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HairspraysHelping You Find the Best
mybest
HairspraysHelping You Find the Best
15 Best Hairsprays  [Tested and Reviewed]

15 Best Hairsprays [Tested and Reviewed]

Hairspray is an essential styling product for keeping your look intact. It's handy for taming stray or short hairs that tend to fall out of place and for maintaining your bangs on a windy day. Nowadays, with various brands like Kenra, Schwarzkopf, and Sexy Hair offering an array of options, many people end up sticking with the same product they've always used simply because they don't know how to choose.

We've compared 15 bestselling hairsprays available online and put them to the test to recommend the best ones for you.


We tested each product for the following:

  • Hold
  • Finish
  • Scent
  • Ease of Use

Which product ended up being the best of the best? We'll also tell you how to pick the best Hairsprays on your own in our buying guide, so read on for more shopping tips.

Last updated 09/11/2023
Taiji Nagata
Expert
Hairstylist
Taiji Nagata

Taiji Nagata worked as a hairstylist in Japan for six years before moving to LA in 2007 to focus on salon work. He is renowned for his high skill level and has worked on the hair of celebrities in Japan and abroad who are active in various media, from sports to music to entertainment. Utilizing his own experience and network, he supports Japanese stylists who want to work in the U.S. and strives to enrich the development of the beauty industry's culture.

Taiji Nagata's Profile
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Yuri Hiraiwa
Guide
Head of Cosmetics and Beauty at mybest
Yuri Hiraiwa

She joined a Japanese beauty company as a new graduate and worked there for three and a half years. She counseled over 6,000 people annually and created personalized beauty regimens for each customer. She then joined mybest, where she has written articles covering everything from makeup to skincare. She is a cosmetics concierge, a specialist in cosmetic ingredients, and a certified image consultant.

Yuri Hiraiwa's Profile
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How We Tested the Products

We gathered the 15 bestselling Hairsprays and put them through rigorous testing.
  1. Hold

    1
    Hold

    The ability of a hairspray to effectively manage and maintain hairstyles is essential. We evaluated this aspect by styling a mannequin with real hair in an updo and rating the products' holds. We tested for the following:Does it effectively tame hairs around the face?Does it manage hair around the back of the neck?Does it control flyaways on top of the head?

  2. Finish

    2
    Finish

    Ideally, a hairspray should offer a soft finish rather than leaving the hair unnaturally stiff. We sprayed the products on sections of human hair, and after letting them dry, had four female testers evaluate the finish. These are the qualities we checked:Does the product leave any white residue?Does the hair feel sticky?Can the hair still be combed through easily?

  3. Scent

    3
    Scent

    The fragrance of a hairspray can significantly influence the overall user experience, especially when left in for long periods. We had five testers evaluate the scent of these products. We checked the following:Does it maintain a pleasant scent for a long time after applying?

  4. Ease of Use

    4
    Ease of Use

    A hairspray that’s easy to use is key for ensuring successful styling without any hassle. We had five testers spray the product on sections of hair and rate their ease of use based on the following:Is the product easy to spray?Does it spray a decent amount?

All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest

Company Facility
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.

Table of Contents

Is There Any Significant Difference Between Hairsprays?

In our testing, we noticed a significant difference between highly-rated and poorly-rated products. If you're dissatisfied with your current hairspray, you might be able to find a product that makes styling your hair easier.

Some Products Excel at Holding Down Flyaway Hairs and Achieving a More Polished Look

Some Products Excel at Holding Down Flyaway Hairs and Achieving a More Polished Look

Hairspray is the perfect solution to managing flyaways that stick up on top of your head, as well as the hairs around your temples and ears that can fall out of place when you're pulling your hair together. It can also save the day when the wind threatens to undo your perfectly styled bangs.


In addition, hairspray is useful for keeping frizzy hair straight. It's a lifesaver for those prone to flyaways or those with curly hair. When you're styling your hair for parties or weddings, a finishing spritz of hairspray can keep your hairstyle intact, ensuring it stays beautiful. Even if you don't use it daily, it's a handy item to have on hand for when you need it.

How to Choose a Hairspray - Buying Guide

Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Hairsprays.

1

Products With a Strong Hold While Maintaining Flexibility Scored 4.0 or Higher in Both Hold and Finish Tests

When testing the hold of the hairsprays, we evaluated how well each spray could manage the hair on a mannequin when styled into an updo. To test the finish, we sprayed hairspray on sections of human hair and had four female testers evaluate factors such as whether it left a white residue or felt sticky.

