“The best hairsprays give you maximum versatility,” says professional hairstylist Midia Parker. “This means you can use it as the base of your hairstyle to get the look you want, or you can use it at the end as a finishing touch to hold your hair in place.” Low bun, Many looks can benefit from the best hairspray. Here’s what you need to know about these stylers, according to celebrity hairstylists, including how to use them and the best products to buy.
Askume’s Favorite Hairspray
Best for Thin Hair: Oribe Rock Hard Gel, $42
Best for backless styles: Aveda Confixer Liquid Gel, $24
Best for Thick Hair: Got2B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel, $11
Best for Textured Hair: Braid Beauty Supply Hair Gel, $26
Best for all-day wear: Redken Sculpting Curl Gel, $32
in this story
What is hairspray used for?
How to Choose the Right Hair Gel for Your Hair Type
Is Hairspray healthy for hair?
How to apply hairspray
Do you apply gel on wet or dry hair?
Meet the experts
Best Soft Hold: R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel
Why we love it: According to hairstylist Rogério Cavalcante, R+CO’s flexible gel combines styling and conditioning capabilities, making it perfect for hair types that need texture without compromising on softness. Suitable for all hair types, it allows hair to move while maintaining control. “I like that it makes hair look natural without any dryness or stiffness,” says celebrity hairstylist Castillo Battle. Plus, it contains coconut oil to add shine while protecting your hair — perfect for those days when you want to control your hair but still want it to feel thick.
Key Ingredients: Brazilian Coconut Oil, Sunflower Seed Extract, Keratin
Grip: Flexible Grip
Size: 5 ounces.
Best for: Wavy, tight, or curly hair
Best for Thin Hair: Oribe Rock Hard Gel
Why we love it: If you have thin hair, you need something that not only keeps everything in place but also offers flexibility, like Oribe’s Rock Hard Gel — or even celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, the man behind Clooney’s look, says the experts say those with thin hair can benefit from the long-lasting hold of a gel. “Choose a lightweight hairspray — not too heavy, as this will make your hair look thin and stiff,” he advises.
Key Ingredients: Super-hold resin complex, Argan oil, Shea butter, Hydrolyzed vegetable proteins
Grip: Strong grip
Size: 3.4 ounces
Best for: Thin hair
Best for Thick Hair: Got2B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel
Why we love it: Those with thick hair benefit the most from an effective gel that holds each strand in place, even if you have to go through multiple sections to do it. Both Giannetos and Parker recommend Got2B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel because Parker wants to “ensure the style stays in place without any hassle for hours.” Pro tip: Use it on your favorite edge controls to keep your baby hairs in place all day (or night).
Main Ingredients: Not Applicable
Hold: Hold high
Size: 6 ounces.
Best for: Thick hair, curly hair, edge control
Most Affordable: Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Hair
Why we love it: Curly hair can often be tricky to pull together, especially when trying to create defined hair without any curls or weight. Giannetos loves Eco Style’s styling gel, a beloved formula in the curly hair community. It’s coveted not only for the sheer amount of product it contains (one tub lasts a while!), but also for its lightweight gel formula that spreads easily through hair, meaning you can define curls as well as slick or comb your hair.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil
Hold: Maximum hold
Size: 8 ounces.
Best for all hair types
Best for Styling: Aveda Confixer Liquid Gel
Why we love it: Parker uses Aveda Confiscor Liquid Gel to create smooth ponytails and more. “It’s liquid, so it’s easy to apply and layer.” A little goes a long way, so use sparingly to avoid overdoing it. If you’re going the slicked-back route, we recommend using a good boar bristle brush to smooth out all of the baby hairs.
Key Ingredients: Ylang Ylang, Petitgrain, Lavender
Grip: Medium grip
Size: 8.5 ounces.
Best for: Thin to medium hair
Best for Curly Hair: Ouida Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Why we like it: For curly types, Parker is a fan of Ouida Advanced Climate Control Thermal Moisture Gel. “It locks in moisture, prevents frizz and hair loss, and defines curls with flexible hold.” Apply the product to damp hair in sections, then air-dry hair (or use a diffuser) for a soft, bouncy hold.
