If your lengths inevitably fall flat, don’t overlook the best thickening sprays. With so many styling products on the market, it’s easy to assume they overlap—but each serves a specific purpose. “Think of a thickening spray as a little lift in a bottle,” pro hairstylist Sky Kim tells Vogue. “It coats each strand with lightweight polymers and/or volumizing ingredients that gently swell the hair shaft, making it look and feel fuller.”
Vogue’s Favorite Thickening Sprays
Plus, thickening sprays aren’t exclusively for those with thin hair types. Kim and fellow pro stylist Laura Rugetti agree that all hair types can benefit from added root volume. (Think: ’90s supermodel blowouts.) Below, shop the nine best thickening sprays, cosigned by experts for hair that reaches new heights.
In This Story
- What does a thickening spray do?
- Difference between thickening spray vs. texture spray
- How to apply thickening spray
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best for Fine Hair: Rōz Hair Air Thickening Spray
- Why We Love It: Flat hair doesn’t stand a chance against Roz’s thickening spray. Rugetti recommends this pick for those with fine to medium hair that lacks overall fullness. “This formula’s main ingredients are rice protein and rice water, which help to smooth, strengthen, and add shine,” Rugetti tells Vogue. “They add mushroom root extract for hair and scalp health too.” Kim agrees, noting that while this spray bolsters body for the appearance of fuller hair, it somehow manages to still feel totally weightless.
- Editor’s Note: “This is my go-to spritz post-shower to keep my bob full and bouncy (’90s era Christy Turlington is my forever inspo). My favorite part of this spray is that it’s entirely nonsticky and never crunchy,” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, mushroom extract, rice seed protein, rice seed water, sandalwood extract
- Best For: Fine to medium hair types
- Size: 5 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Adds lightweight volume and texture | Not for strong hold |
| Hair feels soft and never crunchy |
Best for Bangs: Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray
- Why We Love It: Sometimes your hairstyle needs both hold and height—especially for those dedicated to styling their curtain bangs every day. In that case, Oribe’s thickening spray is a reliable go-to for keeping fringe bouncy while also offering heat protection. “This formula uses thickening copolymers for instant volume and hold, amino acids to moisturize and strengthen, and the brand’s signature antioxidant blend to protect hair from UV and heat damage,” says Rugetti, noting that this pick is an excellent multitasker.
- Editor’s Note: “During my Pamela Anderson bangs era, my hairstylist pointed me to this spray to keep my fringe lifted. Wispy ’90s bangs are notoriously finicky—they’re so lightweight that the slightest brush against your forehead can leave them greasy and flat. This Oribe spray kept mine bouncy, rounded, and full of movement, without that dreaded stickiness.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Thickening copolymers, amino acids, glycerin, Oribe antioxidant complex (watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extract).
- Best For: A polished finish, medium to thick hair, bangs
- Size: 6.8 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides volume and lightweight hold for styling | Texture can feel slightly gritty |
| Added heat and UV protection |
Best Drugstore: Kristin Ess Hair Instant Lift Thickening Spray
- Why We Love It: If your hair tends to fall flat soon after styling, Kristin Ess’s Instant Lift Thickening Spray is a reliable and affordable solution. It delivers noticeable volume at the roots without any stiff or crunchy feel. The lightweight formula creates soft, airy lift that moves naturally, making it ideal for everyday styling or a subtle boost on wash-and-go days. As far as drugstore thickening sprays go, this one offers salon-worthy results at a price that’s easy to work into your routine.
- Key Ingredients: Volumizing polymers, hydrolyzed wheat protein, panthenol, glycerin
- Best For: Adding root lift and touchable fullness to fine or medium hair.
- Size: 8.1 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Affordable pick | Some find the fragrance strong |
| Adds shine with lightweight hold |
Best Hold: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Blow-Dry Prep Spray
- Why We Love It: Bumble and Bumble’s option is dual-purpose—thickening spray meets blow-dry prep. It works like a lightweight primer, adding subtle grip and lift to the hair to hold shape. Instead of feeling sticky or stiff, it leaves strands smooth, soft, and responsive to heat tools. It’s especially great for fine or medium hair that needs a little extra structure without being weighed down. Plus, it layers seamlessly with other stylers, making it an easy, everyday workhorse in any hair routine.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, copolymer, honey extract
- Best For: Adding hydration and hold
- Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Creates a lush, bouncy blowout | No added heat protection |
| Safe for color-treated hair |
Best for Blowouts: R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray
- Why We Love It: The an old Texas adage that claims, “The bigger the hair, the closer to God.” So it’s safe to say that you’ll get gravity-defying root lift with this pick. For that very reason, Rugetti notes this is the pick she uses when creating big and bouncy blowouts on her clients. “This spray has ingredients like pro-vitamin B5 to thicken and build volume, aloe leaf extract to seal in moisture and smooth the hair, and ginger root extract and an amino acid complex for conditioning and thermal protection,” she says. She notes it works well for medium hair types, and even long lengths.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, ginger root extract, pro-vitamin B5, amino acids
- Best For: Fine to medium hair types; holds volume and shape
- Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Significant root lift | Some find it to be a bit drying |
| Added heat protection |
Best for Shine: Ouai Thickening Spray
- Why We Love It: Ouai’s thickening spray adds density and luster to achieve coveted shiny lengths in seconds. Kim notes not to be dissuaded by the lightweight mist—this pick is surprisingly powerful. “It gives instant volume and shine while still protecting against heat damage,” she says, noting that it never feels stiff. “It’s great for fine to medium hair types that want fullness without loosing movement.”