Garnier Fructis Achieved the Highest Rating, 4.2 or Above in Both Hold and Finish

Garnier Fructis Achieved the Highest Rating, 4.2 or Above in Both Hold and Finish

Surprisingly few hairsprays deliver on both the crucial aspects of hold and finish. In our test, the only product that scored a 4.2 or above for both hold and finish was Garnier Fructis. Garnier Fructis stands out for its ability to neatly tame flyaways and short hairs, while also offering the flexibility needed for easy restyling. It neatly holds together the fine hairs on top of the head, as well as bangs and short hairs around the face. 


After applying, there’s no stickiness and the texture becomes silky within a few seconds. You can easily run your fingers through your hair, and it retains plenty of flexibility. Since it doesn't harden your hair to the point of crunchiness, you can maintain a natural style. It's also an easy-to-use product for preserving curls.


In our test, we noticed that most products either had a flexible but weak hold or excellent hold but left hair feeling stiff. Few managed to balance hold and finish.

Yuri Hiraiwa
Head of Cosmetics and Beauty at mybest
Yuri Hiraiwa

When you're doing intense activities like dancing or sports, or want to maintain your hairstyle for a long time during events like parties or weddings, we recommend a product that really locks your style in place. Check out products that scored 4.2 or above in the hold test.

2

Avoid Overspraying by Choosing Products That Spray Just the Right Amount With a Light Touch

Two factors determine the usability of a hairspray: the strength of the spray to evenly coat the hair and the ease of pushing the pump.

Pumps That Are Hard to Press Make It Difficult to Control the Amount of Spray

Pumps That Are Hard to Press Make It Difficult to Control the Amount of Spray

If the spray force is weak, it can't be applied over a large area, causing parts of the hair to set unnaturally. Additionally, if it hardens too quickly, you can't wipe it off, preventing you from achieving the desired style. Also, if it's hard to push, you may end up spraying the same spot multiple times, causing an excess amount in one part and making styling impossible.


For those who are also concerned about ease of use, please take advantage of the "easy-to-use products" filter in the rankings. Highly rated in the ease of use test were the Sebastian Re-Shaper and Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Spray Wax. Their appeal lies in their ease of pushing with light force and their ability to spray evenly, preventing overspray.

3

Some Hairsprays Had a Strong Alcohol Smell, but Fruity or Citrus Scents Received High Ratings From Testers

Some Hairsprays Had a Strong Alcohol Smell, but Fruity or Citrus Scents Received High Ratings From Testers

In our tests, the scents that received high ratings from the testers were fruity and citrus scents. Testers noted that the fresh, fruity scent was pleasing and wasn’t overbearing, even when left in all day. On the other hand, products that had an alcohol smell received low ratings. Comments from testers included “The alcohol smell really lingers,” and "I don't want to put this on my hair." For those who are concerned about the scent, please use the "For those who care about scent" filter in the ranking.

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15 Best Hairsprays Ranking

Here are the best Hairsprays we found after testing them. We ranked them after weighting each of our testing specs.
Recommended
Price Performance
Sort
Filter
No stickiness
Scented options
Easy to use
Products
Image
mybest Score
Click to purchase
Key features
Main Score
Details
Hold
Finish
Scent
Ease of use
Amount
Type
Fragrance
1

Garnier

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Hairspray

Garnier Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Hairspray 1
4.68

mybest's Top Choice! Balanced Hold and Flexibility That's Perfect for Natural Styles

4.65
4.66
4.93
4.40

8.25 fl. oz.

Keep in control of style for 24 hours, Anti humidity

Fruity

2

Unilever

TresemmeTresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray

Unilever Tresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray 1
4.65
Currently unavailable

Adheres Well With a Flexible Yet Firm Hold That's Easy to Comb Through

5.00
4.47
4.36
4.50

11 fl. oz.

Anti humidity

Shampoo scent

3

Kenra Professional

Kenra Volume Spray 25

Kenra Professional Kenra Volume Spray 25 1
4.52

Controls Frizz With a Soft and Natural Finish

5.00
4.50
4.22
3.75

16 fl. oz.

