Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (2024)

TL;DR

We awarded Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 best overall because it does all the things you want a hairspray for fine hair to do (and not do)—holds style, and volumizes, but doesn't weigh down hair, or make hair crunchy. If you want to spend a little less and get a more flexible hold, Eva Nyc Shapeshifter Flexible Hairspray is the way to go.

It can be challenging to find a hairspray that actually works on fine hair. Not only does it need to help maintain the style (especially if your hair won’t hold a curl), but it can’t make your hair feel sticky, look greasy, or fall flat. Thankfully, hairspray has come a long way from the days of piling it on for your childhood dance recitals. Formula innovations have made sprays more delicate yet hardworking than ever before.

The best hairsprays for fine hair will also boost volume and make individual strands look thicker, in addition to staving off humidity (it’d be great if it smelled nice, too). But, countless canisters of sprays on store shelves, it’s still challenging to find the exact right product for your fine hair (after all, fine hair has several different types). There’s no need to rack up dusty cans of hairspray in your bathroom—we tested more than 50 different formulas over 136 hours, evaluating them on how they applied, felt, and performed. We also spoke with Mikayla Ricketts, a Boston-based professional hairstylist to understand the most important aspects of hairspray for fine hair before curating the list of all-stars below.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Doesn’t weigh down hair

  • Amplifies volume

  • Holds texture and shape

  • Doesn’t make hair crunchy or greasy

What We Don't Like

  • Nozzle can get clogged

Hold: Maximum | Size: 10 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a maximum hold, volume-boosting hairspray that doesn’t weigh down fine hair or make it feel disgusting is essentially akin to finding a unicorn. Well, this Kenra hairspray is that mythical product. We were blown away by the formula which sprayed out of the can in a fine mist (with a pleasant, subtle scent) evenly coating the hair. One tester’s hair is very stubbornly straight and resists heat styling, but thanks to this product, their curls lasted from morning to night and left their hair full of body. Not to mention, we could actually touch our hair—it didn’t feel crunchy at all.

This one checked all the boxes—we’d recommend it to anyone looking for the be-all, end-all, heavy-duty hairspray that’s actually wearable for every day and leaves hair looking fresh, full, bouncy, and surprisingly clean. Just be aware, the nozzle can get clogged with product, so we suggested wiping it off after use.

Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (2)

Mary, tester age 55+ with hair type 1A

“My hair is fine and very straight so I was pleased with how well the spray kept the wave in my hair. It definitely lasted longer than if I didn't use any spray at all. In comparison to other sprays, this gave my hair some lift and volume without weighing my hair down.”

What We Don't Like

  • Spraying too much can weigh down the hair

Hold: Flexible hold | Size: 8.3 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Though we’re used to seeing our curls fall pretty quickly after applying hairspray, this one from EVA NYC left them completely intact (though a wee bit deflated) by the end of the day. The formula also left our hair shiny with a few spritzes, but at no point did that translate into greasiness or stickiness. When we sprayed the formula on our hands to target flyaways, we were surprised by how sticky the product was on our skin, but not at all on our hair. It also offered subtle volume-boosting properties.

While the spray is largely lightweight, you may feel inclined to spritz on more to set your style even stronger—and when we did that, it built up and started to weigh down our hair. This is a true flexible formula, so it’s not meant to hold updos, but if you use it for a little finesse and body, it works perfectly.

Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (4)

Ciara, tester age 35-44 with hair type 1B

“I like that it's pretty weightless. It didn't feel gross in my hair like some sticky hairsprays can feel. It was fairly volumizing and gave a decent hold.”

What We Like

  • Natural, flexible hold

  • Doesn’t weigh down hair

  • Doesn’t create a stiff feel or sticky texture

  • Stays brushable

What We Don't Like

  • Strong, perfume-like fragrance may not be for everyone

Hold: Flexible hold | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We’ve had some unpleasant experiences with hairspray in the past that have left our strands flat, sticky, and crunchy. This formula was like a breath of fresh air—it has a lightweight texture that pumps up (and keeps) volume in fine hair while also holding style throughout the day. We really appreciated the bottle—it featured a nozzle that never got gunked up but delivered a fine, even mist that covered our head of hair with a smooth, not sticky texture.

We just didn’t love the scent. It’s not chemical, but rather more perfume-like, with notes of patchouli and yerba mate. It’s just too strong for us, but considering that scent is deeply personal, you might love it!

Jodi, tester age 45-54 with hair type 1B

“I really liked this hairspray and it was perfect for my hair that can't handle very heavy products. It was a very natural hold that wasn't too stiff, shiny, or sticky.”

