3 Strong-Hold Hairsprays to Help Straight Hair

We always want what we can’t have. I have super straight hair, and as many compliments as I get for its silky smooth appearance, I love a wave or curl in the right place to give it volume. The problem lies in keeping my hair from going back to pin-straight after a morning with a curling iron and product (tons of it). While I’ll probably always envy those that were blessed with beautiful, bouncy natural curls, I want a hairspray that helps me to pretend I’m part of the club, even if it’s just temporary.

So I went on a hunt to finally find a hairspray that will hold my curls throughout the day and well into the night. The best hairsprays I found all feature an intensely strong hold with a totally touchable finish—no crunch, stickiness, or flakes! And for the record, they withstood lots of challenges—like a full sunny day sipping vino at a wine fest, dancing the night away at a concert, an extremely humid outdoor sporting event, and killer workout classes. With each of these, my curls stayed intact.

Here are my all-time top three hairsprays—they’re all so good that I couldn’t narrow it down to just one.

Bumble and bumble. Strong Finish Hairspray, $32

This spray really locked my hair in place but with a soft, brushable finish, and my curls looked natural and effortless. I was even able to convince a colleague that my hair was naturally wavy! Exactly what everyone needs in their life: a strong-hold hairspray minus the stiffness.

Oribe Superfine Strong Hair Spray, $42

This truly keeps hair in place without weighing it down. I also noticed that it gave my hair a subtle, natural-looking shine and added volume—and I’m not complaining! Better yet, the formula is extremely buildable, so for a full day, I could easily spray 2-3 layers in the morning to set my hair without it looking or feeling stiff. As with all Oribe hair products, this one features a beautiful, warm fragrance that’s far from the chemical odor in other brands.

R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hair Spray

It is vicious. A spray that possesses a tenaciously strong hold that you can still run your fingers through. Plus, this multitasker features heat protection and volumizing benefits. The delicious packaging alone deserves a spot in your vanity, and its sultry, woodsy smell doesn’t hurt, either.

Pro Tip: In case you’re wondering, I used the T3 Whirl Trio to curl and can’t imagine using another curler again.