High humidity resistance, Super hold up, Flake-free & fast-drying

Fruity

4

Wella Operations

SEBASTIANSebastian Re-Shaper

Wella Operations Sebastian Re-Shaper 1
4.34

Distributes Evenly and Leaves Hair Smooth to the Touch

4.65
4.46
3.57
4.90

10.6 fl. oz.

Hold that bends to any shape and protects against humidity

Alcohol scent

5

The Procter & Gamble

AussieAussie Instant Freeze Hairspray

The Procter & Gamble Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray 1
4.27

Easy to Restyle With a Soft Touch Ideal for Natural Hairstyles

4.29
4.85
4.15
3.36

8.5 fl. oz.

unknown

Fruity

6

HENKEL CAPITAL

Sexy HairSexy Hair Big Spray & Play

HENKEL CAPITAL Sexy Hair Big Spray & Play 1
4.21

Strong Hold Is Ideal for Weddings or Parties Where You Want to Preserve Your Hairstyle

4.65
3.94
4.15
3.75

10 fl. oz.

Flexible medium hold, Provides medium shine

Alcohol scent

7

Unilever

TIGIBed Head by Tigi Hard Head Extreme Hold

Unilever Bed Head by Tigi Hard Head Extreme Hold 1
4.20

Decent Manageability, but Not Suited to Those Who Want a Flexible Yet Firm Hold

4.29
4.19
4.07
4.15

11.7 fl.oz.

Strongest hold

Fruity

8

Kao

KMSKMS Hairplay

Kao KMS Hairplay 1
4.14

Leaves the Hair Soft, but It Struggles to Control Shorter Strands, Compromising the Overall Finish

3.93
4.41
4.29
3.97

4.7 fl. oz.

Lightweight wax

Citrus/mint

9

Kao

John FriedaJohn Frieda Frizz Ease

Kao John Frieda Frizz Ease 1
4.07

Nozzle Has a Light Touch, but Lacks Firm Control Due to Weak Hold

3.93
4.16
4.15
4.29

12 fl. oz.

Anti humidity, Boost shine, LONG Lasting frizz control

Shampoo scent

10

Johnson & Johnson Consumer

OGXOGX Bodyfying + Bamboo Fiberfull

Johnson & Johnson Consumer OGX Bodyfying + Bamboo Fiberfull 1
4.06

Keeps Hair Smooth and Soft, but the Weak Hold Makes Hair Hard to Control

3.57
4.58
4.57
4.25

8 fl. oz.

unknown

Fruity

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1
Top Choice Hairsprays
No.1 in Scent

Garnier
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Hairspray

mybest Score
4.68
Hold
4.65
Finish
4.66
Scent
4.93
Ease of use
4.40
View on Amazon
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Hairspray 1
Lowest price
$13.65
Mid
Lowest price
$13.65
Mid
TypeKeep in control of style for 24 hours, Anti humidity
FragranceFruity

mybest's Top Choice! Balanced Hold and Flexibility That's Perfect for Natural Styles

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Hairspray claims to offer super-strong hold and flexible movement, and it absolutely delivers on this promise. When we tested it on our human-hair mannequin, even the fine, short hairs were well-tamed, achieving a clean and sleek look. It kept hair around the ears in check, resulting in a neat silhouette. After spraying, there was hardly any stickiness, leaving the hair feeling silky smooth, a feature that received high praise from our testers. Its smooth texture provides ample flexibility, allowing for easy combing, making restyling a breeze.


The mildly sweet, fruity scent is pleasing, and isn’t overbearing even several hours after applying, which scored highly with our testers. The absence of a discernible alcohol smell was also a plus. If there was one minor point of criticism, it would be that the spray nozzle requires a bit of force to press. However, it sprays evenly across the hair, so you don't need to worry about applying too much or too little. With its ability to neatly manage frizz while retaining flexibility, this hairspray is our top choice for those seeking a natural-looking hairstyle.

Amount8.25 fl. oz.
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2
No.1 in Hold

Unilever
TresemmeTresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray

mybest Score
4.65
Hold
5.00
Finish
4.47
Scent
4.36
Ease of use
4.50
Tresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray 1
Tresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray 2
Tresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray 3
Tresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray 4
Reference price
$6.98
Low Mid
Reference price
$6.98
Low Mid
TypeAnti humidity
FragranceShampoo scent

Adheres Well With a Flexible Yet Firm Hold That's Easy to Comb Through

When applied to a mannequin, Tresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray effectively kept frizzy flyaways on top and short hairs around the face under control, resulting in a well-maintained look. The spray's strong hold should allow even those with curly hair to achieve an orderly look. No hairs fell out of place and it maintained a neat appearance. While the spray was a tad sticky immediately after applying, it became silky within seconds and was easy to comb through. 