Key Ingredients: Chamomile, Vitamin A & E, Wheat Protein & Amino Acids, Miscanthus Seed & Corn Oil, Arnica Flower, Ceramide
Grip: Flexible Grip
Size: 8.5 oz/33.8 oz
Best for: Wavy, tight, or curly hair
Best Hold Hairspray: Crown Affair Flexible Hold Hairspray
Why we love it: Crown Affair’s hair gel is lightweight yet provides hold and is easy to comb. “This gel is designed to define and complete the look,” says celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert Michael Duenas. “It can also be used on dry hair. It calms and adds shine to any type of hair.”
Key Ingredients: Toon Seed Oil, Jojoba Milk, Film-like Polymer
Grip: Light grip
Size: 4.1 oz
Best for all hair types
Best Alcohol-Free: Moroccan Oil Styling Gel
Why we love it: Duenas describes MoroccanOil’s Holding Gel as an extremely strong hold gel that keeps styles in place and smooths even the most unruly curls. “It works great when used sparingly on curly hair, helping to define hair and reduce frizz,” he says. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, so it styles your hair without drying it out.
Key Ingredients: Argan Oil
Grip: Permanent Grip
Size: 6 ounces.
Best for all hair types
Best for Textured Hair: Braid Beauty Supply Hair Gel
Why we love it: Ideal for creating textured hair, Braid Beauty Supply’s hair gel provides gentle hold for type 3 and 4 curls. Formulated with ultra-hydrating cleansing ingredients (yuzu extract, red algae, snow mushroom) to keep your curls defined but soft to the touch. “I love that it contains aloe vera and hibiscus, which not only soothe frizzy hair but also nourish your hair,” says Battle. “If you want curls that are shiny, frizz-free, stay in place, and don’t have a ‘gel-like feel,’ this product is perfect.”
Key Ingredients: Grapefruit Extract, Snow Mushroom, Red Algae
Grip: Flexible Grip
Size: 6.2 ounces
Best for: Wavy, tight, or curly hair
Best for Defining Curly Hair: Mizani True Texture Curl Enhancing Hair Cream
Why we love it: If you have curly or frizzy hair, this gel is your “savior,” says Battle. It gives you the definition you want without the fuss. “What I love most is that it uses coconut oil, olive oil, and marula oil to keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free,” he says. It’s perfect for wash-and-go styling or when you want to define curls for twists. The result? Hair stays shiny, healthy, and soft longer.
Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Marula Oil, Olive Oil
Grip: Light
Size: 5 ounces.
Best for: Wavy, tight, or curly hair
Best drugstore: Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
Why we love it: Those interested in clean beauty will appreciate that this gel is made from nearly 100% natural ingredients. It’s lightweight and has just the right amount of hold, making it perfect for everyday styling without being heavy, and a clutch option when you need to keep your look in place all day. “It’s an affordable and healthy option for maintaining your hairstyle,” says Cavalcante.
Key Ingredients: Acacia Gum, Citrus Proteins, Vitamin B3 & B6
Grip: Strong Grip
Size: 6.8 ounces
Best for all hair types
Best Edge Control: Kiss Colors Maximum Hold Edge Fixer
Why we like it: Battle says Kiss Colors’ Maximum Hold Edge “provides powerful hold to keep baby hairs in place all day.” What she likes most is that these gels contain a blend of hydrating oils, like argan or castor oil, which leaves your hair smooth and shiny without feeling frizzy or dry. It’s perfect when you want a polished, clean finish — especially for braided styles where detail is important or as a finishing touch to a braided style.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Glycerin
Grip: Strong Grip
Size: 3.38 ounces.
