Any styling pro will tell you hairspray is an essential product, but I'd bet when most of us think about hairspray we imagine (and fear) the crunchy, stiff, nearly immoveable effect of hairsprays past. Luckily the days of lacquered looks and "helmet head" are behind us—the latest and greatest innovations have undergone more than your typical makeover. Now, there's a whole category of flexible hold hairsprays; specifically, formulas that keep strands soft and touchable with the same commitment to polishing strands, taming flyaways and keeping frizz in check. (A must in this sweltering and humid summer weather.)
From drugstore formulas to salon-quality sprays, read on for 10 all-star hairsprays you can brush right through without sacrificing silky shine.
1 / 10
For a lived-in hold that's humidity-resistant and never wet or greasy, Session.Spray Flex will deliver the flexible and long-lasting style you want. Shoppers love how it smooths out frizz while keeping the desired bounce in their styles.
BUY ON KEVIN MURPHY - $38
BUY ON AMAZON - $38
3 / 10
Think of Bumble and bumble's Does It All hairspray as a texturizing spray and lightweight hair spray merged into one. As its name suggests, this one tames flyaways, boosts volume and gives hair a soft, tousled look with a natural matte finish.
BUY ON AMAZON - $38
BUY ON SEPHORA - $38
4 / 10
Easily the hairspray I've seen most in hairstylists' kits, L'Oréal's Elnett is a classic for a reason. Even with a strong, long-lasting hold, professionals swear that hair looks and feels even better after combing through it.
BUY ON ULTA - $16
BUY ON AMAZON - $16
5 / 10
R+Co's Outerspace hairspray keeps hair soft and styled, while thickening strands and protecting against heat no matter how many layers you wear. Shoppers also love how well it works as a hair refresh, too.
BUY ON AMAZON - $37
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $37
7 / 10
In this medium-hold spray, vitamins C and E are included as a hair protectant while the fine-mist delivers 24-hour humidity resistance and eight-hour anti-frizz control.
BUY ON AMAZON - $28
BUY ON ULTA - $28
9 / 10
Strong hold hairsprays no longer mean stiff. Case in point, dae's Sunsetter formula is made with desert-derived botanicals and night-blooming cactus that conditions and moisturizes hair as it locks styles in place.
BUY ON DAE - $30
BUY ON SEPHORA - $30
10 / 10
The ultra-fine, ultra-dry mist delivers buildable hold you can easily run your hands through, sans stickiness or any greasy feel. In this ultra-luxe formula you'll find ginseng root extract, kukui seed, hydrogenated cottonseed oils and a flexible polymer blend to strengthen and moisturize hair, and protect it from environmental elements.
BUY ON AMAZON - $46
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $46