The shampoo-like scent was universally appealing, with a refreshing quality and a hint of sweetness, earning high praise from our testers. The product can be dispensed with a light push, making quantity control a breeze. This hairspray can help you tame unruly hair while retaining flexibility. It's recommended for those who don't want their hair to be overly stiff.

Amount11 fl. oz.
No.3
No.1 in Hold

Kenra Professional
Kenra Volume Spray 25

mybest Score
4.52
Hold
5.00
Finish
4.50
Scent
4.22
Ease of use
3.75
Lowest price
$20.99
High Mid
TypeHigh humidity resistance, Super hold up, Flake-free & fast-drying
FragranceFruity

Controls Frizz With a Soft and Natural Finish

Kenra Professional's Volume Spray 25 claims it can provide 120 hours of hold and 24-hour humidity resistance. When applied to a mannequin, it efficiently tamed frizz and flyaway strands, resulting in a satisfactory level of hair control. In addition to controlling frizz, the product's ability to preserve flexibility was equally impressive. The spray quickly dried after application, leaving the hair with a silky, non-sticky texture. Since the hair is smooth to comb through, it will be easy to use even for those who wish to make minor adjustments to their styling after applying the spray.


Initially, there is a hint of an alcohol smell, but it gradually gives way to a faintly sweet aroma. Impressions of the scent varied among testers, resulting in divergent opinions. The relatively large can was a bit of a struggle to handle for some, causing the product to score poorly for ease of use. The amount of spray per pump was quite generous, making it convenient for people with lots of hair. This spray provides neat control and easy, soft styling, ideal for those who want to keep their hair in place while maintaining a natural finish.

Amount16 fl. oz.
No.4
No.1 in Ease of use

Wella Operations
SEBASTIANSebastian Re-Shaper

mybest Score
4.34
Hold
4.65
Finish
4.46
Scent
3.57
Ease of use
4.90
Lowest price
$23.00
High Mid
TypeHold that bends to any shape and protects against humidity
FragranceAlcohol scent

Distributes Evenly and Leaves Hair Smooth to the Touch

When applying Sebastian Re-Shaper by Wella Operations to our mannequin’s hair, it effectively tamed flyaways, demonstrating its firm holding power. While a few strands from the back of the neck didn’t hold, the overall finish was tight. The spray dries within seconds of application, and the lack of stickiness was impressive. The smooth comb-through with no clumping makes it ideal for use on hair that's been curled with a curling iron.


With a light push, it sprays evenly, thanks to its fine mist, earning high praise in the ease-of-use evaluation. On the flip side, the smell, a mix of fruitiness and alcohol, didn't score as well among the testers, suggesting that it might not suit everyone's preferences.

Amount10.6 fl. oz.
No.5
No.1 in Finish

The Procter & Gamble
AussieAussie Instant Freeze Hairspray

mybest Score
4.27
Hold
4.29
Finish
4.85
Scent
4.15
Ease of use
3.36
Lowest price
$13.00
Low Mid
Typeunknown
FragranceFruity

Easy to Restyle With a Soft Touch Ideal for Natural Hairstyles

Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray, infused with shine-boosting jojoba oil and seaweed, has a silky post-spray texture and soft feel as if no spray was used that makes it stand out. The product's flexibility allows for combing, making it more suitable for those who want styling as natural as possible rather than achieving a super tight finish. When applied to a mannequin, it didn't quite manage to tame the flyaways, which was a concern, but it did neatly manage the hairs around the face.


While the sweet, fruity scent is pleasant, it’s mixed with an alcohol smell, which divided testers' opinions. Some testers found it challenging to use, noting that it required a strong push to spray. And since the amount released with each spray is small, you’ll need to spray several times on the same spot, making it time-consuming to cover all the hair. Achieving an even spray was challenging, and the product did not score well in the ease of use evaluation.

