The Best Hairsprays We Tried for Flexible Hold Without the Crunch Start at $15

For a medium to strong hold hairspray that will maintain softness and flexibility, reach for this R+Co Hairspray. One tester said this is the only hairspray that can hold her really thick hair without having to use an excessive amount of product.

This hairspray smoothed stubborn baby hairs and flyaways, held loose waves in place throughout the day and even maintained bouncy curls for over 12 hours. The even mist allows easy, buildable coverage, though be aware spraying too much can create some crunchiness.

Size: 9.5 ounces | Best For: Thick hair | Hold: Medium to strong hold

With the same lightweight effect of our R+Co pick at a fraction of the cost, this Kristin Ess hairspray smoothed, shined, and held loose hairstyles in place. The product, which doubles as a heat-protectant, left our hair soft to the touch and didn’t weigh down our hair as much as other formulations. The flexible hold offered decent lasting power (even for thick and heavy hair), keeping curls in place all day. 

Size: 6.7 ounces  | Best For: All hair types | Hold: Medium to strong hold

It’s rare to find a hairspray that suits a variety of hair textures, but the Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode does just that. The product gives a strong, flexible hold that was loved by our testers with a variety of hair textures. 

One tester with 4C hair said she recommends this product to others with type 4 hair, since the spray won’t weigh down or be too harsh on curls and coils. She used this spray to hold curls on her frontal wig and noted that the product’s fine mist ensures curly frontals and 4C hair won’t frizz. 

Size: 10 ounces  | Best For: All hair types | Hold: Strong hold

A flexible hairspray ensures the most natural-looking hold, and this Drybar hairspray is one of the best we tried in that regard. Our tester called this product the most flexible hairspray she has ever used, lengthening her style’s wear without any stiffness or greasiness. The hairspray has a light hold, making it suitable for everyday use.

This product might bother those who are sensitive to fragrances, as the hairspray is scented with jasmine, sandalwood, and Madagascar vanilla (although our tester likened it to the smell of baby powder).

Size: 7.7 ounces  | Best For: Fine to medium-thick hair | Hold: Flexible hold

This Kenra hairspray gave a light to medium hold on ponytails, curls and straightened styles. Our tester said that this product added an extra oomph to her look, leaving her fine, straight hair looking voluminous and smooth without any extra weight. This hold locks in everyday styles but might not be suitable for special events. 

This spray is a great option for those who want the flexible hold of our Drybar pick without the strong scent. We found that the fragrance of the Kenra hairspray dissipated quickly instead of lingering in the room and on hair. 

Size: 10 ounces  | Best For: Fine hair | Hold: Flexible hold

For anyone who struggles with products weighing down their hair, this Kevin Murphy product is the perfect hairspray to add texture and hold. Our testers found this product added volume and held shape with a lightweight, brushable feel. Perfect for low-maintenance wearers, this spray didn’t leave our hair begging for a wash at the end of the day.

While one of our testers loved the coconut and vanilla scent, another found it a bit overpowering; if you’re sensitive to scents, we recommend others on this list, like the Kenra Perfect Medium Hairspray 13.

Size: 8 ounces  | Best For: All hair types | Hold: Flexible hold

This Pureology hairspray is ideal for a buildable hold that adds volume without weight. While this product might not be the perfect fit for fine hair, thicker textures will love the medium hold and brushable finish this spray provides. 

Our tester was able to restyle her hair throughout the day with this product, refreshing her curls with ease thanks to the hairspray’s hold. This hairspray’s memory for shape meant a curling iron touch-up wasn’t necessary — gentle fluffing of her hair did the trick and maintained her look throughout the day. The next day, she found the leftover product added hold to new curls. 

Size: 10.5 ounces  | Best For: Thicker hair textures | Hold: Strong hold

This Alterna hairspray, which doubles as a heat protectant, proved to be a versatile pick. Our 3C and 2A testers both loved this product for its flexible hold, with our curly-haired tester calling this one of the best sprays she has tried. She praised the product for its brushability, hold, and overall clean feeling.

Plus, who doesn’t want one less spray in their product lineup? One of our testers used this spray before straightening and found it shielded her hair as well as a typical heat protectant. 

Size: 7.4 ounces  | Best For: All hair textures | Hold: Flexible hold

With an extremely flexible and lightweight hold, this Color Wow hairspray is perfect for those who want the most natural-feeling results. Our testers loved the shine of the spray, noting their hair never felt greasy. With a flexible hold, it won’t offer an extremely long-lasting shape, but it did lengthen the longevity of our testers’ styles. 

Made without hairspray’s typical darkening or yellowing ingredients, this product won’t risk color. Plus, UV protection means extra security that your strands will maintain their desired color. 

Size: 10 ounces | Best For: Color-treated hair, not suited for Type 4 hair | Hold: Flexible hold

If you’ve all but given up on finding the perfect hairspray for fine hair, this Oribe hairspray should be in your lineup. One tester said she had refused to use hairspray, as it left her fine strands too sticky — until she tried this Oribe pick. Another tester called this product a “godsend” for anyone with thin hair.

Whereas thin and fine hair tends to turn greasy, sticky, or weighed down by hairspray, the lightweight formula of this product leaves hair looking and feeling natural. While the product claims to be a light hold hairspray, one of our testers found her style stayed mostly intact all day thanks to this product. 

Size: 9 ounces  | Best For: All hair textures | Hold: Light hold

Fighting frizz is made easy with the Redken Spray Smooth, which our testers found to be ultra-smoothing, leaving hair shiny and flyaway-free. This product is made for damp hair, so be sure to apply before blow drying for the best results. While this product will not provide a strong hold, if your priority is smoothing your strands, Redken Spray Smooth offers a beautiful finish. Plus, it doubles as a heat protectant!

Size: 7.5 ounces  | Best For: All hair types | Hold: None (for smoothing only)