What We Like

  • No residue

  • Brushable, flexible hold

  • Formulated with ingredients to bolster hair health

What We Don't Like

  • Could provide more volume

Hold: Flexible hold | Size: 5.5 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As we’ve mentioned previously, a lightweight hairspray is key for fine hair to prevent that weighed-down look and feel. This one from Fekkai is the epitome of what a lightweight hairspray should be. It came out as an even mist across our curls during testing, coating them with a practically invisible veil that hydrated and strengthened our hair while supporting volume and extending the style’s life. We love that the formula relies on plant-based ingredients such as zeolite clay to control oil, free radical-fighting French oak extract, and plumping green coconut water. (These ingredients also add to the pleasant and refreshing scent.)

Over the course of the day, we did notice our curls deflated a bit, though they were still bouncier and fuller than they would have been had we not used hairspray. We’d like it if the formula offered just a bit more lasting volume to help prevent the style fall.

Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (7)

Laura, tester age 25-34 with hair type 1B

“I loved that it didn't weigh your hair down after you applied it to your styled hair. I have very fine hair and this product felt so lightweight even after a couple of sprays.”

What We Like

  • Very, very strong hold

  • Keeps baby hairs, new growth, and flyaways at bay

  • Resists friction and humidity

  • Adds shine

  • Scent dissipates quickly

What We Don't Like

  • Leaves hair crunchy and stiff

Hold: Maximum hold | Size: 9 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This product lives up to its name—once you spray, your hair will stay, and not just for a few hours. We’ve seen styles last for days. It performed flawlessly on our slicked-back ponytail, which looked ultra-smooth and glossy with not a single hair out of place. Our hair didn’t budge even after we tried on a few sweaters.

This formula is ideal for someone looking to lock down an updo; if you’re attending a major event at a humid destination, this spray will keep your hair looking flawless. But it may not be the best pick if you’re rocking a hair-down style; left our waves looking crispy and stiff, like ramen noodles.

Elena, tester age 35-44 with hair type 1A with type 2 bonded hair extensions

“Amazing hold—my slicked-back pony looked slick and stayed that way all day. All the breakage I had was laid down and stayed there for the entire day. For an updo, this hairspray is unmatched.”

What We Like

  • Even distribution without stickiness or crunch

  • Bulks up individual hairs for a thicker look

  • Makes hair more manageable

What We Don't Like

  • Hold could last longer

Hold: Medium hold | Size: 10 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This formula is ideal if you want softer hair with a flexible hold (think texturizing spray). We love the iconic warm amber scent the brand is known for as well as the formula’s properties that somehow thicken each strand to make the hair look fuller overall, long after the spray’s hold has relaxed. It provided great structure and we were able to run our fingers through our hair, which was left totally manageable and never crunchy.

Though the hold it provided upon application was fantastic, it faded within a few hours, leaving our hair fully flat by hour six. However, we still loved using it and would call it one of our all-time favorite hairsprays.

Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (10)

Elena, tester age 35-44 wth hair type 1A with type 2 bonded hair extensions

“I loved the smell and the softness it left my hair feeling—it was just so fluffy after applying.”

What We Like

  • Thickens and lifts the root

  • Non-aerosol spray

  • Weightless and invisible on the hair

  • Can be used on wet or dry hair

What We Don't Like

  • Offers little hold

Hold: Flexible | Size: 5 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This flexible hairspray feels more like a thickening and volumizing spray, which we love to help boost the body of fine hair. While it didn’t give much hold to styles, it did provide lasting volume—our roots were seriously bulked up and lifted to the point that our hair looked fuller for two whole days. The non-aerosol spray was on the wet side but didn’t weigh down our hair or leave it feeling sticky. Even better: brushing out our hair after using the formula didn’t flatten out the volume. Though it can be used on wet or dry hair, we liked using it best on wet hair.

Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (12)

Katie, tester age 25-34 with hair type 1A

“​​I like that it feels like nothing in my hair. The last thing fine-haired people want from their products is to feel weighed down by the stuff that is supposed to be adding lift. It also doesn't leave any crunch or texture, it's very brushable.”

What We Like

  • Leaves hair significantly fuller and thicker

  • Adds bounce

  • Brushable, flexible hold

  • Fine, easy mist

What We Don't Like

  • Takes time to dry

  • Hold not as strong as claimed

Hold: Strong | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: No

“Moya,” means “haze” in Japanese, and once we sprayed this formula over strands, we immediately understood why. The ultrafine mist came out of the nozzle without ever clogging it to evenly coat the hair. Initially, the formula left it feeling damp and almost crunchy, which had one tester concerned, but about three to five minutes after applying, the spray fully absorbed and dried, leaving their hair touchably soft and incomparably voluminous. When they fluffed up their curls, it made their hair look extra thick and full and the curls stayed bouncy for much of the day.

It’s worth noting that this product is labeled as “strong hold” but we felt its staying power was more in line with a medium hold. We’re still keeping it in rotation, though, as it’s one of the best hairsprays we’ve ever tried.

Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (14)

Maddy, tester age 25-34 with hair type 1C

“I liked the volumizing effect it had on my hair. I also liked how lightly and consistently it sprayed, as opposed to some harsher products.”