Amount8.5 fl. oz.
No.6

HENKEL CAPITAL
Sexy HairSexy Hair Big Spray & Play

mybest Score
4.21
Hold
4.65
Finish
3.94
Scent
4.15
Ease of use
3.75
Lowest price
$20.95
High Mid
TypeFlexible medium hold, Provides medium shine
FragranceAlcohol scent

Strong Hold Is Ideal for Weddings or Parties Where You Want to Preserve Your Hairstyle

When applied to a mannequin, Sexy Hair Big Spray & Play mostly managed to contain the hairs that tend to spring up on top, with just a few escaping. It neatly held the hairs around the face and back of the neck, earning high marks for its hold. On the flip side, the hairs tended to look whitish after spraying, which did not look good. Though there was no stickiness, hair tended to clump together, and while a comb could get through, the texture was not what you'd call flexible. It is not well suited for casual hairstyles, but is recommended for glamorous hairstyles for parties and weddings where you want your hairstyle kept intact.


The scent was unpopular among testers because it has a strong smell of alcohol, which makes it somewhat difficult to use when spraying all over the hair. In the ease-of-use evaluation, some testers commented that the can is too wide and large to hold comfortably. While it's nice that a single spray covers a large area, you can sometimes apply it too heavily, which was noted as a drawback.

Amount10 fl. oz.
No.7

Unilever
TIGIBed Head by Tigi Hard Head Extreme Hold

mybest Score
4.20
Hold
4.29
Finish
4.19
Scent
4.07
Ease of use
4.15
Lowest price
$15.48
Mid
TypeStrongest hold
FragranceFruity

Decent Manageability, but Not Suited to Those Who Want a Flexible Yet Firm Hold

When we tested Bed Head by Tigi Hard Head Extreme Hold on the mannequin, a few fine hairs on top and short hairs on the bangs and around the face were left untamed, but overall, frizz was well-managed, earning high scores in the hold test. After spraying, hair had a smooth texture with no stickiness, which was a plus. But, while a comb could get through, the hair tended to clump together and became noticeably stiff and crunchy. This hairspray is better suited for parties and wedding hairstyles that you want to keep intact for a long time.


The sweet, cherry-like scent was pleasant, but it was mixed with an alcohol smell, which lowered its rating. The scent is mild, so it may not be enough for those who want to use hairspray to mask their hair's smell. Testers liked the ease of pushing the spray nozzle, but the spray width was small and required extra effort due to needing several sprays.

Amount11.7 fl.oz.
No.8

Kao
KMSKMS Hairplay

mybest Score
4.14
Hold
3.93
Finish
4.41
Scent
4.29
Ease of use
3.97
Lowest price
$25.50
High
TypeLightweight wax
FragranceCitrus/mint

Leaves the Hair Soft, but It Struggles to Control Shorter Strands, Compromising the Overall Finish

Even after applying KMS Hairplay, hair remained soft and easy to run a comb through. It's recommended for those who want a natural hold or want to use it for curly hair. There is a slight stickiness after spraying, but it was not too bothersome. On the other hand, the strong minty smell may divide opinions. When used on our mannequin, flyaways were controlled nicely. The flexibility made it easy to style while combing, which is a plus. 


On the other hand, the short hairs around the face and ears needed to be sprayed and set several times, which was time-consuming. After a few minutes, some hairs would fall, which is not great if you’re looking for a very firm hold. In the ease of use test, the nozzle was hard to press, and it was difficult to control the amount of spray.

Amount4.7 fl. oz.
No.9

Kao
John FriedaJohn Frieda Frizz Ease

mybest Score
4.07
Hold
3.93
Finish
4.16
Scent
4.15
Ease of use
4.29
Lowest price
$13.50
Mid
TypeAnti humidity, Boost shine, LONG Lasting frizz control
FragranceShampoo scent

Nozzle Has a Light Touch, but Lacks Firm Control Due to Weak Hold

John Frieda Frizz Ease by Kao sprays easily with moderate force, which testers appreciated, but it dispenses quite a bit of product, so it may be more suited to people with lots of hair. After spraying, the hair was barely sticky at all, which was a plus. However, the hair felt hard to comb through because it became stiff and hard. It tends to clump and is not suitable for those who prefer a natural finish.


When used on a mannequin, the bangs and hair around the face were tamed, but the fine hairs on top were hard to control even after spraying several times. Some testers gave high scores to the faint shampoo-like fragrance, but those who prefer a stronger scent gave negative comments.

