Hairspray Guide: Find the Right Hold and Finish for Your Hairstyle

A perfectly styled hairdo that falls flat after just an hour? Or a look that feels stiff and unnatural from the wrong hairspray? Choosing the right hairspray can be the difference between a style that stays perfect all day and a disappointment.

The shelves are packed with options, from volumising sprays to texture sprays and extra-strong hold hairsprays. To help you make the right choice, we've created a guide on what to look for and highlighted some popular options. This way, you can find a product that suits your hair type and the look you want to create.

What to Look For When Choosing a Hairspray

Before making a purchase, it's helpful to consider a few key factors. This will help you find a product that does exactly what you need.

1. Determine Your Desired Hold Level

The primary function of a hairspray is fixation. The level of fixation, or ‘hold’, determines how securely your hairstyle will stay in place.

• Light to Medium Hold: Ideal for taming light frizz and maintaining natural movement in the hair. Suitable for loose, natural styles.
• Strong Hold: A great choice for updos or a sleek ponytail. This hairspray ensures everything stays neatly in place without looking unnatural.
• Extra-Strong Hold: Necessary for intricate styles, creative looks, or when your hair needs to stay perfect all day and night, regardless of the weather. A strong hold hairspray is the go-to option here.

2. Choose the Right Finish: Matte or Glossy

The finish affects how your hair looks after applying the spray.

• Glossy Finish: Gives your hair a healthy, polished shine. Perfect for a smooth, chic look.
• Matte Finish: Creates a modern, natural look without any shine. This is often preferred for a tousled, ‘undone’ style or for building texture.

3. Look for Specific Features

Modern styling sprays often offer more than just hold. Are you looking for something specific, like more volume or texture?

• Volumising Spray: Specially designed to lift hair from the roots and create a fuller look. A good hairspray for volume and texture is essential for fine or limp hair.
• Texture Spray: Perfect for creating a tousled, ‘beach wave’ look. This spray gives the hair more grip and body, making it easier to style.

Popular Hairspray Choices

Based on product specifications and their intended use, we've put together a few recommendations for you.

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray Strong Hold - 400ml

Why It Stands Out Elnett has been a household name in the world of hairspray for decades. The formula is renowned for its micro-diffuser, which disperses an ultra-fine mist. This ensures even coverage and a strong hold while keeping the hair feeling flexible.

Key Benefits

• Provides a strong hold that keeps your style in place for hours.
• The fine mist prevents a hard or sticky feeling.
• According to the manufacturer, the hairspray brushes out easily.

Who Is It For? This is a versatile hairspray for everyday use. Ideal for anyone seeking a reliable hold for updos, curls, or a smooth finish, without the dreaded ‘helmet effect’.

Kao Cape Styling Gel Spray 100ML Blue (Super - Strong)

Why It Stands Out This styling spray combines the precision of a gel with the convenience of a spray. The formula is designed for a super-strong grip, keeping even the most demanding hairstyles in place all day.

Key Benefits

• Delivers a super-strong hold for maximum definition and control.
• According to the product description, the fast-drying formula leaves no flakes.
• The compact 100 ml size makes it convenient for on-the-go use or travel.

Who Is It For? Perfect for those with structured or creative hairstyles that require absolute fixation. Think sleek, slicked-back looks, defined curls, or styles that need to withstand wind and weather.

Schwarzkopf Session Label The Texturizer - Spray 300ml

Why It Stands Out This is a professional-grade hairspray that specifically focuses on creating volume and texture. According to the manufacturer, the formula contains tapioca starch and panthenol, which provides airy volume and hydration without weighing the hair down.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight formula that creates tousled texture and volume.
• The addition of panthenol has a hydrating effect.
• Brushes out easily, allowing for flexible restyling.

Who Is It For? This texture spray is ideal for anyone looking to create a modern, ‘undone’ look with plenty of body and movement. It's an excellent hairspray for volume and texture, especially for fine to normal hair that could use a lift.

Haven't Found What You're Looking For?

The right hairspray is highly dependent on your personal needs and hair type. If the options above don't quite match what you're looking for, there are countless other possibilities available, from sprays with heat protection to formulas designed specifically for coloured hair.

Explore our full range of hairsprays and discover more options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hairspray

What is the difference between hair lacquer and hairspray?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, hair lacquer (or finishing spray) is a product used to set a finished hairstyle. Hairspray is a broader term that also includes products like texture sprays or volumising sprays, which you use during the styling process to create a specific look.

How do you use hairspray for more volume?

For an optimal volume boost, flip your head forward and spray the volumising spray directly onto the roots. Then, flip your hair back and style it with your fingers. This provides an instant lift and a fuller appearance.

Is using hairspray daily harmful?

Modern formulas are generally safe for daily use. However, it's important to wash product residue out of your hair thoroughly to prevent build-up on the scalp and hair strands. Opt for a spray that brushes out easily or contains conditioning ingredients, such as panthenol.