- Key Ingredients: Copolymers, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, carob seed extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, corn starch.
- Best For: Fine hair types after big volume with a lightweight feel
- Size: 6 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lightweight volume and texture | Some say it can feel a bit sticky |
| Added heat protection and shine |
Best Long-Lasting: Kenra Platinum Thickening Spray 5
- Why We Love It: Humidity is no match for Kenra’s thickening spray. Kim considers this pick awesome for hair that requires long-wearing body and control. “The protein-rich formula ensures volume and flexible hold—plus, it helps your style to last longer,” she says. “The formula also has rice amino acids, bamboo extract, and other film-forming polymers that add diameter, shine, and frizz protection,” adds Rugetti. Plus, the flexible hold allows for a brushable finish.
- Key Ingredients: Lanolin, copolymers, dimethicone, wheat protein, rice amino acids, bamboo extract
- Best For: Long-wearing yet brushable hold for your hairstyle
- Size: 6.7 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Flexible hold for a soft-to-the-touch feel | Some find the formula drying |
| Humidity protection |
Best for Damaged Hair: Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Protein Spray
- Why We Love It: Philip Kingsley’s thickening spray is designed to reinforce the hair fiber while adding subtle, flexible volume. Instead of simply coating strands, it uses strengthening proteins to help support the hair’s internal structure, making it especially helpful for hair that feels weak, fine, or prone to breakage. The lightweight formula adds lift at the root and fullness through the lengths without stiffness, so hair looks naturally thicker and feels stronger over time with continued use.
- Key Ingredients: Biotin, pea protein, panthenol, caffeine, hydrolyzed almond seed cake
- Best For: Short-term results with long-term benefits
- Size: 4 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Adds volume while reducing hair breakage over time | Those with nut allergies should avoid |
| Provides heat protection | |
| Nonsticky feel |
Best With Keratin: Virtue Flourish Density Booster
- Why We Love It: As far as hair thickening products go, Virtue’s density booster is far from being all fluff. It doesn’t just create the appearance of a thicker-looking mane—it actually supports overall hair health. Powered by the brand’s signature Alpha Keratin 60ku, a bio-identical keratin that actually binds to damaged areas of the hair shaft, this treatment helps reinforce weakened strands from the inside out. Meanwhile, botanical extracts and scalp-supporting actives create an optimal environment for thicker-feeling, more resilient hair. It’s lightweight enough for daily use and works seamlessly into any routine without leaving residue at the roots.
- Key Ingredients: Alpha keratin 60ku, biotin, niacinamide, peptide blend
- Best For: Thinning, fragile, or fine hair that needs both visible fullness and long-term strengthening support.
- Size: 2 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Uses developed keratin to fill in hair breakage | The least amount of product for the price |
| Lightweight and not greasy or sticky |
Everything You Need To Know
What does a thickening spray do?
“Hair thickening sprays are heat activated,” explains Rugetti. “They’re formulated to coat the hair shaft and create the illusion of thicker, fuller strands.” Plus, thickening sprays are often water- or alcohol-based to ensure they don’t weigh down hair. “Unlike heavy mousses or waxes, they’re lightweight and fast-drying,” she adds.
The difference between thickening spray vs. texture spray
Kim aptly points out that thickening and dry texturizing sprays are cousins, not twins. “A thickening spray gives you body and fullness from root to end; they’re great for smooth, bouncy blowouts, and used on damp hair,” she explains. “Meanwhile, a texture spray adds grip and a tousled and piecey finish, which is perfect for that beachy, undone vibe. Plus, texture sprays are used on dry hair.”
How to apply thickening spray
For the best results when using a thickening spray, make a habit of reaching for them on wash days. “Using a thickening spray on clean, damp hair (before heat styling), ensures the ingredients can properly coat and expand each strand for maximum fullness,” Rugetti explains.
She advises starting by gently towel-drying your hair to remove excess moisture, and then giving your thickening spray bottle a good shake before spritzing it from roots to ends. “For extra body, blow-dry your hair upside down or direct the airflow toward the roots. Finish with a cool shot from your dryer to set the style and add shine.”
How we tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from celebrity hairstylists and colorists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to thickening sprays, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, and what hair types they’re best suited for. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the experts
- Sky Kim is a New York–based professional hair stylist and visual artist. She currently styles at Jenna Perry Hair Studio.
- Laura Rugetti is an LA-based celebrity hairstylist and founder of The Beauty Can salon. Her roster includes Noah Cyrus, Emily Alyn Lind, Delilah Hamlin, Amelia Hamlin, and more.
