Whether you have dark brown or ash blonde locks, straight strands, or curls, a texture spray can be a game changer. If you’re unsure how and when to use a texturizing spray, you’ve come to the right place.
We sat down with New York and Los Angeles-based hairstylist Chad Wood to get the scoop on the benefits of having a hair texture spray at your side, how to use texturizing spray for hair, and how this dry styling product differs from regular hairspray and dry shampoo. Once you read his expert tips, you’ll be able to create the texturized styles of your dreams.
What is texturizing spray used for?
Texturizing spray is a styling product applied to dry hair to add more texture, volume, and lift—a major plus for anyone with fine hair or strands that tend to fall flat. Texturizing spray for hair can also help create more grip for updos or braids and keep accessories in place.
Good hair day by @thehairtrove.
What does texturizing spray do for your hair?
Texturizing spray is a versatile product to keep on hand. As mentioned above, it can add lift and volume to your strands, infuse tousled texture, and help your hair stay in place when styling. If you’ve given texturizing products a try and feel like your style is still not quite right, fear not—Wood is here to help!
“The most common mistake people make is spraying it too close and using too much,” the stylist explains. “You should really spray an arm's length away, and you want to spray and mist and shuffle, brush out your hair, pull it out as you’re misting. Do it ever so slightly and build it.”
Good hair day by @leysahairandmakeup.
Is texturizing spray the same as hair spray?
While hair texture spray is similar to hairspray, the two products aren't quite the same. The primary goal of a texturizing product—spray or otherwise—is to infuse touchable texture, volume, and lift. A hairspray’s primary purpose is to create hold so that your style lasts longer. You can layer the two together to help perfect your style.
While we’re comparing products, let’s take a second to address the texturizing spray vs. dry shampoo debate. Dry shampoos can certainly add texture to your strands and can even create lift at the root (particularly if you’re zapping up the excess oil that’s weighing your strands down). However, it doesn’t offer the same texturizing oomph that a texture product consistently delivers.
Good hair day by @laurenalroadshair.
Do I use texturizing spray before or after curling?
When curling your mane, have you wondered, ‘Does texturizing spray go on wet or dry hair?’ on more than one occasion? Wood explains that you should only use your texturizing products near the end of your styling routine, no matter what look you’re creating. If you apply the dry styling products to wet or damp hair, you may end up with more texture than you originally planned; using the products as the last step lets you control your final hairdo.
After ensuring your curls fall precisely where you want them to, Wood says it’s time to give strands a liberal spritz. “Then you can go from there and explode the shape or pull out the hair and brush it out,” adds the stylist.
Good hair day by @amourhair_salon.
Does texturizing spray help hold curls?
Texture spray and powders can give your curls longevity and help them look great, but this product category isn’t a replacement for hairspray. We recommend layering a fine mist of hairspray over your texturizing product if you want to prolong your curls.
Good hair day by @beeblondor.
Do texturizing products come in other formulas?
Yes, texturizing products come in various formulas, including liquid texture spray, dry texture spray, paste, and powder.
“If you have really fine hair, you can use a lighter powder or paste just on the root,” Wood advises. “If you have thicker hair, you can double up and make these products your own without weighing down your hair.”
Whatever product you choose for your needs, know that the best texture sprays and products won’t leave your hair feeling crispy, sticky, or stiff.
Ready to equip yourself with some texturizing products? These are our best options.
Our Best Texturizing Sprays and Products
Dry Texture Finishing Spray
Texturizing spray for all hair types that adds soft texture and lightweight volume for effortless style.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Redken Dry Texture Spray Finishing Spray
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your style had a little more oomph, Redken’s Dry Texture Finishing Spray deserves a spot on your vanity. Formerly known as Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray, this weightless, aerosol, dry texturizing spray uses oil-absorbing starches to create instant texture and lightweight volume without product buildup or crunch.
Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray
A finishing hairspray that also works as a dry shampoo and texturizing spray.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Matrix Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray
With Matrix’s Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray, you’ll never have to decide between using texturizing spray vs. dry shampoo again. This finishing hairspray also doubles as a dry shampoo and texturizing spray, giving hairstyles workability, buildable hold, and shine.
Genesis Homme Cire D’Épaisseur Texturisante Wax Pomade
Light-hold wax pomade for men with weakened hair prone to thinning.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Kérastase Genesis Homme Cire D'Épaisseur Texturisante Wax Pomade
Men could benefit from texture, too! Suitable for men with weakened hair that is prone to thinning, Kérastase’s Genesis Homme Cire D'Épaisseur Texturisante Wax Pomade leaves hair with a matte finish and has a flexible hold that allows you to build in the perfect amount of texture and definition.
