Listen up, hair enthusiasts! I’ve been there, standing in the hairspray aisle, overwhelmed by the endless options. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is full of cans promising the world. But fear not, I’m here to help you find the best hairspray for any hair type.

Whether you’ve got fine hair that falls flat, curls that won’t cooperate, or color-treated locks that need some TLC, there’s a hairspray out there for you. And I’m not talking about the kind that leaves your hair feeling like a crunchy mess. No, I’m talking about hairsprays that provide hold, volume, and shine without sacrificing your hair’s natural movement.

So, put down that can of disappointment and let’s find your hairspray soulmate. Trust me, your hair will thank you.

Table Of Contents:

• Best Hairsprays for Different Hair Types
  • Best Hairspray for Fine Hair
  • Best Hairspray for Curly Hair
  • Best Hairspray for Thick Hair
  • Best Hairspray for Color-Treated Hair
  • Best Hairspray for Dry or Damaged Hair
• How to Choose the Right Hairspray for Your Hair Type
  • Consider Your Hair Type and Texture
  • Determine Your Desired Hold Level
  • Look for Nourishing Ingredients
  • Choose Between Aerosol or Non-Aerosol
  • Test Different Brands and Formulas
• Tips for Applying Hairspray for Optimal Results
  • Start with Clean, Dry Hair
  • Use the Right Technique
  • Don’t Overdo It
  • Brush Through for a Softer Look
  • Finish with a Shine Spray
• Common Hairspray Mistakes to Avoid
  • Applying Too Much Product
  • Spraying Too Close to Your Hair
  • Using the Wrong Formula for Your Hair Type
  • Not Protecting Your Hair from Heat Styling
  • Forgetting to Brush Through for a Natural Look
• Hairspray Hacks for Achieving Different Hairstyles
  • Creating Voluminous Roots
  • Taming Flyaways and Frizz
  • Setting Curls and Waves
  • Achieving a Sleek Ponytail or Updo
  • Adding Texture and Grit to Braids
• Conclusion

Best Hairsprays for Different Hair Types

Finding the perfect hairspray can be a game-changer. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one for your unique hair type and needs?

Best Hairspray for Fine Hair

If you have fine hair, you know the struggle of finding a hairspray that won’t weigh your strands down. Look for a lightweight formula with a flexible hold to add volume and texture without the crunch. Paul Mitchell’s Extra-Body Firm Finishing Spray is my go-to for fine hair. It provides just the right amount of hold and fullness, plus UV protection to keep color from fading.

Best Hairspray for Curly Hair

Curly girls, you need a hairspray that will enhance your natural texture and fight frizz. DevaCurl’s Flexible Hold Hairspray is a curl-friendly formula that defines and holds without the crunch. I love how it tames flyaways and keeps my curls bouncy, even in humid weather. The light, citrusy scent is a nice bonus too.

Best Hairspray for Thick Hair

For those blessed with thick hair, a strong hold hairspray is a must to keep styles in place all day. Redken’s Control Addict 28 is a maximum control hairspray that can handle even the most stubborn strands. I’ve used this on clients with super thick hair and it locks styles in place for hours, even through sweat and humidity. A little goes a long way, so start with a light mist and build as needed.

Best Hairspray for Color-Treated Hair

Color-treated hair needs a little extra TLC to stay vibrant and healthy. Pureology’s Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray not only provides a medium, brushable hold but also protects color with potent antioxidants. I recommend this to all my color clients because it detangles, heat protects, and keeps color looking fresh between appointments. The vegan, sulfate-free formula is gentle enough for daily use.

Best Hairspray for Dry or Damaged Hair

Dry, damaged hair craves moisture and nourishment. Moroccanoil’s Luminous Hairspray Medium contains argan oil to condition and add shine while providing a workable hold. As someone with damaged hair from years of heat styling, I can attest to how well this hairspray smooths and softens. It helps tame frizz and flyaways without feeling heavy or sticky.

How to Choose the Right Hairspray for Your Hair Type

With so many hairsprays on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some tips to help you choose the perfect hairspray for your hair type and needs.

