Want to know the secret behind those perfectly tousled, model-off-duty waves of your dreams? Dry texturizing spray. Texturizing sprays are hardworking multitaskers that boost volume, create definition, absorb oil, and provide support for updo styles. Part dry shampoo, part sea spray, this weightless spray is the key to achieving effortlessly chic waves. (Picture Gigi Hadid on her morning coffee run). They work wonders on all hair types and can even help boost your natural texture instantly. Keep reading to get the scoop on this miracle product and discover the best texturizing sprays for your hair. You’ll definitely want to make room on your shelf for one of these sprays!
What is the difference between texturizing spray and hairspray?
While both texturizing spray and hairspray can help preserve your style for a longer amount of time, there are a few key differences between the two products. First of all, texturizing spray is lighter than hairspray and leaves hair soft to the touch. While hairspray is excellent at smoothing flyaways, it can cause hair to feel sticky and crunchy. Many fine-haired also find that hairspray weighs down their mane and makes it feel greasy.
Ford Models hair and makeup artist Paige Pelfrey says, "hairspray can be used to prep hair before hot tools then brushed out to create hold and memory in the hair, and of course to lock in styles as a finishing product."
Unlike hairspray, texturizing spray creates volume and messy texture without freezing your hair into place. It can absorb excess oil from your roots and make hair feel light and breezy. A few spritzes is all it takes to give your locks that natural, lived-in texture that is basically a prerequisite to a great hair day.
"Texture spray is great for building lightweight volume, absorbing oils, and creating a sexy gritty texture and subtle lift in the hair without weighing it down," Pelfrey says.
The benefits of texturizing spray for your hair
There are tons of reasons to use texturizing spray, including increased texture and volume that lasts all day. Whether you want to create a messy, piece-y style that moves naturally and feels great to the touch, or add support to your braids, updos, and styles created with hair extensions, texturizing spray is your answer.
While you likely reach for a curling iron or hair straightener when it comes time to style your locks, a texture spray is a great, no-heat styling alternative. You can style your hair and accentuate its natural texture without causing any heat damage. Texture sprays add grit to the hair, which helps with styling, and also function as a finishing spray to give curls extra volume. Try it in place of hairspray to get hold and grip, without any of the stiffness.
"I tend to use a dry texture spray as my secret weapon because it is so multifunctional. I would use texture spray for day two hair to revitalize a style and absorb excess oil," Pelfrey says.
Which hair types can benefit from texturizing spray?
Texturizing sprays are great for all hair types and textures. They can pump up the volume on flat hair and add piece-y definition to wavy and curly heads. However, just like shopping for a new pair of pants, texturizing sprays are not one-size-fits-all. You may want to try on a few different formulas before finding the perfect fit for your unique hair type.
Pelfrey says a dry texturizing spray works amazingly with "effortless beachy styles to create weightless movement, finally texture spray is amazing for face framing pieces to give the hair a wispy look."
Texturizing spray for straight hair
If you have fine or straight hair, a texturizing spray can be a lifesaver. It adds volume in a way that looks natural, and also adds texture and roughs up the hair a bit without harming the cuticle. It will give your hair grip for braids and other styles. Fine hair also has a tendency to get oily, so styling products like pomades and waxes (which can cause hair to get greasy and weighed down) are best avoided. Texturizing spray, on the other hand, is matte, ultra-light, and will never leave you with greasy locks.
Texturizing spray for wavy hair
A good texturizing spray can help turn a sea of frizz into perfectly defined, natural-looking waves. Texturizers are also great at adding body and absorbing excess oil, which will keep your waves feeling fresh for longer. And these sprays are more hydrating than sea salt sprays, so you can rest easy knowing you are being kind to your hair while styling.
Texturizing spray for curly hair
Want to keep your curls separated and defined? A texturizing spray is your new best friend. These lightweight sprays won’t weigh down your coils, and they enhance natural volume. Unlike styling products like hair spray, texturizers won’t leave hair feeling stiff or heavy. Instead, they will keep your curls free from frizz and boost their natural beauty. What’s not to love about that?
How to use dry texturizing spray
When it comes to using your texturizing spray, a lot depends on whether your hair is wet or dry. For dry hair, hold the can 6-8 inches away from hair and spray in a circular motion, distributing evenly. If you want to boost volume, lift large sections of your hair and spray underneath. Or if you’re looking for more structure and hold, apply the texturizing spray in a concentrated area before starting to style hair.
