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How Do I Choose the Best Flexible Hair Spray?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Some factors you may consider when choosing a flexible hair spray are your hair type, the fragrance of each product, price, and how much hold you feel you need in a hair spray. The primary difference between most sprays is that some hold better than others. There are also different products available for those with varying hair types. If you are environmentally conscious, you may also consider choosing a flexible hair spray that comes in a pump bottle rather than an aerosol can.

The first issue you should think about when looking for a flexible hair spray is the type of hair you have. If you have very dry, damaged, or hard to manage hair you might need something stronger than if you have more easily tamed hair. Most flexible sprays are not intended for heavy-duty holding, but some are stronger than others. You can choose from products that are targeted to specific hair types, including thin, curly, or flat to help you get the look you want. For instance, there are hair sprays that are designed to increase the volume of hair as well as those which help to define curls.

Flexible hair spray.
Flexible hair spray.

You may also consider the fragrance of each flexible hair spray since some are stronger or more appealing than others. There are plenty of options with floral scents and other fragrances. Others have a strong scent that can be overpowering. You might be able to smell each item in the store before you buy, but sometimes this isn't an option. When you can't try one out beforehand, choose products that feature a scent you like or which say that they don't have the strong fumes typical of some hair sprays.

Hairspray with lighter holds is less likely to make hair stiff and crunchy.
Hairspray with lighter holds is less likely to make hair stiff and crunchy.

Although most hair sprays claim to be flexible, some of them still make hair feel stiff and "crunchy." This is especially common in products with stronger holds, since they have to keep unruly hair from getting out of control. The only way you can know for sure how flexible a particular hair spray is, is to try it out in your own home. Keep the price of each product in mind as you shop too, although most hair sprays are relatively affordable.

Flexible hair spray used to be sold in aerosol cans that sprayed quickly with minimal effort. While they were convenient, they were damaging to the ozone layer. Most hair spray is now sold in pump bottles, but aerosol cans may still be available with certain brands and in some locations.

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    • Flexible hair spray.
      By: Alexandr Makarov
      Flexible hair spray.
    • Hairspray with lighter holds is less likely to make hair stiff and crunchy.
      By: nastia1983
      Hairspray with lighter holds is less likely to make hair stiff and crunchy.