Hair care is huge, guys. And, with each passing day, shampoo and conditioner alone won’t cut it. We know what you’re thinking, and you can’t stop at leave-in conditioners, either.
Of course, whatever hyper-specific product you’re looking for depends on what your scalp needs, and when you want to keep a sought-after hairstyle intact, your solution is some of the best hairsprays for men.
When it comes to choosing the best hairsprays for men, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of options, so I did the legwork—better yet, fingerwork—for you, spending hours researching the market’s best.
It’s not just about finding a product that holds your hair in place; in the end, it’s about finding one that complements your style and enhances your hair’s natural texture. So, when the wax is too sticky or the pomade’s too risky, bank on some of the most renowned grooming brands to deliver great hairspray options that deal with these pesky problems.
If you want to ensure that the heat doesn’t ruin your look on summer days or that the wind won’t blow it out of proportion, come fall, follow along, and find the best hairsprays for men.
Key Takeaways
For this guide, I pored over countless reviews and even raided my friends’ bathroom cabinets until I whittled it down to my final picks.
Don’t worry; I’ll dive deeper into the crucial buying considerations (it’s not just about hold anymore), like the impact of hairspray ingredients, how to choose the right hold level for your style, and why the bottle size matters more than you believe.
But, if you need the TLDR, know that the Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Hairspray is the best men’s hairspray overall, and the Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray is a much more versatile option for everyday use.
Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Hairspray at Amazon
L3 Level 3 Hair Spray at Amazon
Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray at Amazon
Oribe Free Styler Working Hairspray at Amazon
American Crew Men's Hair Spray at Amazon
Balmain Hair Texturizing Salt Spray at Amazon
Rx Hair Loss Spray + Ketoconazole + Biotin at HIMS
Best Overall: Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Hairspray
Why it’s great: The best hairspray for men is arguably the most well-known. Paul Mitchell’s perennial product delivers on its promises and has, for years, dependably locked in looks and added a glossy sheen to your hair. Whether you’re heading to a black-tie event or just want your daily style to last, you can bank on 24-hour protection.
Who is this for? Although it works ideally on fine air, it still works well whether you have thick hair or just need some extra help taming flyaways. Secondly, it’s great for people seeking some added shine and polish in their hairstyle.
Flaws but not deal -reakers: Some people may not prefer the cucumber scent, but it fades rather quickly. Also, if you go overboard when spraying, it can leave your hair a little stiff, so keep that in mind and use this option sparingly.
Product Benefits: Vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free | Size: 3.4–33.8 oz | Hold: Strong | Scent: Cucumber
Best Budget: L3 Level 3 Hair Spray
Why it’s great: Once we’re praising a product with the ability to withstand winds as fast as 25 MPH, it’s clear that we have some of the best hairspray for men on our hands. L3’s paraben-free formula and signature strength are hard to match at this price.
Who is this for? As its name suggests, L3’s Level 3 hairspray is for people who require the strongest hold possible. This product guarantees up to 120 hours (!) of silky, stiff results to keep you and your do locked in.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although this does offer great hold and a wallet-friendly price, the scent leaves something to be desired.
Product Benefits: Long-lasting hold | Size: 13.5 oz | Hold: Strong | Scent: Unscented
Best Everyday: Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray
Why it’s great: This minty fresh option from Living Proof falls in line with most of its hair products, as it delivers instant results for all sorts of styles. The texturizing spray also gives your hair the perfect lived-in look, so it doesn’t look like you’re doing too much.
Who is this for? Doubling down on that last point, this is for people who don’t need to hold an elaborate look all day but rather a style balanced enough to keep your do structured and voluminous.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best hairsprays for men. However, some customers have objections about the bottle applicator being too difficult to use with one hand. Beyond that? No complaints!
Product Benefits: Heat protection | Size: 7.5–10 oz | Hold: Light | Scent: Mint
Best for Fine Hair: Oribe Free Styler Working Hairspray
Why it’s great: Used by stylists to and fro, Oribe’s option is pricier but does wonders for dry hair. One of the best hairsprays for men, it’s ideal for everyday usage and offers a consistent light hold that can be shaped how you see fit and fights frizz in the process.
Who is this for? Thin-haired folks who need to maintain a healthy scalp and style their hair as needed. Additionally, it’s great for people who want to add extra products and pull it off without any pesky flaking.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some people consider the hold a bit too light, so keep that in mind in case you’re eyeing something more substantial.
Product Benefits: Flexible hold | Size: 10 oz | Hold: Light | Scent: Côte d’Azur
Best on Amazon: American Crew Men’s Hair Spray
Why it’s great: Thanks to some conditioner and emulsifier that American Crew adds to its grooming spray, it can keep dry hair in place without a sticky hand feel. The buildable spray also lets you control how you look when leaving the house.
Who is this for? The award-winning formula in this hairspray for men is great for guys with fine hair, thanks to its static prevention properties. Plus, it’s one of the guide’s smaller bottles, making it a great choice for travelers and one of the best hairsprays for men overall.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since it gets stronger as you go, the hold you get depends on how much you use, so it’s not perfect for people who need to keep their look in place without using up lots of spray.
Product Benefits: Static-prevention | Size: 8.4 oz | Hold: Buildable | Scent: Unscented
Best Luxury: Balmain Hair Texturizing Salt Spray
Why it’s great: The fashion house’s summer-ready spray is hard to pass up, bursting with argan oil, silk protein, and sea salt. Why sea salt? This hairspray for men creates texture in your hair that is perfect for dryer scalps and strands.
