The 5 Best Alcohol-Free Hairsprays to Lock in Your Look (We Tested Over 50) (2024)

Our Top Picks

Size: 7 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Hold: Flexible | Cruelty-Free: No

This drugstore hairspray checks all of the boxes when it comes to things we look for in hairspray and then some—it’s honestly one of the best hairsprays we’ve ever used. No matter how we wore our hair—loose waves, pigtail braids, a high bun—it delivered the perfect amount of hold to tame flyaways and frizzies, without ever feeling stiff or crunchy. Despite the brushable texture, it still kept our style in place all day and never dried out our hair or scalp.

The bottle is also a winner, with a clog-free nozzle that delivers a perfectly even, fine mist every time. The formula didn’t necessarily impart any shine the way some other hairsprays we tested did, but it also didn’t leave any greasy residue. And while there was some flakiness, it was minimal enough that it didn’t bother us all that much.

Size: 6 oz. | Scent: Fruity and floral | Hold: Medium to strong | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We were wildly impressed with not only how well this formula (which has the added benefit of moisturizing glycerin and panthenol) held the shape and style of our curls, but also how long that hold lasted. It kept everything in place all day, leaving our hair looking almost exactly the way it did upon first application. (We found it to be especially good at taming the tiny baby hairs at the nape of our neck when sporting an updo, no easy feat.)

The ease of application was also noteworthy—it comes out in a fine mist that covers a large area, despite being a non-aerosol formula. The one drawback? It does leave a pretty noticeable residue that lingers until the product is washed out. It can also feel pretty stiff initially. That said, we found these to be worthwhile trade-offs given how well the hairspray worked and how long it lasted.

Size: 8 oz | Scent: Unscented | Hold: Flexible | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Reach for this Kenra hairspray when you want a workable styler that delivers just a bit of hold. We liked how quickly it dried, allowing us to easily layer it throughout our styling routine. It also earned rave reviews for its featherweight texture and no visible or tactile residue or greasiness. It can initially leave hair feeling a little bit stiff, but it does brush out nicely. Our biggest gripe was that, despite the brand claiming it offers “extra-firm hold,” the hold only lasted for a few hours. We suggest saving it for situations when that’s not going to be an issue (aka on a more casual hair day) or be prepared to bring it along for touch-ups.

Size: 9 oz. | Scent: Tropical | Hold: Medium| Cruelty-Free: No

This winner struck the perfect balance, delivering a medium-level hold that we found ideal for styles that don’t necessarily need to be totally frozen in place. We especially liked the texture and feel; it was nearly powder-like, so much so that we likened it to dry shampoo. It never once looked or felt wet—or sticky.

The tropical scent was a bonus, pleasant but not overly cloying (and it does dissipate quickly if fragrance isn’t your thing). The spritz also came out of the bottle evenly without creating a massive product cloud. It does bear mentioning that this one won’t last all day, particularly if you’re trying to tamp down frizzies or errant hairs along your hairline.

Size: 8 oz. | Scent: Herbal | Hold: Strong | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This is the ‘spray to reach for if you want to keep your style in place from morning ‘til night. We were impressed with how well this plant-based formula worked (it delivers a level of hold that’s equivalent to aerosol-based formulas without feeling as drying or damaging). It also dried extremely quickly and had a featherweight texture that didn’t weigh down strands.

However, it’s best to use it for looks that you want to set in place and then not touch or play with. We found that the hairspray did leave a bit of residue if we brushed our hair or tried to manipulate our style during the day. Still, both the product and residue did wash out cleanly, so if you’re planning on shampooing after use, this shouldn’t be an issue.

FAQ

• Is alcohol bad for your hair in hairspray?

  Alcohol can be bad for your hair when included in hairspray due to its drying nature. If you have dry, brittle, colored, or treated hair, avoiding alcohol in hairspray is wise. But check the ingredient label for other potentially damaging ingredients, too, such as sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde, notes celebrity hairstylist Emilio Uribe—particularly if hairspray is a part of your daily routine. “Prolonged use or excessive application of a hairspray containing these types of harsh ingredients may result in dryness, rigidity, and potential harm to your hair shaft structure,” he points out.

• How does alcohol-free hairspray keep hair in place without alcohol?

  Alcohol is typically used in hairsprays due to its fast-drying nature. It doesn’t necessarily contribute to the hold factor; that’s the responsibility of polymers in the formula that create a film on your hair as it dries, helping to hold it in place.

• What is the healthiest hairspray to use?

  The healthiest hairsprays are those that do not contain drying ingredients such as alcohol. Hairsprays with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients can help boost the health and appearance of your hair.