A flexible hold hairspray sets your style while keeping hair soft. Stylists often call these "working sprays" because they can be applied at any point during styling to make hair more manageable. The Theory Finishing Spray is the best flexible hold hairspray in our lineup. A strong hold hairspray lasts longer, making it better for updos, event styles, or anything that needs to last all day. Impulse Finishing Spray is a top pick in this category.

If the formula relies on high alcohol content that dries out the strand over time, it can. The wrong hairspray can also cause color warping or dehydration with repeated use. The best hairspray ingredients are plant-based hold agents and conditioning botanicals that protect hair. Surface Hair formulas use ingredients like babassu oil, maracuja oil, and amaranth protein to condition and strengthen strands instead of drying them out.

Flexible and light hold hairsprays typically rinse out easily when shampooing. If you use a firm hold hairspray, a clarifying wash every few weeks helps prevent buildup. Don't use too much strong hold hairspray. This way, strands won't be stiff and harder to brush out. Our products contain botanical ingredients that tend to rinse out easily.

A finishing spray is any spray you apply after styling that can provide strong hold, a glossy sheen, UV protection, or fragrance (depending on the formula). Most finishing sprays are good for taming flyaways and creating a sleek look, but flexible or strong hold sprays are what you need to shape and hold styles. Our hair finishing sprays add shine and protection, and our best strong hold hairspray will keep a look intact for extended periods.