4 Reasons To Give Hairspray Another Chance
We hoard smoothing creams, texturizing sprays, and hydrating oils in abundance, but hairspray rarely makes its way into our repertoires. As far as styling products go, hairspray truly has the worst reputation of all, and it’s no mystery as to why: Historically, it smells bad (like chemicals!) and feels even worse, turning even the softest, silkiest hair into a crunchy, sticky, flaky mess with a forcefield so impenetrable it can survive any wedding, prom, or natural disaster. But, like all too many things that get a bad rap, hairspray really isn’t as terrible as it’s often made it out to be. It can actually be quite useful in the styling process, and not just as the final step to shellacking a ‘do that simply cannot under any circumstances fall out of place.
Their resurgence has a little bit to do with technique and a lot to do with new formulas. Lightweight and non-crunchy, with a scent that you’ll actually want to have on you rather than the strong, definitely-not-naturally-occurring fragrance of hairsprays past—these are the hairsprays we’re using now, and it’s worth your time to get acquainted with them. You can use them to finish off your look without making it hard or crunchy, to refresh your style throughout the day, and even on damp hair to create instant, easy volume. Don’t believe us? Give some of our favorites a try—and don’t worry, you can thank us later.
Bumble and bumble Does It All Styling Spray ($28, bumbleandbumble.com)
The story goes that the brains behind Bumble and bumble got tired of smuggling their favorite hairsprays in from Europe, so they invented this one. You can use it both during the styling process and after, and you can even spritz it on before you use heat tools to both protect the hair and get better, longer-lasting results from your tools. We love this hairspray for so many reasons, but we will say that one of the best benefits is just how good it smells, like you’re fresh out of the salon.
Kérastase V.I.P. ($37, kerastase-usa.com)
V.I.P. stands for “Volume in Powder,” and it certainly fulfills on that promise. This product isn’t quite a dry shampoo, but it’s also not a traditional hairspray: It applies and gives strong hold like a hairspray, absorbs oil and adds volume like a dry shampoo, and works like a dream on all hair types and for all looks, from the most tousled bedhead-y waves to polished styles that need some oomph.
Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray ($22.20, moroccanoil.com)
If you want a decent amount of hold with a lot of shine, this formula is for you. It’s perfect for loose waves and sleek blowouts, and the reflective finish it imparts also works to fight frizz and humidity like a shield. With long-lasting hold that brushes out easily and leaves no residue behind, this hairspray is the perfect way to ease yourself into the category without any risk—as in, you find your hair sprayed solid to the point of no return. Of course, it’s also appealing for its trademark Moroccanoil scent. Who wouldn’t want to smell like that?
John Frieda Frizz Ease Keraflex Flex Hold Hairspray ($9.99, ulta.com)
For a more affordable option, this drugstore formula can’t be beat. It dries quickly, boosts shine, blocks humidity, and provides soft-to-the-touch hold that can be used both as you style and after to hold your look in place. Sensitive to fragrance? This one doesn’t offer much at all, so you don’t have to worry about smelling like hairspray or too much fragrance to cover the smell of hairspray. It’s a win-win, like all things should be.
Read more from Daily Makeover: 6 MacGyver Tricks for Hairspray
