Hairspray is an essential product for anyone who styles their hair often. There are many options out there in today’s market, but which ones are the best?
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Everyone wants a hair spray that still leaves their hair feeling soft and luxurious. Gone are the days when you would experience a crunchy and dry texture in your hair. Over time, more brands created safer formulas that keep hair in place without damaging it.
There are many products you can choose from in the haircare market, depending on your budget, hair type, and personal needs. However, it’s important to pick a hairspray that gives your hair a flexible hold and natural shine, as well as is safe and sustainable in the long term.
Are you eager to find the best hairspray? Discover the 10 best hairsprays in 2024 and how they can benefit your hair styling routine.
In This Article
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Hairspray
#1 Best overall
4.5
- Nourishing hair spray
- Doesn’t harden hair strands
- Suitable for thick, curly, or fine hair
Shop Bumble and bumble
Shop Bumble and bumble
#2
4.4
- Gives the hair a flexible hold and natural shine
- Doesn’t let curls fall flat
- One of the best hair sprays for thick hair
Shop Bumble and bumble
Buy Ouia
#3
4.3
- Works as a dry shampoo eliminating oily roots
- Gives volume and heat protection
- Doesn’t cause product buildup
Shop Bumble and bumble
Visit Living proof
The 10 Best Hairsprays in 2024
There are plenty of hairsprays that claim to boost hair texture or maintain beachy waves. You should choose a product that works for your budget and hair type.
Here are the top 10 hairsprays that have the best reviews and will treat your hair with care:
#1 Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode – Best overall
Our rating:
4.5
- Flexible hold without hardening hair strands
- Adds volume and shine to thin, thick, straight, and curly hair types
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Bumble and Bumble is at the top of the best hairsprays because it is flexible, nourishing, and effective. This formula can add volume to your hair without leaving the dreaded crunchy texture. Unlike other hairsprays, this product is also suitable for all hair types, including thick, curly, thin, greasy, and dry.
This brand also stayed away from mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde. A study found that phthalates can irritate your scalp and even cause hair loss. Therefore, Bumble and Bumble is safe for long-term hair health.
For the best style, dry your hair safely with a low-heat hairdryer and add this hairspray to your roots for extra volume.
Pros
-
Doesn’t go crusty -
Can boost hair volume -
Reduces messy baby hairs -
Gives the appearance of sleek and healthy hair -
Easy to brush out -
Prevents dryness -
Strong hold mist -
Suitable for thinning hair
Cons
-
The smell is quite strong -
Higher price point
#2 Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray – Best for thick hair types
Our rating:
4.4
- Lightweight formula that adds a natural shine
- The fine mist keeps several up-and-down hairstyles in place
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Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray can benefit those who have thicker hair. This is because the copolymers and tocopheryl ingredients help to hold the hair in place while soothing your scalp at the same time.
Research suggests that tocopheryl reduces hair follicle inflammation, which naturally encourages faster hair growth. Other ingredients in this hair spray, like volcanic minerals and leaf extracts, can maintain the health of your hair and scalp in the long term.
You can use this hair spray to sustain hair thickness while preventing your curls or natural waves from dropping quickly. Just spray the fine mist over your desired hairstyle to lock in the texture all day.
Pros
-
Gluten-free ingredients -
Maintains the texture of thick hair -
Stops curls from dropping quickly -
No crusty residue -
A small bit goes a long way -
Survives in humid environments
Cons
-
May not hold hair that is longer than 16 inches -
Reports of bottle leakages -
Overpowering smell
#3 Living Proof Dry Volume & Texture Spray – Best for oily roots
Our rating:
4.3
- Long-lasting volume and texture for every hairstyle
- Can absorb oils for those with greasy roots
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Dealing with greasy hair can be frustrating, but there is a simple formula that works as a hairspray and dry shampoo. One great product includes Living Proof Dry Volume & Texture Spray, which is best for those who can’t seem to eliminate oily roots throughout the week.
This versatile texturizing spray delivers long-lasting volume while absorbing grease from your scalp. You can maintain your favorite hairstyles without having to work around dirty roots and ends.
A study found that ingredients like cyclodextrin can help protect hair follicles and reduce oily roots. Moreover, dibenzoate contains antibacterial properties for your scalp, meaning it reduces bad bacteria that encourage slow hair growth and excess sebum production.
