Quick answer: a non-aerosol hairspray holds your style without propellant gas, using a fine liquid spray instead. Choose flexible or medium hold for soft, touchable styles and blow-dries, and strong hold for updos, structured looks and humid days. Spray on dry hair from 15 to 20cm away, then work it in with your hands.
Most supermarket hairsprays are aerosols, pressurised with propellant gas. Non-aerosol hairsprays skip the gas, and they're increasingly popular with people who want a lighter feel and would rather avoid pressurised cans. Here's how they compare and how to choose the right hold.
Non-aerosol vs aerosol hairspray: what's the difference?
- No propellant gas. Non-aerosol hairsprays deliver the formula as a fine liquid mist rather than a pressurised gas spray.
- More control. Because the spray is more targeted, it's easy to build hold exactly where you want it.
- Workable hold. Many non-aerosol sprays let you shape the style with your hands straight after spraying, before they set.
- Less sticky residue when you use the right amount, especially with quick-drying formulas.
The trade-off: a non-aerosol spray is wetter on application, so hold it at the right distance and give it a few seconds to dry.
Flexible vs strong hold hairspray
Flexible or medium hold keeps hair in place but lets it move. It's best for blow-dries, soft waves, everyday styles and anyone who hates stiff, crunchy hair. Medium Hold Ecospray is gas-free, humidity-resistant and quick-drying, with organic rosehip extract and passion fruit oil for a natural, glossy finish.
Strong hold locks structured looks in place and stands up to wind and humidity. It's best for updos, bridal and occasion styles, volume that needs to last and thick, heavy hair. Strong Hold Ecospray is gas-free and quick-drying, with organic peach extract and cottonseed oil to add shine and fight humidity.
Light hold for curls: Light Hold Fixative Hair Spray defines and refreshes waves and curls and protects them from humidity, without ever feeling stiff.
How to use non-aerosol hairspray
- Style your hair as usual. Hairspray goes on clean, dry hair.
- Shake the bottle.
- Hold it 15 to 20cm away and mist evenly over the areas that need hold. Spraying too close concentrates the product and makes it feel wet or sticky.
- Work it in with your hands straight away to shape the style, then let it set.
- For updos, spray each section as you build it rather than all at the end.
The best hairspray for humidity
Humidity makes hair absorb moisture from the air, which drops curls and causes frizz. Look for a humidity-resistant hairspray and a smoothing base underneath. Both Ecosprays are humidity-resistant; for extra frizz control, apply Oil Non Oil before styling.
Hairspray tips from the salon
- Build, don't drench. Two light passes hold better than one heavy one.
- Grip first, hold second. For updos, prep with Texture Volumizing Powder on dry roots for grip, then finish with Strong Hold Ecospray.
- Wash regularly. Washing between styles stops hairspray building up and dulling your hair.
Frequently asked questions
Does non-aerosol hairspray hold as well as aerosol?
Yes, when you choose the right hold level. A strong hold non-aerosol spray like Strong Hold Ecospray is designed for structured styles and updos.
What's the strongest hairspray for updos?
Choose a strong hold formula and build it in layers as you style. Pair it with a texture powder for grip.
Can I brush out hairspray?
Flexible and medium hold sprays brush out easily. Strong hold sprays are designed to stay put, so brush gently or wait until wash day.
Why choose a non-aerosol hairspray?
It avoids propellant gas, gives you more control over where the hold goes, and lets you work the style with your hands before it sets.
Shop Insight's vegan hairsprays, made in Italy.
About the author
Charlotte Read has spent six years in the hair industry with Insight Professional and holds a First Class BSc in Business Management and Marketing. She writes with reference to real salons across social media and the wider Insight community, and draws on the Insight office team, who between them bring over 100 years of combined experience on salon floors.
Where technical expertise is needed, Charlotte consults Lorraine Matic, Head of Insight UK Education, who brings over 38 years of global experience in colour, technique and hair science.