As a beauty editor I consider it an (unofficial) part of my job description to quiz everyone on their favourite and essential beauty products. Friends, family, colleagues, clients, acquaintances are all interrogated on the contents of their bathroom shelves and toiletry bags—no one is exempt.
Over the years I've learned that there are certain products that people are particularly passionate about and loyal to. Namely sunscreen, mascara, body lotion, and when it comes to hair, texturising products. Yep, it turns out that (no matter what their hair type or texture), one of the most underrated but necessary products for most people is a spray or cream that revives their hair.
Of course, it makes total sense—the best texturising hair products do far more than just add texture—they add shape, volume, and definition, too. You also get other benefits such as fragrance, shine and and heat-protectant properties. Plus, they're brilliant for thin hair and fine hair types to add more body to your lengths.
“Hair is all about texture, we [professionals] scrutinise hair and its different textures because the finished effect is all about attitude—and we need the right products to deliver it,” says Syd Hayes, celebrity session stylist and BaByliss ambassador.
“Texture needs intention, not just product. It needs a serious base and must last,” he adds. “Start with grit—I never go in on clean, slippery hair. If I must, I mist in dry shampoo, then I work in layers. Don’t overload from the start. Instead, build texture gradually, especially when using sprays. Layer them in with a light hand and dry each layer with a blast of heat.”
When it comes to styling techniques, tools can help ensure styles last longer. “After curling with the BaByliss Curling Tong, I spritz a sea salt spray or dry texture mist, then use my hands to scrunch and squeeze the mid-lengths. It gives a natural, beachy vibe,” explains Hayes. “Another of my go-to looks is the S-bend wave. Take a hair straightener, twist the wrist slightly at mid-length, then the other way at the ends. It’s effortlessly cool.”
According to Hayes, a good hairdryer is essential to achieving professional-level texture. He recommends using the cool setting to set hair and ensure that texture lasts. “Always let your curls or waves cool completely before brushing or breaking them up. That’s what gives longevity,” he says.
The Best Texturising Hair Products:
- Best Overall: Oribe Dry Texturising Spray (£46)
- Best For Beachy Texture: Authentic Beauty Concept Nymph Salt Spray (£27)
- Best For Fine Hair: Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Fine Mist (£28)
- Best For Volume: Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturising Spray (£28)
- Best For Hold: Amika Un.done Volume & Texture Spray (£26)
1. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Oribe
Dry Texturizing Spray
Ask any beauty editor or hair stylist for a texturising hair product recommendation and this cult product will undoubtedly be their first choice. Oribe's Dry Texturising Spray adds volume and texture without stiffness or stickiness—only a small amount of the ultra-fine mist is needed to instantly inject life and movement into hair.
Editor's Review: “Oribe's iconic texturising spray needs no introduction, but if you're yet to try it, take this as your sign. A quick spritz through the lengths gives instant cool-girl texture without feeling heavy, sticky or gritty. Instead, my hair feels soft to the touch and expertly tousled and you can easily brush it out to your desired look.” – Eleanor Vousden, Who What Wear beauty editor
Pros
- Long-lasting scent
- Adds effortless texture
2. Authentic Beauty Concept Nymph Salt Spray
Authentic Beauty Concept
Nymph Salt Spray
Salt-based hair products are perfect for adding lasting texture to hair, especially if you also want to enhance waves and curls.
Editor Review: “It normally takes an army of products and heat tools to add even the slightest hint of a wave to my naturally straight hair, so I wasn't expecting miracles when I first tried this spray, but a miracle was what I got. I spray this into my hair post-wash, then roughly twist the strands and clip them until they're dry. I'm left with the perfect beachy waves, and what's more they last for days.” – Grace Day, freelance beauty editor
Pros
- Adds waves and enhances curls
Cons
- Can be drying if overused
3. Hair by Sam Mcknight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Hair Mist
Hair by Sam Mcknight
Cool Girl Barely There Texture Hair Mist
Ideal for thin and fine hair because it doesn't weigh hair down or add residue, this light mist adds subtle texture and soft definition. It's perfect for reviving day three hair when your style is starting to fall a little flat.