Amount12 fl. oz.
No.10

Johnson & Johnson Consumer
OGXOGX Bodyfying + Bamboo Fiberfull

mybest Score
4.06
Hold
3.57
Finish
4.58
Scent
4.57
Ease of use
4.25
Lowest price
$7.49
Low Mid
Typeunknown
FragranceFruity

Keeps Hair Smooth and Soft, but the Weak Hold Makes Hair Hard to Control

A few seconds after applying OGX Bodyfying + Bamboo Fiberfull, it quickly becomes smooth and neither the hair nor hands are sticky, which is a plus. The comb slides through smoothly, and the hair is soft to the touch with little stiffness. The sweet scent of coconut was well-received by testers, and is suitable for those who want a strong scent.


On the downside, perhaps due to the flexible finish, when actually used on a mannequin the hold was weak and shorter hairs did not stay down. Those who want to preserve their morning hairstyle throughout the day may be disappointed. While the light touch of the nozzle and the ease of use are advantages, the width of each spritz is small, so you need to spray several times to cover a larger area, which can be irritating.

Amount8 fl. oz.

The Sweet, Refreshing Scent Is Pleasing, but Stickiness Is a Problem

The Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Spray Wax by John Paul Mitchell Systems has a sweet and refreshing scent, reminiscent of tropical fruits, which received high praise from testers for being pleasant even after an extended time. The slim bottle feels firm in the hand and the pump is easy to press, which left a good impression. It sprays just the right amount with one push, so there is little need to worry about applying too much.


However, when actually used on a mannequin, the hold was weak, and it was not able to control flyaways. Even some time after application, the hair felt sticky, and the tacky texture made it difficult to manage. The stickiness causes the comb to get stuck in the hair, so it won’t slide through smoothly. If sprayed all over, it tends to become sticky and results in an unnatural finish, making it best suited for those who only want to use it on specific areas like bangs and hair around the ear.

Amount7.5 fl. oz.
No.12

HENKEL CAPITAL
SchwarzkopfSchwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray

mybest Score
3.92
Hold
4.65
Finish
4.09
Scent
3.00
Ease of use
4.00
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray 1
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray 2
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray 3
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray 4
Typeunknown
FragranceAlcohol scent

Good Adhesion Helps Tame Flyaways, but the Alcohol Smell Can Be Irritating

The Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray adhered to the hair well and effectively tamed flyaways and shorter hairs on our test mannequin. It dries quickly after spraying, transforming into a smooth, non-sticky texture. Although you can comb through the hair, it clumps a bit, which may look overstyled for those who prefer a more natural finish. This product is suitable for hairstyles that you want to keep intact during intense activities or at parties or weddings.


It's nice that it dispenses just the right amount of spray in one push, but you will need to press down fairly hard on the nozzle. In the scent test, the strong smell of alcohol might cause some hesitation if you plan to use it over a large area, which negatively affected the ratings.

Amount12 fl. oz.
No.13

Unilever
SuaveSuave Non-Aerosol Hairspray

mybest Score
3.84
Hold
3.57
Finish
4.14
Scent
4.00
Ease of use
3.90
Lowest price
$3.99
Low
TypeNever too stiff or sticky, Powerful style control
FragranceAlcohol scent

Doesn't Leave Much Sticky Residue, but Small Amount of Spray per Pump Is a Drawback

Unilever's Suave Non-Aerosol Hairspray had a weak hold when used on our mannequin, and short hairs wouldn’t stay in place, resulting in a less unified finish. It might be unsatisfactory for those who want to keep loose hairs in check or those who want a neat finish. On the other hand, it does not feel too sticky after spraying, which leaves a good impression. 


Many testers were bothered by the alcohol smell, which hampered the product's scent score. It's a mist type with a nozzle that’s easy to press, but you need to spray several times to cover the entire head. And, if you apply too much in the same spot, the hair tends to get crunchy, which can make it a bit inconvenient to use.

Amount11 fl. oz.
No.14

The Procter & Gamble
PantenePantene Pro-V Lightweight Hairspray

mybest Score
3.82
Hold
3.57
Finish
3.82
Scent
4.29
Ease of use
4.15
Lowest price
$16.22
Mid
TypeProvides a smooth, controlled finish
FragranceFruity

The Mild Floral Scent Was Pleasant, but It Leaves White Residue

Pantene Pro-V Lightweight Hairspray has a sweet, candy-like scent was well received by the testers. The mild fragrance should be pleasant even to those who are sensitive to smells. While the large nozzle is nice, some testers found it needed a strong push, which divided opinions on its ease of use.