Who is this for? It’s perfect for anyone hitting beaches on the daily, much in part thanks to its humidity-resistant formula and its undeniably clean scent of… nothing; let your summer fragrance of choice do the talking.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It sure as hell won’t cost as much as a leather jacket from Balmain, but with a listing price of $55, it’s our best luxury option for a reason.
Product Benefits: Volumizing | Size: 7 oz | Hold: Light | Scent: Unscented
Best Smelling: Oars + Alps Texturizing and Thickening Spray for Hair
Why it’s great: Oars + Alps’ signature hydrating formula is packed with vitamins that promote longevity and a healthier scalp. This paraben-free elixir includes B vitamins, fruit and rice extracts, and loads of antioxidants to combat any weather-based irritants getting in between you and your preferred look.
Who is this for? This is one of the best hairsprays for men. It’s perfect for those who a) have fine hair, b) prefer a light hold, and c) want a refreshing scent to go along with it.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Simply put, don’t buy spray if you need a heavy-duty hold. It’s designed for more natural, flexible styling by adding subtle texture and volume to your hair. Further, while sandalwood scents are beloved by most, it might not be everyone’s first choice.
Product Benefits: Hydrating formula | Size: 3.4 oz | Hold: Light | Scent: Sandalwood
Best for Growth: HIMS Rx Hair Loss Spray + Ketoconazole + Biotin
Why it’s great: Are you ready for a science lesson? Here goes nothing: finasteride reduces hormones contributing to hair loss, and minoxidil stimulates growth; also, biotin and ketoconazole support overall health and strength. Overall, the telehealth service’s holistic approach tackles the problem from all angles.
Who is this for? This is for anyone serious about combating hair loss and digging for what’s out there to assist. If you’ve noticed your hair thinning or receding, Hims offers some of the most popular solutions for maintaining that mane.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although all these benefits sound great, the product is not FDA-certified, which could rightfully deter customers from spritzing it on their scalp.
Product Benefits: Promotes hair growth | Size: 7 oz | Hold: N/A | Scent: Eucalyptus
Buying Considerations for the the Best Hairsprays for Men
Ingredients
We are long removed from the days of Aqua Net, so hairspray isn’t just about hold anymore. Contemporary formulas are usually jam-packed with ingredients designed to boost volume, combat humidity, and even nourish your hair; natural ingredients’ like sea salt help with texture, and others are formulated with added vitamins and antioxidants.
Hold
Hold level isn’t the only element to consider in the best men’s hairspray, but it still sits at the top of the list. Although a flexible hold will give casual, everyday looks a bit more lift, a maximum hold can hold up grandiose, elaborate styles that need to stay put all day or night.
Size
Ask yourself: how often do you plan on using it? The best men’s hairspray options come in no shortage of sizes, from carry-on-approved minis to salon-ready bottles.
Remember, hairspray can go bad, often becoming far less effective after a year or so. That said, if you don’t plan on making the most out of a larger size, consider buying something a little more countertop-friendly.
How We Chose
Throughout this write-up, I spent hours researching different hairsprays, scouring reviews, and consulting with grooming experts. Most of all, I accounted for each brand’s ingredients, hold levels, and overall reputation to ensure that these recommendations are top-notch and best-suited for several styles.
Bottle Applicator: Whether it’s shaving cream, hairspray, or any other grooming product, it’s easy to stumble on a poorly designed bottle. Look for options with fine mist applications that spread the spray evenly, preventing pesky clumps, sticky patches, or wasted product.
Company Reputation: Names like Fekkai and Paul Mitchell are commonplace around these parts, and customers have depended on them through the years. As for most specialty products, reputable brands dedicate their time to creating the best product for your hair, investing in research and development to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Healthy Ingredients: To keep your hair healthy, look for hairsprays free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, and parabens. If you fret over this type of stuff (which you should if you’re even reading this), then look for plant-based ingredients and essential oils to nourish and protect while maintaining your desired hold.
Why Trust Us?
The best grooming products should be slightly determined by people with a proven track record in the field, right? Yoni Yardeni has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of men’s hair and skin care, which makes him one of many seasoned fashion writers who can tell you what’s good for the scalp as much as what’s sitting on top.
His blend of in-depth analysis and knowledge of different products makes him a trusted expert in the field. So, whether you ordered a Manscaped razor just because of the name or a genuine grooming veteran, Yoni’s recommendations on FashionBeans can guide you in making informed decisions for your specific needs and style.
Final Verdict
Let’s go over the basics again, shall we? Selecting the best men’s hairspray is a big deal for guys trying to achieve their preferred style and maintaining their hair long-term. Consider the ingredients, size, and hold level that best suit your needs.
And though my top picks offer a variety of options to cater to different hair types and styling preferences, the best men’s hairspray across the board has got to be from Paul Mitchell, whose animal-friendly paraben-free Freeze and Shine Super Hairspray has remained near the top for years.
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- Should men use hairspray?
Guys, how much longer are we going to deprive ourselves of grooming items because there’s a connotation to it? Yes, men can use hairspray, and they should when deemed necessary! All in all, the eternally versatile product can help you achieve countless looks depending on your choice. Find the best hairspray for men above!
- What hairspray holds the best?
If you didn’t get the message earlier, there is no objective answer here, as it ultimately depends on your hair type and desired look. However, customer reviews and product studies suggest that PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) often provides the sought-after “hold,” but the polarizing synthetic may be better off left on the shelf.
- Is hairspray good or bad for your hair?
When used discerningly, hairspray can work wonders for your hair — remember, good things tend to come in moderation. To further prevent any poor results, select a hairspray with nourishing ingredients rather than those with high alcohol content.
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