We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Products Hair Products The 11 Best Hairsprays of 2024 for Flexible Hold Without the Crunch R+Co's Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray gave the best hold, look, and feel By Genevieve Cepeda Genevieve Cepeda Genevieve Cepeda is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE. She was formerly a PEOPLE beauty and style intern and wrote about style, entertainment, and arts for four years at Northwestern University. People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 21, 2024 07:15AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Jessica Juliao Whether you have coarse hair or fine strands, a good hairspray is hard to find. Pick a product that’s too strong, and your beautiful hairstyle will be crunchy to the touch. On the other hand, one that’s too lightweight will leave you with lackluster curls come five o’clock. The Best Right Now No time to scroll? The best overall hairspray we tested was the R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray which is currently 17% off at Amazon. We know different hair types call for different products, which is why we tested a variety of hairsprays on different hair textures. From flexible sprays to strong holds and volumizing products to smoothing sprays, we tried it all. After testing 18 hairsprays, these 11 impressed us with their hold, texture, and overall look. Our Top Picks Best Overall : SALE R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray at Amazon $37 $31 Jump to Review Best Overall (Cheaper): Kristin Ess Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best for All Hair Types: Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode Hold Hairspray at Amazon $37 Jump to Review Most Flexible Hold: SALE Drybar Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray at Amazon $29 $18 Jump to Review Best for Everyday Styling: Kenra Perfect Medium Spray 13 at Amazon $21 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair Texturizing Hairspray at Com.au Jump to Review Best Volumizing: Pureology Style + Protect Hairspray at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best with Heat Protection: Alterna City Slay Shielding Hairspray at Walmart $19 Jump to Review Best for Color-Treated Hair: Color Wow Firm + Flexible Hairspray at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best for Fine Hair: Oribe Free Styler Working Hairspray at Amazon $46 Jump to Review Best Overall R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray PHOTO: R+Co $37 $31 at Amazon $18 at Nordstrom View on Bloomingdales Star Qualities Sleek and shiny appearance, smoothing frizz and flyaways Even mist for easy control Buildable so you can adjust to the hold you need Red Flags Gets crunchy the more you build One of the most expensive options we tested (but sometimes on sale) For a medium to strong hold hairspray that will maintain softness and flexibility, reach for this R+Co Hairspray. One tester said this is the only hairspray that can hold her really thick hair without having to use an excessive amount of product. This hairspray smoothed stubborn baby hairs and flyaways, held loose waves in place throughout the day and even maintained bouncy curls for over 12 hours. The even mist allows easy, buildable coverage, though be aware spraying too much can create some crunchiness. Size: 9.5 ounces | Best For: Thick hair | Hold: Medium to strong hold Pro Tip! "For stronger, heavier, or coarser hair types, a stronger hold hairspray will be more necessary to achieve long-lasting results." —Tom Smith, celebrity stylist PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Best Overall (Cheaper) Kristin Ess Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray PHOTO: Ulta $15 at Amazon $15 at Target $19 $15 at Walmart Star Qualities Leaves hair with a soft, brushable feel Doubles as a heat protectant Ideal for smoothing and setting loosely styled hair Red Flags Probably not suited for updos and intricate styles With the same lightweight effect of our R+Co pick at a fraction of the cost, this Kristin Ess hairspray smoothed, shined, and held loose hairstyles in place. The product, which doubles as a heat-protectant, left our hair soft to the touch and didn’t weigh down our hair as much as other formulations. The flexible hold offered decent lasting power (even for thick and heavy hair), keeping curls in place all day. Size: 6.7 ounces | Best For: All hair types | Hold: Medium to strong hold PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear Best for All Hair Types Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode Hold Hairspray PHOTO: Ulta $37 at Amazon $37 at Target $37 at Target Star Qualities Lightweight enough to be paired with other products Strong hold while maintaining flexibility Suitable for most hair types Red Flags Strong