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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
There’s arguably no beauty product that’s experienced more of a ‘glow-up’ in the past few decades than the humble can of hairspray. Today’s spritzes are nothing like those of the '80s and '90s, where they were used to lock big hair in place with an impenetrable, shellac-like coating. Helmet head hair is a thing of the past, thanks to a wide array of new formulas that, yes, deliver hold but still leave hair feeling like hair. "Hairspray is created by using polymers that form an invisible hairnet on your hair," explains celebrity hair stylist Zahir Ziani, "Essentially, it coats your hair strands in a lightweight film and connects individual hair fibers wherever they touch."
We conducted hours of research on the best hairsprays, consulting with two hair stylists for expert recommendations. After considering dozens of formulas, evaluating each on active ingredients, scent, and feel, we landed on the following top-rated picks.
Best Overall
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
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Amazon
Affordable
Firm hold
Leaves hair soft and brushable
Strong scent
It wasn’t that long ago that this cult classic was only sold overseas; we’ve heard countless stories about stylists flying back from Europe with cans upon cans stuffed in their suitcases. Happily, it’s available stateside these days, though it remains the gold standard among hair pros who rely on it for red carpets and photoshoots. To that point, it delivers some serious hold. But the really cool thing? Despite that strong hold, you can easily brush it out should you change your mind and want to re-style.
Price at time of publish: $13
Size: 11.2 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray
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Sephora
Versatile hold
Works on all hair types
Lightweight feel
Not long-lasting
Simply put, this spray is a universal, fool-proof, crowd-pleaser. It works on any and every hair texture, from fine and straight to thick and curly (and everything in between). Plus, it’s equal parts working and finishing spray, meaning you can use it both as you’re styling to create volume and hold and as the final step in your routine to set your finished style in place. But no matter how much you spray, your hair will still feel soft and touchable.
Price at time of publish: $34
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Milk Medium Hold & Volume Hair Spray
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Walmart
Works on all hair types
Affordable
Air-powered
Nozzle tends to get clogged
Mist isn’t as fine as other options
True story: There’s no need to shell out the big bucks to find an awesome hairspray. This pick is proof positive of just that. It offers a great amount of medium hold—and volume, too—has a delightful scent, and is perhaps most noteworthy for being air-powered rather than an aerosol that uses greenhouse gases to minimize the carbon footprint.
Price at time of publish: $10
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: White jasmine | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Flexible Hold
Unite Lé:Play Hair Spray
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Amazon
Doesn't flake
Leaves hair soft and brushable
Protects hair before heat styling
Can leave a white cast on dark hair
Here’s a hairspray for all the hairspray haters out there. “It’s workable, brushable, and doesn’t flake,” says stylist John Mouzakis, co-owner of 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago of one his favorite formulas. “You can literally run your hand through your hair and never get that ‘hair spray’ feeling,” he adds. He also lauds it for delivering thermal protection, making it the ideal pick to use before curling or blow-drying.
Price at time of publish: $33
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Juniper | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Medium Hold
Kérastase Laque Couture Medium Hold Hairspray
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Amazon
Versatile hold
Works on all hair types
Offers color protection
Nozzle can get clogged
Goldilocks would approve of this mist—it offers the best amount of medium-level hold that’s neither too flexible nor too strong. Not to mention that it has the added benefit of delivering humidity protection to keep hair smooth and frizz-free and even boasts protection to safeguard your color.
Price at time of publish: $32
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Floral | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Firm Hold
Milbon Strong Hold Hairspray 7
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Milbon Strong
Doesn't flake
Great for updos
Leaves hair soft and brushable
Could have more hold
“This is the strongest hair spray I’ll use before it gets too hard and stops looking natural,” says Mouzakis of this firm hold choice. He points out that you can still brush your hair after spraying it on and adds that he likes spraying a bit on palms, then smoothing them over flyaways along the part and hairline. Its super-duty strength also makes it a nice choice for updos.
Pice at time of publish: $29
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: No
Runner-Up, Best Firm Hold
R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray
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Amazon
Flake-free
Strong hold without being stiff
Protects hair from heat
Strong scent
Sometimes a strong hold hairspray is necessary, and this one from R+Co is a great contender. It gives you long-lasting hold on every hair type, but you can still brush through it and it doesn't make the hair feel heavy or stiff. It also has a completely vegan formula and provides both UV and thermal protection, so it's a good pick to use before heat styling.
