:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MelanieRudHeadshot-82702c3bc69c47eb801a1408684c08f5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-primary-best-hairsprays-4582749-148cbb41d1a24627824649fb9514ebc0.jpg)
Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
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."
Birdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, a cult classic with a firm hold you can brush out if necessary. Also nice: you can score it in the drugstore. If you have curly hair consider Bounce Curl Hairspray, which gives you sculpted waves with the right amount of bounce and hold.
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 how it feels on your hair, we landed on the following picks.
Ahead, the best hairsprays to keep your hair in place without drying it out.
Best Overall
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LOrealParisElnettSatinExtraStrongHoldHairspray1-5c2e7c5dc9e77c0001b91516.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
Affordable
Firm hold
Leaves hair soft and brushable
Strong scent
Who else recommends it? Insider, Allure, and PureWow all picked L'Oréal Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hairspray.
What do buyers say? 4,600+ Walmart reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
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 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-08-24at1.56.27PM-cf1bd2cee3fb4190a3ef252161e1c838.png)
Courtesy of Sephora
Versatile hold
Works on all hair types
Pricey
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 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Milk Medium Hold & Volume Hair Spray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/513-SshkQ8L._SL1000_-6cab29c856ba4324ae57b79daa87b6b6.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
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: $11
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: White jasmine | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Flexible Hold
Unite Lé:Play Hair Spray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/unite_leplayhairspray_1024x1024-b290ee05f0764bd19f805d0110baf3cc.jpg)
Courtesy of Unite
Doesn't flake
Leaves hair soft and brushable
Pricey
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: $32
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Juniper | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Medium Hold
Kérastase Laque Couture Medium Hold Hairspray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-08-24at2.33.50PM-fa96a621f33a468fa1b2cecd89d10308.png)
Courtesy of Sephora
Versatile hold
Works on all hair types
Offers color protection
Pricey
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: $51
Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Floral | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Firm Hold
Milbon Strong Hold Hairspray 7
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/stronghold_hairspray_7-870x1110-12b6c635bdf741658fe6eca59651652d.jpg)
Courtesy of Kossof Beauty
Doesn't flake
Great for updos
Leaves hair soft and brushable
Pricey
“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 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Adjustable Hold
Unite GO365 Hairspray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/41QSf1IFmzL._SL1280_-33bde59ee80f417eba470137bfad1bef.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
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 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Runner-Up, Best for Fine Hair
Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kenra-professional-volume-spray-25-c77f6e5380a84a4987eec7f40225e87c.jpg)
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 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Curly Hair
SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Hold and Shine Moisture Mist for Thick Curly Hair
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GUEST_0a808fff-4789-435f-894b-d1ad21d74ce2-6e303e1a60034462a00c741bfa985e47.jpg)
Courtesy of Target
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: $14
Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Coconut and hibiscus | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Texturizing
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ouai-Texturizing-Hair-Spray--76d89d22ecdd4afeb51307eb232a0a11.jpg)
Ulta
Has multiple benefits
Works on all hair types
Nice scent
Pricey
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) | Byrdie Clean: No | 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.
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."
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-recirc-best-drugstore-shampoo-and-conditioners-c2d1ed512adc44f19268faba2ea3a355.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-13-best-hairsprays-fine-hair-recirc-badge-9423e92e6a994c318cb6174681886995.jpg){kind=icon}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-11-best-shampoos-for-colored-hair-4582708-primary-077b4fe8d666477fbe0fed0ea7bd92bb.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-9-best-shampoo-for-fine-hair-recirc-9794bffcff9548b0a6c7d2a7036844d9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-best-sea-salt-sprays-4843775-recirc-v1-5cc168b30c294d5dacfb47ad6a20f5b7.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Olaplex-Shampoo-Hair-System-1-4cc4d0314a3d4a358ba05ff4b8b24dbf.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-recirc-best-hair-gels-4768068-e056473da15a4c4f9bea51458acec49f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1131991115-f72c1db944984b9da2cd63dc10cbac9c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-drugstore-sulfate-free-shampoos-4801968-recirc-2422d90d4277434d80c4da3d74f253e5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-12-best-clarifying-shampoos-recirc-d64cd59280b04ac19ec8f633ee7ce8ff.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-13-best-anti-frizz-products-4782811-primary-8a7ffdcfd415458c9fb3e1a443baccf9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-gels-for-natural-hair-5080812-recirc-55da17dc4447405d8bff8213b326885c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shampoos-for-oily-hair-4163478-9b1cf54beb1f4f298455909f092f1872.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-color-depositing-conditioners-5086857-recirc-ea87cc7a8968498ab8381c02ef01464c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-13-best-natural-shampoos-4586441-recirc-35ef6dda3bfc427c80aa19738f63b4f2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1026961094-6be95eac179b49f28b03282cc91e3b11.jpg)