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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
- 1
Best for Menopausal Hair
better not younger Wake Up Call Thickening Hairspray
$35 at Ulta Beauty$35 at Ulta BeautyRead more
- 2
Best for Shine
Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Invisible Shine Hair Spray
$14 at Ulta Beauty$14 at Ulta BeautyRead more
- 3
Best Medium Hold Hairspray
Davines This Is A Medium Hairspray
$39 at Amazon$39 at AmazonRead more
- 4
Best Moisturizing Formula
Moroccanoil Luminous Spray
$26 at Sephora$26 at SephoraRead more
- 5
Best for Frizzy Hair
amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray
$30 at Amazon$30 at AmazonRead more
Show more
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.
1Best for Menopausal Hair
better not younger Wake Up Call Thickening Hairspray
1Best for Menopausal Hair
better not younger Wake Up Call Thickening Hairspray
$35 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Better Not YoungerPros
Offers hold without feeling sticky 
Adds volume
Cons
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.
2Best for Shine
Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Invisible Shine Hair Spray
2Best for Shine
Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Invisible Shine Hair Spray
$14 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Andrew FitzsimonsPros
Creates smooth and shiny hair
Budget-friendly
Cons
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.
3Best Medium Hold Hairspray
Davines This Is A Medium Hairspray
3Best Medium Hold Hairspray
Davines This Is A Medium Hairspray
$39 at AmazonCredit: DavinesPros
Offers medium hold
Adds shine
Cons
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."
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best Moisturizing Formula
Moroccanoil Luminous Spray
4Best Moisturizing Formula
Moroccanoil Luminous Spray
$26 at Sephora$26 at Walmart$26 at NordstromCredit: MoroccanoilPros
Makes hair feel soft 
Adds shine
Cons
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.
5Best for Frizzy Hair
amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray
5Best for Frizzy Hair
amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray
$30 at Amazon$18 at WalmartCredit: AmikaPros
Reduces look of frizz
Cons
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.
6Best Lightweight Formula
Verb Ghost Hairspray
6Best Lightweight Formula
Verb Ghost Hairspray
$20 at Sephora$20 at Walmart$20 at Ulta BeautyPros
Easy to use formula
Makes hair smooth and moisturized
Cons
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.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Finishing Hairspray
Maria Nila Finishing Spray
7Best Finishing Hairspray
Maria Nila Finishing Spray
$34 at marianila.comCredit: Maria NilaPros
Offers hold without feeling hard
Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
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.
8Best for Fine Hair
Hairstory Lift: Thickening Spray
8Best for Fine Hair
Hairstory Lift: Thickening Spray
$38 at AmazonCredit: HairstoryPros
Adds lift and volume
Cons
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.
9Best for Heat Protection
Innersense Organic Beauty Innersense Organic Beauty Hair Love Prep Spray
9Best for Heat Protection
Innersense Organic Beauty Innersense Organic Beauty Hair Love Prep Spray
$28 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Innersense Organic BeautyPros
Offers heat protection
Adds bounce and volume
Cons
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."
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best for Color-Treated Hair
Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hair Spray
10Best for Color-Treated Hair
Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hair Spray
$25 at AmazonCredit: Serge NormantPros
Offers UV protection
Easy to brush out
Cons
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.
11Best for Lived-In Texture
Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray
11Best for Lived-In Texture
Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray
$36 at Sephora$25 at Walmart$36 at NordstromCredit: Living ProofPros
Adds effortless texture
Offers heat protection
Cons
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.
12Best Medium-Hold Hairspray
Oribe Free Styler Working Hairspray
12Best Medium-Hold Hairspray
Oribe Free Styler Working Hairspray
$46 at Nordstrom$38 at Walmart$44 at DermstoreCredit: OribePros
Ultra-fine mist 
Makes hair smoother
Cons
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.
