- Hairspray is an essential styling product [1] that can be used for various purposes.
- While the product can be used across multiple hair textures [2], it's good to find the one that works for your specific texture.
- We rounded up the best hairsprays for different hair textures, ahead.
Hairspray [3] is one of the most versatile hair products [4] on the market. Used for both finishing and styling the hair, hairspray can be used in a variety of ways to achieve a preferred look. But the number of options we now have in the category was not always available.
From the late '80s through the early 2000s, it seemed as though using hairspray meant one thing: the hairstyle needs to last for days. With the use of the long-lasting product came the many unfortunate, albeit hilarious, hairspray-filled memories of our youth: crispy hair, overly exaggerated curls, and that slightly horrifying crunching sound if a curl was moved too far out of place. Thankfully, we've come a long way from being relegated to only extreme-hold hairsprays, but as the market continues to grow, choosing the best hairspray for your specific hair texture can feel a bit tedious. If you have a curly shag [5], which spray best emphasises that texture? If you've jumped on the octopus haircut [6] trend, how do you add volume and hold to your layers without the stiffness? Can natural hair [7] even use hairspray?
We get it — choosing the right hairspray can be an overwhelming task, so we've rounded up some of the best ones on the market. From coily to thin hair and everything in between, these sprays will make everything from styling to holding a style, much easier. Read ahead for some of the best hairsprays for all hair types.
Best Hydrating Hairspray for Coily Hair
Perfect for refreshing braid outs or twist outs, or to just emphasising your natural texture, the Cantu Comeback Curl Next Day Curl Revitalizer [8] ($6) provides a fine mist of hydration to the hair, making second-day styles look brand new again.
The Best Flexible Hold Hairspray for Coily Hair
For a slight hold that won't interrupt your curl pattern, the Dove Style + Care Flexible Hold Hairspray [9] ($12) allows movement without the frizz. It also helps to stop static and flyaways, so it's perfect for those strands that need a little extra attention.
Best Strong Hold Hairspray for Thick, Coily Hair
For those of you with thick, coily hair who want an extreme hold, the Schwarzkopf Got2B Glued Blasting Freeze Hair Spray [10] ($6) is tried and true. This product may leave behind a bit of that crunch that we remember so well, but if you want a slicked hairstyle that will not move, it will be your secret weapon. It's also multipurpose and works extremely well for wig installations.
Best Flexible Hold Hairspray for Fine Hair
The Oribe Superfine Strong Hair Spray [11] ($42) is great for finer hair textures that want volume, as well as flexible styling capabilities. The mist is fine enough to not weigh your hair down or make styling difficult, and the product holds the finished style in place even in extreme temperatures.
Best Strong Hold Hairspray for Fine Hair
For fine hair that needs a strong hold, the John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hair Spray [12] ($9) keeps hair in place for hours. Be careful not to use too much as it can make the hair a bit hard if overused, but if you want to say goodbye to those pesky flyaways, this hairspray is your best bet.
Best Flexible Hold Hairspray for Curly Hair
For curly hair that's looking for a more flexible hairspray, look no further than the EVA NYC Shapeshifter Flexible Hairspray [13] ($12). This non-sticky formula gives you some time to lock in styles before it fully sets, but once it does, it leaves a beautiful sheen behind for healthy-looking hair. Lightweight enough to not feel greasy, this formula also allows you to restyle your hair the next day without any flakiness.
Best Strong Hold Hairspray for Curly Hair
If you want a stronger hold for your curls, the Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray [14] ($24) will keep them in place all day. Aside from giving you enough time to style your curls after spraying without causing frizz, this spray locks in curls for hours once set.
Best Hairspray for Colour-Treated Hair
For colour-treated hair, the Colour Fresh Touchable Hairspray [15] ($28) is a multitasking hero. This spray provides a soft, non-sticky hold and also acts as a heat protectant, colour protectant, and blocks humidity. Alongside the traditional benefits of a hairspray, this spray is perfect to ensure the integrity of your colour lasts.
Best Drugstore Hairspray
For volume combined with extra-strength hold, the L'Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold All Day Volume Hairspray [16] ($15) is a celebrity favourite for a reason. The micro-diffuser spray provides a light misting of product with a strong hold and loads of volume, particularly for wavy and curly textures. This formula is also humidity-resistant and fights frizz.
Best Hairspray for Heat-Styling
Heat-styling your hair is one thing but actually getting the style to last is another. The CHI Enviro 54 Firm Hold Hairspray [17] ($13) is perfect if you struggle with getting your looks to last. It not only provides longevity but also a healthy sheen to the hair, perfect for the "I woke up like this" vibe.