13 Best Hairsprays

Hair care

13 Best Hairsprays

See which top-rated hair care products will help your hairstyles last longer

March 30, 2010 | by Molly Roemer | 85 COMMENTS

What did the hairspray say to the strands of hair? I've really got a hold on you. Badum-ching. All joking aside, when it comes to hair care products, we want ones that keep our 'do in place without making it look like a helmet, right? Luckily, hairsprays are no longer like shellac, so you can leave any old ideologies about this product behind and welcome yourself to the 21st century of hair care.

On the market nowadays, there are hair care products that help hold your style in place, but at the same time are light and flexible so that hair can move. The hairsprays on this list create touchable hair that holds strong, but doesn't feel crunchy or stiff -- some even give you run-your-fingers-through-it soft, beautiful hair.

Our readers have tested the best and worst hair care products from the cheap to the pricy, and have separated the winners from the losers. Read on to see why women go gaga over the following hairsprays. Then pick the ideal hair care products that suit your needs.

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 13: PHYTO Phytovolume Actif Volumizer Spray with Keratin Amino Acids, $24

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products mentioned

PHYTO Phytovolume Actif Volumizer Spray With Keratin...

9.0

Sebastian Re-Shaper

8.9

Nexxus Comb Thru Natural Hold Design and Finishing Mist

9.2

TIGI Bed Head Maxxed-Out

8.3

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

8.1

Dove Flexible Hold Aerosol Hairspray with Natural...

8.8

Pantene Pro-V Volume Outrageous Body Hairspray...

9.2

Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode

8.7

TIGI Hard Head Hard Hold Hairspray

9.1

Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray

9.2

Redken Spray Starch 15 Heat Memory Styler

8.9

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Extra Hold Hairspray

9.3

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I'll have to check out the Tresemme!

by StanziMozart Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 04:52PM Report as inappropriate

I also find Frizz Ease and Suave hairsprays to be pretty good too! FE is great on those humid days that tend to make my hair go poof!

by starla1971 Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 07:41PM Report as inappropriate

Looking for a good hairspray. Good ideas.

by rna Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 01:23PM Report as inappropriate

Sebastian Shaper is a good hairspray but I cannot stand the smell. I've never understood the following for Elnet either. I don't get the best results and it too smells bad. My favorite is Sexy Hair Soy Touchable hair spray.

by Galatina Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 03:08PM Report as inappropriate

Thank you for the list. I know what to get when I run out of hairspray.

by Monique3 Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 08:20AM Report as inappropriate

The first two sprays I listed are flexible hold. The rusk is great for controlling fly aways without feeling like you\'ve actually used hairspray

by diane_magel Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 04:04PM Report as inappropriate

My favorite hairsprays are Rusk w8less and biosilk natural hold. For a firmer hold i really like Big Sexy Hair spray and stay. When i wear my hair curly i like Tresemme tres two sprayl

by diane_magel Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 03:59PM Report as inappropriate

LOVE the elnett - UNSCENTED.

by jenstar313 Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10:49AM Report as inappropriate

Helpful article; there are so many hairsprays on the market making the same claims that is it nearly impossible to decide which to choose. I swear by Phyto haircare products, though - the shampoo and conditioner leave my hair so clean and fresh, and the styling products hold beautifully without weighing my hair down. It is liberating to feel your hair flow freely without worrying that movement will cause frizziness and dullness or simply mess your hair up.

by benbri1 Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10:42AM Report as inappropriate

Love the Elnett, but the smell is horrific!!! Sebastian is worth the extra $$$!

by renee_watson Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10:10AM Report as inappropriate

Dove Flexible Hold used to be very good, but now they've changed the formulation and it doesn't hold at all, the scent is very cloying and it just doesn't work. No more Dove for me! Hopefully I can find the L'Oreal spray.

by WiccanLady Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 09:33AM Report as inappropriate

I don't spend a lot on my hairspray but I have to say the John Frieda in the hair volume department is good. I had been thinking of trying the L'Oreal also. I tend to like types that have a good scent so will see.