Consider Your Hair Type and Texture

The first step in choosing a hairspray is to know your hair type and texture. Is your hair fine, thick, straight, curly, or somewhere in between? Different hair types have different needs when it comes to hold, volume, and control. Fine hair, for example, can easily get weighed down by heavy hairsprays. Opt for a lightweight formula that adds volume and texture without the crunch. Thick or curly hair, on the other hand, can handle a stronger hold to tame frizz and keep styles in place.

Determine Your Desired Hold Level

Hairsprays come in different hold levels, from light and flexible to strong and maximum. Consider what kind of styles you typically wear and how much hold you need. If you like to change up your look throughout the day, a light to medium hold hairspray will give you the flexibility to brush through and restyle. For updos, special occasions, or fighting humidity, a strong hold hairspray will lock your style in place.

Look for Nourishing Ingredients

In addition to hold, look for hairsprays with nourishing ingredients that can benefit your hair. Argan oil, for example, is a popular ingredient that can help smooth frizz and add shine. If you have color-treated hair, look for hairsprays with UV protectants and antioxidants to prevent color fading. For dry or damaged hair, ingredients like keratin and panthenol can help strengthen and moisturize.

Choose Between Aerosol or Non-Aerosol

Hairsprays come in both aerosol and non-aerosol formulas, each with their own benefits. Aerosol hairsprays provide a fine, even mist and dry quickly, making them great for a variety of styles. Non-aerosol hairsprays, also known as pump sprays, offer more control and targeted application. They’re also a good option for travel or touch-ups on the go since they don’t have the same TSA restrictions as aerosols.

Test Different Brands and Formulas

What works for your best friend or favorite celebrity might not work for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and formulas until you find your perfect match. Many brands offer travel sizes or trial kits so you can test out a product before committing to a full size. You can also ask your stylist for recommendations based on your hair type and styling needs.

Tips for Applying Hairspray for Optimal Results

Now that you’ve found your perfect hairspray, it’s time to learn how to use it like a pro. Proper application can make all the difference in achieving the hold and style you want.

Start with Clean, Dry Hair

For best results, always start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is dirty or oily, the hairspray won’t adhere as well and can lead to buildup. If you need to refresh second-day hair, use a dry shampoo before applying hairspray. This will absorb excess oil and add texture for better hold.

Use the Right Technique

The way you apply hairspray can affect the final result. For a light, all-over hold, mist the hairspray evenly from about 8-10 inches away. For more targeted control, like taming flyaways or setting a specific style, hold the can closer and spray directly onto the area. Just be careful not to overapply, which can lead to a crunchy or sticky feel.

Don’t Overdo It

One of the biggest mistakes people make with hairspray is using too much. Start with a light layer and build up as needed. Remember, you can always add more but it’s harder to remove excess without washing your hair. A little goes a long way, especially with stronger hold formulas.

Brush Through for a Softer Look

If you want a softer, more natural look, try spraying the hairspray onto a brush first, then running it through your hair. This distributes the product evenly without applying too much directly to your strands. You can also use this technique to smooth flyaways or baby hairs around your hairline. Just mist a clean toothbrush or mascara spoolie with hairspray and gently brush them into place.

Finish with a Shine Spray

For an extra polished look, finish your style with a light mist of shine spray. This adds a glossy sheen and helps tame any remaining frizz or static. Look for a shine spray with lightweight oils like argan or coconut to add moisture and brilliance without weighing hair down. A little mist on the ends can also help prevent them from looking dry or split.

Common Hairspray Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there. You’re in a rush, trying to get your hair just right before heading out the door. So you grab your trusty can of hairspray and start spraying away, hoping for the best. But then you end up with a crunchy, sticky mess that looks nothing like the effortless, tousled waves you were going for. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, we’ve all made our fair share of hairspray mistakes. But the good news is, they’re easy to avoid once you know what to watch out for.

Applying Too Much Product

One of the biggest mistakes people make with hairspray is using way too much of it. I get it, you want your style to last all day. But trust me, drowning your hair in hairspray is not the answer. Instead, start with a light mist and build up gradually as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s a lot harder to remove excess product without washing your hair and starting over.

Spraying Too Close to Your Hair

Another common mistake is holding the can too close to your head when spraying. This can lead to uneven application and oversaturated areas that leave your hair feeling sticky and weighed down. For best results, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from your hair and spray in short, even bursts. This will give you a more natural, touchable hold without any crunchy residue.

