Hair spray is a popular product for both men and women alike. Whether you’re looking to tame unruly locks or add some extra volume to your style, there’s a hair spray for you. Hair sprays come in a variety of types, each offering different benefits and uses. For instance, there are strong-hold sprays for those who want to keep their hairstyle in place all day or light-hold sprays for those who want a more natural look. Depending on the type of hair spray you choose, you can also get conditioning, moisturizing, and other benefits. Hair sprays are easy to use and provide great results, with the right product for every hair type and style. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the different types, uses, and benefits of hair sprays, so you can find the ideal product to keep your hair looking its best.
What is hair spray?
Hair sprays are styling products that come in liquid form and are used on wet or dry hair to set the style, hold the hair in place, add shine, and prevent hair breakage. Hair sprays are applied evenly to sections of hair using a comb or brush and are then allowed to dry. Once dry, hair sprays form a flexible film over the hair shaft, creating a barrier that protects hair from outside elements, such as heat from styling tools. Unlike gels or mousses, which are applied to the hands, then applied to the hair, hair sprays are applied to the hair, so there’s no need to worry about getting the product on your hands. Hair sprays come in different formulas, offering different benefits and uses.
Types of hair spray
- Hold – These sprays are designed to provide a strong, flexible hold that lasts all day.
- Strong-hold sprays are ideal for hairstyles that require the hair to stay put, such as buns, updos, ponytails, and even certain types of curled hairstyles.
- Light-hold – Light-hold sprays, as the name suggests, provide a lighter hold, allowing for a more natural-looking finish, such as beach waves, loose curls, and messy updos.
- Strengthening – Those who want to protect their hair from damage, or are trying to regrow hair, can benefit from strengthening sprays that provide a barrier over the hair, preventing breakage. Strengthening sprays are also great for soothing post-styling irritation, so your ends won’t end up looking or feeling like straw.
- Smoothing/Anti-Frizzy – These sprays are best for smoothing frizzy or unruly hair and taming flyaways for a sleek, polished look.
- UV protection – These sprays provide protection from the sun, preventing sun damage, fading, and color loss. They’re best for bleached or color-treated hair.
Benefits of using hair spray
- Hold – The key benefit of using a strong-hold hair spray is the added hold, which is helpful when styling certain hairstyles, such as updos. The added hold will help keep your style in place all day long.
- Shine – Another benefit of using hair spray is added shine. This is particularly helpful for those with thin, fine hair, as it can add volume and thickness, as well as shine.
- Protection – Using a thick, strong-hold hair spray will also provide protection from heat. This is most helpful if you have thin or fine hair, or style your hair with heat tools.
- Endurance – Light-hold sprays are best for creating soft, lightweight styles. They’re ideal for long-lasting styles, as well as for creating a natural-looking finish.
How to use hair spray
Before applying the hair spray, use a comb or brush to evenly distribute the product throughout your hair. Start at the roots and work your way to the ends. Use your fingers to create texture, then finish with a light mist of hair spray for added hold. For longer hair, use a light mist of hair spray, as a heavy application will cause your hair to look and feel wet, which isn’t ideal. For shorter hair, you can use a heavier application, as it will be less visible.
Hair spray for different hair types
- Thick hair – If you have thick, coarse hair that’s difficult to style, you’ll want to use a strong-hold hair spray. The added hold will help keep your style in place all day long, while also keeping your hair looking sleek and polished.
- Thin hair – On the other hand, if you have thin or fine hair, you’ll want to use a light-hold hair spray. This will provide a lightweight hold, which is just enough to keep your style in place all day long. It’ll also keep thin hair from looking limp and lifeless.
- Curly hair – If you have curly hair, you’ll want to use a light-hold hair spray, as this will provide just enough hold to keep your style in place all day long. A strong-hold spray will weigh down curly hair and make it look limp and lifeless.
Hair spray for different hairstyles
- Updos – For updos, use a strong-hold hair spray. This will provide added hold to your style and keep it securely in place all day long.
- Buns – For buns, use a light-hold hair spray. This will provide just enough hold to keep your hair in place all day long, while also providing a natural-looking finish.
- Wavy/curly hairstyles – To create wavy or curly hairstyles, use a light-hold hair spray. This will provide a lightweight hold, allowing your hair to remain soft and flowy.
The best hair sprays to buy
There are a number of great hair sprays to choose from, but these are our top picks.
- Hair sprays for men – For those looking for a strong-hold hair spray for men, you’ll want to try out the American Crew Firm Hold Spray. This hair spray will keep your hairstyle in place all day long, while also keeping your hair looking clean, polished, and professional.
- Hair sprays for women – On the other hand, women can use a wide range of products. If you’re looking for a strong-hold hair spray to use while styling your hair, you can’t go wrong with the American Crew Firm Hold Spray.
- Hair sprays for thick hair – If you have thick hair, you’ll want to choose a strong-hold hair spray that provides major hold, like the American Crew Firm Hold Spray. This hair spray will help keep your hair looking clean and polished, while also providing a major boost in volume.
- Hair sprays for thin hair – On the other hand, if you have thin hair, you’ll want to choose a light-hold hair spray. Light-hold sprays are best for long-lasting styles and will provide a natural-looking finish without weighing down thin hair.
Hair spray for different types of hair
- Straight hair – If you have straight hair, you can use any type of hair spray, as they’re all designed to provide a lightweight hold. Straight hair is best when left loose, so you’ll want to use a light-hold hair spray.
- Wavy/curly hair – If you have wavy or curly hair, you can also use any type of hair spray, as they’re designed to provide a lightweight hold. Wavy or curly hair is best when left loose, so you’ll want to use a light-hold hair spray.
- Dry hair – If you have dry hair, you’ll want to choose a strengthening hair spray, as it’ll help protect against breakage and damage. This is especially helpful if you have color-treated hair.
- Damp hair – If you have damp hair, you’ll want to choose a smoothing or anti-frizz hair spray. This will help tame frizz and flyaways for a sleek and polished look.
Hair spray for different hair lengths
- Short hair – If you have short hair, you can use any type of hair spray. Short hair is best when left loose, so you’ll want to use a light-hold hair spray.
- Medium-length hair – If you have medium-length hair, you can use any type of hair