by evet Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 11:03PM Report as inappropriate

Good choices. I have tried the one from Dove and was quite happy with it.

by GigiSD Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 01:05PM Report as inappropriate

Personally, I like products that are alcohol free, which tends to be drying for color treated hair.

by lin44 Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 04:09PM Report as inappropriate

L'Oreals Elnette seems to be on every "best hairspray" list, have to try it once I run out of the hairspray I have :)

by venenumletalis Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 08:22AM Report as inappropriate

I think I tried the Tresemme one before, it was pretty good.

by Monique3 Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 07:58AM Report as inappropriate

I have to agree with the comment on the Kenra 25 it definitely should be listed here. I've tried so so many and used Shaper for years but after trying the Kenra 25 no matter what I've tried afterwards I always go back to it.

by arlene_fallon Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 12:58PM Report as inappropriate

I want to try the Loreal spray, but it always seems to be way more than $6 whenever I see it at stores.

by amber.flute Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 06:42PM Report as inappropriate

love tresemme hairspray

by LittleBunny Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 08:38PM Report as inappropriate

When I first read about Dove Flexible Hold last year, I ran out to get it. I loved it! Recently, they changed their formulation and now I cannot stand it! It's way too perfume-y and does not hold nearly as well as it used to. Now I'm on my way out to get L'Oreal!

by WiccanLady Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 11:44AM Report as inappropriate

L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray!It doese what is Says " Desapears of the stroke of the brush" but it holds the style all day long!

by kate_ladd Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:34PM Report as inappropriate

LOVE L'oreal Paris Elnet Hair Spray, it really does what it says"Desapears of the stroke of the brush" but it holds all day!

by kate_ladd Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:27PM Report as inappropriate

i seriously need to get one of these

by aishak55 Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 09:03AM Report as inappropriate

I heard Loreal Elnett is the best hairspray ever created, so I can't wait to run out of my current hairspray to try it!

by Lamexicana1 Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 09:06PM Report as inappropriate

I like Aveda, it is mostly organic, smells nice but very expensive.

by lilas Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 04:32PM Report as inappropriate

These are all great but they are some what expensive except for the Tresseme one.

by Cupcake900 Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 09:05AM Report as inappropriate

I enjoyed reading the choices here. Didn't see my favorite, Kenra Volume 25 spray.(holds all day, washes out completely) I really love Redken spray starch, but don't use it as hairspray. I use it prior to setting, or curling, to hold the style. Then finish with a hairspray.

by GoInspireBeauty Monday, September 17, 2012 at 07:44AM Report as inappropriate

I love this hairspray! I was never really a person that liked applying hairspray on my hair because it weighed it down so much and the sticky feeling of them was not appealing but when I got a chance to try this product I became hooked and recommended it to everyone I know and they loved it as well! Great product L'oreal!

by mardel03 Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 09:39AM Report as inappropriate

I love these reviews! So helpful!

by karinn_ferber Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 08:16AM Report as inappropriate

I only use hairspray if I have an event to attend, but Nexxus & Sebastian are great. Bumble & Bumble makes some good products. Unfortunately, I do not think their hairspray is one of them. :(

by robyne00 Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 03:34PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know

by TBjunkie Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 12:28AM Report as inappropriate

I don't use hair spray much because I am always afraid it will make my hair all stiff, crunchy & sticky feeling. I like Suave's root volume spray, it gives you a firm hold without getting too hard. I use it all over since it seems more gentle than other sprays.

by pynkNymphette Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 12:10AM Report as inappropriate

I rarely use hairspray, but it is good to see what to buy next.

by beautybody Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 10:30PM Report as inappropriate

I use Paul Mitchell on my curls. it may be a little more pricey, but it lasts longer.

by MizzMouse Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 05:36PM Report as inappropriate

I will definitely pick up the John Frieda one next time I'm at the store.

by MssDani Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 01:24PM Report as inappropriate

ooh helpful! I use a ton of hairspray.. but none of these.. I might be willing to try!!!!

