In the days before BCP (Before Curl Products) was available, hairsprays were stiff and sticky and smelled like Aqua Net and Final Net. I remember my bottle of Final Net, which I plastered on my blow-dried and straightened hair. My hair felt like a helmet—a fire hazard!
How hairspray has changed
Hairspray was developed in the 1940s by a manufacturer that originally manufactured aerosol cans for insecticides in WW2. Since then, hairsprays have evolved with new technologies, innovative ingredients, and various holds.
The latest generation of hairspray can lock waves and curls in place without crunch. Many are designed specifically for curly hair. They promise to prevent your waves and curls from turning to frizz, even on the most humid days. And it can help create more volume and lift at your roots. And many of these new hairsprays have conditioning properties and ingredients that hold.
Types of hairsprays
There are three varieties of hairspray:
Flexible Hold Hairsprays
- These have the least amount of hold, making them ideal for waves and curls. They provide hold without crunch, maintaining movement rather than paralyzing your tresses. Most hairsprays for wavy and curly hair are flexible sprays, and those with medium hold.
Medium Hold Hairsprays
- Sometimes, these are called working sprays and have a stronger hold. They provide a hold without making your hair feel like plastic.
Maximum/Firm Hold Hairsprays
- These are the strongest sprays for keeping curls in place. They may not be the best choice for everyday styling for curly girls, but they may be useful for certain occasions.
Here are a few great options for flexible, medium, and strong-hold hairsprays.
Flexible Hold Hairsprays
1. Curlsmith- Flawless Finish Hairspray Flexible Hold
The Flawless Finish Flexible Hold is perfect for those who desire a more natural look throughout the day. A few spritzes will enhance the longevity of your styles, allowing your curls to shine and move with ease.
2. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Holding Spray
Ouidad’s here to help you embrace your curls with a flexible hold hairspray that helps with volume, frizz, and definition. The hairspray is formulated with pro-vitamin B5, flexible polymers, and an anti-frizz nano technology that helps curls flourish in any climate.
3. It’s a 10 Miracle Finishing Spray
Here’s a hairspray to give lots of body, control, and a flexible hold that won’t leave your hair crunchy! As a plant-based formula, the fragrance is light and layers well with your existing curly products.
4. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil UV Protective Dry Oil Finishing Spray
The ultra-lightweight formula delivers radiance, softness, and frizz control. UV filters help protect hair against the drying effects of the sun, making it a good option for curlies who spend a lot of time outdoors. Dry, dull hair is left looking revived and healthy.
5. TRESemmé Flawless Curls Frizz Control Moisturizing Non-Aerosol Hair Spray with Coconut oil
This lightweight paraben-free formula provides all-day curl hold and frizz protection. It promises defined curls without feeling stiff and sticky.
6. Innersense I Create Finish
This flexible-hold spray is made with certified organic honey, rooibos tea, and aloe and rice proteins; this non-toxic hairspray nourishes and strengthens strands without any sticky residue. Aside from banishing humidity and infusing your mane with antioxidants, it smells like fresh, calming lavender.
7. Amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray
This flexible working hairspray provides an all-day style that you’ll still be able to run your fingers through. It includes ingredients like sea buckthorn- a “superfruit” with the fatty acid omega seven typically found in fish oil. It promises to promote elasticity and provides superior hydration.
8. R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray
This flexible spray contains Amphomer Polymer, which thickens and provides flexible hold and heat styling protection. It also contains
Pro-vitamin B5, this conditioning agent moisturizes, thickens, and builds volume.
9. Aveda Air Control Hairspray
This water-free formula can be layered to create a light, workable hold. It contains pine and certified organic flax seed, natural holding agents, and conditioning ingredients such as organic jojoba and aloe. Aveda is funding the construction of wind turbines to ensure that Air Control™ has a net-zero impact on the Earth’s climate.
10. DevaCurl Flexible Hold Hairspray
Stay-put style with flexibility! A wind and humidity-resistant spray that gives you flexible hold, frizz control, and shine.
11. Nexxus Maxximum Hold Finishing Mist Hairspray
Nexxus Maxximum Hold Finishing Mist Micro-fine, flexible hair spray helps maintain hairstyles by providing superior, long-lasting control for hard-to-retain styles, providing maximum hold while maintaining touch ability.
12. Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair
This flexible texturizing spray provides separation and movement, allowing you to run your fingers through your curls. The formula is enhanced with ginger root to help increase elasticity and suppleness.
13. Pantene Pro-V Level 2 Lightweight Finish Alcohol-Free Hairspray
This NaturallyCurly Best of the Best award winner offers an ultra-lightweight hold that Wavies love. At less than $6, this Holy Grail is budget-friendly too. Pantene Pro-V labels their hairsprays “Level” 1-5 to signify the amount of hold, so you can always find exactly what you need.
Medium Hold Hairsprays
14. Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Medium
This medium-hold hairspray provides a weightless hold and is perfect for soft and natural styles. Morrocanoil’s formula makes your curls brushable, residue free, and will keep pesky humidity away!
15. Davines This Is A Medium Hairspray
The name of the hairspray says it all, Davines is here to give you a medium hold. If you’re looking to create a long-lasting style that eliminates frizz, adds structure, and won’t leave any residue, this is your winner.
16. VERB Ghost Hairspray
You’re going to love this lightweight, medium-hold hairspray that creates a natural-looking style for any type of curls.
17. Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray
This weightless spray can set, style, and finish any curly style without any stiffness. It can be used on damp or dry hair and even to prevent heat damage if you plan to use a heat tool.
18. Color Wow Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray
This lightweight spray provides an all-day, flexible, brushable hold.
Firm Hold Hairsprays
19. Sexy Hair Spray + Play Volumizing Hairspray
This hairspray promises a medium to high hold for up to 120 hours and up to six times the volume and lift. This workable hairspray is also humidity-resistant for up to three days and provides 450 ̊F of thermal heat protection.
20. milk_shake lifestyling extra strong hairspray
Firm hold for DAYS! This ultra-powerful setting spray locks your styles in place without stickiness. Formulated with Pro Vitamin B5, it seals in moisture for lasting hydration. This spray also offers heat protection with anti-frizz and anti-static properties.
21. Rizos Curls Alcohol-Free Volumizing Hair Spray
Rizos Curls came to deliver with an alcohol-free formula that delivers a last hold that won’t flake or create a crunch. The unique blend of rosemary, argan oil, and red algae can be used on damp or fully dry hair to help finish any hairstyle.
22. Redken Triple Take 32 Extreme High-Hold Hairspray
This extreme high-hold hairspray promises to keep your curls in place without the crunch. The super-fine, fast-drying mist also gives hair volume and 24-hour humidity resistance. The fragrance is a mix of jasmine, orange blossom, and sandalwood.
