Get Big Hair Energy With a Texturizing Spray (We Have the Photos to Prove It!) (2024)

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TL;DR

Our favorite texturizing spray is the R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray—it’s lightweight, adds volume, and creates a beautiful lived-in look. If you’re looking for one that helps you achieve gorgeous beach waves, we recommend Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry Mousse.

A good texturizing spray builds volume, defines your texture, and gives hair some grit to support a long-lasting style. But, finding the perfect fit for your specific hair type can get tricky. “I often say to my clients, finding the right texturizing mist is like striking gold—it can transform your strands,” says hairstylist and salon owner Anthony Nader.

In our quest to find the best texturizing sprays, we tested 15 top sellers over two weeks. During the testing period—wearing each product at least two full days per week—we considered the kind of texture each spray delivered, how much extra body it gave us, and its overall performance. Those that impressed us the most (we’re talking effortlessly big hair) are on the list below.

Our Top Picks

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Best for Flexible Texture:

Kenra Dry Texture Spray 6 at Amazon$25

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What We Like

  • Adds lift and volume

  • Doesn’t feel tacky or sticky

  • Hair looks and feels cleaner

What to Consider

  • Floral scent may not appeal to everyone

Size: 2 oz | Scent: Floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

R+Co’s Balloon Dry Volume Spray delivers a gorgeous, tousled texture and adds body, which is exactly what a good hair texturizing spray should do. It left our tester’s fine, straight hair with a more textured finish, sans a sticky residue. The lightweight formula includes ingredients like silica, zeolite, calendula, hops, and oarweed, which help the spray deliver the perfect balance of grit, hydration, shine, and flexibility.

We love how this product bumps up styles, whether you’re wearing your hair straight or wavy. We can’t say enough good things about it, but it’s worth noting that it has a strong floral scent, so keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance.

Get Big Hair Energy With a Texturizing Spray (We Have the Photos to Prove It!) (2)

Taylore, tester with fine, straight hair: “It helps enhance my natural hairstyle more than any other texturizing spray I’ve tried! It also works well when creating lived-in looks, too. It gives you a quick lift that makes your hair look a little more windswept.”

What We Like

  • Not sticky

  • Spray is easy to apply

  • Creates a lived-in look

What We Don't Like

  • Can make the hair feel a bit heavy

  • Could add more body to the hair

Size: 7 oz | Scent: Floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're looking for a budget-friendly buy, we recommend this pick from Kristin Ess. It sprays out of the nozzle evenly, which is essential to distribute it evenly through the hair. While our tester with fine hair felt it was a bit heavy on her strands, she was pleased that it didn't leave her hair crunchy or sticky. Overall, she was happy with the final results, noting that it gave her hair a lived-in look with nice texture and a matte finish.

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Shiri, tester with fine hair: "It definitely helps create that lived-in, sexy hair look. I think it's a great product to use when styling second or third-day hair."

What We Like

  • Texturizing and sea salt spray combo

  • Long-lasting waves

  • No crunchy feel

What to Consider

  • Formula can feel a bit heavy

Size: 4 oz | Scent: Citrus | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For that “just walked in from a day at the beach” look, you can’t go wrong with Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry Mousse. Our tester with fine hair applied this sea salt-based spray to wet hair and was blown away by the beautiful waves it created.

It’s effortless to distribute through the hair—it sprays on white and dries clear so you can easily see if you’ve missed any spots. Once your hair dries, you’ll be left with soft, lived-in waves full of body. Just remember, less is more with this spray because it can weigh down your roots if you overdo it.

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Ashley, tester with type 1b hair: “On my straight hair, it gave me a tousled look rather than enhancing my natural texture or adding dimension. When I used it on a humid day, it changed my texture entirely in a good way!”

What We Like

  • Adds life to curls

  • Hair feels hydrated after use

  • Doesn’t weigh down hair

What to Consider

  • Some reviewers experienced drying effects

Size: 6.7 oz | Scent: Fruity | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We love how Ceremonia’s Acai Style Refresher’s lightweight formula brings curls back to life and enhances the hair’s natural texture. This spray is made with lemon seed oil, argan oil, and avocado oil, which add moisture and shine. Our tester with type 4c hair was blown away by how much hydration it added to his hair.

We were seriously impressed by the lightweight, nourishing formula, and the vast majority of online reviewers love it too, although a select few report experiencing drying effects from the spray.

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Saleam, tester with type 4c hair: “I'd describe my overall look as fresh and natural. I liked how the texture showed and shined in the sunlight. It did give me a live-in afro hair look. It did enhance the natural texture of my hair in a way that was quite flattering.”