by Mishashawnea Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 05:34PM Report as inappropriate

though I don't use hairspray on a daily basis, this list is extremely helpful!

by cuteAsAbutton Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 10:08AM Report as inappropriate

this is an incredibly helpful list! i love touching my hair and there are a lot of choices here that actually still allow you to touch your soft, but styled hair. i will have to investigate more and decide on which one to try!

by mlenaei Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 10:25AM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad there are ones that make it so your hair stays without getting crunchy!

by sportimonki13 Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 10:45PM Report as inappropriate

I love the whole Phyto line..The Treseme I will have to try.

by tiffany_gallehugh Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 05:55PM Report as inappropriate

I love Sebatian zero gravity, it has a ultra fine mist.

by Mysterylady Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 10:56AM Report as inappropriate

greatt

by Nicole2814 Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 09:10PM Report as inappropriate

I don't use hairspray often, but when I do, I want one that works! Thank you!

by powerwoman033 Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 09:00AM Report as inappropriate

Sebastian is the best!!! I've used everything but the original Shaper is my favorite.

by volta Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:14PM Report as inappropriate

Some of these hairsprays sound promising. I have used the Paul Mitchell spray and it's one of my favorites.

by sweettpea29 Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 03:58PM Report as inappropriate

Not a big fan of hairspray, but would give these a try.

by MissXu Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 12:07PM Report as inappropriate

i dont like hairspray

by anna_davis Monday, November 28, 2011 at 03:11PM Report as inappropriate

i love hairsoray but i feel like i use to much hairspray and my hair becomes really flaky

by Nicole2814 Friday, November 18, 2011 at 08:46AM Report as inappropriate

Love Paul Mitchell :)

by Flicky_95 Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 10:34PM Report as inappropriate

Love it that affordable hairsprays like Tresseme and Dove are on this list!

by beccaw2kids Monday, October 17, 2011 at 02:50PM Report as inappropriate

I love Elnett Satin hairspray. Leaves hair looking soft and healthy. Not sticky or smelly.

by glamfairy Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 03:48PM Report as inappropriate

I love the Dove and Tresemme ones!

by vfalkow Friday, September 9, 2011 at 05:35PM Report as inappropriate

I wonder if these posts are honest and have not been sponsored by the brands mentioned in them...I trust the customer reviews but after seeing one of totalbeauty bloggers in a laser hair removal commercial (which is a total sham) I kinda doubt that these posts are accurate... And none of these brands have helped me, I am usind Frederic Fekkai and Charles Worthington now, I think those are the best ones in the market.

by ArmenianGal Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 02:51PM Report as inappropriate

I hate using hair spray but i'll pick some of these up for sure next time I need some!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 12:22AM Report as inappropriate

All of these hairsprays are greta, but I love the TRESemme and the NeXXus spray best!

by katprincess Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 04:35PM Report as inappropriate

i really like paul mitchell

by marlene30665 Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10:40AM Report as inappropriate

i wil deffinatly be trying some of these!!

by GirlyGurl83 Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 01:50PM Report as inappropriate

Definitely trying some of these, especially some of the cheaper ones to start out. Thank you!

by bukiyounahito Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 08:08AM Report as inappropriate

Hardhead and Sebastian Reshaper are good, but Sexy Hair All Nighter is the best hairspray ever!

by SunBunnyxxxooo Monday, June 13, 2011 at 09:04PM Report as inappropriate

I love my Elnett!

by BellezzaBeauty Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 01:00PM Report as inappropriate

The Bead Head one seem great! AND it's not an aerosol spray!!

by awan0912 Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 11:08PM Report as inappropriate

I use the John Frieda Luxurious Volume and let me tell you, its the best thing out there. I love it, it really does give volume and hold without looking messy.

by gaej19 Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 01:29PM Report as inappropriate

i'm looking for a good volumizing hair spray, so i'm glad i found this list! i'll definitely have to try some of these out.

