To use hairspray, hold the can 6–10 inches away from dry hair and mist lightly and evenly to set your style.
For the full breakdown, see our best Affordable Hairspray guide.
Hairspray is the finishing touch that locks in a style, tames flyaways, and adds volume at the roots without weighing hair down. The classic mistake is treating it like a cloud you walk through or dousing one spot until it’s wet. The working method is simpler: a few light, even mists from the right distance, applied to hair that’s already dry and styled the way you want it to stay.
Getting the technique right matters more than the formula. Below are the steps that work for everyday styling, plus the specific moves for volume and frizz control.
The Right Way to Spray
Start with dry, fully styled hair.
Hold the can 6–10 inches from your head. This distance lets the mist settle evenly instead of pooling in one spot. Then follow this order:
- Shake the can briefly to mix the formula.
- Mist in one smooth, sweeping pass over the whole style.
- Wait a few seconds for the first layer to set.
- Add a second light layer only where you need more hold.
Think in layers, not volume. One heavy spray creates stiffness and that crunchy, sticky feel. Two or three light coats give the same hold with a softer finish that still moves.
Using Hairspray for Volume and Flyaways
Hairspray does two jobs beyond holding a style: lifting the roots and smoothing stray strands. Each needs a different move.
For volume at the roots: flip your head upside down and spray directly at the roots, then flip back and gently shake the hair loose. This lifts the hair away from the scalp and keeps it there.
For flyaways and frizz: do not spray the whole head again. Spray a little hairspray into your hands or onto a clean toothbrush, then smooth the stray hairs down. This targets the problem without re-coating the entire style.
One caveat: spraying upside down adds volume but also coats the roots, so a flexible-hold formula keeps the hair from feeling heavy.
Brushing, Combing, and Common Mistakes
Do not brush or comb through hair once the hairspray has dried. The hardened coating can cause tearing and breakage when a comb drags through it. If you need to restyle, brush the hair before the spray fully sets, or use a flexible-hold formula designed to be brushed out.
Three mistakes cause most bad hairspray results:
- Spraying too close. Under 6 inches, the mist turns into a wet patch that dries stiff and shiny.
- Overapplying. Heavy coats lead to crunchiness, stickiness, and product buildup that dulls the hair.
- Using it on wet hair. Wet hair won’t hold the spray’s shape; the style collapses as it dries.
Applying a light layer to dry hair before using hot tools can help hold the style longer, though this works best as a styling step rather than a safety measure.
Hairspray Formulas and Finishing
Different formulas serve different finishes. The main split is between flexible hold and strong hold. Flexible sprays let hair move and brush out easily; strong-hold sprays lock a style in place but leave less room to restyle.
Most sprays also have a finish: natural, satin, or high-shine. Satin finishes add a soft sheen without looking glossy; high-shine options give a polished, dressed-up look. The finish matters as much as the hold when you’re picking a bottle.
References & Sources
- L’Oréal Paris. “Hairspray Advice: How to Use Hairspray for Any Hair Type.” Covers spray distance, dry-hair application, root volume, and flyaway techniques.
- L’Oréal Paris. “Hair Spray Products.” Details the Elnett and Elnett Satin product lines and their hold levels.