scent lingered after application It’s rare to find a hairspray that suits a variety of hair textures, but the Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode does just that. The product gives a strong, flexible hold that was loved by our testers with a variety of hair textures. One tester with 4C hair said she recommends this product to others with type 4 hair, since the spray won’t weigh down or be too harsh on curls and coils. She used this spray to hold curls on her frontal wig and noted that the product’s fine mist ensures curly frontals and 4C hair won’t frizz. Size: 10 ounces | Best For: All hair types | Hold: Strong hold PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy Most Flexible Hold Drybar Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray PHOTO: Drybar $29 $18 at Amazon View on Drybar.com Star Qualities Non-sticky finish for a soft, clean feel Smooths frizz and flyaways Vegan and cruelty-free Red Flags Not suitable for intricate hairstyles and updos Scent reminiscent of baby powder which may bother some A flexible hairspray ensures the most natural-looking hold, and this Drybar hairspray is one of the best we tried in that regard. Our tester called this product the most flexible hairspray she has ever used, lengthening her style’s wear without any stiffness or greasiness. The hairspray has a light hold, making it suitable for everyday use. This product might bother those who are sensitive to fragrances, as the hairspray is scented with jasmine, sandalwood, and Madagascar vanilla (although our tester likened it to the smell of baby powder). Size: 7.7 ounces | Best For: Fine to medium-thick hair | Hold: Flexible hold PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Best for Everyday Styling Kenra Perfect Medium Spray 13 PHOTO: Ulta $21 at Amazon $21 at Ulta View on Shoppremiumoutlets.com Star Qualities Tames frizz without making hair oily Light enough for fine hair Subtle scent doesn't linger Red Flags Didn't hold up to extended wear as well as others we tested This Kenra hairspray gave a light to medium hold on ponytails, curls and straightened styles. Our tester said that this product added an extra oomph to her look, leaving her fine, straight hair looking voluminous and smooth without any extra weight. This hold locks in everyday styles but might not be suitable for special events. This spray is a great option for those who want the flexible hold of our Drybar pick without the strong scent. We found that the fragrance of the Kenra hairspray dissipated quickly instead of lingering in the room and on hair. Size: 10 ounces | Best For: Fine hair | Hold: Flexible hold Best Lightweight Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair Texturizing Hairspray PHOTO: Milk + Honey View on Com.au View on Milkandhoney.com $32 at Fragrancenet.com Star Qualities Adds texture and an everyday hold Easy application thanks to the bottle's wide and even mist Won't weigh down your hair, even with finer textures Red Flags Not for updos and intense styles, especially on thicker hair For anyone who struggles with products weighing down their hair, this Kevin Murphy product is the perfect hairspray to add texture and hold. Our testers found this product added volume and held shape with a lightweight, brushable feel. Perfect for low-maintenance wearers, this spray didn’t leave our hair begging for a wash at the end of the day. While one of our testers loved the coconut and vanilla scent, another found it a bit overpowering; if you’re sensitive to scents, we recommend others on this list, like the Kenra Perfect Medium Hairspray 13. Size: 8 ounces | Best For: All hair types | Hold: Flexible hold PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Best Volumizing Pureology Style + Protect Hairspray PHOTO: Pureology $32 at Amazon $32 at Ulta View on Pureology.com Star Qualities Adds shine and reduces frizz while leaving a soft, brushable finish Light, pleasant fragrance Shapeable after application, so it’s perfect for days you need to restyle Red Flags One tester found it was too heavy for her fine hair This Pureology hairspray is ideal for a buildable hold that adds volume without weight. While this product might not be the perfect fit for fine hair, thicker textures will love the medium hold and brushable finish this spray provides. Our tester was able to restyle her hair throughout the day with this product, refreshing her curls with ease thanks to the hairspray’s hold. This hairspray’s memory for shape meant a curling iron touch-up wasn’t necessary — gentle fluffing of her hair did the trick and maintained her look throughout the day. The next day, she found the leftover product added hold to new curls. Size: 10.5 ounces | Best For: Thicker hair textures | Hold: Strong hold The 23 Best Curly Hair Products to Keep Your Curls Hydrated and Frizz-Free Best