10 Best Hairsprays for Volume and Hold, According to Hairstylists

The best hairspray is no longer a beauty routine of the past. A must-have for trendy ’60s bobs and gravity-defying ’80s crops dynastyHairspray from decades ago was brittle and held hair in a stiff position. In 2026, however, hairspray has become even more lightweight—for bouncy blowouts and beach waves in an approachable, fluid hold.

fashion magazine favorite hairspray

Best overall performance

L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray Super Hold Unscented

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Best for fine hair

Oribe Super Fine Hairspray

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Best for medium hair

Kenra Professional Perfecting Medium Spray 13

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Narrated by professional hairstylist Willis Galbraith Fashion Today’s leading formulas are available for any look or hair type. “If you prefer a lightweight hairspray, there are a lot of options on the market now, but feel next to nothing, so there’s no longer a need to reserve it just for special occasions,” he says. Celebrity hairstylist Charley McEwan agrees, arguing that hairspray is less about over-styling and more about sophistication. “I use hairspray every day to keep my hair looking clean, polished, and shiny, whether it’s for a red carpet or a neat, natural look,” says McEwan. “When used correctly, it shouldn’t feel heavy or noticeable—which is why it works equally well for everyday use and special occasions.”

I grew up in a household where hairspray was crucial – my mother was so famous for her beautiful long hair that she never left home with her length. From across the hall, I’d hear the whisper of her Suave non-spray pump, spraying her layers into place—a sign I knew she was almost ready. By my mid-20s, I seemed to have become a hairspray junkie, and it was literally the only thing that made my at-home blow-dry hair bouncy and smooth.

Next, let’s take a look fashion magazine Favorite hairspray recipes, each backed by editorial and hairstylist insights.

in this story

Best overall performance: L’Oréal Paris Elnett Silk Satin Hairspray

• why we like it: “This is one of my go-tos and I use it on everyone,” Galbraith said. “It’s lightweight, manageable, and leaves hair feeling natural while still providing reliable hold.” McEwan adds that he recommends the hairspray to his clients because it works on just about everyone. McEwen explains: “It provides hold without feeling heavy or sticky, making it perfect for everyday hair care, grooming and enhancing the look.”
• Editing experience: “The compliments on my new blowout routine just keep coming (and I’ve been practicing it!). What keeps my hard work in place is this hairspray—when I use Dyson Airwrap, I lightly spray the ends of my freshly flipped hair. I especially love that I can easily brush the formula out without leaving my thick hair feeling super crumbly or losing hold.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
• Main ingredients: Denatured alcohol, dimethyl ether, polydimethylsiloxane
• More to know: Unscented, Paraben-Free, Aluminum-Free, Sulfate-Free.
• catch: strong
• size: 11 oz.