We love a perfectly undone hairstyle. You know what we mean by “perfectly undone,” right? It’s a look that’s volumized and defined, yet tousled and lived-in—like the kind popularized by off-duty models and the French. As any hairstylist will tell you, it comes down to using the right products, and the right technique. While the right technique might take some time and practice to master, the right products come easier. In this case, the right product is a texturizing spray. “A texturizing spray is exactly what it sounds like,” says Jamila Powell, founder of Naturally Drenched and owner of Maggie Rose Salon. “The purpose of a texturizing spray is to add texture, volume, and support to your hair to make it easier for you to style. It’s a lightweight spray that you can apply from the root to the ends of your hair. The product is great to use as a refresh for second or third-day hair because it will absorb excess oil, similar to dry shampoo.” The best part is that texturizing spray can benefit every hair type and texture. “If you have thin-to-flat hair, a texturizing spray would help your hair have some extra hold when trying to style it and help the style last longer,” Powell explains. “If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, a texturizing spray is a great alternative to using hairspray to seal in the style without dealing with the stiffness or crunchiness that hairspray can leave behind.” Trust us when we tell you that this stuff is the key to effortless-looking hair. After all, there’s a reason hairstylists always keep a texturizing spray in their kit… Keep scrolling to see the 11 best texturizing sprays to shop now (according to hairstylists and editors).
This texturizing spray comes courtesy of Leo Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care. “My clients love Beach Club Volumizing Texture Spray for a beachy hair look. It is definitely my favorite to use too. It’s different from most texture sprays out there because it is a salt-free formula—it uses glycerin and gluten-free wheat protein instead of salt to add waves and body to the hair without drying it out or feeling sticky. The aerosol application gives you a light, even coverage that you can build up depending on how much texture you want.” “For all-over texture and volume, just spray Beach Club Volumizing Texture Spray from roots to ends and massage or scrunch in,” Izquierdo instructs. “For more defined beach waves, take small sections and twist and spray each section. Let them fall naturally. For curly hair, scrunch and twist as you spray to encourage your natural curl and to add shine and hold.”
Powell recommends this texturzing spray from Pureology. “This is a really unique texturizing spray because it contains sugarcane (which won’t make your hair sticky, I promise!) The ingredient gives the hair the perfect ‘lived-in’ texture and will help give your hair extra hold and support. It also has UVA/UVB protection which helps to keep your hair healthy from the sun.”
Powell also recommends this one, which just so happens to be a Who What Wear office favorite. “This is a tried and true texturizing spray,” she says. “The product is perfect for giving hair some extra texture and volume and will absorb any excess oils at the root so it’s great when your hair is in need of a refresh.
“I love this product because of how lightweight and easy to use it is,” Powell says. “For any hair that is in need of an instant lift, this product will add tons of volume and texture.”
Adam Federico is a hairstylist and Director of Content at R+Co. He calls this lightly-tinted teasing and texturizing duo one of his “go-to” products. “For me, a texturizing spray has to be dry and soft to touch—no crunchiness. I want the hair to feel like hair (with the added benefits of the products).”
Frederico’s other texturizing spray recommendation is from R+Co’s “couture collection.” He says both of his product picks will build body and definition while styling. “I love that I can mist into literally any hair type and they build a kind of second-day grit, plus add memory.”
My thin and flat hair loves this product (as it does most other Kristin Ess products, actually). I like that it boosts the body and movement of my hair without weighing down my naturally wavy texture. It has a little bit of a funny smell, but it disappears after a few seconds, and all that’s left behind is piece-y, defined texture.
This might be my all-time favorite texturizing spray, probably because it gives my hair much-needed volume, as well as definition and hold. It also never fails to make my waves (whether my natural waves or my heat tool-created ones) look amazing.
Senior Beauty Editor, Erin Jahns, loves this tongue-in-cheek texturizing spray. It promises an instant full-bodied and tousled look without adding any unnecessary weight to the hair.
Another beauty editor-favorite, this one is pretty much famous for the sky-high volume it imparts. Simply shake the canister spray it 4 to 6 inches away from dry hair for texture, hold, and yes, volume. (You can also spray it onto your hair while hanging your head upside-down for extra fullness).
This texturizing spray is special because it offers heat protection and moisture for thirsty, color-treated strands. It also works on all hair types and textures, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily and fine, medium, and thick hair.
Prep your hair for styling by running a gentle hairbrush through it, whether wet or dry.
This flat iron has nine digitally controlled temperature settings.
Take it from me. Sectioning your hair before styling makes a world of difference.
Never let an iron touch your strands without using a heat protectant first.
This flexible hairspray will keep your style looking fresh (without crunchiness).