Miss Mess Dry Texturizing Spray
A multi-benefit dry finishing spray with a light hold that adds volume and texture.
Matrix Miss Mess Dry Texturizing Spray
To achieve that gorgeous "perfectly messy" aesthetic, reach for Matrix Miss Mess Dry Texturizing Spray. In addition to adding texture to your mane, this dry finishing spray prolongs your style and smells like jasmine and vanilla.
Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray
A non-drying, texturizing spray that creates soft, tousled waves on color-treated hair.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Pureology Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray
Pureology’s Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray is a non-drying texturizing spray that creates covetable beach waves in seconds—without crunchiness or stickiness. It's also an excellent option for color-treated hair since it’s formulated with the brand’s exclusive Antifade Complex®.
Nendo Definer Matte Clay
A defining clay pomade that defines strands
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Nendo Definer Matte Clay
Not all texturizing products are sprays or powders! Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Nendo Definer Matte Clay is a perfect example of a clay formulation that offers buildable texture and workable definition without making your hair feel rigid or overstyled.
Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste
A medium-hold styling paste that provides flexible controm, soft texture, and shine.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste
We love a good texturizing paste, and Pureology’s Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste delivers in many ways. Besides helping you create that perfectly imperfect 'do, it keeps your hair color from fading and protects against environmental stressors.
Tecni.Art Architexture Paste
A texturizing paste that gives hair that tousled, disheveled look.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Architexture Paste
Do you have short hair? Consider L'Oréal Professionnel’s Tecni.Art Architexture Paste. This versatile product leaves a matte finish and can be used to add texture, hold, structure, and definition to strands, so you can start with tousled and edgy in the morning, and reshape it to something completely different in the evening.
Soleil Beach Bi-Phase Oil Mist
Texturizing spray and a hair oil to creates soft beach waves with zero crunch.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Kérastase Soleil Beach Bi-Phase Oil Mist
Calling all beach babes! Kérastase Soleil Beach Bi-Phase Oil Mist protects your tresses from the elements while also adding the perfect dose of definition and texture to your mane. The result is luminous beach waves, soft strands, and healthy hair.
Style Link Matte Definer Beach Clay
A non-sticky, light-hold hair clay for defined, natural-looking texture.
Matrix Style Link Matte Definer Beach Clay
Speaking of beach babes, the Matrix Style Link Matte Definer Beach Clay will help you create those beachy waves in a jiffy. It's a non-sticky, light-hold hair clay that infuses choppy, wind-blown texture into your strands. No seashore required!
Wata Wave Texture Spray
A texturizing finishing spray that provides buildable texture
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Wata Wave Texture Spray
Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Wata Wave Texture Spray will help you achieve that gorgeous lived-in look. Plus, this buildable finishing spray offers long-lasting flexible hold and a matte finish while still allowing for plenty of movement.
Style Link Texture Builder Messy Finishing Spray
A hairspray for achieving a windswept texture.
Matrix Style Link Texture Builder Messy Finishing Spray
For that windswept aesthetic, reach for the Matrix Style Link Texture Builder Messy Finishing Spray. This aerosol spray allows for precise application so you can apply texture and volume where you want. Plus, it helps tame flyaways, offers grip, and creates natural-looking beach waves.
Interested in more styling products that’ll make your mane a masterpiece? Shop the best salon-quality products at Hair.com.
Dry Texture Finishing Spray
Texturizing spray for all hair types that adds soft texture and lightweight volume for effortless style.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray
A finishing hairspray that also works as a dry shampoo and texturizing spray.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Genesis Homme Cire D’Épaisseur Texturisante Wax Pomade
Light-hold wax pomade for men with weakened hair prone to thinning.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Miss Mess Dry Texturizing Spray
A multi-benefit dry finishing spray with a light hold that adds volume and texture.
Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray
A non-drying, texturizing spray that creates soft, tousled waves on color-treated hair.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Nendo Definer Matte Clay
A defining clay pomade that defines strands
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste
A medium-hold styling paste that provides flexible controm, soft texture, and shine.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Tecni.Art Architexture Paste
A texturizing paste that gives hair that tousled, disheveled look.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Soleil Beach Bi-Phase Oil Mist
Texturizing spray and a hair oil to creates soft beach waves with zero crunch.
FREE GIFTS WITH $65+
Style Link Matte Definer Beach Clay
A non-sticky, light-hold hair clay for defined, natural-looking texture.
Wata Wave Texture Spray
A texturizing finishing spray that provides buildable texture
Style Link Texture Builder Messy Finishing Spray
A hairspray for achieving a windswept texture.
