Hair spray can make or break your hairstyle, so it's important to find the best one for your hair type.
There's a reason why even the pros rely on our top pick. The L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray has a trusted formula that's strong enough to keep every hair in place, but light enough that it can be brushed out and reapplied without causing any stickiness.
You've gotten up early and taken the time to style your hair, using your favorite shampoo and conditioner, and diligently applying heat protectant before putting your styling tools to work to create the perfect look.
However, if you don't apply any type of finishing spray at the end, that look may not last through the day, and all that work will have been for nothing. If you don't want your hair to lose its curl by noon, or your sleek style to frizz out at the slightest hint of moisture in the air, applying a good quality hair spray is a must.
While the word "hair spray" may immediately give you visions of big '80s hair, today's formulas are much improved and can be applied without making you look like you stepped out of a time warp. A good quality hair spray won't weigh your hair down or make it feel sticky. Instead, it will help your hairstyle last all day long, no matter which look you choose to go with. The best hair spray formulas can protect your hair from humidity, add extra shine, and come in different strengths.
There are two big things to consider to help you find the hair spray that will work the best for your needs:
- Hair Type: If you have a thick, unruly mane like mine, you might want a stronger formula to wrestle your rebellious locks into place. Thick hair can be heavy, making it difficult for a style to stay put. A good quality strong-hold hair spray will lock your hair in place without weighing it down, flaking off, or making your hair feel sticky. For those with fine hair, a maximum hold formula may be too heavy. If you have fine hair, or hair that is prone to breakage, a lightweight hair spray that adds volume and texture will be a better choice. If you color your hair often or have hair that is already damaged and prone to dryness, many types of hair spray will cause even more damage, especially if the formula contains a high content of alcohol. You'll want a hair spray that contains a hydrating and healing ingredient like Argan oil.
- Hair Style: While some hair sprays can serve as a Jack-of-all-trades and meet all your styling needs, it can be useful to have a few different formula strengths on hand if you like to change up your hairstyle. If you're doing a fancy braid or updo for a special event, an extra-strength formula will help your style last through the evening and into the night. For a tousled look that will last all day without falling flat, a lightweight texturizing hair spray will work best. For a sleek look, a medium-strength formula designed to protect your hair against humidity will help keep any frizz or flyaways at bay.
After reading through the reviews and doing some testing of our own, we rounded up the best hair sprays that suit a wide range of hair types and will keep every hair in its place no matter which hairstyle you choose to flaunt for the day.
Here is the best hair spray you can buy in 2019:
- Best overall: L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
- Best budget option: TRESemmé Micromist Hairspray
- Best for thick hair: Matrix Vavoom Freezing Spray
- Best for fine hair: Kenra Volume Spray 25
- Best for dry hair: Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray
Updated 10/21/19 by Jada Wong: Updated prices, formatting, and links.
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