Hairstyling is the process of designing the hair for fashion purposes. Hairstyling is not new and has already been around for ages. Cavemen back then used rocks to cut hair from the face and head. Ancient Greeks used to curl their hair with a bronze rod. In 1790, aerosol hairspray was introduced in France. In 1845, metal combs were used to straighten kinky hair. The first curling iron was invented by Marcel Grateau in 1875. Now, there are different kinds of hairstyling - straightening, curling, colouring, hair cutting, and blow outs. All these styles can be done at home or at a salon.
Hairspray has been around for ages and is used for hair care when styling the hair. It contains polymers that are responsible for holding hairstyles all day long and adding volume to the hair. It has two different types-aerosol and non-aerosol. Aerosol hairspray is the common hairspray that can be found on the market and was the first ever hairspray that was invented. It is suitable for straightening and smoothing the hair during blowouts. But due to its harmful substances that can damage the environment, non-aerosol hairsprays became popular. This kind of hairspray is suitable for styling curly hairs. These hairsprays coat the strands of the hair which then holds the hair in place. Back in the days, most of the hair sprays used to stiffen the hair when applied but now, there are plenty of hairsprays that are available on the market that can still make the hair soft and shiny. Although, using hair sprays can also damage or harm the hair if often used, especially those hairsprays that contains alcohol. This kind of component can dry out the hair and scalp thus damaging the hair further. Nonetheless, there are a lot of hair sprays on the market that can deliver great quality and can protect the hair whilst achieving the desired hairstyle.
Listed below is the top selection of the best drugstore hairspray that customers must try
1. Aussie Headstrong Volume Hairspray (Best Overall)
Aussie Headstrong Volume Hairspray is suitable for all types of hair which gives it the lift that it needs. It is infused with bamboo and Australian Kakadu Plum, which is great for moisturisation and hydration of the hair. This hairspray fragrance like citrus, florals, and aquatic notes that is very pleasing to smell. It is a great hairspray to add volume to the hair which leaves the hair fuller. The average price for Australian Kakadu Plum is £3.05 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5 mainly because it was worth every penny they paid for it, and it does not make their hair stiff.
Aussie Headstrong Volume Hairspray Advantages |
Aussie Headstrong Volume Hairspray Disadvantages |
Affordable |
Too sticky |
Adds volume |
Stick on hair |
Great smell |
Some experience their hair became crunchy |
2. Bounce Curl Alcohol-Free HairSpray (Best Value)
Bounce Curl Alcohol-Free HairSpray is infused with Copolymer, Organic Black Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sage Extract & Boswellia Carterii Oil that can all aid with conditioning the hair and boosting hair growth. This hairspray works great in any kind of weather, especially in humid environments during summer as it does not make the hair feel heavy whilst adding volume. It has an ultra-fine mister that enables it to dispense the hairspray evenly on the hair. The average price for Bounce Curl Alcohol-Free HairSpray is £14.31 GBP. Customers rated this product 5 out of 5 mainly because it is an alcohol-free hairspray that is not drying on the hair. The edge of this hairspray towards the other hairsprays on the list is that it is alcohol-free that keeps the curls intact, and a little product goes a long way.
3. Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 (Best Formula)
Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 is a flake-free and fast drying hairspray that delivers the topmost amount of volume and hold. It leaves a natural-looking and shiny finish whilst strengthening the hair to achieve the desired hairstyle. This hairspray has been trusted by professionals for over 30 years in styling their hair. This hairspray has a non-aerosol formula in a 10.1 oz bottle that can be bought on the market for those who do not want the hairspray smelling like an aerosol. The average price for Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 is £15.90 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.8 out of 5 mainly because it gives the volume the hair needs and holds the hair all day long.
Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 Advantages |
Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 Disadvantages |
Wind resistant up to 25 MPH |
Did not seem to hold or even give texture |
High humidity resistance up to 24 hours |
Left hair feeling greasy around the roots |
Super hold up to 120 hours |
Smell can be an issue |
4. L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray is the gold standard unscented hairspray that is used by celebrity stylists. It leaves the hair clean, soft, and shiny whilst maintaining the hold on the hair all day long. The average price of L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray is £11.93 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.4 out of 5 mainly because their hairstyle still holds when they used this hairspray. Even the curls on their hair holds and stays the same all day long.
