Let’s spill the tea on the hairspray industry, shall we? In the past, these aerosols and spritzers were not exactly praised (crunchy hair, anyone?). However, in recent years, they’ve undergone a major makeover.
Nowadays, the market is flooded with a variety of products that promise to volumize, add shine, and hold your blowout all day long. But how can we compare hairsprays side by side when they serve different purposes? How can we determine which one is truly the best?
Well, fear not! I’ve taken it upon myself to rigorously test 17 of the top brands on the market to find out which ones truly deliver a long-lasting, voluminous, and shiny hold. And let me tell you, my hair game has never been stronger. But before we dive into the reviews, don’t forget to check out our recommendations for the best shampoos and hair mousses for added volume.
According to Angel Cardona, ACoLab Salon owner and Sebastian Professional top artist, “When it comes to different textures of hair, I want something flexible that also has some anti-humidity protection. For finer hair, I tend to lean towards a very lightweight natural finish hairspray without too much hold. With thicker hair, it really comes down to the finished look, and if I need something strong to hold the hair up and not move or if I want it to still bounce and move about and have more flexibility.”
Now, let’s spill the beans on how we put these hairsprays to the test.
How We Tested
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of our reviews, let me give you a rundown on my hair type. I have wavy to curly hair that can sometimes be prone to frizz (especially if I skip a few washes). My styling routine involves blow drying to achieve straight hair.
With my diverse hair type, I was the perfect candidate to test a wide range of hairsprays for volume, long-lasting hold, and salon-worthy results.
Here are the criteria I used to evaluate each hairspray:
- Smoothness: No one wants crunchy hair, right? I sprayed each bottle a few inches away from my hair and assessed how my hair felt afterward.
- Shine: Some hairsprays can give your hair that much-desired salon-worthy shine. I took note of how vivacious my hair looked after each spray.
- Long-lasting hold: Throughout the day, I observed when my blowout started to lose its shape. This helped me determine which hairsprays are best for different hair types.
The Best Hairsprays We Reviewed
1. Drybar Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray, $27
Best overall
And the winner is… Drybar Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray! I’ve been using this hairspray for over a year, and let me tell you, its fresh scent and effective hold make it a must-have.
This hairspray is perfect for taming my naturally frizzy hair, thanks to its formulation containing prune oil, which lightly conditions, adds shine, and fights humidity. Plus, it never leaves that awful crunch that some other hairsprays do.
2. L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, $15
The L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray has been a fan favorite for years, and for good reason. It’s affordable, gives you a light shine, and holds your blowout for the majority of the day. No more dealing with that awful “hairspray smell”!
3. Fekkai Clean Stylers Volumizing Hairspray, $26
If you’re looking for strong hold, a salon-like scent, and nearly humidity-proof hair, look no further than the Fekkai Clean Stylers Volumizing Hairspray. This hairspray not only provides outstanding volume but also contains patented Solstice Propellant technology for an earth-friendly, non-ozone depleting aerosol propellant. Plus, it’s rich in amino acid peptides and aloe leaf juice for added shine.
4. Kristin Ess Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray, $15
I’m obsessed with all of Kristin Ess’ hair products, and the Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray is no exception. This budget-friendly option delivers easy-spray shine and a firm hold for at least eight hours. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan!
5. Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray, $34
Bumble and bumble has done it again with their Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray. This versatile hairspray is buildable, effective for different hairstyles and textures, and offers a fine mist with every use. Whether you’re going for tight curls or a bombshell blowout, this is the real deal.
These are just a few of the amazing hairsprays I tested. If you want to discover more top-notch options, keep on reading.
An FAQ on Hairsprays
I reached out to Angel Cardona to get the scoop on all things hairsprays. Here are some burning questions answered by the expert:
What are the benefits of hairspray?
Hairspray offers control, helping to form and hold your hair in shape. According to Cardona, different hairsprays serve different purposes. Some provide a lighter hold for a more natural look, while others offer a stronger hold for gravity-defying styles. Hairsprays can also combat humidity and protect against moisture in the air.
What should I look for in a hairspray?
Cardona advises considering the desired finished look when choosing a hairspray. A lighter hairspray works well for fine, natural looks, while a stronger hairspray is better suited for more elaborate styles. Remember, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all hairspray. It’s always a good idea to have a range of strengths on hand for different looks.
What’s the difference between hairspray and texture spray?
Hairsprays are primarily for control, while texture sprays add roughness or grit to alter your natural texture and achieve a more textured look. Texture sprays often contain ingredients like sea salt, sugar, or powders to enhance that gritty texture.
How should I apply hairspray?
The general rule of thumb is to spray hairspray about 12 inches away from your hair or the length of the can. For non-aerosol sprays, Cardona suggests spritzing two sprays at a time and moving on to the next sections. With aerosol hairsprays, move the can in the desired direction while spraying for maximum effect.
How often should I use hairspray?
Cardona recommends using hairspray after styling your hair and throughout the styling process. If your hair still looks great the next day, a quick spritz can help maintain your style.
How can I tell if my hairspray lasts?
The lasting power of a hairspray depends on the look you want to achieve and whether you’re using the right one for that purpose. If your hair starts to flatten out too quickly, you may need a stronger hold hairspray or some texture spray to add grit. Keeping a travel-size hairspray on hand for quick touch-ups is also a great idea.
How can I tell if my hairspray has gone bad?
If you notice a decline in its effectiveness or the aerosol has leaked and no longer sprays properly, it’s time to say goodbye to your hairspray.
So there you have it—everything you need to know about choosing, applying, and enjoying the best hairsprays for all-day hold. Now go out there and slay those hairstyles!
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, a New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist. As an expert in the field, Victoria has spent countless hours researching and testing hundreds of beauty products to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. Her recommendations are backed by extensive research, consultations with industry experts, and personal experience. So, you can trust her advice when it comes to finding the perfect hairspray. Keep exploring Post Wanted for headline-worthy beauty finds!