurable.

What You Should Know

  • A Hold That Lasts Beyond the Day: It is not simply about taming my hair; it's about the impact a reliable hold can have throughout a day or evening. The events that stretch into the night, the special occasions fraught with their own anxieties — Kenra becomes a stalwart companion through it all. Confidence in one's appearance should not waver, and with a product like this, I ensure mine rarely does.
  • A Call to Others Battling Their Tress Trials: In the cacophony of choice that modern consumers face, it is rare to find a product that aligns so closely with its claims. Kenra Volume Spray Super Hold isn't just an item on a shelf for me; it's a testament to the power of products that genuinely deliver. If you, too, seek a beacon of control in the stormy sea of hair care products, I implore you to try Kenra. I promise you, you'll find that it's more than just a finishing spray — it's a touchstone for your undeterred self-confidence.

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Weather Control Hairspray

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Weather Control Hairspray

Best Lightweight Hair Spray

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • Extra Strong Hold, Extra Confidence: Whether it's a sophisticated updo for an evening gala or a casual yet polished look for the office, the one thing that can't be compromised is hold. The L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Weather Control Hairspray delivers an extra strong hold that's not just steadfast but also flexible. It keeps your desired style intact throughout the day, giving you the confidence that your hair looks just as good in the evening as it did in the morning.
  • Banish Humidity Woes: Humidity is the nemesis of sleek hair, especially for those with frizz-prone locks. This hairspray acts as a shield, forming a protective barrier against humidity. Its lightweight mist ensures your hair remains resistant to the day's dampness, leaving you with a perfectly smooth mane. The result? Say goodbye to the puff and turn up the glam with long-lasting, weather-resilient style.
  • An Enduring Look: Some days demand a look that goes the distance. From the dark hours before the morning coffee to the late-night party, the Lock It Weather Control Hairspray holds on to your style for up to 48 hours—a claim backed by many loyal users. It's the hairstyling marathon you can rely on, a testament to both the product's quality and your impeccable taste.

What You Should Know

  • Combat Frizz Instantly: Frizz is the uninvited guest that ruins every perfect hair day. With the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Weather Control Hairspray, frizz doesn't stand a chance. This powerful formula instantly tames flyaways and provides continuous frizz control, leaving your locks with a glossy, smooth finish. It's the kind of ease and elegance you strive for, effortlessly achieved with a quick spritz.
  • Hair-Friendly Innovation: Some styling products leave your hair feeling sticky or damp, undoing the very elegance they help you accomplish. Not this one. The Lock It Weather Control Hairspray is water-free, ensuring your hair feels as fresh and bouncy as it did post-shower. Moreover, its humidity-resistant nature means that your locks stay buoyant and voluminous, regardless of the weather's intentions.

TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray

TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray

Best Hair Spray for Frizzy Hair

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • Humidity and Frizz Protection: TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray doesn't shy away from the elements. Whether it's a light mist or a tropical downpour, this hairspray is your shield against frizz-inducing humidity. Its advanced formula ensures that your sleek look stays that way, even when the weather isn't cooperating.
  • All-Day Frizz Control: The last thing you want is your hairstyle succumbing to the midday frizz. With TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray, you're getting all-day control without the dreaded crunch or stiffness. Restyle your strands without having to worry about your look unraveling.
  • Pro Lock Tech for Moisture and Frizz Control: TRESemmé's Pro Lock Technology is like a moisture magnet for your hair. It doesn't just keep your locks in place; it fortifies them against the frizz that can come from dryness. Enjoy a smooth, controlled look with a layer of protection your hair will thank you for.

What You Should Know

  • Safe for Color-Treated Hair: If you flaunt a stunning color job, you can trust TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray to maintain both the vibrancy and the style. The gentle formula is designed to work with color-treated hair, holding true to its promise of care and durability.
  • Salon-Style Finish: Dream of that just-stepped-out-of-the-salon look? With TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray, it's yours to keep. Achieve a professional, polished finish that adds that extra oomph to whatever style you're sporting without the fear of an untimely unravel.

Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Best Hair Spray for All Hair Types

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • Ultra Strong Hold That Defies the Elements: When they say ultra strong, they mean it. This isn't just a product; it's a guardian for your hairdo. No matter what the weather report looks like—humid, drizzling, or downright storming—Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray ensures your locks stay in place, defying all elemental challenges. Imagine hair that stays put through every twist and turn of your day, without even a hint of droop. That's the promise this hairspray makes and, quite admirably, keeps.
  • Frizz Fighting Power That Turns Heads: Frizz is a formidable adversary, especially for those with lush locks. But with Garnier's anti-humidity formula, it's more like an open-and-shut case. The hairspray's frizz-fighting capabilities are not mere assertions; they're a formidable stance to ensure your hair is the epitome of sleek and shine. With a quick spritz, your hair transforms from a possible frizzy state to a lead character in a hair commercial—smooth, shiny, and virtually frizz-free.
  • Versatility for Every Hair Story: One product, many hair types; that is the beauty of Garnier's offering. It’s not just about the promise of a sleek look; it's about delivering that promise, regardless of your hair type. From the soft waves of the beach lover to the kinks of the urbanite, Garnier seamlessly integrates itself into any hair care routine. It’s remarkable how one product can cater to so many, yet work as if it were formulated for each in exclusivity.

What You Should Know

  • Nourishing Your Mane With Bamboo Extract: The inclusion of bamboo extract is a testament to the brand's ethos of blending natural ingredients with innovative hair care solutions. This ingredient not only aids in styling but also nourishes your hair, giving it a natural luster and vitality. You're not just locking down a hairstyle; you're giving your hair the kind of TLC it deserves with every spray. And the best part? It’s suitable for daily use, leaving your hair looking healthier with each application.
  • 24-Hour Hold and Style Flexibility: All the features stated thus far would not be as enticing if they didn't last. But that's not the case with Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray. It boasts a 24-hour hold capability, ensuring that your morning masterpiece still looks salon-fresh by the time the sun goes down. What's more, this hold isn’t a rigid, unyielding one; it's a flexible grip that allows your hair to move naturally, maintaining the style while adapting to your every lively motion.

Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Finish Hairspray

Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Finish Hairspray

Best Scented Hair Spray

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • Soft and Natural Styles: For those who prefer their styles to exude an effortless elegance, the Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Finish Hairspray is your dream come true. Its unique formula ensures that your hair retains a soft, natural feel, unlike stiffer alternatives. Even after application, your locks move freely, yet stay perfectly in place with a hold that lasts all day. This hairspray does more than maintain styles—it enhances them with an irresistible, touchable texture.
  • Easy to Use and Versatile: The one downside to many hairsprays is the infamous 'crunch' that comes after use. However, Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Finish Hairspray bucks the trend, offering a product that brushes out effortlessly without leaving behind any unwanted residue. Its versatility lies in its ability to extend the life of a blowout beautifully, yet equally it brings ease to maintaining day-to-day styles. No matter your hair type or texture, this spray adapts to your needs, offering a natural finish with every use.

What You Should Know

  • Long-Lasting Hold: Despite its penchant for keeping things light and soft, this hairspray is no slouch when it comes to hold. The Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Finish Hairspray offers a flexible but durable hold, ensuring your style stays intact all day. What's particularly impressive is its ability to combat the effects of humidity, meaning your sleek and straight look won’t be ruined by a sudden rain shower or an unexpected burst of summer moisture. It’s the dependable friend your hair can count on.
  • Infused with Nourishing Ingredients: Beyond styling, Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Finish Hairspray is a treat for your tresses. Infused with argan oil, renowned for its nourishing properties, this spray is more than just a cosmetic product. It works to improve the health and shine of your hair with each use. Those who have struggled with dull, lifeless hair due to constant styling will appreciate the extra care this product provides. Its hydrating qualities also make it a great choice for those in search of frizz-fighting solutions.
  • Professional-Quality Results: This hairspray isn't just popular among consumers—it's a darling of the professional styling world. Renowned for offering a salon-quality finish that's tough to beat, it becomes clear why hairstylists often reach for this particular product. Whether you’re crafting an intricate up-do, maintaining the perfect blowout or simply taming flyaways and baby hairs, this hairspray works alongside you to ensure the results are nothing short of top-tier. The professional touch isn't just in its finish but also in its ability to help maintain the longevity of your style, making it a critical component of any style maven’s toolkit.

