I Tried Every Volumizing Spray I Could Find—Only These Ones Are Truly Worth the Hype

Pros: Volumises, heat protection, adds lift to the roots, feels weightless in hair

Cons: None

How to use: Spray onto damp hair and on roots for lift before blowdrying, or on dry hair for a boost

Our verdict: If there’s one thing you should know about me it’s this; I hate using products in my hair. Outside of a wash-out masque or heat protectant spray, I don’t tend to use anything else on my strands. I even avoid hairspray! So, when I was asked to test a volumiser, I was sceptical and a little bit concerned. Washing and drying my hair takes an age as I have so much of the stuff, so I really didn’t want to have to head back into the shower to wash out anything too sticky. Turns out, I needn't have worried. I’ve seen rave review after rave review on Color Wow products on TikTok; so much so they seemed too good to be true. However, this product has sold me on the brand.

I used it on damp hair, targeting my upper roots, and while it felt tacky at first (especially the reside I had to wash from my ear after a ill-aimed spritz), the formula seemed to evaporate whilst I dried it. In its place was volume that, if I’m being honest, I didn’t expect to see. My crown had height to it that I usually struggle to achieve, and it made the rest of my hair cascade beautifully below it. Feeling my roots, there’s absolutely no residue whatsoever and, two days later, it’s not greasy nor clumped together. While I’m yet to test it on dry hair, this is definitely the product I’ll reach for when I know I want some extra oomph. Something tells me it’s going to get addictive.

Pros: Volumises, texturises, can be used as a dry shampoo, luxe formula and packaging

Cons: Expensive, product feels noticeable in hair

How to use: Spray onto dry hair as a hair texturiser, volumiser and even a dry shampoo alternative

Our verdict: Part volumiser, part texturiser and part dry shampoo, this is a truly versatile hair spray that adds plenty of volume, undone texture and makes your hair look effortlessly styled, even if you've just run your fingers through it. The only downside is that it does feel noticeable in the hair—but if this doesn't usually both you, then it won't be a deal-breaker. That being said, it brushes out really easily, and I love how it instantly adds volume to my lengths (even when I haven't styled them, as pictured above. Of course, it's expensive, but the multiple uses make this a hardworking hair product to have in your routine. Of course, with it being Oribe, the luxury bottle is something you will want to have out on display on your dressing table too.

Pros: Volumises, adds texture, adds lift to the roots, doesn't feel sticky

Cons: Not as long lasting

How to use: Spray onto dry hair for instant volume

Our verdict: A little about me; my hair is so flat and can’t hold any curl that I attempt to put in—therefore I am always on a hunt for a great texture and volumising spray. I’d say I’ve tried over 20 different types to see what actually works. What I like about the Living Proof Volume & Texture Spray is that it has a really nice smell, and is not as sticky other products. I really hate it when your hair goes sticky and crunchy so was pleased that it didn’t do that when I tested it.

It did provide texture and volume for me for a while, but after a few hours my hair was left lifeless—I have a feeling this is more to do with my type of hair rather than the product itself. I’d recommend this to someone who already has a bit of movement in their hair where the product is more likely to hold onto! That being said I’ll still be using the spray, more in the evening when I don’t need to hold it all day. The bottles are a good size, so would say that its worth the price.

Pros: Great price point, pleasant scent, and adds volume without greasiness or stickiness.

Cons: Provides more subtle volume

How to use: spray onto wet or dry hair and blowdry to create volume and lift

Our verdict: I’m a big fan of Sam McKnight, so I was excited to try this volumising spray since I hadn’t used one before. I liked that it can be applied to dry hair and then blow-dried, making it perfect for refreshing dull hair a few days after washing. The product smelled lovely and didn’t leave any residue. My hair felt volumised without feeling heavy or sticky. True to its name, it delivers that effortless, "I woke up like this" style. The volume is more subtle compared to a traditional spray, but if you want your hair to look and feel natural, this is a great option

Pros: Smells amazing, adds volume and hold to your style

Cons: Can feel a little sticky or stiff if you use too much

How to use: Spray onto damp hair prior to blowdrying, or use on dry hair to add lift to the roots

Our verdict: I had high expectations from Matilda Djerf's beauty line, and I have to say I'm impressed with this spray. It's designed to be used on damp hair prior to blowdrying to give volume and lift, but, you can also use it tactically at the roots on dry hair and blowdry in for extra volume if you're short on time. One thing I really love about this is the sandalwood scent (think Le Labo Santal 33 in a hair mist) but it also gave my hair plenty of bounce and shine too. I'd recommend this one if you want your style to hold, as it really creates a grippy texture in the hair. I'd err on the side of caution when spritzing, as too much can make hair feel crispy if you're not careful.

Ouai founder Jen Atkin is the hairstylist behind the strands of celebs like Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen and Gigi Hadid to name a few, so it's no surprise that her hair products are seriously impressive. This is another volumising spray that you apply to clean, damp hair before styling. It adds lift, bounce and volume without weighing hair down and is particularly great for curly hair.

The entire volume range from Oribe is brilliant for thin hair, but this spray is the star of the line. It's formulated with copolymer resins and marine glycogen to actually plump and volumise every strand of hair. Plus, it smells absolutely incredible.

The best thing about this spray is that it has a unique nozzle that can be adjusted depending on how much volume and body you're after. Twist it towards "M" for a bigger particle size and faster spray rate if you want gravity-defying volume or to "L" for less body and a lower spray rate. So clever.

This is one of the best affordable styling products that I've tried. It adds a soft, matte texture along with plenty of volume, and it acts as a lightweight setting spray to keep your hairstyle in place all day.

This gives hair the kind of lift and bounce that you can normally only achieve with a professional blow-dry. You aim the nozzle directly at the roots of damp hair to blast it with the volume-boosting formula before styling, and once you've dried it, there won't be a thin hair in sight. 

I love that this lightweight styling spray can be used on damp or dry hair, depending on how much lift you're after. Plus, it's enriched with sugar, which adds a glistening shine to your finished look.

Traditionally, salt sprays are the go-to styling product for creating airy, beachy waves, but salt can be incredibly drying on fine hair. Thankfully, this volumising spritz from IGK delivers the same amount of volume without the salt. If tousled, textured, lifted hair is what you're after, then I can't recommend this enough.

This has a unique foam spray formulation that really helps to create a sturdy foundation for whatever style you're creating. If you overdo it, there's a risk of it feeling a little tacky, so using short, sharp bursts is the way to go. However, if you're creating a special-occasion style, then the volume that this creates really cannot be rivalled.

I have used this volumising spray for years—at first for its subtle texturising properties and then for the way that it imparts instant volume to the flattest of hair. It's infused with hydrolysed wheat protein, zeolite and silk powder, so it lasts really well in the hair.

This spray is a bit of a beauty-insider secret, and I've spotted it in many hairstylists' kits backstage at fashion week. Apply this to damp hair before blow-drying for an ultra-glam, plumped-up style, and spritz it through dry hair to add targeted volume exactly where you need it. 

Friends of mine who have thin hair swear by this volume-boosting spray from celeb hairdresser George Northwood. Since trying it myself, I can confirm that it's well worth the hype.
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