Best Thickening Hair Spray: 5 Top Picks for Fuller-Looking Hair

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Published: January 1, 2026 · By
Best touchable volume
Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray

Adds root lift and mid-length body when applied to damp hair, leaving strands soft and brushable—not crunchy.

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Best Thickening Hair Spray

If your hair looks flat no matter what you do, a great thickening spray can add real lift and grip without crunch. These picks help you get fuller-looking hair that still feels like hair.

Best Overall
This is the rare thickener that makes hair feel bigger without feeling gunky.
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Best Splurge
If you like a fuller blowout that still looks polished, this delivers a more elevated, bouncy result than many thickening sprays.
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Best Maximum Hold
When you need volume that does not quit, this is the dependable choice.
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In-depth Reviews

Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray

Product type
Thickening pre-styling spray
Format
Non-aerosol spray
When to use
Damp hair before blow-drying
Finish
Natural
Hold
Light
Real Talk: This is the rare thickener that makes hair feel bigger without feeling gunky. It adds a noticeable “grip” that helps roots lift during a blow-dry, and it leaves hair touchable instead of stiff. The finish looks natural, so it works even if you wear your hair down and smooth, not just teased or heavily styled. It also layers well under a light finishing spray when you need extra hold.
✅ Pros
  • Builds body without crunchy stiffness
  • Improves blow-dry lift and control
  • Natural-looking finish that stays touchable
❌ Cons
  • Needs heat and tension to reach its full potential
  • Can feel tacky if overapplied at the roots
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Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray

Product type
Thickening blowout spray
Format
Non-aerosol spray
When to use
Damp hair before blow-drying
Finish
Soft, natural
Heat protection
Yes
Real Talk: If you like a fuller blowout that still looks polished, this delivers a more elevated, bouncy result than many thickening sprays. It helps hair feel plush at the roots and through the lengths, and it does not leave that powdery, overloaded texture some volumizers can. It is especially good when you want volume that moves, not a stiff, sprayed-up look. Use a light hand and focus on roots and mid-lengths.
✅ Pros
  • Creates soft, blowout-style fullness
  • Adds lift without a gritty residue
  • Keeps hair moving and brushable
❌ Cons
  • High price for everyday use
  • Too much product can reduce shine
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Kenra Volume Spray 25

Product type
Finishing hairspray
Format
Aerosol spray
Hold
Very strong
Finish
Noticeable set
Use on
Dry, styled hair
Real Talk: When you need volume that does not quit, this is the dependable choice. It locks lift in place fast, making it useful for updos, bangs, crown height, and styles that tend to deflate on the commute. The trade-off is feel: it is more of a “set it and leave it” spray than a touch-and-restyle product. Mist in short bursts and keep it focused where you want structure, not all over the lengths.
✅ Pros
  • Strong hold that keeps lift in place
  • Great for updos and structured styles
  • Works well for spot-holding the crown
❌ Cons
  • Can feel stiff if layered heavily
  • Not the most brushable option
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Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Finishing Spray

Product type
Finishing spray
Format
Aerosol spray
Hold
Medium
Finish
Natural
Use on
Dry hair
Real Talk: This finishing spray is a practical middle ground when you want lift that still looks everyday. It helps hold volume at the roots without instantly turning hair stiff, and it is easy to use as a light all-over mist for a finished look. It is also a solid option if you tend to overdo stronger sprays, since it is more forgiving when you build in thin layers. For best results, spray, wait a few seconds, then lightly rake or tap hair into shape.
✅ Pros
  • Adds hold without heavy, sticky buildup
  • Easy to layer gradually
  • Good for natural, lived-in volume
❌ Cons
  • May not hold up through high humidity or long events
  • Can leave fine hair dull if sprayed too close
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Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray

Product type
Volumizing finishing hairspray
Format
Aerosol spray
Hold
Medium-strong
Finish
Flexible
Use on
Dry, styled hair
Real Talk: If you like noticeably bigger hair but still want to run your fingers through it, this is a strong contender. It creates “lift with bounce” when you spray lightly at the roots and then fluff with your fingertips. It also works well for holding shape after curling, especially on hair that drops quickly. The key is distance and restraint: keep the can back, mist in short passes, and let it set before you touch it, otherwise it can feel tackier than you want.
✅ Pros
  • Boosts visible volume with a flexible feel
  • Helps curls and waves keep their shape
  • Great for quick root lift touch-ups
❌ Cons
  • Can feel sticky if sprayed too close
  • Scent can be strong for sensitive users
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Buying Guide

