The 10 best hair sprays we tested for all-day hold without the crunch

New York Post

12-05-2025

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.
Let's give the hairspray industry a bit of a re-spray, shall we? These aerosols and spritzers have previously been poorly received (crunching? no thanks!) — but they've been given a major revamp in recent years.
Now, you'll find an endless buffet of vertical products all boasting to volumize, shine and hold your blow dryer-created bounce.
Advertisement
The tricky part: it's quite difficult to compare hairsprays side-by-side, much ado to its intent and use. How can we really assess if one hairspray is better than the rest?
In short, the best hairspray for you may not be the best hairspray for me, which is why I rigorously tested the top brands on the market to see which ones produced the most long-lasting, volumious and shine-worthy hold.
For volume, especially, check out our reviews of the best shampoos and best hair mousses as well.
'When it comes to different textures of hair curly for instance, I want something flexible that also has some anti-humidity protection,' Angel Cardona, ACoLab Salon owner and Sebastian Professional top artist, told the New York Post. 'For finer hair I tend to lean towards a very lightweight natural finish hairspray without too much hold. With thicker hair it really comes down to the finished look, and if I need something strong to hold the hair up and not move or if I want it to still bounce and move about and have more flexibility.'
Cardona answered some more burning questions on hairsprays — including what to look for and its benefits — in our in-depth FAQ section after our review. First, discover the method behind the at-home testing and which ones made the cut (spoiler alert: my hair styles have never lasted for longer, making this one of the most special reviews yet).
Best Overall: Aussie Instant Freeze Hair Spray
Walmart
Pros: Budget-friendly price point, appealing to many shoppers
Long-lasting hold
Great for a variety of hair types and textures Cons: Scent may be too overpowering for some
The Aussie Instant Freeze Hair Spray is the clear-cut winner: it's budget-friendly, lasts long and does the job. Easy, done.
Its incredible holding power doesn't sacrifice flexibility or cause my hair to feel crunchy. This product is specially formulated to offer a 24-hour maximum hold, which is perfect for anyone who needs their hairstyle to stay locked in place throughout a busy day or long night out. I particularly like grabbing this for slicked-back ponytails when I'm headed to the office or for long curls to last all day for a wedding.
Whether you're taming frizz, locking in curls or keeping updos secure, the Aussie Instant Freeze delivers reliable results that resist humidity and movement as well. It's ideal for people with both fine and thick hair (I'm kind of in the middle), making it a versatile choice across hair types and styles.
Another reason Aussie Instant Freeze is so beloved is because of its lightweight formula and clean application. Unlike many hairsprays that leave behind a sticky residue or flake after a few hours, this product sprays on evenly and dries quickly, leaving my hair touchable and natural-looking each time I use it. But, the best part — it provides serious hold.
It also washes out easily, which is a big plus for people who style their hair regularly but want to avoid buildup. With ingredients like jojoba oil and sea kelp, it also offers a touch of nourishment while holding everything in place.
If purchased from Amazon, Aussie is offering a three-pack for $15.
Amazon
Pros: Great for those who don't enjoy strong scents
Fair price point, quality and bottle size considered
Mist allows it to avoid that unwanted crunchy feeling Cons: Not 100% fragrance-free once sprayed, though the subtle scent dissipates quickly
The L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray Unscented has long been a long-time favorite of mine, earning its reputation as a top-tier drugstore hairspray. I remember the heyday of beauty gurus on YouTube absolutely raving about this hairspray.
It lives up to the hype, and that's because its micro-diffusion technology delivers a fine mist that evenly coats each strand of hair, providing a strong hold without the stiffness or crunch often associated with some other hairsprays on the market. This results in a natural, brushable finish that maintains the integrity of your hairstyle throughout the day.
Beyond its impressive hold, Elnett is an excellent option for its versatility and ease of use. The unscented version offers a nearly fragrance-free experience, catering to those who are sensitive to strong scents, like me. It does feature a slight initial scent, though it dissipates quickly (hence, the 'unscented' in its name), leaving my hair fresh and manageable. Additionally, its humidity-resistant formula helps protect my styled hair from frizz, making it the perfect year-round option.