Pros
-
Protects hair in heat styling -
Suitable for dry or damp hair -
Adds more volume to roots -
Doesn’t cause product buildup over time -
Safe for hair extensions
Cons
-
Strong fragrance -
Some customers report a broken spray -
No UV protection
#4 Kristin Ess Workable Hairspray – Best for heat protection
Our rating:
4.2
- Contains heat protectant properties for all hair types
- Light formula that makes hair soft and sleek
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You can use Kristin Ess Workable Hairspray alongside thermal styling tools, making it the best option for heat protection. Adding one layer before curling or straightening your hair can keep it in place all day without causing damaged ends.
Research suggests that copolymers provide the most protection against heat. They cover your hair in a thin layer to prevent heat from ruining natural protein structures. Panthenol is another ingredient that preserves moisture to stop hair thinning.
The non-sticky formula also ensures you can style your hair properly. Spray the fine mist over your hair to lock in curls and reduce messy baby hairs.
Pros
-
Natural and smooth finish -
Doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, and phthalates -
Could prevent heat damage -
Suitable for curly and straight hair -
Not a sticky formula -
Tames flyaways -
Gentle mist doesn’t leave knots
Cons
-
Strong chemical smell -
Some customers mention seeing white flakes on their scalp -
Reports of faulty packaging
#5 Big Sexyhair Volumizing Hairspray – Best for all-day hold
Our rating:
4.2
- Lasts up to 120 hours on many hairstyles
- Suitable for people with fine, medium, and coarse hair
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Big Sexyhair Volumizing Hairspray is suitable for people who need intricate hairstyles to stay in place throughout the day. You could use this hairspray for special occasions that require you to move around.
There are a few ingredients that contribute to the all-day hold. Some of these comprise methacrylate copolymer, dimethicone, and benzyl salicylate. Methacrylate copolymer is a thickening agent that helps hair strands stick together without becoming crusty.
One thing to note is that limonene, being a natural chemical, can reduce inflammation on your scalp and unclog pores. Adding this ingredient to your hair styling routine could also increase your hair growth rate.
Pros
-
Easy to wash out -
Maintains the shape of curls -
Very lightweight formula -
Suitable to use on wet or dry hair -
Adds more texture and volume to roots -
Keeps hairstyles like ponytails and buns in place
Cons
-
May cause knots in thick hair -
Doesn’t work well in humidity -
Reports of the mist being sticky
#6 Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray – Best for scalp health
Our rating:
4.1
- Contains vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants
- Argan oil can protect and nourish hair strands
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Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray is an interesting formula because it caters to long-term scalp health. It contains nourishing ingredients that protect your hair follicles and stop them from getting clogged with dirt.
A study found that vitamin E reduces oxidative stress on the scalp. The vitamin’s antioxidant powers ensure you don’t get stubborn dandruff or inflammation. Argan oil, in general, can boost hair growth by strengthening and supporting your hair bulbs, which are the pores that surround each hair strand.
The essential fatty acids in argan oil may also add shine while improving hair density. This means that people with fine hair could have more texture when using the Moroccanoil Luminous hairspray.
Pros
-
Perfect for dry hair -
Sticks down flyaways around the hairline -
Protection against humidity -
Has real argan oil -
Adds a natural shine -
Combats frizz -
Nourishes the scalp
Cons
-
Slow customer service response -
Fragile bottle -
Smells like chemicals and alcohol
#7 Redken Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray – Best for quick styling
Our rating:
4.0
- Quick-drying formula that holds hair in place
- Gives hair a natural shine without making it look greasy
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Redken Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray has a quick-drying formula. Anyone who has a busy routine may benefit from using this hairspray, as they don’t have to spend a long time styling their hair in the morning.
Acrylates are thickening agents that hold your hair and protect it against humidity. Geraniol is another protective ingredient that balances sebum production, which stops your hair from getting too oily throughout the day. These ingredients will benefit those who regularly go outside in a hot environment.
You can spray the hair spray into your roots for added texture or spray it all over your hair to maintain the hairstyle.
Pros
-
Easy to work with in a rush -
Protects hair against breakage -
No sticky residue -
Available in many local supermarkets -
More affordable than other hairsprays -
Gives hair some shape -
Doesn’t feel heavy
Cons
-
The spray can get clogged -
Very potent smell -
Thick formula compared to other alternatives
#8 Matrix Miss Mess Dry Finishing Spray – Best for curly hair types
Our rating:
4.0
- Prolonged volume with a weightless finish
- Non-sticky formula that leaves the hair matte
Learn More
Curly hair management can be frustrating and expensive, but that doesn’t have to be the case with something like Matrix Miss Mess Dry Finishing Spray. This hairspray has a weightless feel that still grips your hair, giving it a flexible hold, and maintains the style.