by mlenaei Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 12:29PM Report as inappropriate

I will be trying some of these, good article.

by MissPurple Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 11:32AM Report as inappropriate

I love paul mitchell products. Never used Jhon frieda products. Will give a try.

by ebbsandtides Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 10:32AM Report as inappropriate

I'm super excited about this article, because I need a good hairspray! My hair won't hold a curl at all.

by LipglossandSpandex Monday, April 11, 2011 at 08:33PM Report as inappropriate

tresmme looks gopod!

by yckitsmary Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 09:45PM Report as inappropriate

I think I'm going to try the John Frieda and TRESemme hairsprays. I love Dove's natural movement hairspray though, so I'll be finishing that bottle first

by mkgx7 Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 11:46AM Report as inappropriate

KMS hairsprays are definitely worth the price! My hair is thick, in desperate need of a haircut, and gets frizzy very quickly. Spraying KMS while having my hot rollers in has been a heaven sent! I even have curls the next morning.

by BlackFleur145 Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 06:23PM Report as inappropriate

to me all hairsprays are the same

by ChrisanneSkye Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 09:55AM Report as inappropriate

love the loreal and the johnfrieda :3

by lelalu100 Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 06:57AM Report as inappropriate

i dont use a lot of hairspray but i use this loreal one that is amazing

by brendag20127 Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 02:10PM Report as inappropriate

Paul Mitchel sprays are great.

by ArmenianGal Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 05:25PM Report as inappropriate

I just purchased the travel sized version of Nexxus Comb Thru but haven't tried it yet. After reading the reviews of it, I'm super excited to use it!!!! I also want to go and get the John Frieda Luxurious Volume All Out Hold hairspray. It sounds like it will work fabulously and I love that it is an aerosol spray because I always feel like I get better coverage as opposed to a regular pump spray. Thanks for posting this one TB!!!

by lisa2683 Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 02:13AM Report as inappropriate

i love dove :) they dont harden in your hair

by judyangel101 Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 06:53PM Report as inappropriate

I love Elnet. And the Sebastian. But the Elnet is my new must have and holy grail of hair sprays. Am so glad it is available in the US now.

by Agrimony Friday, February 11, 2011 at 03:29AM Report as inappropriate

I have tried the Paul Mitchelle Freeze and Shine but I didnt like that it came in a pump =( I wish they made an aerosol spray instead.. I am wanting to try the Loreal Elnett since a lot of people seem to love this one.

by makeupbyjanalyn Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 02:24AM Report as inappropriate

Pure organic coconut oil is another great deep conditioner. It transformed my dry, damaged hair into healthy, shiny dream hair. Its scientifically proven to repair and reverse damage.

by RoleModel Monday, January 24, 2011 at 11:59PM Report as inappropriate

I love the enjoy leave in conditioner, but I'm going to have to try these out!

by kupham Monday, January 24, 2011 at 08:28PM Report as inappropriate

I have thin, fly away hair that can't handle a lot of product. What works for me is the Shielo Flexible Hair Spray. This hairspray is perfect - it's super light and smells great. You can still work with your hair afterwards. If you are looking for a stiffer hairspray, I would not recommend this. This one is great for curls that you don't want to douse in nasty stick hairspray or weigh down.

by li_mei Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 06:39AM Report as inappropriate

big sexy hair hairspray is the best for creating volume!

by kenya Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 12:49PM Report as inappropriate

I love Elnett it is cheap and super effective

by pynkNymphette Monday, November 22, 2010 at 06:53PM Report as inappropriate

I am in love with TIGI ed Head Maxxed-out! Not only is it cheap, but it's super strong and smells wonderfully!

by grilo Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 06:35AM Report as inappropriate

Tresseme hairspray has a good hold but I can't stand the smell. It is seriously overwhelming, with a smell similar to gasoline and I got a headache a few times from it.

by Christie_Luv Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 07:54PM Report as inappropriate

i love tresseme' its da best

by mishy_the_fishy Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 03:29PM Report as inappropriate

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