Using the Wrong Formula for Your Hair Type

Not all hairsprays are created equal. Using a formula that’s too heavy for your hair type can leave it feeling greasy and weighed down, while using one that’s too light may not provide enough hold. If you have fine hair, look for a lightweight, volumizing spray that won’t weigh it down. For thick or curly hair, opt for a stronger hold formula that can tame frizz and keep your style in place all day. And if you have color-treated hair, choose a hairspray that’s specifically designed to protect your color and add shine, like Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray.

Not Protecting Your Hair from Heat Styling

If you use heat styling tools like curling irons or straighteners, it’s important to protect your hair with a heat protectant spray before applying hairspray. The alcohol in some hairsprays can actually make your hair more prone to heat damage, so using a protective product first is key. I like to use a lightweight heat protectant spray like Drybar Hot Toddy Heat & UV Protectant before styling, then finish with a flexible hold hairspray for lasting results.

Forgetting to Brush Through for a Natural Look

Finally, don’t forget to brush through your hair after applying hairspray for a softer, more natural look. Spraying hairspray directly onto your finished style without brushing can leave it looking stiff and unnatural. Instead, mist the hairspray onto a flexible bristle brush, then gently brush through your hair to distribute the product evenly. This will give you a touchable, brushable hold that still keeps your style in place all day.

Hairspray Hacks for Achieving Different Hairstyles

Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, let’s talk about some of my favorite hairspray hacks for achieving different hairstyles. With the right techniques and products, hairspray can be your secret weapon for creating any look you want.

Creating Voluminous Roots

If you want to add some serious volume to your roots, hairspray is your best friend. Start by spraying a lightweight, volumizing hairspray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray directly onto your roots, then use your fingers to massage it in and create lift. For even more volume, try flipping your head upside down and spraying the underside of your roots before flipping back up and styling as usual. The added texture and grip will help keep your roots lifted all day long.

Taming Flyaways and Frizz

Flyaways and frizz can ruin even the most carefully styled hairdo. But with a little hairspray and the right technique, you can keep them under control. Start by spraying a small amount of hairspray onto a clean toothbrush or mascara wand, then gently brush it over any stray hairs or frizzy areas. The key is to use a light touch and avoid oversaturating the hair, which can make flyaways worse. For extra smoothness and shine, finish with a light mist of a shine-enhancing hairspray like Kérastase Laque Noire.

Setting Curls and Waves

Whether you’re using a curling iron, hot rollers, or heatless curlers, hairspray is essential for setting your curls and making them last. The trick is to apply the hairspray before you start curling, not after. Spray each section of hair with a medium-hold hairspray like Garnier Fructis Style Curl Shape Defining Spray Gel before wrapping it around your curling iron or roller. The hairspray will help the curl hold its shape and prevent it from falling flat throughout the day. Once your curls are cool, gently brush through them with your fingers to break them up and create a more natural, tousled look. Finish with a light mist of hairspray all over to set the style.

Achieving a Sleek Ponytail or Updo

Sleek, polished updos and ponytails require a strong-hold hairspray to keep every hair in place. Start by brushing your hair back into a tight ponytail or bun, securing with elastics as needed. Then, spray a generous amount of a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray all over to smooth down any flyaways and keep your style in place. For extra hold and shine, mist a shine spray like Biolage Complete Control Hairspray over your finished style.

Adding Texture and Grit to Braids

Braids are a great way to add texture and interest to your hairstyle, but they can sometimes look a little too perfect and polished. To create a more undone, effortless look, spray a texturizing hairspray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray onto your hair before braiding. The added texture will give your braids a messier, more lived-in look that’s perfect for casual days or beachy vacations. Once your braid is complete, gently pull on the edges to loosen it up and create a more undone effect. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to set the style. With these hairspray hacks in your styling arsenal, you’ll be able to create any look you want with ease. Just remember to start with a light hand, build up gradually, and always use the right formula for your hair type and desired style. Happy spraying.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks – the best hairspray for any hair type. From lightweight formulas that add volume to strong holds that keep your style in place all day, there’s a hairspray out there for everyone.

Remember, the key is to choose a hairspray that works with your hair, not against it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and formulas until you find the one that makes your hair look and feel its best.

So go ahead, spray with confidence, and rock that perfect ‘do. Your hair deserves the best, and with the right hairspray by your side, you’re unstoppable.