People with voluptuous or naturally curly hair can use calcium-based hairspray to tame crazy hair strands. Studies have proven that minerals like calcium carbonate provide extra texture and grip, making the spray easy to use in your daily routine.
This hairspray also has one of the best scents, as it contains traces of orange flowers, jasmine, vanilla, and cedarwood.
Pros
-
Contains calcium-based minerals for extra grip -
Suitable for oily hair -
Doesn’t cause crunchy hair -
Adds more volume to curls and waves -
Natural finish -
Holds up in wind and humidity
Cons
-
Might not work for dry hair -
Not a very flexible spray -
Reports of customers getting knots
#9 Innersense I Create Finish – Best for color-treated hair
Our rating:
3.9
- Honey extract nourishes the hair and scalp
- Designed to nourish color-treated hair
- Gentle formula for protecting hair against external damage
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Innersense hairspray is best for color-treated hair because it contains nourishing and hydrating ingredients. You may use this non-aerosol spray to maintain the color of your hair after getting it professionally dyed.
The organic honey extract can moisturize your hair follicles and seal in color without stripping it from each hair strand. Moreover, the traces of rooibos tea can prevent hair loss and reduce dandruff for those with a scalp condition.
There are other hidden ingredients, like rice protein, lavender oil, and ginkgo biloba leaf extract, that retain moisture and strengthen hair strands. Using more herb-based ingredients could encourage hair growth, too, including rooibos and ginkgo.
Pros
-
Reduces scalp irritation -
Can prevent dandruff -
Adds natural shine and gloss -
Hydrates the hair and scalp -
Maintains the bounce of curls -
Doesn’t contain harmful toxins -
Reduces flyaways
Cons
-
Might not be suitable for thinning hair -
The light formula may not work for thick hair -
Doesn’t absorb oils on the roots
#10 R+Co Bleu Featherlight Hairspray – Best for thin hair
Our rating:
3.8
- Fine mist prevents a crunchy or sticky texture
- Cruelty-free formula makes hair appear more sleek and healthy
Learn More
The Bleu Featherlight Hairspray by R+Co is best for straight and fine hair. You can apply the hairspray to your roots to create more texture and volume. Using a shine moisture mist also prevents hair dryness over time.
Blue Featherlight focuses on ingredients like vitamin B5, flower extracts, natural oils, and styling resins. A study found that vitamin B5 keeps your hair soft by retaining moisture, which can make thin hair appear sleek and healthy.
Avocado and sunflower seed oil in this hair spray can also add thickness to thinning hair by coating the hair shaft in a protective layer. It’s believed that adding avocado to your hair routine may promote growth by repairing damaged follicles.
Pros
-
Softens the hair -
Doesn’t add extra weight -
Smoothes flyaways -
Not sticky or greasy -
Gives a glossy finish -
Easy to brush and wash out -
Sturdy packaging
Cons
-
Expensive in the long term -
Very strong smell -
Reports of the spray getting clogged
Comparing the Best Hairsprays
Comparison Winner: Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.2
4.2
4.1
4.0
4.0
3.9
3.8
Visit Bumble and Bumble
Visit Ouai
Visit Living Proof
Visit Kristin Ess
Visit Sexyhair
Visit Moroccanoil
Visit Redken
Visit Matrix
Visit Innersense
Visit R+Co Bleu
Brand
Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray
Living Proof Dry Volume & Texture Spray
Kristin Ess Workable Hairspray
Big Sexyhair Volumizing Hairspray
Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray
Redken Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray
Matrix Miss Mess Dry Finishing Spray
Innersense I Create Finish
R+Co Bleu Featherlight Hairspray
Pros
Strong hold
Doesn’t make hair go crusty
Can boost hair volume
Reduces flyaways
Makes your hair appear sleek and healthy
Doesn’t cause dryness
Easy to brush out
Suitable for thin and fine hair
Helps to reduce grease
Gluten-free ingredients
Keeps thick hair in place
Stops curls from dropping
Doesn’t leave a crusty residue
You don’t need much product
Holds up humid environments
You can buy a travel option
Offers heat protection
Suitable for damp or dry hair
Reduces greasy roots
Adds extra volume and texture
Doesn’t make your hair feel dirty
Won’t damage hair extensions
Natural-looking flexible hold
Free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
Can protect your hair against heat
Holds curly and straight hairstyles
Doesn’t leave a sticky layer on your hair
Keeps baby hairs in check
Gentle formula won’t leave knots
Smells of pitaya and flowers
Adds texture and volume
You can use it on wet hair to style
Washes out easily
Holds the shape of curls and waves
Suitable for sleek updos like ponytails and buns
Doesn’t feel heavy
Doesn’t dry out your hair
Sticks down flyaways around the roots
Suitable for all hair types
Protects against humidity
Contains real argan oil
Combats frizz
Adds shine
Dries quickly so you can style
Protects hair against frizz and breakage
No sticky formula
