15 Best Drugstore Hairsprays Of 2024 – According To A Cosmetologist
Setting your hair to achieve that much-desired look is now affordable and easy.
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and loves to make her clients feel amazing and welcomed.
Read full bio of Lindsay Loo
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Image: shutterstock
Hairspray is the foundation to nailing a glamorous look or an everyday look. But a hairspray can burn a hole in your pocket, making you think twice before you buy one. Fret not; the best drugstore hairspray can make all your money, and hair woes disappear in an instant! Think about all those hours you spent styling your hair, only for it just to do what it pleases. Frizzy and messy, the glam look you were going for just didn’t work out. That is where your hairspray comes to the rescue. Just as effective as the luxury ones, the drugstore hairsprays protect the hair from heat damage, keep your rogue locks in place, and make them look shiny all day. Here is a list of the top 15 drugstore hairsprays you can stock up on without costing an arm and a leg. Some of the products are free of animal testing, so you will find options among ethical brands too. Scroll down to know more.
Read on to know more!
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Hair Sprays For You
1. Best Volumizing:Big SEXYHAIR Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray
If you have thin hair and want to add some volume to your tresses, then this lightweight volumizing hair spray is your best choice. It has a subtle texture that adds volume to your hair while maintaining a good hold of it. It also adds shine to your hair and gives it 72 hours of resistance against humidity. It protects hair from heat damage and is perfect for the upcoming hot summer months. Learn more about the product from a reviewer’s experience of using it in this video.
Pros
- Humidity resistance
- Adds volume
- Adds shine
Cons
- Need to wash your hair after using it
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 9,507 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best Glossy:Kenra Perfect Medium Hair Spray
If you’re running late for a party and your hair just won’t set, then this hair spray is what you need ASAP. The Kenra Perfect Medium Hair Spray provides styling control to your hair without making it stiff. It has a fast-drying formula, which gives an excellent hold and added brushable benefits. It provides optimum styling control and a glossy finish to your hair. Check this video detailing a tester’s experience of using this hairspray to know more about it.
Pros
- Provides medium hold
- Gives your hair a shine
Cons
- Can is small in size
3. Best For Thick Hair:Big SEXYHAIR Root Pump Plus Humidity Resistant Volumizing Spray Mousse
This hair mousse helps create volume by lifting hair at the root. It is great for thick hair as it provides a secure hold and imparts weather protection by resisting humidity. This modifying and volumizing mousse plumps up your hair from the roots and adds texture to it so you can achieve an undeniably stunning look.
Pros
- Plumps up hair from the roots
- Suitable for medium and thick hair
- Resists humidity
Cons
- Takes a few tries for the product to come out of the nozzle
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 6,762 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Big SEXYHAIR Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray Best Volumizing | Kenra Perfect Medium Hair Spray Best Glossy | Big SEXYHAIR Root Pump Plus Humidity Resistant Volumizing Spray Mousse Best For Thick Hair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | All | Normal |
| Dimensions | 1.38 x 1.38 x 4.63 inches | 2 x 2 x 10.5 inches | 2.09 x 2.09 x 11.02 inches |
| Weight | 2 Ounces. | 12 Ounces | 10.02 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,507 | 5,657 | 6,762 |
| Price | $18.74 | $15.99 | $19.95 |
4. Best For Natural Finish:Aussie Instant Freeze With Jojoba Oil Sea Kelp Hairspray
This Instant Freeze Hairspray is infused with natural ingredients such as jojoba seed oil that leaves an extra shine on your tresses. The weightless product ensures a 24-hour stay and is perfect for everyday hairstyles. The spray gives a natural finish without stiffness and works well for all hair types. No wonder it is a go-to hair-styling product with a great hair spray scent! Have a look at this video to check out a reviewer’s experience of using this product.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- 24-hour style lock
- Suitable for all hair types
- Voluminizing
- Citrus scent
Cons
- None
5. Best For Touch Ups:Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Spray
If you want Salon-quality hair in the comfort of your home, you can’t go wrong with Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Spray. The formula delivers a shiny finish to the mane and is enriched with Fluid-Fix Complex that gives a firm hold and also allows you to make touch-ups throughout the day. The lightweight, medium-hold hair spray makes hair shiny, protects it against humidity, and tames fine hair or flyaways easily. This specialist-approved, lightweight spray delivers a flexible finish and leaves a scent of rose and jasmine, which makes it all the more likable!
Pros
- Great for fine hair
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Aluminum-free
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- The scent is not pleasant for all noses.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 6,648 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
6. Best Texture Boost:Rave Hs 4x Mega
This 4x Mega hairspray is genuinely one product that can never disappoint you. The spray contains a ClimaShield® formula that can withstand high and humid conditions without compromising on the look, texture, and shine of your hair. It is also infused with vitamins to keep your hair healthy. The formula leaves no stiffness or stickiness and has a super-strong hold on all your styles.
Pros
- Long-lasting hold
- Non-sticky
- Non-stiffy
Cons
- None
7. Best Quick-Drying:CHI Enviro 54 Hair Spray Firm Hold
This quick-drying hair spray has been curated using an innovative style holding memory and is great at keeping those stray hairs tucked safely in their place. It is enriched with silk proteins and herbs that impart a natural shine. It is a lightweight and versatile spray and leaves no build-up on the scalp.
Pros
- Has a buildable hold
- Enriched with proteins and herbs
Cons
- Consistency is slightly sticky
8. Best Humidity Protectant:Garnier Fructis Style Volume Hairspray 24H Hold Anti-Humidity
For ultimate body and fullness, this is the hair spray you turn to. It lifts the hair from the root right up to the tip and keeps you in control of your style for upto 24 hours! Infused with bamboo extract, this hair spray gives your hair a voluminous lift and hold without making it crunchy and stiff. This anti-humidity spray will also prevent your hair from looking limp and flat.