When tested on the mannequin, while the hair around the hairline, face, and back of the neck was tamed, the flyaway hairs on top wouldn’t stay down no matter how many times they were sprayed, and the finish was not quite satisfactory. Because of its flexibility, you can easily comb through to set the hair. However, the hair tends to turn white after spraying, which was not a good look.

Amount7.0 fl. oz.
No.15

Farouk Systems
CHIChi Spray Wax

Lowest price
$20.59
High Mid
TypePliable hold, Touchable finish, Flexible control
FragranceFloral

Promises to Manage Frizz, but Scent and Ease of Use Were an Issue

When tested on a mannequin, short hairs on the forehead and fine hairs on the top stuck out, but overall, CHI Spray Wax produced a neat and tidy finish. On the other hand, after spraying, the hair tended to turn white, and even when dry it had a sticky texture that made it hard to run a comb through. It left the hair feeling stiff.


The strong, artificial perfume-like scent lowered its ratings. In the ease of use test, the pump was stiff, requiring quite a bit of strength to press. Also, controlling the amount of spray was difficult, causing sections of hair to become hard and crunchy. The resulting finish looked unnatural, which was a concern.

Amount7 fl. oz.

How We Tested the Hairsprays

Hairsprays Evaluation
We gathered 15 of the top-selling hairspray products from online retailers like Amazon and Walmart, and conducted thorough testing to determine the best amongst them. At mybest, we consider an excellent hairspray one that effectively manages frizz, doesn't leave a sticky residue, is easy to spray, and has a pleasant fragrance.

To find the best product, we conducted tests in four areas:

  • Hold
  • Finish
  • Scent
  • Ease of use

Products we tested

  1. Farouk SystemsCHIChi Spray Wax
  2. GarnierGarnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Hairspray
  3. HENKEL CAPITALSchwarzkopfSchwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray
  4. HENKEL CAPITALSexy HairSexy Hair Big Spray & Play
  5. Johnson & Johnson ConsumerOGXOGX Bodyfying + Bamboo Fiberfull
  6. KaoJohn FriedaJohn Frieda Frizz Ease
  7. KaoKMSKMS Hairplay
  8. Kenra ProfessionalKenra Volume Spray 25
  9. Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Spray Wax
  10. The Procter & GamblePantenePantene Pro-V Lightweight Hairspray
  11. The Procter & GambleAussieAussie Instant Freeze Hairspray
  12. UnileverTIGIBed Head by Tigi Hard Head Extreme Hold
  13. UnileverTresemmeTresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray
  14. UnileverSuaveSuave Non-Aerosol Hairspray
  15. Wella OperationsSEBASTIANSebastian Re-Shaper
1

Hold

Hold
The ability of a hairspray to effectively manage and maintain hairstyles is essential. We evaluated this aspect by styling a mannequin with real hair in an updo and rating the products' holds. We tested for the following:

  • Does it effectively tame hairs around the face?
  • Does it manage hair around the back of the neck?
  • Does it control flyaways on top of the head?
2

Finish

Finish
Ideally, a hairspray should offer a soft finish rather than leaving the hair unnaturally stiff. We sprayed the products on sections of human hair, and after letting them dry, had four female testers evaluate the finish. These are the qualities we checked:

  • Does the product leave any white residue?
  • Does the hair feel sticky?
  • Can the hair still be combed through easily?
3

Scent

Scent

The fragrance of a hairspray can significantly influence the overall user experience, especially when left in for long periods. We had five testers evaluate the scent of these products. We checked the following:


  • Does it maintain a pleasant scent for a long time after applying?
4

Ease of Use

Ease of Use
A hairspray that’s easy to use is key for ensuring successful styling without any hassle. We had five testers spray the product on sections of hair and rate their ease of use based on the following:

  • Is the product easy to spray?
  • Does it spray a decent amount?

Top 5 Hairsprays

No. 1: GarnierGarnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Hairspray

No. 2: UnileverTresemmeTresemme Extra Hold Hair Spray

No. 3: Kenra ProfessionalKenra Volume Spray 25

No. 4: Wella OperationsSEBASTIANSebastian Re-Shaper

No. 5: The Procter & GambleAussieAussie Instant Freeze Hairspray

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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