Available in local supermarkets
More affordable
Stops hair from losing shape
Doesn’t weigh down hair
Calcium-based minerals that provide texture
Suitable for oily hair
Orange flower, jasmine, vanilla, and cedarwood scent
Doesn’t make hair stiff
Adds volume to curls
Natural finish
Protection against wind and humidity
Anti-irritant properties, making it suitable for a sensitive scalp
Prevents dandruff
Adds shine and gloss
Hydrates your hair
Keeps curls in place all day
Doesn’t contain toxins
Reduces flyaways
Makes your hair soft
Doesn’t add extra weight
Smoothes down flyaways
Not sticky
Gives a natural finish
Easy to brush out
Sturdy packaging
Cons
The smell isn’t the best
Can be expensive
May not hold hair that is longer than 16 inches
Some reports of leakages
The smell can be too strong
Strong fragrance
Some reviews mention a broken spray
No UV protection
Reports of faulty packaging
Chemical scent
Some customers mention getting white flakes in their hair
The formula can be sticky
Doesn’t hold up in humid environments
Reports of the hairspray causing knots
Reports of a strong chemical scent
The bottle can break easily
Slow customer service
The spray can get clogged
Potent smell
Very thick formula compared to other hairsprays
Might not work for dry hair
Not a very flexible spray
Some customers report getting knotted clumps
Might not work for very thin hair
The light formula may not hold thick, coarse hair
Doesn’t absorb oils
Expensive in the long term
Strong smell
The spray clogs easily when used too much
How We Tested the Best Hairsprays
We test the products beforehand to ensure you choose the best brands. By studying their quality, price, reputation, and effectiveness, our team can select winning hairsprays that could make a huge difference in your hair styling routine.
Below are the ways we tested the best hairsprays:
Quality
The hairspray needs to have a high-quality formula and packaging. You don’t want to be spraying something sticky, greasy, or toxic on your hair. Our team chose these ten products because they are safe formulas that won’t damage your scalp or hair health over time.
Price
Everyone has their own budget when it comes to buying haircare products. It’s not worth spending money on something that doesn’t work either. Therefore, we picked hairsprays that weren’t too expensive but still had an effective formula with minimal chemicals and plastics.
Brand reputation
There’s no point in buying hairspray if the brand doesn’t care about your health. Our team carefully studied each brand by looking at its mission statement and purpose. We found that every product was carefully made to ensure your hair stays healthy, even when you style it.
Effectiveness
You need a hairspray that works by holding your hair in place and not leaving a crunchy texture as most cheap products do. In our product list, every hairspray is effective for quick and easy styling on the go, so you don’t have to worry about your hair going dry or brittle with time.
FAQs
Is hairspray good for thinning hair?
Yes, hairsprays are good for fine hair because they add volume. You can get that big and bouncy hair by spraying some product through your roots.
Is hairspray good or bad for hair?
Hairsprays without toxic chemicals and plastics are safe for your hair. To maintain good hair and scalp health over time, avoid using hairspray repeatedly and make sure to wash it out thoroughly.
Is it okay to use hairspray every day?
Using hairspray every day may cause product buildup, which makes your hair feel crusty and dry. Instead, brush out as much hairspray as possible before adding more again. You can also wash your hair to prevent crunchy hair strands.
A Word From an MD
Finding the right hairspray can be a challenge, but you should always consider a few factors before choosing one. These factors include quality, price point, formula, and effectiveness at keeping your hair in place.
You could also use hair paste or mousse instead of hairspray. All you need to do is blend some shea butter and coconut oil together to make the perfect styling recipe. Coconut oil is said to boost hair growth, which is another huge benefit.
If you use hairspray regularly, it’s important to follow the right haircare routine to protect your scalp. Consider giving yourself a scalp massage once or twice a day to stimulate blood circulation in the hair follicles. This habit promotes hair growth while clearing your pores of hair styling products.
Conclusion
With so many hair spray brands on the market, it can be tricky and time-consuming to find a product that would suit your needs perfectly. You want a hair spray that contains natural ingredients, doesn’t leave your hair sticky and gives a flexible hold rather than a crunchy texture.
After reviewing the ten best hairsprays, Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode, Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray, and Living Proof Dry Volume & Texture Spray stood out from the rest. These popular products have some of the best formulas when it comes to styling your hair and taming stubborn hair edges.