Despite its professional-grade performance, Elnett remains accessible at drugstore prices — with a full-size bottle to make it a great value. It offers salon-quality results without the hefty price tag., and it's one of my go-to options on this list.
Longest Hold: Kérastase Paris Laque Extrême Triple Mist Diffusing Hairspray
Sephora
Pros: Delivers an extreme hold
Excellent for holding up in humidity
Offers UV protection Cons: Price point may be unreachable for some
It's a luxury, but a goodie. The Kérastase Laque Extrême Triple Mist Diffusing Hairspray is like the rest of the brand's products: effective, regal-feeling and long-lasting. It's formulated with a unique triple-mist diffusion technology to ensure an even application that delivers a strong, 24-hour hold without the typical stiffness or flaking associated with many strong-hold sprays. This feature allows my hairstyle to stay in place — even the baby hairs — which makes this hairspray worth the splurge.
Beyond its impressive hold, this hairspray offers additional benefits that enhance its appeal. It provides humidity protection for up to 48 hours, helping to prevent frizz and maintain a polished look in both rain or shine. Impressively, the formula also includes UV protection, shielding hair from sun damage and preserving color vibrancy. It has a barely there, residue-free finish, which adds shine and volume without leaving behind unwanted buildup.
Amazon
Pros: Delivers unspeakable volume
Lasts long
Helps mitigate frizz Cons: Not as hydrating as some other hairsprays mists on this list, though not a dealbreaker
The SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray doesn't fool around. In fact, it's celebrated for its exceptional ability to deliver long-lasting volume and lift, making it a top choice for those seeking a voluminous hairstyle. I mean, who doesn't want that?
It's uniquely formulated to provide up to six times the volume, so this hairspray gives my hair a medium to high hold that can last up to 120 hours, or five days. While I wash my hair every other day, I do notice a difference in the actual lift of my hair, and my natural roots have felt a bit more volumized with consistent use.
Its fast-drying, flake-free formula adds shine and body without leaving my hair feeling stiff or crunchy, making it great for fine, medium and coarse hair alike. It also offers up to 72 hours of humidity resistance, helping to prevent unwanted frizz from the top of my head and maintain my hairstyle even in damp conditions .
Additionally, the formula includes UV protection, and it's a reliable, value-driven choice (just look at the size of the bottle!)
Best Anti-Humidity: amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray
Amazon
Pros: Lightweight with a pleasing scent
Best for odor-blocking when outdoors
Hydrating Cons: Not as long-lasting as some others tested
I've reviewed the lion's share of amika, and can probably be the assistant to the CEO at this point. My entire bathroom is lined with the brand's groovy packaging, with the Fluxus Touchable Hairspray being one of my all-time favorites.
One of my biggest pet peeves is 'smelling like the outdoors,' which is sadly what my hair experiences when I take a walk around my suburban neighborhood or am (power)walking to work. This hairspray, though, excels in high-humidity conditions.
Because it's formulated with Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer, it offers robust protection against humidity, ensuring my hairstyle remains intact without that stiff feel. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in climates prone to dampness, as well as those who want to ensure a polished look all day.
As its name suggests, it provides a flexible, brushable hold that allows me to easily restyle my hair without tugging or pulling. I love its ultra-dry mist and how it delivers a glossy finish without leaving residue, This versatility is applause-worthy.
Additionally, Fluxus is enriched with Sea Buckthorn — found in many of amika's products — a potent natural ingredient known for its hydrating properties. This inclusion not only helps in maintaining the hair's elasticity but also promotes overall scalp health. This makes me love it even more, and it's worth the cost.
Best for Shine: COLOR WOW Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray
Amazon
Pros: Best-in-class for shine, hands down
Contains hydrolized keratin and silk to smooth the hair
Brings vitality back to the hair, almost like a dry shampoo Cons: Price point may be unreachable for some
The COLOR WOW Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray is renowned for its ability to impart a glossy, high-shine finish to the hair without compromising its natural movement. In so doing, it's on-par with the rest of the brand's products, like the best-selling Dreamcoat Supernatural Spray ($28) that helps cut my dry time in half, in addition to delivering some serious shine.