Here are some tips to make the most of your texturizing spray on dry hair:
1. Perfect a messy ponytail
Forget those flat, scraped-back ponytails. Use texturizing spray to create a textured ponytail by lifting hair at the crown of your head and spraying underneath to add structure. You can achieve even more volume by backcombing hair with a fine-tooth comb. Then, secure hair into a high ponytail and spray your texturizer all over.
2. Scrunch your strands
One of the best (and easiest) ways to enhance the effects of texturizing spray is by scrunching your hair. Simply spray a section of your hair, then gather it into your hands and scrunch.
3. Braid hair beforehand
If you want defined, beachy waves, braiding your hair before spraying on the texturizing spray is a good idea. When you braid your hair, keep in mind that the smaller they are, the tighter your waves will be. Once done braiding, spray throughout hair and let it dry fully before taking out braids.
4. Spray before bedtime
A great way to use texturizing spray is to spray it on damp hair before you go to sleep. Your locks will have more time to form into your desired shape when they have all night to dry.
5. Braid hair afterwards
As with dry hair, braiding your locks can help you make the most of your texture spray. The only difference with wet hair is that you’ll want to spray first, braid second. Spritz throughout towel-dried hair, braid hair, and then let it dry. The result? Beautiful loose waves!
6. Reach for that blow-dryer
You can still achieve messy, lived-in waves even if you don’t have time to let hair air-dry. Simply speed things up by blow-drying your braids.
The best texturizing sprays
Not all texturizing sprays are created equal. Some formulas texturize while adding shine, while others have a matte effect. When it comes to texture sprays, there’s definitely a lot of options out there. To help you narrow it down, here are eight of the best sprays that will help you get perfectly messy waves, no beach required.
Shop our favourite texturizing sprays below:
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Our list of the best texturizing sprays couldn’t be complete without this cult favorite. A quick mist over your hair will deliver the ideal amount of shine and definition, turning limp strands into beautiful piece-y waves. Not only does it smell amazing, but the polymer blend extends styles for days.
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray
With clients ranging from Bella Hadid to Kim Kardashian, it makes sense that celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin would create a product that delivers the perfect model-off-duty look. This lightweight spray will keep your curls looking fierce without weighing them down.
Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Spray
Part dry shampoo, volumizer, and texturizer, this spray is a true multitasker. Not only does it absorb oils for a matte finish, but it also adds a dose of volume and grit to hair. The fact that it contains UV filters to help shield hair from sun damage is the cherry on top.
Shu Uemura Wata Wave Texturizing Spray
Designed for every hair type and texture, this miracle spray provides serious va-va-voom volume for fine hair and long-lasting hold for medium to thick hair. Spray it on for buildable texture and a matte finish.
Joico Beach Shake Texturizing Finisher
The best beach waves start and end with this texturizing spray. Made with beeswax and coconut oil, this finisher will keep your hair hydrated and soft while delivering effortless waves. It works especially well on naturally curly textures, and can boost definition on second- and third-day hair.
Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray
Whether wearing pretty braids, an updo, or other intricate hair design, this texturizing spray will lock your hair into place. It contains a mineral clay called zeolite, an ingredient that absorbs oils and odors, as well as adding strong hold.
Garnier Fructis Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray
Popular with beauty bloggers, this texturizing spray will help you get incredible fullness on a budget. The lightweight formula is designed to give your hair more volume without weighing it down.
Verb Sea Texture Spray
While some texturizing sprays can make hair super dry, this product doubles down on moisture with ingredients like vitamin B5, seaweed extract, and glycerin. Spray on your strands to lock in hydration and get that lived-in hair look.
IGK Beach Club Texture Spray
Thanks to the sulfate-free formula, this texturizer provides effortless style without fading hair color. If you have color-treated hair, this one’s for you! There’s also wheat protein and glycerin to help you achieve soft, loose waves.
While texturizing spray is the ultimate cool-girl hair product, Pelfrey says she isn't counting hairspray out just yet. Her two must-haves when styling clients are hairspray and dry texturizing spray.
"These products work well together, but their functions are very different, she says.
Written by: Mikayla Uber