If your hair is…Look for…Top pick
Fine and limp, but you hate sticky roots A non-aerosol thickening pre-spray that stays touchable and works with blow-drying Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray
You blow-dry often and want a plush, salon finish A thickening spray that builds soft body and layers cleanly with other stylers Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray
You need your style to last through a long day or event A strong finishing spray you can use in targeted bursts at the crown and hairline Kenra Volume Spray 25
You want everyday volume that still looks natural A medium-hold finishing spray that you can layer gradually without instant crunch Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Finishing Spray

Pro Routine: How to Get “Thicker Hair” Results Without the Crunch

Think in layers: base, build, then set. For the most believable thickness, start on damp hair with a thickening spray (not a finishing hairspray). Mist at the roots and through the mid-lengths, then comb once so you do not end up with heavy patches that dry stiff. If your hair is very fine, keep the ends mostly product-free so they stay light and airy.

Blow-dry for lift first, then decide if you even need hairspray. Rough-dry to about 80 percent, then dry in sections while lifting the roots up and away from the scalp. If you have time, clip the crown in a lifted position for a few minutes while it cools, cooling is what helps volume “set.” Once your hair is fully dry, assess it. If it already looks full, skip finishing spray and just use a quick blast of cool air to lock in shape.

When you do use finishing spray, spot-treat instead of fogging everything. Spray in short bursts from a distance, then wait a few seconds before touching hair. For a fuller look at the part line, lift hair with your fingers, mist the underside near the roots, and let it dry before you lay hair back down. On day two, resist the urge to pile on more hairspray. A better refresh is a tiny amount of thickening spray at the roots, a 20 to 30 second blow-dry lift, then a light finishing mist only where hair collapses.

💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts

Final Verdict: Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray is the top pick because it creates believable fullness that stays flexible, and it plays well with most blow-dry routines. If you want the most polished, bouncy blowout feel and don’t mind a splurge, Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray is the upgrade.

See also

If you want more lift from every step of your routine, start with how to add volume to thinning hair and pair it with our guide to volumizing dry shampoo for easy day-two bounce.

Frequently Asked Questions ▾

What’s the difference between a thickening spray and a volumizing hairspray?

A thickening spray is usually a pre-styler you apply to damp hair to make strands feel plumper and give your roots more “grip” while you blow-dry. A volumizing hairspray is typically a finishing product you mist on dry hair to hold lift in place. Many people get the best results by using both, thickening spray for buildable body, then a light finishing mist only where you need staying power.

How do I apply thickening hair spray without making fine hair sticky?

Use less than you think, then add in small passes. Start on towel-dried hair, spray primarily at the roots and through the mid-lengths (not the last couple inches of ends), then comb through once to distribute. Blow-dry with lift: aim air from underneath the roots, or dry sections lifted up and away from the scalp. If it still feels tacky, you likely used too much product in one spot, or you didn’t dry it fully before adding a second layer.

Can thickening sprays cause buildup or make hair look dull?

They can, especially if you layer multiple stylers daily or refresh with more spray on day two and three. Signs of buildup include roots that get greasy faster, hair that feels coated, or volume that collapses instead of “fluffing up.” Fix it by rotating in a clarifying wash once a week (or every other week for dry hair), and keep your product routine simple: one thickener, one heat protectant if needed, then a finishing spray only where you want hold.

Are thickening sprays safe for color-treated or chemically processed hair?

Most are fine for color-treated hair, but the key is how you use them. If you’re heat styling, pair your thickening spray with a dedicated heat protectant and keep your iron temperature reasonable. Also pay attention to dryness: stronger-hold finishing sprays can make brittle ends feel rough if you mist them all over. Focus finishing spray at the roots and outer layers, and keep ends conditioned with a lightweight leave-in or serum.

Do thickening sprays actually help thinning hair, or is it just cosmetic?

Thickening sprays are cosmetic, but that does not mean they are pointless. The right formula adds texture and spacing between strands so the hair looks denser and the scalp shows less, especially around the part line and crown. For the most natural result, avoid “helmet hold” and aim for a soft, airy base: build volume while blow-drying, then spot-hold only the areas that collapse (commonly the crown and hairline).

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