The Best Hairsprays Give Control Without Losing Movement
The best hairsprays are far from a thing of beauty routine’s past. Essential to ’60s mod bobs and ’80s gravity defying crops à la Dynasty, the hairsprays of decades past were crunchy, locking hair into place with stiffness. In 2026, however, hairspray has lightened up—meeting the demands of bouncy blowouts and beach waves with approachable, fluid hold.
Vogue’s Favorite Hairspray
Pro hairstylist Willis Galbraith tells Vogue that, these days, the leading formulas can be used on any look or hair type. “If you prefer a lightweight hairspray, there are so many options on the market now that feel barely there, so it’s no longer something that needs to be saved just for special occasions,” he says. Fellow celebrity hairstylist Charley McEwan agrees, adding hairspray has become less about being overly styled and more about refinement. “I use hairspray daily to keep things looking clean, intentional, and polished, whether that’s for a red carpet appearance or just a well-groomed, natural look,” McEwan tells. “When used correctly, it shouldn’t feel heavy or obvious—and that’s why it works just as well day to day as it does for special occasions.”
I grew up in a home where hairspray was paramount—my mother, known for her beautiful long hair, never left the house with her lengths unstyled. From down the hall, I’d hear the whisper of her Suave non-aerosol pump, spritz-spritzing her layers into place—my sign to know she was almost done getting ready. Well into my 20s, it seems I’ve have become somewhat of a hairspray enthusiast, tool—it really is the only thing that keeps my at-home blowout bouncy and smooth.
Below, a look at Vogue’s favorite hairspray formulas to know, each backed by editor and hairstylist insight.
In This Story
Best Overall: L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray
- Why We Love It: “This is one of my go-to’s and I use it on everyone,” says Galbraith. “It’s weightless, brush-able, and leaves the hair feeling natural while still providing reliable hold.” McEwen adds that he recommends this hairspray to his clients because it works on almost everyone. “It gives hold without ever feeling heavy or sticky, great for both everyday hair, grooming, and more elevated looks,” McEwen explains.
- Editor’s Experience: “The compliments just keep pouring in on my new blowout routine (I’ve been practicing!). The hairspray keeping my hard work in place is this one—when I’m done with my Dyson Airwrap, I do a light spritz all around my freshly flipped ends. I particularly love how easily I can brush out this formula, without it leaving my thick hair feeling abnormally crunchy or loosing its hold.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key ingredients: Alcohol denat, dimethyl ether, dimethicone
- More to Know: Unscented, paraben-free, aluminum-free, sulfate-free
- Hold: Strong
- Size: 11 oz.