This lightweight spray offers a firm yet flexible hold and, like the amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray, enables my hair to have versatile styling power. Its non-yellowing formula also prevents dullness, preserving the vibrancy and luminosity of both natural and color-treated hair.
If you have frizz, this hairspray also helps defeat its ability to run wild. Because it contains hydrolyzed keratin and silk, this hairspray not only allows me to style my hair how I want it but makes it smooth as well. It's also UV-protective. It has a hefty cost but gives you a heavy-duty hold.
Best for Fine Hair: Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Hot off the Press Thermal Protection Hairspray
Amazon
Pros: Comes out like a mist, without a strong scent
Humidity-resistant
Doubles as a heat protectant Cons: Not a traditional 'hairspray'; is designed to be used before styling as a primer to hold your style
If you're loking for a lightweight hold, the Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray is an excellent choice for individuals with fine hair. It's formulated with rice hull extract, which allows it to create a weightless barrier between your hair and heat styling tools.
This hairspray helps protect delicate strands from damage without weighing them down. This makes it particularly suitable for those with fine hair or with areas of the hair that are finer (like mine), which can easily be overwhelmed by heavier products.
Beyond heat protection, this hairspray offers a flexible hold that allows for natural movement and style retention. Additionally, the humidity-resistant properties make my hair look virtually frizz-free, which is key for allowing it to look great throughout the day.
Best for Thick Hair: Sebastian Professional Shaper Plus Hairspray
Amazon
Pros: Delivers a firm hold
Great for medium to thick hair types and textures
Great for tackling humidity Cons: Not as flexible as some other hairsprays tested
I've been using the Sebastian Professional Shaper Plus Hairspray for years, and it's one I widely regarded as an excellent choice for anyone with thick hair, specifically. Because it's designed to provide 55% extra hold, it effectively tames voluminous hair without adding weight or stiffness.
I have fairly thick hair and it holds my hairstyle all day, even in humid conditions, without leaving residue or flaking.​
One of the standout features of Shaper Plus is its flexibility. Despite offering a firm hold, it allows for natural movement and can be easily brushed through without compromising the hairstyle. It's not as flexible as some others I've tested, but it still allows me to control my style seamlessly.
Best Alcohol Free: Pantene Flexible Hold Alcohol-Free Hairspray
Amazon
Pros: Budget-friendly price point, appealing to many shoppers
Well-formulated
Flexible hold Cons: Not as lightweight as some others tested
The Pantene Flexible Hold Alcohol-Free Hairspray is only $6 and is one of the very best. It's great for slicked-back looks. I find it's a bit wetter once sprayed than other formulations, allowing it to really hold and look polished sans that crunchy feel.
It's formulated without ethanol and provides a flexible hold that keeps my hair in place. If you love a natural finish, don't want to spend your entire life savings on a hairspray and want something that'll last, I'd recommend this hairspray.
One of the key advantages of this hairspray is its ability to control frizz and resist humidity, and I find my hair feeling soft, shiny and healthy-looking without feeling sticky or heavy. This makes it particularly suitable for those with fine or delicate hair that may be prone to frizz, but I'd recommend it to anyone.
Best for Frizzy Hair: CHI Keratin Flex Finish Hair Spray
Amazon
Pros: Reasonable price point
Leaves the hair soft and shiny
Has a lightweight finish and strong hold Cons: Hold isn't really flexible, though not a dealbreaker
When there's a hair product that has the word 'keratin' on its label, I'm there.
The CHI Keratin Flex Finish Hair Spray is exceptional for combating frizz, particularly in humid conditions. This lightweight hairspray provides a flexible hold that seals out humidity (essentially, it blocks it from landing on my hair), effectively eliminating any frizz and flyaways from my hair.
Its ultra-smooth finish grants me a sleek, polished look that lasts throughout the day, and I can trust it in any weather condition. Best of all, it's infused with keratin to tame frizz but also strengthen my hair overall, helping to reduce breakage.
For softness, its inclusion of hydrolyzed silk and argan oil is top-of-the-line. This ingredient mix further enhances this hairspray's ability to smooth the hair cuticle, adding shine and making my hair more manageable. No stickiness, no crunchiness — only shine here.
