beauty
Curls for days, promise
By Marissa Wu
•
Published Sep 16, 2024
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My hair has three major defining features: It’s straight, thin and it doesn’t hold any shape. I learned this early on, when, after my mother had slaved for an hour to curl my hair, it fell flat within minutes, despite the fact that the hairspray bottle said “firm hold.” Since then, I set off to determine the best hairspray for fine hair, and after weeks of testing myriad brands and living through heat waves and crazy humidity, these are 13 that passed the test. They include the multi-hyphenate and best overall winner Bumble & bumble’s Dryspun ($16), budget-friendly Tresemmé Très Two Extra Hold Hairspray (was $24, now $23) and curl-holding Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray ($30). I also spoke with two celebrity hairstylists about their application tips and tricks.
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The Best Hairspray for Fine Hair at a Glance
1
Best Overall Hairspray for Fine Hair
Bumble and bumble Dryspun Texture Spray
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3
Most Affordable Hairspray for Fine Hair
Tresemmé Très Two Extra Hold Hairspray
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Meet the Experts
- Cynthia Alvarez is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with the likes of Alicia Keys, Ego Nwodim, Becky G, Shakira and Dascha Polanco. Alvarez specializes in extensions and wigs, as well as styling, cutting and braiding. Her work has been featured in Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle.
- Chaz Dean is a celebrity hairstylist, colorist and the founder of the WEN hair and body care line. Dean has over 25 years of experience, and his salon has styled the likes of Ming-Na Wen, Nicole Murphy, Gilles Marini, Alyssa Milano, Gwyneth Paltrow and many others. WEN is also the winner of multiple QVC Beauty Awards.
How I Researched and Tested the Best Hairsprays for Fine Hair
To create this list of the 13 best hairsprays for fine hair, I reached out to my favorite hairstylists and asked them for their recommendations. I also combed through data in Google Trends and forums like Reddit to see what people were searching for and loving. Additionally, I polled fellow PureWow editors about the hairsprays they used. Ultimately, I ended up considering 25 hairsprays, testing as many as I could and evaluating them on efficacy (did they do what they promised?), ease of use, longevity and scent. Throughout the testing process, I followed the directions for each product and curled my notoriously flat hair with either the T3 Curl ID curling iron ($249) or the Dyson Airwrap ($599). Then, I went about my daily life in New York City—through multiple heat waves and oppressive humidity (we’re talking 92 percent one day)—to see how each hairspray held up. Below are the ones that made the cut.
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Best Overall Hairspray for Fine Hair
1. Bumble and bumble Dryspun Texture Spray
What We Like
- great volume boost
- heat protection
- holds shape for days
What We Don't Like
- not ideal for curly hair
Bumble and Bumble
Out of all the hairsprays I tested for this article, Bumble and bumble’s Dryspun blew me away. It’s a volume spray, dry shampoo, texture spray and hairspray all in one. The initial claim that it would provide three days’ hold had me skeptical—but I tried it and can confirm my hair looked just as fresh as it did on day one as it did on day two. When I say my hair looked the best it's ever looked, I’m not exaggerating. Dryspun allowed my hair to hold its shape very well, while feeling natural and silky.
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: silk powder, glycerin, hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Size: 1.5oz, 3.6oz and 8.2oz
Best Volumizing Hairspray for Fine Hair
2. R+Co Bleu Featherlight Hairspray
What We Like
- lightweight
- adds texture without being crispy
- pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
- expensive
- not great in humidity
R+Co
One hiccup I often run into when trying to amp up the volume of my hair is the grittiness. I hate sprays that feel crispy and leave my hair looking like I touched an electric wire. (It’s happened.) I found that R+Co Bleu’s Featherlight hairspray was the happy medium between natural-feeling strands and more volume/texture. Though the hold didn’t perform the best in the crazy humidity NYC’s been experiencing lately, the hairspray helped my hair maintain its volume and by the end of the day I was left with some fun loose waves. The formula features vitamin B (keeps hair soft), flower extract (smooths) and styling resins (hold), packaged in a light aerosol that’s got a gentle, fresh scent.
Fast Facts
- Hold: flexible, light
- Ingredients: vitamin B, flower extract, styling resins
- Size: 8.3 ounces
Most Affordable Hairspray for Fine Hair
3. Tresemmé Très Two Extra Hold Hairspray
What We Like
- affordable
- strong hold without being crunchy
- smooth nozzle and application
What We Don't Like
- not great in extreme humidity
Tresemmé
When I think of extreme hold, I think crunch. However, Tresemmé manages to deliver with the lightest mist and most natural results I’ve ever experienced. The hairspray isn’t supremely crunchy, but does add a pleasant amount of texture. It’s also easy to use—the best experience I’ve had by far. The nozzle is not at all sticky, while the hairspray itself is an ultra-fine mist that doesn’t feel like you’re being enveloped in a cloud of fire extinguisher. And, at 85 cents per ounce, it’s one of the least expensive buys on this list.
