The Best Drugstore Hairsprays

For all the time we spend getting dressed head to toe to present our best
self, rarely do we ever hear “Wow, you look great-that hairspray really
compliments you”. This behind the scene beauty tool is a must-have for
most and can range from $2.00-$35. But is there really a difference in
performance from the salon brands to the drugstore brands? At the end of
the day, it all comes down to preference. But today’s hairsprays are designed
to address specific needs and should be purchased accordingly. Here are
some drugstore options that rival even the high end luxury brands.

Drugstore: a mass chain, big box retail outlet. Think any
grocery store, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.

Specialty Beauty: a specialized beauty only
retail/wholesale option for those looking for more specialized brands. These
stores offer more boutique brands ranging from skin care, cosmetics, bath
and body and hair care. Think Ulta, Sephora, Sally’s Beauty.

Salon: Brands only available for purchase by those who
hold a cosmetologist license. These brands typically are available through a
regional sales rep or a wholesale only store like Peerless Beauty supply.

We set out to test and try some of the most popular drugstore hair sprays on
the market, with the goal to tackle some of women’s most common hair
complaints. Here are the results:

Problem: Limp & Lifeless Hair
Solution: Suave Volumizing Root Boost Spray, $2.74
Designed to be sprayed only at the roots to give an added lift to heavy hair.
Compared to MATRIX, this does equal the job and 1/4 the price. Rich in
collagen and folic acid, this revitalizes the roots and amps up the volume.

Problem: Dropping Curls
Solution: TRESemme Thermal Creations Curl Activator, $3.98
If you are getting your summer wavy curls from a curling iron and want them
to stay fresh all day, this is the product for you. It protects the hair from heat
while allowing your hair to hold a soft, wavy curl all day. Not sticky or heavy,
this lightweight spray is the perfect curl companion.

For a firmer hold for thick hair or heavy curls, try Herbal Essence Volume
spray $3.37. The scent is divine, there is ABSOLUTLEY no stick, and it
will hold heaviest of curls in their perfect position.

Problem: Fine Hair, No Volume
Solution: FAT Hair Amplifying $8.97
Big, Sexy Hair move over because this product beats the price by half and
does identical work. After all your styling, teasing, twisting, and curling, mist
this spray to add that va-va-voom volume. A moderately firm hairspray that
will let you swing your hair with confidence.

Problem: Firm Hold, No Stick
Solution: Not Your Mother’s Miss Freeze, $4.74
This hairspray locks your do into place but allows it to move if you need it to.
I love this because it isn’t tacky or sticky and will hold firm throughout the
day. For SUPER power hold, this is my go to. And at a price I can go to over
and over again.

Problem: Thin, Easily Weighed Down Hair
Solution: Nexxus Superior Hold Finishing Spray, $9.96
A finishing spray is ideal for those just looking for a light hold with a little
texture. Applied once your style is completely finished, this light spritz adds
just the right balance of hold while the texture helps it last. Won’t weigh hair
down but adds a nice finishing touch.

Problem: Frizzy Fly Aways
Solution: Schwarzkopf Zero Frizz, $4.64 (WALMART exclusive)
While Scwarzkopf is a pricey salon brand, Walmart has only ONE product
from this line and it happens to be my FAVORITE. If frizzies are your only
concern, don’t use a typical hairspray. Most hairsprays contain alcohol and
that can make frizzies stand up and be counted. Instead, smooth them away
with this softening, delightful serum. Add to hands and lightly apply from
crown to wherever the frizz control is needed.

Problem: Day Old, Stinky Hair
Solution: Aussie You Can Shine, $3.16
Also a finishing spray, this simply mists a light refreshing scent and adds
shine to overworked hair. A great pick me up if you don’t wash your hair
every day or don’t have a lot of time to spend doing your hair.