The 10 Best Hairsprays Finally Helped My Hair Hold a Curl—Minus the Crunch

Touchable, long-lasting styles only.

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Catharine Malzahn holding an orange hairspray bottle in her bathroom on a beige background next to two other hairspray bottles
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Historically, I've spent hours washing, drying, and styling my hair, only to watch it fall flat and frizz up within minutes as humidity, wind, or rain messes with all my diligent work. But earlier this year, I made one simple, quick, and sometimes (at least by me) overlooked step in my hair routine, and it changed everything: hairspray. Yes, the somewhat old school product has found new life in 2026, and honestly, the best hairsprays are key to locking in my style and helping it withstand the elements.

Simply put, hairspray "helps to hold and keep shape in a hairstyle," says Christine Marie Kim, a hairstylist at Flore Salon in Los Angeles. "It can also be used to manage frizz and flyaways." Sure, it's a classic hairstyling must-have, but there have been so many innovations on the market that the beauty world has long moved on from the foggy sprays, chemical-laden formulas, and sticky finishes. Rather, the new hairsprays on the block feature fresh, distinct fragrances, chic packaging, and sometimes even good-for-your-hair ingredients like biotin or vitamins to boost your hair's health.

Beyond delivering hold, shape, and longevity, they also offer a slew of other benefits. "Depending on the formula, it can also add texture, humidity protection, shine, or flexible movement," says Rick Wellman, celebrity colorist and salon owner at The Salon Project. "Today’s best sprays are often lightweight, brushable, and touchable while still giving support and memory to the hair." Sold? Keep scrolling to read about the 10 best hairsprays that are stylist-approved to keep your style exactly how you like it.

The Best Hairsprays

Catharine Malzahn testing L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray

Catharine Malzahn testing L'Oréal Paris' Elnett Hairspray.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

Catharine Malzahn testing Tresemmé Extra Hold Hairspray

Catharine Malzahn testing Tresemmé's Extra Hold Hairspray.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

Catharine Malzahn testing Davines This is a Medium Hairspray

Catharine Malzahn testing Davines' This is a Medium Hairspray.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

girl with dark brown hair standing in her bathroom and holding up a can of orange dae hairspray

Catharine Malzahn testing Dae Sunsetter Hairspray.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

Catharine Malzahn testing Kenra Volume Spray 25 Hairspray

Catharine Malzahn testing Kenra's Volume Spray 25.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

Catharine Malzahn testing Sebastian Professional Shaper Plus Hairspray

Catharine Malzahn testing Sebastian Professional's Shaper Plus Hairspray.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

What Should I Look for in a Hairspray?

Make sure to consider how you'll be using the hairspray each day to ensure you get the best results for you. "I always tell clients to shop based on the finish and feel they want," says Wellman. Kim notes that updos likely require a strong-hold hairspray, but otherwise, you don't need something super strong for everyday use. "If you aren’t too comfortable with styling products, I would say try to opt for a lighter hold or medium hold hairspray," she recommends. "They tend to be more flexible while still offering hold."

Once you've been using hairspray for a while, make sure to note any buildup on your scalp (consider using a clarifying shampoo a few times a month to detoxify and remove buildup from styling products). "A great hairspray should support the style without making the hair feel coated, sticky, or dull after repeated use," says Wellman.

Does Hairspray Work on All Hair Textures?

Definitely, but make sure to choose the right one. "Fine hair generally benefits from lightweight, flexible sprays that won’t collapse volume, while thicker or textured hair may need stronger humidity resistance and hold," says Wellman.

As for those with curly and textured hair, they "can absolutely use hairspray, especially for definition, frizz control, and maintaining shape, but I usually recommend softer, moisture-friendly formulas rather than overly drying aerosol sprays," he adds.

How Do I Apply Hairspray?

First things first, make sure you're holding the hairspray can at the right distance. "The biggest mistake people make is spraying too close to the hair," says Wellman, who recommends holding it about 10 to 12 inches away. If you aren't good with estimating, try Kim's trick: "When in doubt, use the hairspray can’s length as the distance to spray from your hair," she notes. Wellman adds that it's important to "layer lightly rather than saturating the hair all at once."

As for the actual technique of it all? I still like the old-school way of flipping the hair upside down to spray and then flipping back up for that sexy undone volume," says Wellman. For movement and soft hold, "mist it in the air and let the hair fall through it," he adds. And for strong control, "target specific areas like the root, hairline, or finished style," he says. If you're still seeing some pesky hairs pop up, you can also try Kim's trick: "I like to spray some hairspray directly onto my hands and fingers and fix the hairline or flyaways that way," she says.

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Meet the Experts

Rick Wellman
Rick Wellman

Rick Wellman is a celebrity colorist and salon owner at The Salon Project.

Christine Marie Kim
Christine Marie Kim

Christine Marie Kim is a stylist at Flore Salon with over 10 years of experience. She is a Los Angeles native who loves to make you feel beautiful by giving you the haircut of your dreams that is also low-maintenance. 

Catharine Malzahn
Catharine Malzahn
Contributing Beauty Writer

Catharine Malzahn is a freelance beauty editor and writer. She has more than half a decade of experience covering everything from skincare and makeup to spas and injectables. Previously, she held editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention; you can find her work in those publications and in Glamour, Byrdie, InStyle, PS Beauty, NewBeauty, CR Fashion Book, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and more. When she's not writing or testing beauty products, you can find her cooking, trying a new restaurant, or reapplying sunscreen. A SoCal native, she received her BA in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School For Communication and Journalism.