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: citronellol, geraniol (rose scents), copolymers (for hold)
- Size: 12oz, 14.6oz
Best Non-Aerosol Hairspray for Fine Hair
What We Like
- no hydrocarbons
- nice scent
- fine mist
What We Don't Like
- pump can be leaky
- leaves hair crunchy
R+Co
If you’re wanting to avoid the ubiquitous hydrocarbons found in aerosol hairsprays, R+Co’s Backbend is the best non-aerosol hairspray for fine hair. Of course, you will have to compromise on some features, such as continuous spray and the fact that the mist will be less fine. However, I found that Backbend had a nice, light scent and a pretty strong hold—though it won’t hold up well in humidity. Initially, your hair will feel a tad crispy, but that’s easily solved by combing the product through your hair. The brand loads the formula with black currant (frizz control), blueberry extract (shine and bounce) and plum seed oil (antioxidant protection and hydration).
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: black currant, blueberry extract, plum seed oil, vegan proteins, nettle extract
- Size: 4.2oz
Best Drugstore Hairspray for Fine Hair
5. Got2B Glued Blasting Freeze
What We Like
- super-strong hold
- can style both wet and dry looks
What We Don't Like
- finicky application process
Got2B
“I have incredibly fine hair. With no product, hair ties and clips slip down super easily, curls are gone within an hour, half-up styles are falling out if I turn my head too quickly—all of this to say, I need a super-strong hold hair spray to get whatever style I’m going for,” explains editor Olivia Dubyak. “My go-to? Got2B Glued spray. I have been using this since high school (a good 12 years now) and it keeps everything locked exactly where I want it to be. It’s definitely got a harder finish, but I find if you lightly spritz several inches away from your head, it won't look shiny. Another key thing I’ve learned with this formula is to make sure you don’t touch the area you sprayed until it's dry or else it will look gelled and wet. It may be finicky as far as technique goes, but once you see how it reacts on your hair, it's a must-have if you’ve got slippery hair like me.”
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Size: 12oz
Best Hairspray for Fine Hair That’s Not Sticky
6. Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray
What We Like
- heat protection
- light texture
- pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
- doesn’t perform well in humidity
Living Proof
As discussed, sticky hair is an unpleasant feeling. To avoid that, I recommend Living Proof’s Style Lab Flex Hairspray. The end result is a light texture, but nothing super crunchy—my hair remained brushable. This is a medium-hold hairspray that works on all hair types and textures. Ingredients like vitamin B condition the hair, while the brand’s Flexible Web Technology allows you to apply it to wet or dry hair. There’s also the added bonus of heat protection, which was a plus for me as I try to limit the amount of products I use on my hair.
Fast Facts
- Hold: medium
- Ingredients: vitamin B, conditioning emollient, Flexible Web Technology
- Size: 3oz, 7.5oz
Best Hairspray for Humidity
7. ColorWOW Cult Favorite Hairspray
What We Like
- tamed frizz
- strong hold
- no scent
What We Don't Like
- some buyers report it doesn’t hold up in humidity
ColorWow
“I find the Color Wow to have a light-but-effective hold in my hair, which is naturally wavy but tends to frizz and fall in humidity,” says PureWow senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida. “I spritzed this on before a day spent outdoors in July and my curls held on all day, with less frizz and no hard, crunchy feeling (and I used quite a bit). I also love that there’s barely any smell.” This hairspray is brushable and flexible with heat and UV protection.
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: hydrolyzed keratin, citric acid
- Size: 1.5oz, 10oz
Best Flexible Hairspray for Fine Hair
8. Kristin Ess Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray
What We Like
- affordable
- heat protection
- great hold
What We Don't Like
- some buyers find the scent is too strong
Kristin Ess
This is my number two to Bumble and bumble in terms of ease. Kristin Ess’s Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray offers heat protection and the ability to dry style, which I’ve learned is my preferred method. I tested this hairspray on a day when it was wretchedly humid outside, and to my surprise, it held my hairstyle pretty well. The other thing I loved was that the formula is super flexible and weightless—I literally couldn't feel it in my hair. My strands maintained their silky texture, while staying curled.
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: mango seed butter, glycerin
- Size: 7.5oz
Best Lightweight Hairspray for Fine Hair
What We Like
- lightweight
- brushable
- pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
- some buyers report that nozzle can clog
Verb
“Ghost” seems like a fitting name for a lightweight hairspray. Verb’s is an ultra-fine formula featuring vitamin B and moringa oil to smooth frizz. It dispenses like a cloud for a flexible, medium hold. I’ll note that when you first apply it, the spray can feel crunchy, but combing out your hair will soften things, while still maintaining your style. The scent isn’t overpowering either; it smells like fresh laundry.
