What Does Hairspray Do? Let’s Ask Dr. Joe How It Works and Why You Need It
Hairspray is the ultimate game-changer in any hair routine. It’s not just about “locking in” a style—it’s about giving your hair the control, hold, and capacity to do what it wouldn’t naturally do.
Whether you’re sculpting a sleek updo, getting curtain bangs to hang perfectly or creating volume that defies gravity, hairspray helps you push the limits of your style and make it last.
But here’s the thing: today’s hairsprays do so much more than hold.
Innovative formulas, like our Texas Hold 'Em Hairspray, deliver humidity resistance, frizz control and UV protection too, making them ideal for high-stakes styles that need to stay locked in place no matter what.
If you’re at the start of your styling process—shaping, brushing, or molding your look into place—Get In Shape Working Hairspray is your essential 2-in-1.
This non-aerosol, flexible hold spray empowers you to sculpt styles with control, then lock them in with long-lasting memory, shine, and heat protection—without stiffness or residue.
So whatever your hair type or style vision, think of hairspray as your go-to styling ally, pre-, during and post-styling! – to help you achieve looks you didn’t think were possible.
How Does Hairspray Work?
Different types of hairsprays work differently to control hair.
Our Chief Chemist, Dr. Joe Cincotta, weighs in on the science behind the range of sprays and how they help create and hold styles.
“The difference between soft, medium and hard hold is the flexibility of the polymer film left behind on the hair. The hard hold hair spray creates a more rigid film that dries very quickly whereas the soft hold hairspray leaves behind a more elastic much less rigid film."
WHAT ARE THE KEY INGREDIENTS AT WORK IN HAIRSPRAYS?
“Hairspray works through a blend of polymers dissolved in a fast drying medium or liquid. When you spray it onto your hair, the product’s liquid formulation turns into a fine mist.
As it dries, the polymers in the formula form a thin, flexible film on the surface of your hair strands. This film acts like a lightweight “glue” that holds your hair in place."
Polymers are the key ingredient for hold. They give hair pliability and have fixative properties so you can create structure and keep the hair situated where you want it.
Solvents are used to convey and distribute polymers onto the hair. On application, these agents evaporate leaving polymer behind.
The most advanced modern hairspray formulas also include mosturizers, heat protection and shine-enhancing agents for added softness and gloss.
When Was Hairspray Invented?
Hairspray as we know it today was invented in the 1940s, but its roots go back even further.
In the 19th century, women relied on sticky mixtures like gum arabic to keep their hairstyles in place. Thankfully, innovation took over, and by the mid-20th century, aerosol technology revolutionized haircare.
In the 1950s and 60s, hairspray became a household staple, with brands developing formulas tailored to trends like the bouffant and beehive, which required maximum hold. But as lifestyles evolved, so did hairspray.
Women and professional hair stylists wanted more flexibility, comfort, and versatility, so manufacturers adapted, creating formulas to deliver lightweight, touchable hold, along with benefits like humidity resistance and frizz control. Today there’s a whole spectrum of hairsprays that work in different ways, helping you achieve the look you want and keep it for a long time.
How Should I Use Hairspray, and How Long Does It Last?
How you use hairspray—and how long it lasts—depends entirely on the formula you choose and your styling goals.
1. Strong Hold Hairsprays
A strong-hold spray like Texas Hold 'Em Hairspray is ideal for structured styles like sleek updos or voluminous blowouts that need to stay put all day.
This radical NEW type of hairspray is perfect for big volume Texas-sized styles. Plus, it features heat protection, a rare blend of emollients and it deposits less alcohol on your hair so it’s gentler on strands.
2. Flexible Hold Hairsprays
Meanwhile, a flexible-hold spray like Cult Favorite is ideal for working with hair as you style. It gives your hair body and guts and is perfect for building up layers or creating soft waves and more relaxed, touchable styles.
Cult Favorite is totally brushable, meaning you can always change your mind and change your style because the hair is not firmly fixed in place.
3. Working Hairsprays
For styles that need both flexible shaping and long-lasting memory, Get In Shape Working Hairspray is your go-to.