with Heat Protection Alterna City Slay Shielding Hairspray PHOTO: Alterna $19 at Walmart $21 at Dermstore Star Qualities Workable hold makes restyling easy Pairs well with other products, such as dry shampoo This product does good for more than just your hair, with a vegan formulation and 50% recycled plastic packaging! Red Flags We couldn’t find any! This Alterna hairspray, which doubles as a heat protectant, proved to be a versatile pick. Our 3C and 2A testers both loved this product for its flexible hold, with our curly-haired tester calling this one of the best sprays she has tried. She praised the product for its brushability, hold, and overall clean feeling. Plus, who doesn’t want one less spray in their product lineup? One of our testers used this spray before straightening and found it shielded her hair as well as a typical heat protectant. Size: 7.4 ounces | Best For: All hair textures | Hold: Flexible hold PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Best for Color-Treated Hair Color Wow Firm + Flexible Hairspray PHOTO: Sephora $28 at Amazon $13 at Sephora $28 at Ulta Star Qualities UV protection and color-safe ingredients for long-lasting hair color Flexible hold lengthens style’s wear time without making hair stiff Dries quickly into a smooth, non-greasy finish Red Flags Too much product may result in a crunchy texture Left crunchy and stiff texture on 4C hair With an extremely flexible and lightweight hold, this Color Wow hairspray is perfect for those who want the most natural-feeling results. Our testers loved the shine of the spray, noting their hair never felt greasy. With a flexible hold, it won’t offer an extremely long-lasting shape, but it did lengthen the longevity of our testers’ styles. Made without hairspray’s typical darkening or yellowing ingredients, this product won’t risk color. Plus, UV protection means extra security that your strands will maintain their desired color. Size: 10 ounces | Best For: Color-treated hair, not suited for Type 4 hair | Hold: Flexible hold PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Best for Fine Hair Oribe Free Styler Working Hairspray PHOTO: Amazon $46 at Amazon $24 at Nordstrom $46 at Dermstore Star Qualities Smooth, shiny, and brushable finish Flexible hold that lasts all day Even, fine mist for light application Red Flags We couldn’t find any! If you’ve all but given up on finding the perfect hairspray for fine hair, this Oribe hairspray should be in your lineup. One tester said she had refused to use hairspray, as it left her fine strands too sticky — until she tried this Oribe pick. Another tester called this product a "godsend” for anyone with thin hair. Whereas thin and fine hair tends to turn greasy, sticky, or weighed down by hairspray, the lightweight formula of this product leaves hair looking and feeling natural. While the product claims to be a light hold hairspray, one of our testers found her style stayed mostly intact all day thanks to this product. Size: 9 ounces | Best For: All hair textures | Hold: Light hold Pro Tip! “For finer hair types, a texture spray may be more suited than a classic hairspray — or certainly a finer, lighter hold hairspray [is better for finer hair]." —Tom Smith PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao The 14 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair of 2024, Tested by Real People Best for Frizz Redken Spray Smooth PHOTO: Redken $30 at Amazon View on Redken.com Star Qualities Doubles as heat protectant Fights frizz and smooths flyaways Makes detangling damp hair easy Red Flags Inconsistent mist leaves droplets on hair Works better used on wet hair Fighting frizz is made easy with the Redken Spray Smooth, which our testers found to be ultra-smoothing, leaving hair shiny and flyaway-free. This product is made for damp hair, so be sure to apply before blow drying for the best results. While this product will not provide a strong hold, if your priority is smoothing your strands, Redken Spray Smooth offers a beautiful finish. Plus, it doubles as a heat protectant! Size: 7.5 ounces | Best For: All hair types | Hold: None (for smoothing only) PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jackie Cucco PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jackie Cucco The 9 Best Hair Products of 2024, According to Stylists and Our Tests Other Hairsprays We Tried Amika Fluxus Touchable Flexible Hairspray: We love that this product leaves hair smooth and shiny, and it’s perfect for protecting blowouts and ultra-loose styles. The continuous spray makes application easy, and results in super brushable and flexible styles. We found the scent to be overpowering, and one tester noted the spray left behind a residue. Verb Ghost Hairspray: This hairspray offers a medium, workable hold that our testers loved. The product instantly calmed