Fast Facts
- Hold: medium
- Ingredients: moringa oil, vitamin B
- Size: 7oz
Best Hold Hairspray for Fine Hair
What We Like
- strong hold
- adds texture
- good value
What We Don't Like
- very crunchy
Kenra
A friend introduced me to Kenra’s volume spray years ago, and it’s one of the few beauty products I actually buy. The volume and hold are INTENSE—though the trade-off is that your hair will be extremely crunchy. However, I find that brushing the product through my hair helps to taper the crispiness, and it mellows as the day goes on. You also don’t need a ton of product to achieve the extreme hold, and as someone whose hair needs all the help it can get, this is a welcome perk. I like stocking up on the two-pack at Amazon, which puts it about $1.80/ounce.
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: hydrolyzed wheat protein,panthenol
- Size: 10oz, 16oz
Best Gel Hairspray for Fine Hair
What We Like
- adds volume
- strong hold
- weightless
What We Don't Like
- scent can be overwhelming initially
Biolage
This is technically not a spray, but I thought it was too good not to share. Biolage’s Gelée Styler blows drugstore hair gel out of the water. The caveat is that you apply it to wet hair. I was skeptical at first, but after blow drying and heat styling, my hair felt smooth and silky with an added volume boost. For a moment I thought, I’m definitely losing these curls. But no—my curls lasted all day, despite being whipped around by the wind. Volume and curls made it through intact, and I loved that my hair felt natural and not sticky. The only con for me is that right out of the bottle, the scent is cloyingly sweet. Luckily, it doesn’t stick around.
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: blue agave nectar
- Size: 17oz
Best Hairspray to Hold Curls
12. Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray
What We Like
- flexible and workable
- lightweight
What We Don't Like
- some buyers say nozzle clogs easily
Sebastian
“When I want a lightweight finish for my curls or straightened styles, I opt for this effective-yet-weightless spray,” Dubyak tells me. “It’s described as extra-hold, but make no mistake: It won’t leave your hair feeling like cement. My hair is still very workable after application and if I spray it through my hair and brush it out, it helps my curls stay longer because it gives my locks a little grit.”
Fast Facts
- Hold: strong
- Ingredients: glycerin, panthenol
- Size: 10.6oz
When shopping for hairspray for fine hair, there are a few factors to consider, as different sprays are formulated to yield different results.
“If you’re looking to add more texture, you might want to test out a texture spray, and if you’re looking for a serious hold, you’ll want to go with a freeze spray,” Alvarez advises.
For those looking for “healthy” or “natural” hairsprays, Dean notes that you’ll want to avoid ingredients such as propane, butane, isobutane and vinyl acetate. Additionally, he says, “Avoid products containing drying, damaging and harsh chemicals like propane, butane, isobutane or vinyl acetate. Instead, look for brands containing skin-loving ingredients that will help hydrate, treat and condition your hair while delivering shine, hold and flexibility.”
Then there’s the crunch factor, and Dean has a trick for determining what kind of finish a hairspray will leave behind. “A good rule of thumb is that if it feels tacky, sticky or heavy on your skin, it will leave your hair the same way,” he says. “[When applying hairspray], I suggest spraying it an arm’s length away and misting in a circular motion as you spray so you’re not spraying directly onto one spot. Spritz lightly and let it dry. Layering it like this creates a firmer hold.”
What’s the Best Overall Hairspray for Fine Hair?
After extensive research and consulting with hair professionals, Bumble & bumble’s Dryspun proved itself to be the best overall hairspray for fine hair. The lightweight formula adds texture and volume without leaving the hair crunchy, and it acts as a dry shampoo and heat protectant. Additionally, your hairstyle will last for days—I tried it and was shocked that my hair looked fresh at the end of day two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Hairspray for Fine Hair?
After testing dozens of hairsprays, I’ve concluded that Bumble & bumble’s Dryspun is the best hairspray for fine hair. It’s a four-in-one product: hairspray, texture spray, volumizer and heat protectant. It’s lightweight, leaves your hair feeling smooth and your hairstyle really will last for days when you use it.
Does Hairspray Work on Fine Hair?
Yes, hairspray works for fine hair, and can even lend it a bump in volume and texture. Just opt for a lightweight spray if you want to avoid crunchy locks or have thin hair that is easily weighed down.
Can You Apply Hairspray on Wet and Dry Hair?
While some of the hairsprays I’ve selected above can be applied to damp hair, in general, Alvarez recommends only applying hairspray to dry hair.
What Is the Best Heat Protectant for Fine Hair?
I’ve tested tons of heat protectants for fine hair and can confidently say that some of my favorites are the Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream, R+Co Bleu Hypersonic Heat Styling Mist and Kérastase Genesis Défense Thermique. But if you want a truly all-in-one product, go for Bumble & bumble’s Dryspun.
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The 11 Best Texture Sprays for Fine Hair, Tested and Reviewed
Marissa Wu
SEO Editor
- Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
- Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
- Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University
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