Anyone who needs a finished style to stay put: updos, sleek blowouts, set curls or textured looks that have to last through the day or an event. L'ANZA lists it for all hair types. It sits high on the brand's control scale (8 out of 10), so people who only want a light, brushable hold may find a softer spray easier to work with. It is a retail finishing spray that works equally well in the salon and at home.

Strong hairsprays usually trade hold for feel: they set hard, leave flakes when you touch your hair, or turn tacky in humidity. Dramatic F/X aims for the hold without those side effects. It dries fast to a firm but touchable finish, and L'ANZA pairs the fixatives with cactus extract, plant proteins and botanical extracts meant to protect and add shine, so the last step of the style is doing more than just gluing it in place.

Finish styling first, then spray evenly over the completed style. Add a second light pass on areas that need extra control, such as the hairline or the crown of an updo.

The can is pressurized and flammable: do not use near heat, flame or while smoking, and do not store it anywhere hot.

Pros

• Extreme hold, rated 8 of 10 on L'ANZA's own control scale
• Dries quickly, so a style can be locked in right after finishing
• Made not to crack, flake or feel sticky once dry
• Cactus Protecting Complex is included to help protect against heat-styling stress

Cons

• Too firm for anyone who wants loose, brushable movement
• Alcohol-based aerosol: flammable, and the can must be kept away from heat and flame
• Contains a wheat-derived protein and fragrance allergens (linalool, limonene)
• Two packaging versions exist (Dramatic F/X and Dramatic Effects), which can be confusing when reordering