We asked 100 people to try the leading hairsprays – this is their winner (2024)

Score: 90/100

Firm enough to keep your curls in place all day, but still flexible enough to avoid your hair cracking and itching – that’s what Color Wow had in mind when it created its Cult Favourite hairspray. But did it impress in our tests?

Unlike many other products on the market, our panellists said this didn’t leave their hair sticky and also didn’t have an overpowering smell. Instead, you can expect a lightweight spray that will hold your style for hours. One tester was sceptical about the level of hold because it was so lightweight, but was happy to find that their ‘do “stayed in place and looked shiny and frizz-free all day,” with another applauding how it held their look "all day long with no resprays." Wow.

Score: 85/100

If you’re partial to long lunches that turn into dinner that turns into drinks, then this 24-hour hold hairspray from TRESemmé has you covered.

All our testers agreed that it did a good job at protecting hair from humidity and frizz and said it didn’t add that unwanted layer of crunchiness – so your ‘do will look fresh day and night with this one. We only tested the level three hold, but if you want even more assurance that your barnet won’t budge, you may want to try the Extra Hold, or Freeze Hold options.

Tres impressed.

Score: 83/100

It changed the game when it first came out in 1960, and it remains an icon to this day. L'Oreal’s Elnett hairspray is not just a favourite among many stylists; it went down well with our testing panel, too.

Score: 82/100

The words ‘glue’ and ‘hair’ in such proximity may get the alarm bells ringing. But thankfully, it’s just the long-lasting, secure hold that earned this vegan, silicone-free formula its name.

“The strongest hairspray I’ve ever used,” is how one tester described it, and it was rated best in lab for hold too, so if you need some serious staying power, this is the one for you. One tester did find it a little painful to brush out, so it we suggest scheduling in hair wash night after using this one.

Score: 78/100

Secure your beehive and a good deal with this cost-effective option from Aldi. It didn’t just deliver on budget though – it quite literally held up on performance too, keeping hair in place “all day” according to one tester and scoring full marks for hold in our lab tests.

Some found that they needed to use a fair amount of product, but it comes in a “very large can”, so you don’t have to skimp on sprays. And it’s under £2, making it undeniably great value.

Score: 76/100

From catwalks to the high street, iconic hair brand Toni & Guy knows a thing or two about creating statement-making hairstyles. Its fine mist holds hair in place without soaking or over-saturating your ‘do – no soggy strands here. One tester said it “covers a wide area” too – great for when you need a volume boost.

It was good for creating up-dos in particular, with one tester saying it stayed securely in place until they brushed it out. Another noted that it didn’t perform as well in humid conditions, but it lasted well for them up until that point (so maybe it's not one for the suitcase).