What We Like

  • Creates lived-in waves that last

  • Adds body to hair

  • Nonsticky

What to Consider

  • Can weigh down roots

Size: 5.3 oz | Scent: Coconut | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For hair that looks effortlessly styled (even if quite a bit of effort went into it), IGK’s Beach Club Texture Spray does the trick. It’s formulated with glycerin and gluten-free hydrolyzed wheat protein to give hair grip and texture without leaving it feeling sticky or tacky.

Our tester with fine, straight hair loved how this product helped create lived-in styles that actually held up throughout the day. While it’s a fairly lightweight spray, be sure to stay away from your roots when applying—it can weigh them down if you use too much.

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Taylore, tester with fine, straight hair: “It creates a nice, lived-in look on both heat-styled waves and straight hair, and it didn’t make my hair look crunchy or thin like some sprays are prone to do.”

What We Like

  • Doesn’t feel sticky

  • Super lightweight

  • Enhances natural texture

What to Consider

  • Only offers a small boost of volume

Size: 5.3 oz | Scent: Subtle, sweet | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Kenra’s Dry Texture Spray 6 delivers beautiful hair texture that’s also touchable and flexible. The lightweight spray adds dimension by enhancing hair’s natural look with the added benefit of soaking up excess oil. Our tester with type 1b hair loved the effect of this product, whether she was wearing her hair straight or styling it with a curling iron.

The formula isn’t super sticky and doesn’t have a strong hold, which allows for tons of movement. We love this spray for texture, but if you’re looking for volume, we think there are better options for that.

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Ashley, tester with type 1b hair: “I like that my hair can still move around with this product—it doesn’t feel stuck in place. As someone with fine hair, I also like how lightweight it is and that it doesn’t tangle.”

What We Like

  • Creates tons of volume

  • Texture still leaves hair looking polished

  • Leaves hair feeling soft

What to Consider

  • Somewhat sticky until it fully dries

Size: 3, 7.5, 9.9 oz | Scent: Light, fruity | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for body, volume, and a beachy texture, this texturizing spray from Living Proof is for you. The slightly sticky formula adds just the right amount of texture for that lived-in, “I woke up like this” look. However, our tester with 1b hair warns against running your fingers through your hair before the spray fully dries or the sticky formula can cause serious tangles.

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Ashley, tester with type 1b hair: “I love how this looked in my hair! It added so much volume and gave it a tousled effect that looked great with my straight hair.”

What We Like

  • Gives straight hair a gorgeous lived-in, tousled look

  • Holds shape and volume well

  • Lightweight

What to Consider

  • Spray nozzle takes some getting used to

Size: 5.4 oz | Scent: Amber | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Moroccanoil’s Dry Texture Spray helps bring straight hair to life by enhancing texture and movement. The spray is lightweight, nonsticky, and formulated with argan oil to keep hair touchably soft. Our tester with wavy hair found this one provided just enough tackiness to add some grip without leaving her hair looking stiff or feeling crunchy.

We also like the volume this product adds to straight hair. Since it’s so lightweight, you can put on as much as you need to get the volume you want without worrying about it weighing your hair down. One thing to note is that the bottle’s spray nozzle can be tricky to control.

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Lauren Pardee, Byrdie senior commerce editor with type 1b/2a hair: “I have really flat, silky hair—it's long and medium in weight. This product brought it to life and created a style that lasted all day.”

What We Like

  • Layers well without making hair look/feel dirty

  • Creates beachy look

  • Curls look better and better throughout the day

What to Consider

  • Isn’t great for frizz reduction/control

Size: 5.7 oz | Scent: Earthy and floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Here’s a buildable formula that can give hair anything from extra dimension to big beach waves, depending on how much product you use. Our tester with curly hair loved that she could layer it to get the look she wanted without it looking or feeling dirty or weighed down.

It’s formulated with cane sugar which leaves hair moisturized and shiny, so you don’t have to sacrifice hydration for texture. We love how much volume and life this spray brings to the hair, but wish it was better at reducing frizz.

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Lauren, tester with wavy/curly hair: “The more I added, the more volume I got. Plus, the volume lasts all day.”

What We Like

  • Lovely one-of-a-kind scent

  • Adds shine (especially to clean hair)

  • A little goes a long way

What to Consider

  • Too much product can make hair greasy

Size: 7.1 oz | Scent: Earthy and sweet | Cruelty-Free: No

For hair that not only looks great but smells just as good, Shu Uemura’s Wata Wave Texturizing Spray has you covered. Its fragrance is truly one-of-a-kind, with a mixture of amber, musk, florals, and red pepper, that had our testers raving.

And the scent is only the beginning—it also delivers beautiful beachy waves full of volume. Plus, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck because a little goes a long way—in fact, go easy with it—applying too much at once may leave your hair greasy.