Sexy Hair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray

Sexy Hair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray

Best Hair Spray with Thermal Protection

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Why It's A Top Choice

  • Incredible Volume and Lift: Looking to add that oomph-factor to your hair? Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray could be your genie in a bottle, offering up to 6 times the volume with each spritz. The spray doesn't just puff up your hair; it does so with a sense of lightness and airiness, allowing your tresses to defy gravity without looking stiff or unnatural. Say goodbye to post-application flakes too, because this formula is all about the smooth aerial lift without any snowstorm after effects.
  • Long-Lasting Hold: Ever had that moment when your hair is on point, and a gust of wind or slight movement destroys hours of work? With a hold level that strikes the perfect balance between medium and high, this hairspray is not just a fair-weather friend. It's a commitment. Prepare to enjoy your styled mane for up to 120 hours after application – and that’s not just a gust-resistant promise, it’s a full-on hurricane hold.

What You Should Know

  • Versatility for All Hair Types: This isn’t a hair spray that discriminates based on your hair's texture. Whether you're dealing with a finely woven mane or a luxurious cascade of coarse locks, Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray is ready to work its magic. More than that, it's not a stringent formula that's picky about the type of hairdos it aids. Buns, braids, beachy waves, bouncy curls, and straight styles alike benefit from its volumizing prowess.
  • Humidity Resistant: Living in a humid climate can feel like an ongoing battle with your hair, especially if you've styled it to perfection. Sexy Hair's volumizing hairspray doesn't just wave the white flag at humidity; it keeps your coiffure looking full and fabulous no matter the moisture levels. A touch of humidity is a cakewalk for this spray, which means styling your hair, whether it's a casual day out or a special night in, does not end in defeat.
  • Cruelty-Free and Thermal Protection: Ethical beauty that's just as effective as the non-ethical variety? Sign us up. Sexy Hair is proud to be a cruelty-free brand, and their Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray is a testament to their animal-friendly ethos. It's also a provider of thermal protection, safeguarding your strands against the heat styling tools. You can have your cake and eat it too – or in this case, you can enjoy your fabulous hairstyle worry-free.

Best Hair Sprays FAQs

How often should you wash your hair when using hairspray?

It's typically recommended to wash your hair 2-3 times a week when using hairspray. Over-washing can strip your hair of natural oils, while under-washing can lead to product buildup. Listen to your hair's needs and adjust your routine accordingly.

Is spray or aerosol hairspray better?

The choice between spray and aerosol hairspray depends on your personal preference and hair type. Aerosol sprays offer a finer mist for more even coverage and are usually easier to apply lightly. Non-aerosol sprays may provide more control and target specific areas without spreading too much product.

How damaging is hairspray to your hair?

Hairspray is generally not damaging if used in moderation and with proper care. Look for hairsprays with nourishing ingredients and avoid those with high alcohol content, which can dry out your hair. Always brush gently to avoid breakage and give your hair a break from styling products when possible.

Can hairspray be used on all types of hair?

Yes, hairspray can be used on all hair types. However, choose a product that suits your specific hair needs – for example, volumizing hairsprays for fine hair or humidity-resistant sprays for frizzy hair.

Does hairspray work better on wet or dry hair?

Hairspray is designed to hold a style in place, so it is best used on dry hair. When applied to wet hair, it can reduce the effectiveness of the product and potentially lead to a sticky or flaky residue once the hair dries.

What is the best alternative to hair spray?

If you're seeking a more natural or less harsh alternative to traditional hairspray, consider using a sugar water solution for lighter hold, or try natural oils like coconut or argan oil for reducing frizz. Additionally, styling gels or mousse can provide a stronger hold if required.

What is the difference between texture spray and hairspray?

Texture spray and hairspray are designed for different purposes when styling hair. A texture spray, also known as texturizing sprays, are formulated to add volume and create a tousled, beachy look with a more matte finish. They are perfect for achieving a more natural, lived-in style with added body and movement. Hairspray, on the other hand, is primarily used to secure a hairstyle in place and prevent flyaways. It usually provides a shinier finish and ranges from light to strong holds, allowing for customization based on the desired hairstyle longevity. Texture spray is preferred for a more casual and textured appearance, while hairspray is the go-to for locking in more formal and polished hairdos.