frizz and left hair sleek and shiny. One tester noted that this product left residue in her hair, making her style feel stiff and crunchy. That tester also found the scent to be overpowering. While one tester loved this product, mixed reviews meant this one wasn’t a top pick. PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Cara Milhaven PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao What to Know About Hairspray Hair Texture and Thickness When choosing the right hairspray, it all comes down to your own hair texture. Celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith stresses the importance of finding a product that works for your hair, as different hair types and textures will respond differently to each hairspray. While some products might offer a strong hold on thicker hair, they will weigh down thinner textures or leave a greasy look. Other flexible sprays that thrive on fine hair won’t provide the necessary lasting power for thicker textures. “Poor hairsprays can leave the hair sticky, or allow product to bead up on the surface of the hair and look greasy when brushed out,” Smith explains. The best products leave hair feeling soft without sacrificing hold. Brushability Smith says the best hairsprays distinguish themselves on brushability: “The best hairsprays should be able to be brushed out gently and easily, leaving behind no visible residue. Reasonably good hairsprays should hold the hair in place for a long time but may not leave the hair easy to manage once brushed out.” PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Behind the Scenes We tried 18 different hairsprays to identify which products offered the best look, hold, and feel in our PEOPLE Tested lab and at home. In the lab, testers applied the hairspray to extensions of different hair types and rated the product’s hold. Lab testers also attempted to style and slick back their hair with the products. In our real-world testing, a group of testers used the hairsprays regularly over two weeks to test the formulas’ performance over time. Our group of testers included individuals with straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. Testers evaluated the products on a scale of 1 to 5 based on three important qualities: Texture: You shouldn’t have to sacrifice feel for a good hold, which is why we evaluated each product’s texture. Products that cause hair to feel stiff, crunchy, or sticky were rated lower than lightweight formulations. Hold: We expect a good hairspray to last all day. Testers checked on their hairstyle throughout the day to evaluate the hold of the hairspray. Some hairsprays seemed more suited for short-term situations, while the best stood the test of time. Overall Look: Did the hairspray add volume, smooth frizz and give the hair a shine? Did the product leave behind flakiness? All these factors were considered to evaluate the final look. Frequently Asked Questions Is hairspray bad for your hair? “It depends on the hairspray,” says Taylor Rose, certified trichologist and hair content creator. “Prolonged use or overuse of hairsprays that contain harsh ingredients like ethanol or other alcohols can cause damage to your hair over time and dry out your scalp.” How do you get hairspray out of your hair? “The most important thing to consider when using hairspray is ensuring you are removing it properly from your hair and scalp so you do not have product build up (which can cause an unhealthy scalp environment and lackluster hair),” Rose says. “Always shampoo your hair as soon as possible after using hairspray, and use a clarifying shampoo once a week or once every other week to get a deep clean and remove any leftover product.” What ingredients should be avoided when choosing a hairspray? “Drying alcohols, paraben, propylene glycol, dimethicone, formaldehyde, fragrance, phthalates,” says Rose. Smith also recommends avoiding hairsprays containing petrochemicals. Why Trust PEOPLE? Genevieve Cepeda is a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE, with experience in all things beauty and style. As someone with a lot of straight, heavy hair that stubbornly refuses to hold a curl, Cepeda knows the importance of a good hairspray. For this article, Cepeda analyzed testing insights and consulted hair and health experts to recommend products that will actually work for your hair type and budget. Our Expert Panel Tom Smith is a hairstylist and trend forecaster who has styled the hair of celebrities like Louise Redknapp and Geri Halliwell. Smith is on the artistic team of Olaplex, and is the international creative director at Evo. Taylor Rose is an IAT-certified trichologist and hair influencer. Rose’s shares her expertise on her TikTok account, @thehealthyhur, where she has amassed over one million followers. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.