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray Advantages |
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray Disadvantages |
Does not make hair stiff |
Fragrance can be an issue |
Feels natural |
Not cruelty-free |
Lightweight |
Not alcohol free |
5. Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hairspray
Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hairspray is an unscented infused with ClimaSheild hairspray that gives humidity protection and holds the hairstyle with any kind of weather. The ClimaSheild is responsible for the extra humidity protection. Its formula contains vitamin which conditions and boosts any type of hair without making it stiff or heavy. The average price for Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hairspray is £1.70 GBP which is the cheapest one on the list. Customers rated this product 4.6 out of 5 mainly because it keeps the hair from getting frizzy.
Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hairspray Advantages |
Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hairspray Disadvantages |
Long-Lasting Hold Firm Style Control |
Sticky |
All-Weather Protection |
Not unscented unlike its claims |
Lock Out Frizz, Lock in Style |
No holding power for some |
6. OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Multi-Benefit Hairspray
OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Multi-Benefit Hairspray is an all-around hairspray that provides heat protection whilst making the hair soft and shiny. It is an anti-frizz hair that holds the hair all day long. It is infused with argan oil that aids in revitalising, moisturising the hair and scalp, and prevents further damage. This hairspray can be helpful in taming flyaways, and in holding the curls and waves in their place. The average price for OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Multi-Benefit Hairspray is £7.80 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.4 out of 5 mainly because of its ability to hold down flyaways whilst keeping the curls intact.
OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Multi-Benefit Hairspray Advantages |
OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Multi-Benefit Hairspray Disadvantages |
Infused with Argan Oil |
Made the hair stiff and heavy |
Protect hair from damaging styling heat |
Fragrance can be an issue |
No sulfated surfactants |
Does not have heat protection unlike its claim |
7. Andalou Naturals Sunflower & Citrus Hair Spray
Andalou Naturals Sunflower & Citrus Hair Spray is infused with apples and grapes that give anti-aging and forever renewing properties that are beneficial for the scalp and hair. It is a silicone and sulphate-free hairspray that prevents hair loss, frizziness, and tame flyaways. This hairspray is suitable for any flexible styles whilst giving the hair shine without it being sticky or heavy. It can also add volume to the scalp of the hair and is safe to be used by people with coloured or chemically treated hair. The vitamins and oils present in the hairspray aids in strengthening the hair and minimising split ends. The average price for Andalou Naturals Sunflower & Citrus Hair Spray is £7.95 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5 mainly because of the pleasant smell it gives and the flake-free formula.
Andalou Naturals Sunflower & Citrus Hair Spray Advantages |
Andalou Naturals Sunflower & Citrus Hair Spray Disadvantages |
Provides excellent hold |
Some experienced their hair become stiff |
Does not make the hair stiff |
Has a wet texture |
Pleasant smell |
8. Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist
Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist is a lightweight hair spray that contains Fluid-Fix Complex that provides flexible hold. The micro fine hair spray mist keeps the hair fresh all day long. It is infused with refreshing Rose and Jasmine fragrance and is good for medium-hold. This hairspray claims to make the hair flexible and touchable enough to control hairstyles. This hairspray can be used on any kind of hairstyles and can hold the hair against wind and humidity. The average price for Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist is £13.52 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.2 out of 5 mainly because of its lightweight formula that makes it easy to be brushed by a comb.
Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist Spray Advantages |
Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist Spray Disadvantages |
Lightweight |
Made hair frizzy |
Flexible hold |
Fragrance can be an issue |
Salon-quality, micro-fine finishing spray |
Creates buildup on the hair |
9. Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray
Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray is a fast-drying hairspray that delivers volume and flexible holds hair in play throughout the day. It prevents hair from frizzing and tames flyaways. Without making the hair stiff, this hairspray provides strength to the hair whilst keeping it natural-looking. The micro-mist technology present on the hairspray is the one responsible for making it fast-drying. Furthermore, this hairspray can enhance one’s hair shine. The average price for Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray is £4.76 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.2 out of 5 mainly because it does not weigh down the hair.
Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray Spray Advantages |
Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray Spray Disadvantages |
Prevent hair issues |
Does not hold for long |
Strengthens the hairstyle |
Fragrance can be an issue |
Does not make the hair stiff |
Sticky |
10. John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray
John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray is anti-frizz and anti-humidity hairspray that locks out moisture to prevent hair issues. The moisture barrier also helps to protect the hair from heat and sun damage, thus keeping the hair straight and frizz-free. The hairstyle will remain intact whatever the weather is with the use of this hairspray. It is best used as a finishing spray to make any hair type shine. The average price for John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray is £6.34 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5 mainly because it can hold the hairstyle for them all day long.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray Spray Advantages |
John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray Spray Disadvantages |
Leaves your hair being styled for hours |
Changed formula is worst |
Keeps my curls from looking like a hot mess |
Does not hold for some |
Pleasant smell |
Hair became stiff and hard |
11. SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray
SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray provides medium to high hold claims to last for up to 120 hours. It is a workable hairspray that can leave six times the volume without leaving flakes on the scalp and hair. It is suitable for any type of hair but best fit those who have fine, medium, and coarse hair. This hairspray will leave the hair shiny throughout the day. The average price for SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray is £15.87 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.7 out of 5 mainly because it gave their thick hair volume and made the curls look bigger despite it being formulated for fine hair.
SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray Advantages |
SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray Disadvantages |
Provides 72 hours of humidity resistance |
Creates dandruff |
Cruelty-free |
Sticky |
Provides heat or thermal protection |
Leaves hair dry |
How to choose the best drugstore hairspray suited for your hair type?
People with fine hair should opt for lightweight hairspray that adds texture to the hair. Thick hairspray can weigh down the hair so stay away from these. The lightweight hairspray would not weigh down the hair and add volume to the hair. People with curly hair should opt for a flexible hairspray that can reduce humidity on the hair. This can prevent the curls or waves from looking stiff or wet. People with dry hair should opt for a hydrating hairspray that won’t put tension or pressure on the hair. Stir away from hairspray with high alcohol content which can further damage the hair and make it dry. People with thick hair should opt for strong-hold hairspray to keep the hair in place throughout the day. People with coloured or chemically treated hair should opt for a hairspray that would not further damage the hair and ruin the colour. Look for a hairspray that will not only take care of the hair but also will not tone down the colour of the hair. People with oily hair should opt for a hairspray that will boost the volume of the hair. The hair can become oily because of the oil, thus the best option is to add volume to the hair to make it look fuller and bouncy.
What is the best smelling drugstore hairspray?
The best smelling drugstore hairspray is the Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray. Not only does it leave a softer finish but based on the customer's experience this hairspray smells amazing. The fragrance is pleasant to smell as it is not a strong fruity smell but rather a clean masculine type of smell. Furthermore, customers also indicated that the smell is pleasant enough and not too strong.
What is the best drugstore hairspray for fine hair?
The best drugstore hairspray for fine hair is the L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. This is a lightweight hairspray that provides strong hold, and adds volume to the hair. This comes in a large bottle and is the favourite hairspray of most of the stylists in the world. It is suitable for any hairstyle and does not make the hair stiff, thus making it touchable. The only downside of this hairspray is that it is not alcohol-free. So make sure not to overuse it to prevent damage to the hair.
Is all hairspray damaging?
Yes, hairspray can be damaging when it contains alcohol. People who's new to hair industry and doesnt have knowledge about it may experience side-effects of using hairspray. Hairsprays that have Ethanol, a kind of simple alcohol, it can be very damaging to the hair by drying the hair out. Alcohol is a common ingredient found in hair sprays so stir clear from those kinds of hair sprays to prevent damaging the hair. Although ingredients like alcohol and polymers are used to make it flexible and fast drying, it can give a very bad effect on the hair.
Does all hairspray leave residue?
Yes, some hairspray on the market can leave a residue, but a great quality hairspray would not leave any residue. This is because hairsprays are oil-based products that can build up on the hair making it look heavy and dull. Although, the residue can be removed anytime. Just wash it out before sleeping. Hairsprays can be removed by using a regular shampoo. But if regular shampoo is not enough dish soap, baking soda, and clarifying shampoo.
What is the difference between drugstore hairspray and other high-end hairspray?
There is huge difference between the drugstore hairspray vs. high-end hairspray. Drugstore or cheap hairspray is used to hold the hair for stiff hairstyles therefore it weighs down the hair and makes it feel crunchy. This hairspray typically smells bad and has thick application that is not buildable. Usually this type of hairspray can leave a white cast on the hair whilst high-end hairspray smells a lot better reducing the aerosol fragrance. It is also buildable that can hold elegant designs that would not weigh down the hairstyle. It does not leave any residue or white cast on the hair or scalp. Since it does not make the hair stiff, the hair can be teased because it is soft or touchable enough to make additional styling like adding greater volume to the hair.