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Not that long ago, hairspray came in a heavy-duty can that emitted a sticky, quick-hold-your-breath formula. And while it did hold your hair in place for hours, it also made it crunchy, stiff, and dry. Now we're in our touchable era: The best new hairsprays offer a more flexible hold and other benefits, like heat protection, frizz control, or shine, too. Brands have also realized that different hair types and textures need different hairspray formulas, so now there are options available for hair that's thin, curly, thick, dry, and more. This is why you want to keep your specific hair needs in mind when you shop, says hairstylist April Kayganich.
Our Top Picks
A few more helpful guidelines: If you have color-treated hair, then choose a hairspray that has UV protection, says celebrity hairstylist Serge Normant. This will help preserve vibrancy. Or, if you have fine hair that doesn't hold a style, you'll need something that says it offers a long-lasting hold, says Miguel Luis Rios, a hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon. Also, as a general rule of thumb, avoid formulas that contain alcohol or ethanol. "These can be drying on all hair types," says Kayganich. (Although they're a clever way to remove Sharpie from some surfaces.) Ahead, shop pro-approved hairsprays for all hair types, concerns, and goals.
Why We Love It
- Ultra-fine mist
- Makes hair smoother
What to Consider
- Nothing
This is one of Rios's "all-time favorite hairsprays" because it doesn't leave hair feeling stiff, crunchy, or hard. It offers hold, but you can work and shape the hair after spraying. "For someone looking for a softer feel, I love this option," he says. It also gives a satin finish that makes hair look shiny and smooth.
Why We Love It
- Offers UV protection
- Easy to brush out
What to Consider
- Nothing
Normant created this hairspray to help protect color-treated hair, thanks to its UV protection. "It's easy to brush out and doesn’t flake once you do," he says. "A good tip is to spray your brush before brushing your hair." This helps smooth out a hairstyle, especially ponytails and updos.
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Why We Love It
- Adds lift and volume
What to Consider
- Nothing
Kayganich recommends this formula for all hair types. "It's a non-aerosol volumizing hairspray that creates a bouncy style with hold," she says. You can apply it on dry and damp hair to give your hair volume and lift that doesn't feel heavy or weighed down. It also helps reduce the look of frizz.
Why We Love It
- Offers heat protection
- Adds bounce and volume
What to Consider
- Nothing
"One of my favorite hairsprays for all hair types is this one," says Kayganich. "You can use it on wet or dry hair, but what I love about it is that it has heat protection, speeds up your blow-dry, is flexible, brushable, and works great for people who blow-dry their hair or diffuse their waves, curls, and coils."
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Why We Love It
- Offers medium hold
- Adds shine
What to Consider
- Nothing
This formula not only provides structure, gives long-lasting hold, and adds shine to the hair but also smells amazing, says Kayganich. "It doesn't dry the hair out and is eco-friendly."
Why We Love It
- Reduces look of frizz
What to Consider
- Nothing
Nothing ruins a hairstyle faster than humidity. Keep your hair looking fresh and smooth with this formula. "A lot of hair can go limp with humidity, and curls can lose definition, but this spray will give you the protection you need," says Kayganich. For the best results, apply on dry or damp hair before heat styling.
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Why We Love It
- Offers hold without feeling sticky
- Adds volume
What to Consider
- Nothing
This formula won a 2023 Beauty O-ward for a reason. Fluctuating hormones cause strands to become thinner and hair to become less dense and voluminous. Fortunately, this biotin-infused hairspray makes your hair look fuller without sacrificing that soft look and feel.
Why We Love It
- Adds effortless texture
- Offers heat protection
What to Consider
- Nothing
Whether you have limp or fine hair that needs a boost or want to achieve that lived-in texture, this hairspray has got you covered. "After washing my hair and heat styling, I feel like this helps give my hair that cool-girl texture without adding extra product buildup or feeling heavy," says Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas. It also offers heat protection for up to 410° Fahrenheit.
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Why We Love It
- Makes hair feel soft
- Adds shine
What to Consider
- Nothing
Argan oil helps moisturize, smooth, and restore hair elasticity. Despite its ability to hydrate strands, this formula still offers strong hold and reduces frizz. So it can extend the life of your hairstyle without drying out your hair or making it look dry and lifeless.
Why We Love It
- Creates smooth and shiny hair
- Budget-friendly
What to Consider
- Nothing
If you've always wished for glass-like hair that shines and seemingly has zero signs of frizz or flyaways, this formula doesn't disappoint. It's a super-lightweight mist that makes hair look glossy and lustrous without feeling sticky or tacky. The formula contains avocado oil to promote healthy hair, and it smells so good, it basically doubles as perfume.
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Why We Love It
- Easy to use formula
- Makes hair smooth and moisturized
What to Consider
- Nothing
Moringa oil is a lightweight oil rich in fatty acids and helps make hair appear smooth and frizz-free. The formula also contains provitamin B5 to help retain moisture and make hair look smooth. The best part? It's almost foolproof. Even if you use too much, the formula is brushable and easy to work with.
Why We Love It
- Offers hold without feeling hard
- Safe for color-treated hair
What to Consider
- Nothing
This formula is another editor-loved pick because it provides hold that is brushable. It also has a delicious fruity scent that is irresistable. "I love to apply this after heat styling my hair for texture and hold that doesn't feel crunchy or stiff," says Rivas. It's also safe for color-treated hair.
Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok