Types of Hairsprays Explained: How to Find the Right One for Your Style Goals
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Most women have a hairspray on hand in their arsenal of styling products, and typically it’s their go-to for traditional “freeze-the-look” results.
But hairsprays have come a long way since they first appeared on the scene in the 1940s, and if you think LASTING HOLD is the only benefit of a hairspray, think again!
Today, there’s a vast array of hairsprays that deliver a whole spectrum of styling outcomes, from glam “event” hairstyles that are locked in for the long-haul to soft, moveable textures that look effortlessly natural but have serious style-holding enhanced memory.
It’s true, all types of hairsprays have one thing in common: their role is to make your hair behave in ways that it never would (or could!) on its own.
But the commonality stops there. Thanks to innovative new hairspray technologies, today there are sprays engineered to prep, control, shape, mould and hold your hair to varying degrees for varying results.
It can be overwhelming to figure out what type of hairspray you should use to make your hair look and feel the way you want!
So, in this guide, we want to help you answer questions such as:
Are you using a hard hold finishing spray when you actually need a texturising one?
Are you making your hair crispy and breakable instead of bendable and brushable?
Are you using a legacy hairspray formula (like your mum's favourite!) that’s actually outdated and possibly even causing issues like dehydration and colour warping?
For sure, the right hairspray can work miracles! But the WRONG hairspray...
might not be providing the lasting lift and style support you need
might be limiting your ability and options to re-style without re-washing your hair
could be darkening, distorting or yellowing your colour
might even dehydrate your hair and make it brittle
We’re breaking down the most common types of hairsprays so you can confidently pick the ones you need to hit your styling goals and keep your hair strong and healthy-looking.
Do I need more than one type of hairspray?
We asked professional stylist, Giles Robinson, who answered back: “Well, do you need more than one type of shoe?!”
Ok, point made! Just like sneakers and stilettos both have their place in your closet – sometimes one hairspray is more appropriate than another, depending on your styling process and the end results you want.
Professional hairstylists actually use dozens of types of hairsprays for styling and finishing.
But at the bare minimum, they have these 3 basic types of hairspray in their kit to deal with different hair types and different styling challenges:
1. Shape, Mould + Hold - Flexible, Working Hairsprays
If you only think of hairspray as the final step in your routine, it’s time to let go of that mindset and learn how using a brush-able working spray can level up your styling game from the get-go.
Flexible hold hairsprays can be applied to hair any time during the styling process. Brush-able, bendable, and endlessly versatile, these indispensable sprays and mists are the key to making hair obey… and stay!
When to use flexible, working hairsprays:
- Everyday styles: Soft waves, loose curls, or relaxed ponytails that need gentle hold without stiffness.
- Taming flyaways: Keeps frizz and stray hairs under control while maintaining a smooth, polished finish.
- Snatched ponytails and sleek looks: Provides control and a clean look without making hair feel crunchy or weighed down.
- Natural movement: Holds your style in place while allowing hair to move freely and bounce naturally.
- Workable hold: Great for styles that might need adjusting or refreshing throughout the day—this spray lets you reshape without residue.
Our favourite flexible, working hairsprays:
Cult Favorite
Celeb stylist Chris Appleton is a huge fan of aerosol, flexible sprays like Color Wow Cult Favorite, that empower him to manipulate hair without worrying about crunch, stiffness or even using too much.
Appleton, known for his signature glam, celebrity styles, uses Cult Favorite “like scaffolding”.
“Cult Favorite is super lightweight, easily brush-able, so it’s perfect for building structure into the style. I can keep layering it through the hair – you really can’t use too much!”
More than just flexible hold, Cult Favorite provides heat protection so you can flat iron or set hair with hot rollers and get soft, natural long-lasting style results.
Get in Shape
UK-based stylist Dom Seeley prefers non-aerosol working hairsprays like Color Wow’s Get in Shape* to prep hair and help coach it into shape.
“This is my absolute go-to styling tool - it gives me the super power to sculpt, mould and create shape into the hair. Plus it provides lasting, ultra natural looking hold and brilliant shine.”
Versatile aerosol sprays (which work on all hair types) are heavier mist and make the hair a little damp while styling so it stays soft, brushable and extremely manageable.
With a light application of Get in Shape, the most uncooperative, style-resistant strands can be coaxed and moulded into shape that lasts.
Get In Shape’s unique polymer blend gives hair body and bendable, pliable qualities. Hair remains brush-able, without stiffness or stickiness, making it ideal for building and sculpting styles as you go… AND locking in the look!
The result? Glossy, glam styles that hold their shape and look, feel and move naturally.
*(Color Wow Get In Shape is currently only available in UK market.)
2. Strong Hold Hairspray: Lock in Style for the Long-Haul
Strong hold hairsprays are all about structure, control and endurance. Whether you’re facing a windy day, a packed dance floor, or just need your special hair style to last through a long event, or active competition, this is your secret weapon.
When to use strong hold hairsprays:
- Anytime you want to lock in the look!
- Special occasions: Great for weddings, parties, or events where your hair has to hold up under pressure.
- Sports competitions and performances: Dance, cheerleading, gymnastics—any time you need secure styles that won’t budge.
- Humidity or wind protection: Keeps frizz and flyaways at bay, even in extreme weather.
Our favourite strong hold hairspray:
Texas Hold 'Em is a radical new type of strong-hold hairspray that locks styles in place but deposits less alcohol on the hair than typical firm hold formulas.
Easy to apply for an all-over firm finish or targeted spot control, it delivers long-lasting hold that defies humidity.
This powerful, fast-drying formula keeps big volume styles from flopping, falling or frizzing all day. Plus, unlike many competitive sprays, it was formulated with crystal clear resins so it won’t dull, darken or yellow hair colour.
3. Texturising Hairspray: Voluminous Chic in a Bottle
Texturising hairsprays are designed to give your hair body, volume and “guts” so you can easily create that undone, tousled look without stiffness.
When to use texturising hairsprays:
- On clean hair to add grip and body
- Before roller setting or heat styling to give hair grip
- After curling to break up curls or add volume
- At the roots for lift
- On second-day hair to revive flat texture
Our favourite texturising hairspray:
Color Wow's Style on Steroids is a colour-safe texturising spray designed to add instant volume and texture without compromising hair colour.
Unlike many texture sprays, it won’t dry out strands, won’t leave them stiff or sticky, and won’t “fuse” hair into clumps when hot tools are used.
Hairspray vs. Other Styling Products: Your Questions Answered
Is Finishing Spray the Same as Hairspray?
“Finishing spray” is any spray you apply after styling and there are several types. A “finishing spray’ could provide strong hold. Or, it could simply deliver glossy sheen or UV protection or even a special fragrance.
Most finishing sprays are good for taming flyaways and creating a sleek finish, but other hairsprays (e.g. those defined as “strong hold” or “flexible hold”) are what you need to shape and lock in styles.
Is Hairspray Better than Gel?
It depends on your styling needs. Hairspray is great for setting styles, providing hold, and taming flyaways without weighing hair down.
Gel, on the other hand, offers stronger control for slicked-back looks or defining curls but can feel heavier and less flexible.
Texture Spray vs Hairspray vs Wax: What’s the Difference?
- Texture Spray: Designed to add volume, grit, and a tousled, lived-in look without stiffness. It’s perfect for enhancing beachy waves, braids, or creating effortless movement and body.
- Hairspray: Offers hold and control to help styles last longer, with formulas ranging from flexible to strong hold. It can add volume, give hair pliability, smooth flyaways, or lock styles in place, depending on the product you choose.
-
Wax: Provides strong, moldable hold and definition, often with a matte or shiny finish. It’s ideal for short hair, precise styling, or creating piecey texture and separation.
Whether you’re creating relaxed, tousled waves, crafting a sleek, sculpted updo, or smoothing down stubborn flyaways, hairspray is your ultimate styling sidekick. It delivers the two key elements every style needs: control and hold.
In short, it lets you shape and secure your hair to do things it wouldn’t naturally do—and keeps it looking flawless. And remember, hairspray works best as part of a holistic hair care routine. Pair it with products that support your hair and scalp, like Color Wow Money Masque for weightless hydration, or Dream Coat to banish frizz and create a silky-smooth finish before you even reach for the hairspray.
Ready to up your styling game? Start by exploring which type of hairspray fits your needs—and get ready for hairstyles that truly wow.
Read more about hairsprays on the Color Wow Blog:
Not sure where to start on your Color Wow hair journey? Take our 60-second hair quiz to discover the perfect personalised routine for your hair type.