What We Like

  • Beautiful fragrance

  • Lightweight

  • Blocks humidity

  • Detangles

  • Protects against frizz and flyaways

What We Don't Like

  • Not a traditional hairspray

Hold: Light; smoothing | Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The warm, fruity-floral scent of this spray was enough to get us to try this Living Proof Styling Spray, but its humidity-shielding superpowers will have you coming back. This non-aerosol formula is designed to block humidity and control frizz for up to four whole days. It felt nourishing and hydrating on the hair but didn’t weigh it down. Rather, it made it more manageable and easier to detangle and style. Once we’d styled our hair, it looked incredibly smooth—and stayed that way.

Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (16)

Candace, tester age 35-44 with hair type 1B

“My hair felt very smooth and slick after applying the spray. I applied it when wet per the product instructions.”

What We Like

  • Non-aerosol

  • Lightweight spray

  • Holds style for days

  • A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

  • Not ideal for very fine, straight hair

Hold: Soft hold | Size: 6 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Non-aerosol hair sprays tend to spritz out in larger droplets rather than a fine mist, so a little will go a long way, as is the case with this one from Pacifica. That’s not to say it’ll leave your hair heavy or crunchy—we were careful to use a light hand and spray from a distance, which allowed us to cover our style without dipping into crispy territory. We got days of wear out of just one application of this hairspray, which we were tempted to use again and again thanks to its delectable, bakery-like scent.

This spray was comparable to other flexible hairsprays we’ve used in the past and we’d recommend it to others with our hair type, however, we’re not convinced that this formula would be strong enough to keep super fine, slippery, heat-styling-resistant hair curled.

Libby, tester age 25-34 with hair type 2A

“The smell was unreal. It smelled like birthday cake. I could smell it throughout the day—it was almost like a perfume. I loved the smell, the packaging, and the product.”

What We Like

  • Light, lasting hold

  • Allows for natural movement of the hair

  • Touchable texture

  • Layers well

What We Don't Like

  • Nozzle is a bit finicky

Hold: Medium flexible hold | Size: 9 fl. oz. | Alcohol-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Our tester has tried a lot of hairsprays over the years and believes this one was made for processed hair that tends to be drier. They created effortless, runway-ready looks while testing, all without dealing with any breakage (which has been known to happen with hairsprays they’ve used in the past). The formula controlled their flyaways, added volume and lift to the root, and provided a true, light hold that gave the hair natural movement without letting it fall flat. The hold held up for eight hours, which was unexpected given it’s considered a flexible hold hairspray.

It worked for a variety of down-dos (blowouts, waves) and a slicked-back pony, but we wouldn’t recommend using this one for a fancy updo. We’d also be interested to see this hairspray with an adjustable nozzle that allows you to control the output of the product for days we need more.

Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (19)

Michelle, tester age 45-54 with hair type 1A

“The hairspray is very light and has a ‘no hairspray’ feel to it. There is no stiffness or crunchy texture to the hair after application or throughout the day. After application, I was immediately able to run my fingers through my hair without any difficulty.”

What to Consider When Buying Hairspray for Fine Hair

  • Hold Level: Ricketts suggests choosing a hold level based on your hair type and styling goals. If you're looking for a hairspray to keep hair in place, for hair that won’t hold a curl or updos, or for preventing the effects of humidity, a stronger hold is ideal. A lighter hold is better for styling blowouts or loose texture.
  • Application: How you use hairspray can ultimately affect how well it works. "Some stylists go in with a light-hold hairspray before using a hot tool on each section and after combing out to ensure maximum coverage," says Ricketts. To avoid a heavy, sticky feel, she recommends using a light-hold hairspray for styling and a heavier-hold one to fine-tune.
  • Finish and Feel: Some formulas excel at adding shine, while others mattify hair. Think about what you want your ultimate style to look like, and then choose hairsprays that align with your goals.

FAQ

  • How do you avoid that crunchy feeling with hairspray?

    This can depend on the hairspray itself, as well as how you use it. "Hairsprays can be drying—some more than others," Ricketts tells Byrdie. "Sometimes, adding a light heat protectant or a hair oil before using hairspray can help you avoid that crunchy feel."

  • How can I keep hairspray from weighing down my fine hair?

    Ricketts recommends keeping a distance when spraying hairspray over your final look to prevent it from over-saturating any one area. "For my finer-haired clients, I tend to use my hand and fluff the hair while misting from a distance to create an aerated look that will hold," she says.

  • Does hairspray really work on fine hair?


    We think so! If you're looking to boost volume, hairspray can actually add body and shape to thin strands without causing them to fall flat.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Joline Buscemi spent more than 100 hours testing every hairspray on this list to determine which ones were worth using—and to recommend the best times to use each. This article was updated by Emily Orofino, a freelance beauty writer, editor, and consultant with nearly 15 years of experience in the industry

  • We consulted Mikayla Ricketts, a professional hairstylist based in the Boston area for this article.
Found: The Best Hairsprays for Fine Strands (Even If the Weather Tries to Fight Your Style) (2024)

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