Best for all hair types
Best long-lasting makeup: Redken Sculpting Curl Gel
Why we love it: To really control your hair, you’ll need some extra-strong hold, like this curling gel from Redken, which promises to last up to 72 hours. Achieving these effects is as simple as applying it to wet hair and styling to your liking; the look essentially sets. Since it’s rich in moisturizing squalane and jojoba oil, it provides extra nourishment to frizzy hair.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, Jojoba Oil
Grip: Strong Grip
Size: 8..5 fl oz
Best for: Wavy, tight, or curly hair
Best for Light Styling: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Quinoa Curl Control Gel
Why we love it: This hair gel from Briogeo is formulated to provide light to medium hold and enhance curl definition while keeping hair moisturized. It works wonders to control frizz and provide long-lasting hold without weighing down curls – a common problem with many hairsprays. As expected from Briogeo, it’s packed with nourishing ingredients like rice amino acids and tomato fruit ferment that condition your hair while you wear it.
Main ingredients: rice amino acids, tomato fruit fermentation liquid
Grip: Light to medium grip
Size: 6 ounces.
Best for: Wavy, tight, or curly hair
Best for Intense Hold: TRESemmé Ultra Hold Hairspray
Why we like it: TRESemme’s hairspray is an affordable option that can be found at any drugstore if needed. Apply it to the surface of your hair and comb it through to smooth it out. Remember: less is more to avoid crunchiness.
Main Ingredients: Not Applicable
Grip: Strong Grip
Size: 9 ounces.
Best for all hair types
Hairsprays are primarily used to shape, hold, and define hair. They’re perfect for controlling flyaways, creating pulled-together styles, or defining curls and waves. Barthel explains that, depending on the formula, hairsprays can provide varying levels of hold, from flexible to rock-hard, for a variety of hairstyles. Duenas says some gels can boost volume when applied to roots, blow-drying on wet hair, or for beachy waves.
Parker, whose clients include brands like Natasha Lyonne, Coach, and Collina Strada, explains that a good hairspray shouldn’t be flaky or contain alcohol (which often makes hair dry and prone to breakage). Otherwise, Parker recommends applying a little bit of the product to your fingertips to feel its stickiness and hold — so she can determine if the gel is right for your hair type. “You don’t want to use a product on your hair that has the opposite effect than what’s intended.”
Essentially, you should consider your hair texture and the level of styling you desire. Cavalcante explains that for thin hair, a lightweight gel works best that doesn’t weigh the hair down. For thick or curly hair, stronger styling gels can help define curls and control frizz. Additionally, hair sprays with moisturizing ingredients are ideal for keeping hair healthy, strong, and nourished.
Duenas explains that hairspray itself isn’t harmful to your hair, but it depends on how often it’s used and the type of hairspray. “Higher-quality hair sprays use better ingredients — some even hydrate the hair or contain coconut oil, which helps provide nutrients,” he says. “Cheap hair gels often have a higher alcohol content, which causes the product to dry out quickly, stripping your hair of its natural moisture.” Bartel says dryness and buildup can lead to hair loss, so it’s important to choose products that support healthy hair and use a hair cleanser regularly.
Cavalcante recommends applying a small amount of gel to the palm of your hand and spreading it evenly throughout your hair, starting at the roots. For curly hair, he recommends squeezing the gel into wet hair for a more defined look or using your fingers to curl each strand individually. “For structured styles like a slick back, use a high-hold gel to ensure long-lasting control,” says Bartel. “Adjust the amount based on the hold and finish you want.”
Dueñas recommends applying hairspray to wet hair to help distribute the hairspray evenly. Your style will determine whether you apply from roots to ends, roots to mid-lengths, or not. He says it’s important to mix the gel well between your palms and gently work it into your hair with your fingers. If you’re applying it from the scalp to the ends, use a wide-toothed comb to ensure even distribution. For curly hair, it’s best to rub in the desired amount with your fingers, then apply more to your palms and press inward for extra hold.
Midiya Parker is a New York-based hairstylist.
Laura Polko is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist.
Rogério Cavalcante is a stylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York.
Michael Dueñaz is a celebrity hairstylist and beautician in Los Angeles.
Castillo Battle is a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles.
