When we think of hairspray, the images that come to mind are typically pageant queens sprayed and shellacked into having Texas-sized tresses or flashbacks to 80s-style helmet heads. But today’s best hairsprays are actually less inclined to leave you with garish gunk in your hair and more likely to offer moisture, smoothness, shine, volume, humidity defense and UV protection — all while holding your hair in place for a full 24 hours. We sprayed, we smelled and we shook many cans of hairspray to crown the winners of this contest. Here are our picks for the best hairsprays (and the worst!) above.
[ Next: Before You Buy: We Rank the Best (and Worst!) Dry Shampoos ]
Best and worst hairsprays (update)
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Best for All Hair Types
TRESemmé Compressed Smooth Hairspray Hold Level 2, $4.99 at Target
A new micro mist that gives flexible, natural hold to any hairstyle you can dream up. It also protects your locks from both humidity and frizz for up to 24 hours. Whether you’re rocking curly bangs or a stick-straight ponytail, this best hairspray has your style covered.
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Best for Nourishing Your Strands
Sachajuan Hairspray Strong Control, $35 at DermStore
This best hairspray not only sets your style in place, it actually nourishes your hair with vitamin B12. And it’s never sticky or crunchy so your strands will stay soft.
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Best for UV Protection
Wella EIMI Stay Firm Workable Finishing Hairspray, $18 at Ulta Beauty
Yes, your strands need sun protection, too. This hairspray promises to keep your mane safe from heat, humidity and the sun’s harmful rays. And it still delivers a strong hold that really lasts.
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Best for Hold
Kérastase Couture Styling Laque Noire, $27.49 at Amazon
This fast-drying, non-flaking hairspray will hold up all hair types with a 24-hour humidity defense. If your hair is known to fall victim to humidity no matter the product, layer where needed for extra hold.
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Best From the Pros
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, $10.99 at Target
There's a reason this best hairspray is a must-have for editorial shoots, the red carpet and beyond. Its holding power is strong and it gives a clean, shiny, soft finish that lasts all day. Though its hold is tough, there's no need to wash your hair afterward. Simply brush it out and you'll still have soft tresses.
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Best for Volume
Joico Flip Turn Volumizing Finishing Spray, $16.99 at Ulta Beauty
If you like big hair, you need to make sure it stays that way from the moment you leave home until you set foot back in the door. Finding a hold that keeps hair bodacious and in place without the feel of wearing a sticky helmet isn't easy, but it does exist. This hairspray has what it takes to give voluminous, soft hair that holds all day.
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Worst for Volume
Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Hair Spray, $26.99 at CVS
Although it boasts its volumizing prowess in its name, this hairspray doesn’t deliver. It feels sticky and its herbal scent is sickening rather than sweet.
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Best for Aging Hair
Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray, $19.95 at Walmart
As you get older, your hair can get dry, wiry and lose bounce of volume. Enriched with omega fatty acids and antioxidants, this phthalate-free spray rebalances moisture levels, won’t dull colored hair and you can refresh your hair multiple times without any buildup.
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Best for Fighting Frizz
Pantene Pro-V Smooth Airspray, $4.97 at Walmart
This alcohol-free hairspray is formulated to take on moisture in the summer air and fight against frizz as it smooths and shines hair. Go out in the rain carefree without worry that your hair will end in a frizzy frenzy.
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Best for Shine and Softness
Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong, $24 at Nordstrom
This argan oil-infused best hairspray is suitable for all hair types as it provides moisture, softness and shine without weighing hair down. It also fights against frizz and humidity and gives a long-lasting, flexible hold without a sticky residue. If that's not enough to win you over, its sweet smell sure will.
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Worst for Shine and Softness
Suave Extreme Hold Hairspray, $3.69 at Target
This retro pink can represents the product well — a bit dated and not of the highest quality. Reviewers burdened with allergies, asthma and sinus problems were turned off by the chemical "bug spray" scent that left them disappointed that the product claims to be unscented. While a few testers appreciated the value of this inexpensive spritz, they were underwhelmed with the stiff and flaky "dandruff" residue left behind by this hairspray.
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Best for Working Out
Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray, $26 at Sephora
Use this styling spray to prep wet hair or as a finishing mist for flexible hold. Even during an arduous workout, your hair won’t fall flat or go limp.
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Best for Dry Hair
René Furterer Vegetal Strong Hold Finishing Hair Spray, $30 at Barneys
Hairspray often contains large amounts of alcohol that tend to dry out our hair. This best hairspray contains humectants, vitamin B5 and Cakile extract to combat dehydration and to provide even the most parched of strands improved suppleness, moisture and shine, while lightweight resins deliver strength and long-lasting hold.
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Best for Curly Hair
MarulaOil Rare Oil Perfecting Hairspray, $27 at Paul Mitchell
Frizz doesn’t stand a chance with this ultra nourishing hairspray. Cold-pressed marula oil tames unruly locks plus gives hair a soft, shiny look without that rock-hard feel.
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Best for Wavy Hair
göt2b Mess-Merizing Texturizing Hairspray, $4.99 at Ulta Beauty
This spray creates touchable textured, beachy waves that can stand up to whatever the weather dishes. And unlike other shellacs, it provides natural movement. You’ll find that on windy days, your hair will move, but springs right back into place.
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Best for Fine Hair
Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray, $30 at Ulta Beauty
Not only does this provide texture and thickness to fine hair without weighing it down, but it also moisturizes, conditions, repairs and protects hair from any heat-styling tools. Simply spray on damp hair evenly to add volume to limp tresses.
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Best for Coarse, Textured Hair
Mizani HD Shyne, $18 at JCPenney
Reformulated with monoi oil and anti-breakage ceramides and free from mineral oil, this nourishing mist gives dull, lackluster locks a brilliant shine without the heavy buildup.