Pros
- Infused with bamboo extract
- Protects against humidity
Cons
- Has a strong fragrance
9. Best Flake-Free:R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray
Get a finished look with the R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray. It offers a strong hold without flaking your style. The amp copolymer infused in the hairspray imparts good control by providing thermal protection. In addition, the pro-vitamin B5 makes your hair appear voluminous.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
10. Best Long-Lasting Hold:Suave Non Aerosol Hairspray Max Hold
The Suave Non Aerosol Max Hold Hairspray is a non-aerosol product that provides maximum hold for long-lasting hairupdo hairstyles. It is enriched with proteins and vitamins which provide nourishment to the hair. The formula helps control frizz and adds volume to the tresses. You have added control on your style and keep looking perfect for hours. The affordable hairspray does not make the hair strands sticky or stiff. This maximum-hold hairspray has a mild coconut scent.
Pros
- Long-lasting hold
- Non-sticky formula
- Offers hair volume
- Anti-frizz formula
Cons
- None
11. Best For All Hair Types:TRESemmé Extra Firm Control TRES Two Spray
TRESemmé Extra Firm Control TRES Two Spray keeps your hairstyle in place and controls frizz. This strong hold hairspray helps you achieve maximum hold without any stiffness and makes the hair flexible. This professional-grade hairspray contains locking polymers that protect the hair from humidity. The water-free formula is perfect for frizzy hair as it tames flyaways and has a floral, fruity scent.
Pros
- Soothing fragrance
- Non-sticky
- Water-free formula
- Suitable for all hair types
- Color-safe
Cons
- Leaves a white film
12. Best For Natural Look:Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Fast Drying Sculpting Spray
For a medium hold, turn to this super-fast drying hair spray. It is excellent at adding texture and creating a natural look. It adds shine to your hair, making you look prim and proper. Layering the hair spray helps the styling agents to get quickly reactivated with heat or water. The spray also helps gently detangle your hair and keep it frizz-free.
Pros
- Detangles the hair
- Minimizes breakage
Cons
- Has a strong fragrance
13. Best Unscented:VO5 Crystal Clear Unscented Hairspray
If you are sensitive to strong fragrances and dislike them, then this unscented hair spray is the best choice for you. It is great value for money and does not leave any residue or flakes behind. It is tested to hold the hair in place for 14 hours. This spray is an anti-static spray and prevents flyaways leaving you looking clean, polished, and ready to take on the day!
Pros
- Anti-static spray
- Provides 14-hour hold
- No residue left behind
Cons
- The nozzle is hard to operate
14. Best Dermatologist Choice:Vanicream Firm Hold Hairspray
The Vanicream’s Firm Hold Hairspray is perfect for giving you a natural look with a long-lasting hold. With this spray, the hair is easy to manage and looks much healthier and shinier. It is highly recommended by dermatologists as it works great for those who have fine hair and sensitive skin and scalp.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Unscented
- No botanical extracts
- No essential oils
- Protein-free
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 789 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
15. Best Smell:OGX Bodifying + Bamboo Fiber-Full Big Hair Spray
Lock in volume and body with this superb hair spray that fortifies your hair to achieve a long-lasting look. It is made from bamboo fibers, plant collagen, and sugar cane. Sulfate-free and inspired by nature, this hair spray application does not just keep your hair perfect. Instead, it focuses on making it look fuller, bouncier, and smoother. With an irresistible smell, this hair spray is undeniably an excellent investment.
Pros
- Provides a 24-hour hold
- Great at volumizing hair
Cons
- Has to be shaken well before use
Infographic: Dos and Don’ts Of Using A Hairspray
A hairspray is a versatile styling product that can add hold, volume, and shine to your hair. However, using it effectively requires understanding the dos and don’ts to achieve the desired results. Check out the infographic below to explore the right way of using hairsprays to ensure your hair looks fabulous without unwanted side effects.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Hairsprays are a staple when you are trying to preserve a certain look or even styling your hair on an everyday basis to get a clean finish. Thankfully, you do not have to burn a hole in your pocket to achieve a natural-looking finish and a long-lasting hold, as many stellar drugstore formulas are now easily available. The best drugstore hairsprays will keep your locks in place for all-day hold. The Big SEXYHAIR Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray adds shine and resists humidity, while the Kenra Perfect Medium Hair Spray dries fast without making your hair stiff. But if you are looking for a formula that also tames flyaways, the TRESemmé Extra Firm Control TRES Two Spray is ideal for you. They can also tame frizz and flyaways. In addition, the reviewed products will prevent your hair from being crunchy or stiff. However, it is recommended to test the product on a small section of your hair before spraying it all over your hair to determine its effectiveness.
Cosmetologist, Lindsay Loo, says, “Be mindful of alcohol in hairsprays as this ingredient is not friendly to extensions, extensions using adhesive, and chemically altered hair like keratin treatments.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hairspray stay in your hair?
The effect of hairspray can last from a few hours to all day depending on its formula.
How do you remove hairspray buildup from hair?
Use a clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar once a week to remove hairspray buildup.
Should you wash your hair after using hairspray?
Yes. If you use hairspray very frequently, it will leave some residue on your scalp and hair. If left unwashed, it will clog the hair follicles, cause itchiness, and result in hair loss.
Should you wash hairspray out before bed?
No, it is not essential to wash out your hair every time after using hair spray. You can remove any residue by shampooing your hair 2-3 times a week. You can even use a clarifying shampoo once a week for deep cleansing.
What is the difference between hairspray and finishing spray?
A finishing spray provides more grip and shine as compared to regular hairspray.
Read full bio of Lindsay Loo
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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