Editor's Review: “I never like my hair to look too ‘done', so if I ever find my curls or waves are looking too uniform, I like to spritz a little of the Cool Girl texture spray through my lengths. It helps to keep curls and waves looking undone and effortless while enhancing texture and volume. It's also one of the best-smelling hair products I've tried—I've had compliments on the scent alone!” – Eleanor Vousden, Who What Wear beauty editor
Cons
- May not have enough hold for thick hair
4. Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray
Color Wow
Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray
Multitasking as texturising spray, volume mist, and heat protector, this do-it-all spray works impressively well for all hair types and textures. Even those with the thickest hair will find that texture and definition lasts all day long.
Pros
- Acts as a heat protectant
5. Amika Un.done Volume & Texture Spray
Amika
Un.done Volume & Texture Spray
This one delivers buildable volume and texture with a matte finish and a firm hold. The first spray adds a boost of volume, but a second layer helps to add texture and reinforce your style, making it a great product to layer according to your individual hair styling needs.
Cons
- Some users experience product buildup
6. JVN Hair Complete Air Dry Cream
JVN Hair
Complete Air Dry Cream
If you want to add texture without the risk of frizz, a styling cream can be a great alternative to a texturising mist. This one is light and non-sticky so is easy to apply and impossible to overdo. Plus, it works well for all hair types and textures.
Editor's Review: “When I need to revive shape and texture in my hair, I keep a tube of this multitasking cream in my handbag. Yes, it's great for helping hair to air-dry without going frizzy and fluffy, but I also find it does double duty as a texturising cream. Just a small amount twisted through my lengths adds instant definition.” – Grace Day, freelance beauty editor
7. Typebea S.2 Sea Salt Texture Mist
TYPEBEA
S.2 Sea Salt Texture Mist
If you have curly or wavy hair and want to boost your curls' shape and bouyancy with added texture, look no further. It also gives hair a volume boost and a silky, shiny finish—just go light with application to avoid crunchiness.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Can feel crunchy if overused
8. Bed Head by Tigi Queen for a Day Volume Thickening Spray
Bed Head by Tigi
Queen for a Day Volume Thickening Spray
Finding an affordable texturising product that doesn't coat hair in sticky residue, add frizz, or immediately crisp hair can be a challenge, but this one comes highly recommended by Hayes. “It's an absolute icon in my kit—part volume spray, part texturiser,” he says. “It gives that full-bodied, bombshell feel—think Brigitte Bardot but with a cool-girl edge. It’s dry and gives guts.”
Cons
- May not provide enough hold for very thick or coarse hair
9. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Living Proof
Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Far more than a solution for greasy hair days, a good dry shampoo will also deliver on the volume and texture front too. Look no further than Living Proof's, which is perhaps the most highly acclaimed dry shampoo on the market. Only a few spritzes of the powerful spray are needed to inject volume and mattify the roots. To add texture to lengths, spritz a little into the palms of your hands then twist and scrunch through your hair.
10. Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo
Sachajuan
Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo
When you need texture to last, hair can need some groundwork before you've even reached for your styling products. A sea salt shampoo will help to prep by adding a gritty texture to hair, making it easier to style and far less likely to fall flat. What's more, this one sells incredible.
Pros
- Strong and long-lasting fragrance
Cons
- Can be drying if used too frequently
11. Evo Root Canal Volumising Spray
EVO Hair
Root Canal Volumising Spray
“This lighter option is ‘chef’s kiss' for fine or lifeless hair,” says Hayes. “For blow-outs I love to spritz this into the roots for grip and guts before I even reach for a hot tool. It gives structure without stiffness.”
Pros
- Designed to add volume and lift at the roots
12. BaByliss The Crimper
Babyliss
Babyliss the Crimper
For truly lasting texture, a heat tool will always maximise results. “Just a touch at the roots (hidden, of course) gives mega volume and grip, especially if I'm doing editorial work or up-dos,” says Hayes. “Crimping is back, but subtly.”
Cons
- Can take practice to master use
13.
Hershesons
Almost Everything Cream the Best Styling Cream
A product that adds texture and boosts shine and smooths frizz sounds too good to be true, but that's exactly what this do-it-all styling cream does. If you're low maintenance when it comes to hair, this is the one for you.
Editor's Review: “A hairstylist recently used this on my hair and I couldn't believe how much more full of life my hairstyle looked. The great thing about this cream is that it can be used in so many different ways. Yes, you can use it to add texture to your style, but it also helps to hydrate hair, boost shine, protect from heat and detangle your ends. It really is a one-stop wonder.” – Grace Lindsay, Who What Wear junior beauty editor
(Image credit: @gracelindsay__)