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Lauren, tester with curly/wavy hair: “The scent is gorgeous! It smells like a beachy-floral perfume—like the South of France in the summertime.”

What We Like

  • Adds body, keeping coils long and separated

  • Nondrying

  • Strong hold without being too heavy

What to Consider

  • Similar to hairspray, which may not appeal to everyone

Size: 1.5, 5 oz | Scent: Oatmeal and grapefruit | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Verb’s Volume Dry Texture Spray keeps coils looking long, separated, and stunning for hours after application. Our tester with type 4c hair especially loved how this spray enhanced his style and held it in place without weighing down his curls.

The spray is formulated with aloe vera, which helps keep hair shiny, and pro-vitamin b5, which moisturizes and strengthens hair. It’s not a super sticky spray, but it has a strong hairspray-like hold that helps keep your style in place and may leave your strands feeling a little stiff.

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Saleam, tester with type 4c hair: “My overall look was natural. My hair looked good most of the day and had a slept-in afro vibe. I'd say it was good at enhancing my natural texture.”

What to Look for in a Texturizing Spray

  • Hair Type: All hair types can use a texturizing mist, but Nader has some advice for tailoring the application to deliver the best results. “Fine to medium hair types will benefit, as will shorter hair cuts," he says. "In the course of 30 years spent doing hair, I've found that texturizing mist works especially well on uncolored hair, as it will plump up the strand and add dimension without the heaviness of a chalky dry shampoo.” He advises those with thick or coarse hair textures to go easy. "Be mindful that too much of a good thing can make your strands appear more dry and unruly," says Nader. "A little spray is best—don't go overboard."
  • Nourishing Ingredients: If you happen to have thick, coarse, dry, or color-treated hair, Nader suggests you look out for a product containing nourishing ingredients such as proteins, vitamins, and natural oils to prevent excess frizz. “The goal is movement and body, not fluffy frizz, so if your strands are on the drier side, be sure to seek out a product with some added hydration," he says.
  • Volumizing Ingredients: On the other side of the spectrum, fine and oily hair types would be wise to pick a formula packed with oil-absorbing ingredients such as clay, starch, and certain polymers. This will ensure the hair stays bouncy and light (not limp or greasy).
  • Fragrance: Some texturizing sprays come with a fragrance that’s beautiful but often very strong—if you’re sensitive to perfume, consider this before committing to one.

How We Tested Texturizing Sprays

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To test the best texturing sprays, we compiled a list of the most promising options and gave them to testers with different hair types to use at home. Over the course of two weeks, the testers used the sprays for several days and took note of the following:

  • Ease of Application: Since it's easy to over apply product, we looked for bottles that made it easy to apply just the right amount.
  • Effect: Keeping our hair type in mind, we rated how well the spray created texture and if the results were noticeable and desirable. Based on the results, we then sorted which sprays performed best on straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, and natural hair.
  • Feel: We discarded any sprays that made our hair feel too sticky, weighed down, and/or dried out. We also took note if the spray created buildup and if it was easy to wash out.
  • Ingredients: We gave bonus points to formulas that contained moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.
  • Value: We ranked the overall value based on the amount of product needed to achieve the desirable result and the price.

FAQ

  • How do you apply texturizing spray?

    “Always start on the lighter side, adding more if you need it,” Nader says. For best results, he advises adding texture spray initially to clean, damp hair before towel drying to build in some hold, and finish by misting through your dry style as the last step. When in doubt, follow the product instructions.

  • Do you put texturizing spray on wet or dry hair?

    In most cases, you should put texturizing spray on dry hair. This allows you to tousle your hair immediately after applying the product and get that slightly piece-y, volumized effect.However, Nader says you can use it on clean, damp hair too as a way to create some hold.

  • Should you use texture spray before or after curling hair?

    Texture spray should be applied after curling your hair. It's usually meant to be a finishing touch step, as it helps define each curl, adds volume, and supports an effortless, tousled look.

Why Trust Byrdie

Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle commerce writer specializing in beauty and fashion. She has written for several Dotdash Meredith brands over the years including Byrdie and InStyle. She also tests products and services so she can stand behind her recommendations. She is always on the lookout for high-quality hair products and she personally tried out several of the texturizing sprays on this list.

To learn more about what to keep in mind when buying a texturizing spray, we consulted with Anthony Nader,an international stylist and the owner of a Sydney-based hair salon, Raw. With years of experience under his belt—including magazine editorials in Harper’s BAZAAR, Grazia, and Elle, plus countless international fashion weeks—Nader is best known for his cool, edgy cuts, and lived-in texture.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough texturizing sprays from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Get Big Hair Energy With a Texturizing Spray (We Have the Photos to Prove It!) (2024)

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