How we tested
New York Post Composite
Before diving into the review criteria New York Post Shopping set in place when testing and trying all the top hairsprays on the market for at least two months — with some for more than a year — l'll begin by detailing my hair type. Naturally, I have wavy to curly hair that's sometimes prone to frizz (though, it has its oily moments at times if I go longer than two days without a wash). My hair blow dries straight when styling, too.
Simply put, my mane is a mutt of different types and textures — making my hair one of the best to review a wide set of hairsprays for volume, long-lasting hold and salon-worthy results.
Ahead, here's what I looked for when trying out each hairspray:
Smoothness : Above all else, we don't want crunchy hair. Spraying each bottle a few inches away from my hair, I assessed how my hair felt after each spray (or two).
: Above all else, we don't want crunchy hair. Spraying each bottle a few inches away from my hair, I assessed how my hair felt after each spray (or two). Shine : Some hairsprays, impressively, give your hair a lovely salon-worthy shine. I took note of how vivacious my hair looked after each spray.
: Some hairsprays, impressively, give your hair a lovely salon-worthy shine. I took note of how vivacious my hair looked after each spray. Long-lasting hold: Over the course of the day, I made note of when my blowout began to loose its shape, if applicable. This helped determine which ones are best for a variety of hair types.
An FAQ on Hairsprays
Ahead, Cardona gives us the 411 on all things hairsprays: what to look for, how to apply, how often to use and more.
What are the benefits of hairspray?
When it comes to hairspray there are many benefits. Most commonly, they're beloved and used for the control they bring to help form and hold your hair in shape.
'Some hairsprays are considered working hairsprays that have a lighter hold and are very flexible and others are firm or freezing sprays that lock your style in place,' Cardona told The Post. 'Some can be used similar to a root lifter and others to combat and protect against humidity by shielding away moisture in the air.'
What to look for in hairspray, according to a hairstylist
'When it comes to picking the right hairspray, I always like to think of what the finished look will be and which hairspray will best get me to that desired look,' he shares. 'Reach for a lighter hairspray for finer more natural looks and a stronger hairspray for more gravity defying looks.'
'When it comes to hairspray, there isn't always one size fits all. There are so many options for a reason and sometimes having two to three different strengths of hairspray under your sink can come in handy if you like to change your look up.' Angel Cardona, ACoLab Salon owner and Sebastian Professional top artist
Not to mention, some of the best hair conditioners we tested can help you achieve some added softness and repair.
What's the difference between hairspray and texture spray?
The main difference between hairsprays and texture sprays is that a hairspray is truly meant more for control and a texture spray is meant to create a bit of roughness or grit to alter your natural texture to allow for a more textured look.
'Oftentimes sea salt, sugar or powders help to add that texture within the texture spray,' Cardona adds.
How to properly apply hairspray, according to a hairstylist
'A general rule of thumb when it comes to hairspray is to spray either 12 inches from your hair or the length of the can,' he advises. 'When it comes to spritzes or non-aerosol hairsprays, I do two sprays at a time and move on to the next sections and see how that holds before adding any more.'
For aerosol hairsprays, Cardona recommends motioning the can in the direction you want the hair to go as you're spraying, holding the nozzle down just for second or two unless you're really trying to defy gravity (cue 'Wicked').
How often should I use hairspray?
'I use hairspray after finishing a style or working it into some curls or waves throughout the styling process and again when finished,' Cardona shares.
If by the next day your hair still looks great and you just simply need to brush it back into shape, simply give it a spritz when you're finished shaping it just to last throughout the day.
How can I tell if hairspray lasts?
Depending on what you want the hairspray to do for your style and as long as you are using the right one for that look, it should last you throughout the day weather permitting.
'If you find your hair flattening out too quickly, opt for a stronger hold and possibly with some humidity protection, or you may need a bit of texture spray beforehand to add a bit of gritty-ness,' Cardona says. 'It's also a great idea to keep a little travel size hairspray on hand for quick touch ups if you plan to head out after work to dinner.'
How to know if your hairspray bottle has gone bad, according to a hairstylist
If you're noticing a decline in its effectiveness or if the aerosol leaked out and will no longer spray, then unfortunately your hairspray has gone bad, according to Cardona.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.