The Best Hairsprays That Offer Hold Without the Crunch (2024)

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, and even 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.

How to choose a hairspray for your hair type

If you have color-treated hair, opt for a hairspray that has UV protection, says celebrity hairstylist Serge Normant. This will help preserve vibrancy. For those with 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. 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.

The experts:

• April Kayganich, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles
• Serge Normant, a celebrity hairstylist
• Miguel Luis Rios, a hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York City

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. The ultra-fine mist also makes it easy to apply to your hair without overdoing it.

While it's available for a wallet-friendly price at your local drugstore, this hairspray option doesn't cut corners anywhere else. It's a high-quality formula that's lightweight and gives you a soft hold that doesn't sacrifice the soft look and feel of your hair. The ultra-fine mist also prevents any potential stickiness or stiffness. Not to mention, it features a technology that protects your hair from humidity, frizz, and environmental aggressors.

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, sticky, or weighed down. It also minimizes the look of frizz. Make sure to spritz sparingly as the cruelty-free formula is very concentrated so a little goes a long way.

"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." Its formula contains vitamin B and rice protein to improve strength and shine while baobab and angelica root help protect against environmental aggressors.

If you feel like your hairspray leaves a cast that makes it difficult to run your fingers through, then you need to try this option. The formula not only provides structure, gives long-lasting hold, and adds shine to the hair but it also smells amazing and keeps the hair soft enough that you're able to brush through it, says Kayganich. "It doesn't dry the hair out and is eco-friendly."

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. It also prevents against heat damage up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and the formula contains hydrolyzed keratin to repair and restore moisture. For the best results, apply on dry or damp hair before heat styling.

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. It has an ultra-fine continuous spray that never makes your hair feel sticky or hard, but still offers long-lasting hold. This vegan and cruelty-free option is perfect for all hair types, from straight to coily.

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 degrees Fahrenheit and gives long-lasting volume and texture.

Argan oil helps moisturize, smooth, and restore hair elasticity, making this option a great choice for those looking for hydrated and shiny-looking strands. Despite its ability to moisturize hair, this formula still offers a strong hold and reduces frizz. It can extend the life of your hairstyle, (whether you're doing an updo, need to smooth out a blowout, or prepare the hair for braids) without drying out your hair or making it look dry and lifeless.

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. You can use it on damp hair or on strands that have been heat-styled and need to be set in place.

This formula is another editor-loved pick because it provides hold that is brushable. It also has a delicious fruity scent that is irresistible. "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. It's available in two sizes however the larger one tends to sell out quickly.

If you notice that hairsprays make your hair feel or look more oily, then you'll love this innovative formula. It contains white charcoal to help purify the scalp and hair from excess oils that may be wreaking havoc on your style. It also contains vegan botanical caviar, which is an ancient Asian superfood that improves moisture retention, adds bounce, enhances shine, and strengthens. Prickly pear oil, which is rich in antioxidants, also protects hair from environmental aggressors.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with hairstylists to learn about what to look for in a hairspray and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.