Unlike traditional finishing sprays, this non-aerosol, buildable hairspray is designed to be used during the styling process—giving you time to sculpt, mold, and finesse your style before locking it in.
It’s infused with elastic shaping polymers, which stretch and move with your hair, so styles look polished but never feel stiff. Plus, it offers heat protection, super-glossy shine, and brushable control that won’t flake or leave residue.
Pro stylists love it because it’s endlessly reworkable—you can shape now, and lock in later.
Best Hair Care Routine to Prevent Hairspray Build Up
Adding hairspray products to your styling arsenal is a no-brainer. Hairspray is an “instant gratification” superstar styler!
With virtually no effort, (and no special skills required!) you can completely transform your hair and look with a fresh style that lasts a long time!
It’s easy to see why hairspray is a daily go-to for so many people... and an indispensable necessity for pro stylists. So, should you worry about hairspray buildup? Not at all... provided you’re already in the habit of basic, “healthy hair care” best practices.
1. Wash Your Hair Properly
If you’re using hairspray regularly, washing your hair more frequently is key to avoiding buildup.
Skipping washes or relying heavily on traditional dry shampoo formulas can allow residue to accumulate, which may dull, dehydrate or even damage your hair over time. Washing your hair 2–3 times a week—or more if needed based on your styling habits—will help keep your strands and scalp optimally fresh and clean.
2. Focus on Scalp Health
To keep your scalp in optimal condition, incorporate products like Youth Juice Scalp Treatment into your routine.
This concentrated serum helps nourish your scalp and create the ideal environment for stronger, healthier-looking hair.
3. Hydrate Regularly
Hairsprays (especially sprays that deposit heavy amounts of alcohol on hair) can sometimes dry out your hair.
Look for a hairspray that deposits reduced alcohol on your hair. And, incorporate a weekly deep hydrating product into your routine, like Color Wow Money Masque, a deep conditioning treatment that restores moisture and leaves your hair soft, shiny, and healthy-looking.
Your Hairspray FAQs Answered
Does hairspray damage hair?
Hairsprays that deposit heavy amounts of alcohol on hair or make strands crispy and brittle can dehydrate and/or damage your hair.
Especially if you have fragile, bleached, or over-processed hair, brushing or tugging at hardened hairspray can result in breakage.
Heavy hairspray use can also lead to product buildup, which may make hair feel dull or dry over time.
To avoid this, use a sulphate-free shampoo like Color Security Shampoo to gently remove residue and follow up with a hydrating conditioner to keep your hair soft and healthy.
Can I dye my hair with hairspray on it?
It’s best to wash out any hairspray before dyeing your hair. Hairspray creates a light coating on your strands, which can interfere with how the colour adheres to your hair.
To get the best results, cleanse your hair with a residue-free shampoo before your colouring appointment.
Can you use hairspray on wet hair?
Most flexible-hold styling sprays (aka “working sprays”) can be used on damp (NOT soaking wet!) hair. These types of sprays become firmer as the product dries.
A perfect example is Get In Shape. This non-aerosol, 2-in-1 spray is specifically designed for sculpting styles and can be used on either damp or dry hair.
It provides pliable hold, heat protection, and shine, making it ideal for use while blow-drying or using hot tools.
Whether you're creating waves or molding a voluminous pony, Get In Shape gives you control as you’re working, then sets your style in place—all without stiffness or residue.
Strong hold hairsprays are designed to be used on dry hair. Spraying it onto wet hair can dilute the formula, making it ineffective and potentially leaving hair sticky.
Dr. Joe emphasizes:
“I would not suggest applying a hard hold hairspray to wet hair since in many cases the polymers are not soluble in water and it can create a mess on the hair surface. Finishing products are designed for use on dry hair.”
Hairspray is more than just a styling product—it’s a powerful tool that gives your hair the hold, control, and freedom to achieve styles you wouldn’t normally be able to pull off.
Understanding how to choose and use the right formula ensures your style stays exactly how you want it.
Read more about styling and hair science on the Color Wow Blog:
- Introducing Get in Shape: Our New Non-Aerosol Hairspray
- Behind the Science of Texas Hold 'Em Strong Hold Hairspray
-
How to Add Texture to Your Hair Using Style on Steroids
