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Hairspray types explained: Functions, Uses & Recommendations

  • 12 hours ago
  • 3 min read
Infographic titled "Hairspray Types Explained" introducing common hairspray categories, their functions, uses, and recommended products. Beauty reference guide featuring working, building, finishing, locking, anti-humidity, and shine hairsprays.

Not all hairsprays are designed to create the same results.


Different hairspray formulas are developed for different stages of styling, affecting everything from flexible movement and buildable volume to humidity protection, shine, and long-lasting hold.


Understanding how each hairspray type works can help you choose the right formula for every step of your styling routine and achieve more consistent results.


The Most Common hairspray Types

Working Hairspray


Infographic explaining working hairspray, a flexible styling spray designed to provide brushable hold while styling. Highlights its best uses, key characteristics, and recommends Bumble and bumble Does It All Hairspray and Oribe Superfine Hairspray.

Working hairsprays provide flexible, brushable hold while allowing the hair to remain movable throughout the styling process.


Best For

  • Everyday hairstyles

  • Hairstyles built in sections

  • Blowouts & curling

  • Layering styling products


Things to Know

Working hairsprays are designed to be applied while styling rather than after the hairstyle is complete. Their flexible hold allows the hair to be brushed through, reshaped, or restyled as needed.


Recommended Products

  • Bumble and bumble Does It All Hairspray

  • Oribe Superfine Hairspray

Building Hairspray


Infographic explaining building hairspray, a support spray designed to gradually build lift, volume, and structure through layering. Includes recommended products Kerastase Laque Couture Hairspray and Joico Power Spray.

Building hairsprays gradually increase support and structure with each layer, making them ideal for creating lift and volume.


Best For

  • Volume & body

  • Teasing & backcombing

  • Blowouts

  • Building structured styles


Things to Know

Unlike stronger finishing sprays, building hairsprays allow hold to develop gradually as additional layers are applied, making them useful for styles that require controlled support.


Recommended Products

  • Kérastase Laque Couture Hairspray

  • Joico Power Spray Hairspray

Setting Hairspray


Infographic explaining setting hairspray, a lightweight spray used to set finished hairstyles while maintaining natural movement. Includes recommended products Matrix Fixer Hairspray and Pureology Style + Protect Soft Finish Hairspray.

Setting hairsprays are applied after styling to help maintain the finished hairstyle while preserving natural movement.


Best For

  • Soft movement

  • Everyday hairstyles

  • Brushable finishes

  • Flexible hold


Things to Know

Setting hairsprays help set the hairstyle without creating excessive stiffness, making them a popular option for daily styling.


Recommended Products

  • Matrix Fixer Hairspray

  • Pureology Style + Protect Soft Finish Hairspray

Locking Hairspray


Infographic explaining locking hairspray, a maximum-hold hairspray designed to secure hairstyles for extended wear. Includes recommended products Redken Control 28 Hairspray and TIGI Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray.

Locking hairsprays provide maximum hold to help secure hairstyles that need to remain in place for extended periods.


Best For

  • High-hold styles

  • Editorial hairstyles

  • Pin curls & updos

  • Long-lasting wear


Things to Know

These formulas are designed to create the strongest hold of any hairspray category and may be more difficult to brush out than flexible sprays.


Recommended Products

  • Redken Control 28 Hairspray

  • TIGI Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray

Anti-Humidity Hairspray


Infographic explaining anti-humidity hairspray, a finishing spray formulated to reduce frizz and help protect hairstyles from humidity. Includes recommended products Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray and IGK Good Behavior Hairspray.

Anti-humidity hairsprays help reduce frizz while protecting hairstyles from moisture in humid environments.


Best For

  • Humid climates

  • Smooth hairstyles

  • Long-lasting finishes

  • Frizz control


Things to Know

Although anti-humidity sprays help reduce moisture-related frizz, no product can completely eliminate the effects of extreme humidity.


Recommended Products

  • Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Hairspray

  • IGK Good Behavior Hairspray

Shine Spray


Infographic explaining shine spray, a finishing product designed to add shine, smooth flyaways, and enhance polished hairstyles. Includes recommended products Kenra Shine Spray and BioSilk Shine On Spray.

Shine sprays are finishing products designed to enhance shine while smoothing flyaways and creating a polished appearance.


Best For

  • Dull hair

  • Polished styles

  • Finished hairstyles

  • Final finishing touches


Things to Know

Unlike traditional hairsprays, shine sprays focus primarily on appearance rather than hold. Many formulas provide little to no styling support.


Recommended Products

  • Kenra Shine Spray

  • BioSilk Shine On Spray

choosing the right Hairspray


There isn't one "best" hairspray.


Many hairstyles benefit from using multiple hairspray types throughout the styling process. A stylist might use a working spray while curling the hair, a building spray to create volume, an anti-humidity spray for weather protection, and a finishing or locking spray once the style is complete.


Understanding how different hairspray formulas work allows you to choose products based on the stage of styling, desired finish, and level of hold rather than relying solely on the word "hairspray."


recommended resources


Looking for product recommendations featured throughout this guide?


ShopMy Collection

Explore recommended hairsprays featured throughout this guide, organized by formula type, hair needs, and styling preferences.



Amazon Idea List

Discover additional hairspray recommendations, including buildable sprays, anti-humidity hairsprays, and shine focused options.







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