Best hairsprays: Secure your hairstyle from £5.99 to £35

Whether it’s to secure an up-do, tame flyaways or simply for a bit of extra shine, it will be a trusty can of hairspray that will be enlisted to do the job. The last step in your hair regime, hairspray is a versatile product that can be used to create structure, add volume, eradicate volume, provide a gleam, take away a gleam, protect from bad weather – need we go on?

You won’t be surprised to discover that there are numerous formulas, packed with clever ingredients to cater for any hair-styling need. But which should you buy? We’ve pulled together a list of the best formulas out there, from fine mists to sturdy sprays, to ensure you have a good hair day, every day.

How to buy the best hairspray for you

Which one should you go for?

A hairspray should first and foremost secure a hairstyle in place, but they usually come with added benefits too. Those who love the bed-head look should opt for a hairspray that offers a matte finish, while those wanting a more glossy finish should search out a formula that promises added shine. Hair looking a little limp? Opt for a root-boosting formula, or for a little extra assurance to keep your hairstyle in place in the summer breeze, go for a fine mist rather than a more heavy-duty spray. The possibilities are almost endless.

What should you consider first?

As well as thinking about what you want your hairspray to achieve, consider the condition of your hair, too. Those with very dry hair, for example, may well find that a matte finish hairspray makes their hair look even drier. On the other hand, if you suffer from oily roots then steer clear oil-based sprays that, while softening and taming hair, can make it look more greasy.

How much should you spend?

If you use your hairspray daily then we’d recommend around £20 as a ceiling as you’ll be needing to repurchase every 6-8 weeks, depending on the length of your hair. A hairspray that costs over £20 is a real luxury – but if you have the money to spend then go for it, as long as you know it will deliver.

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The best hairspray you can buy

1. L’Oreal Paris Elnett Diamond Hold Hairspray: The best hairspray for under £10

Price: £7.99 | Buy now from Amazon

An oldie but a goldie, this brand may be a classic but it comes with up to date technology – the perfect combination. Famed for being used by women for generations, the Elnett formula is likely to be a reminder of your gran’s 60s bouffant every time you spritz it. While some may find this comforting, others not so much, but this will easily become a second thought when you notice the results. It’s a fine mist, so perfect for those wanting to build structure rather than get it in one quick spray. So although your ‘do will remain in place for a large chunk of the day, you won’t be left with a rigid, tangled finish. The hairspray leaves a subtle shine – and the best bit: you can simply brush the product out and you’d never have known it was there.

2. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Sheer Lacquer Micro Fine Finishing Spray: The best hairspray for under £20

Price: £18 | Buy now from Amazon

The first thing you’ll notice about this can of hairspray is its size and weight – it’s pretty hefty, so you won’t feel too guilty about spending just under £20 when you consider what you’re getting. Another fine mist for a lightweight, buildable finish, its scent is pleasing: not too heavy or musky, just a light perfume that you won’t mind catching a waft of every so often through the day. It does a great job of keeping hair in place – especially to tame annoying flyaways, or to get your blow-dry to stay put. You can spray as much of it as you like, while still being able to run your fingers through your hair freely – don’t be put off by the word ‘lacquer’; it certainly won’t glue your hair together!

3. Bumble and bumble Strong Finish Hairspray: The best hairspray for a firm hold

Price: £23 | Buy now from Amazon

Want your hair to remain firmly in place, quickly and efficiently? Then you’ll get what you wish for with Bumble and bumble’s Strong Finish Hairspray. This spray is the real deal when it comes to keeping your hair in place with one spritz. It smells good and you won’t need much to ensure your barnet stays in place for hours on end. The only downside is that it leaves a sticky residue after having brushed it out, which won’t disappear until you wash it out. However, this remains an excellent matte-finish hairspray, keeping to its claim of providing instant, firm hold. Just make sure you’re happy with your hairstyle before you spray…

4. VO5 Ultimate Hold Weather Resistant Hairspray: The best hairspray for under £6

Price: £5.99 | Buy now from Amazon

When it comes to saving money on your hair, it feels good to know that you can turn to an established, well-known brand such as VO5 that won’t let you down. This non-sticky hairspray works hard to fend off frizz from both drizzle and heat, protects from UV rays, and provides a little volume boost while it’s at it. Contrary to what the packaging says, it won’t hold your style for 24 hours – but let’s face it, that would be asking a little too much of a product that costs only £5.99. However, your hair will certainly remain neat for first impressions (and maybe a little while longer). An absolute bargain.