Price at time of publish: $32
Size: 9.5 ounces | Scent: Lavender | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Adjustable Hold
Unite GO365 Hairspray
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Unite Hair
Versatile hold
Offers thermal protection
Strong scent
Mouzakis also likes this hairspray, largely for its versatility. Simply by turning the top nozzle, you can adjust the hold to your desired level: soft, medium, or strong, he says. (Plus, it’s also safe for extensions and color-treated hair.) And while it is a little bit on the pricier side, think of it like you’re getting three hairsprays for the price of one.
Price at time of publish: $33
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Fresh berry | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Fine Hair
Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25
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Walmart
Very long-lasting
Great for humid days
Strong scent
Not only does this formula add major body, but it also helps ensure your newly voluminous style says put—it boasts up to 120 hours of hold. On top of that, it touts 24-hour humidity resistance and 25 mph wind resistance. So if you’re looking for a hairspray to save your style on those stormy, rainy days, this is it.
Price at time of publish: $31
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Curly Hair
SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Hold and Shine Moisture Mist for Thick Curly Hair
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Amazon
Adds moisture and shine
Fights frizz
Hold is very light
To be fair, hairspray probably isn’t the first product that curly-haired girls will reach for. But along with your line-up of gels and creams, hairspray can play an important role, too—so long as you choose the right kind for your texture. Enter this option, specially formulated to keep curls in place with a light, buildable hold while imparting beautiful shine and lightweight moisture thanks to ingredients like neem oil and silk protein. The formula also helps fight frizz and flyaways, something curly girls will certainly appreciate.
Price at time of publish: $13
Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Coconut and hibiscus | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Texturizing
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray
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Ulta
Has multiple benefits
Works on all hair types
Nice scent
Scent could be too strong for some
Think of this as a hairspray-meets dry shampoo-meets texturizing spray mash-up where you get the best of all three of those worlds. It offers hold and texture, a choice for looks like beachy waves, and has the added benefit of containing volcanic minerals that work to absorb excess oil, so it’s particularly great to use on days when you haven’t washed your hair. Not to mention, the floral-citrus scent smells delightful.
Price at time of publish: $28
Size: 4.5 ounces | Scent: North Bondi (consists of bergamot, Italian lemon, rose de mai, violet, and more) | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Lightweight
Oribe Superfine Strong Hair Spray
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Sephora
Works on all hair types
Has UV protection
Great smell
Smell can be strong for some
If you don't like the feel and texture of a traditional hairspray, this pick from Oribe is the perfect choice for you. As the name suggests, it sprays a superfine mist that locks in your hairstyle and gives long-lasting (but flexible) hold. It feels super lightweight and is easy to brush through, and won't leave a greasy or sticky feel. We also love that it's fragranced with Oribe's signature scent, so your hair will smell lavish all day long.
Price at time of publish: $44
Size: 9 ounces | Scent: Cote d'Azur (bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood) | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, a drugstore classic that delivers a firm hold but can be brushed out with ease. For something more buildable, consider Unite GO365 Hairspray which lets you choose the level of hold to apply. We also love Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray, which can double as a dry shampoo.
Meet the Expert
- John Mouzakis is a stylist and co-owner of 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago. He has over a decade of experience in the industry, working as both a hairstylist and educator across the globe.
- Zahir Ziani is a celebrity hair stylist who has worked with John Barrett, the Salon at Bergdorf Goodman, and Frederic Fekkai. He is the National Creative Director of Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, and owns and operates an eponymous salon in New York City.
What to Look For in a Hairspray
The Hold
There are plenty of hold levels to choose from, but Mouzakis says that, as a general rule of thumb, going for more flexible holds is key. He suggests reserving super strong or firm formulas for updos only. Otherwise, “use a lower hold so your hair will still move naturally while still holding your style,” he says. Plus, many of these formulas are also buildable, so you can easily add another layer if you want even more hold. Great examples of flexible hold formulas are the Unite Lé:Play Hair Spray and the Kérastase Laque Couture Medium Hold Hairspray
Alcohol-Free Formula
Ziani says to look for hairspray without alcohol or with a lower concentration of alcohol. "One of the reasons hairspray can make your hair brittle or dry is because of the alcohol content. I always tell my clients to look for hairsprays that have less alcohol." The Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Milk Medium Hold & Volume Hair Spray and the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist are both great alcohol-free options.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Her hair is fine and super prone to frizz, meaning she always relies on some type of hairspray, no matter what kind of style she’s sporting. The Living Proof, Ouai, Bumble and bumble, and Kerastase products on this list are in her current rotation, though she’s also used most of the others on this list.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough hairspray from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.