Suited to anyone who wants a firm-hold finishing spray that doesn't leave hair stiff, crunchy, or hard to restyle. Works across hair types, but is especially useful for hair that needs help holding shape in humidity or for styles (updos, curls, blowouts) that need to last through a full day. No skill required to apply it — it's a straightforward finishing step for both home users and professional stylists, and Sebastian Professional is sold through both salons and retail.

The main reason to reach for this one over a typical firm-hold spray is the combination of strong hold with a finish that doesn't stiffen the hair. Many extra-hold sprays trade flexibility for hold strength, leaving hair difficult to touch up or restyle later in the day; this formula is built to hold shape through humidity while still allowing the hair to be brushed through or reshaped by hand.

• Shake the can before use
• Hold it 10-12 inches from the hair
• Spray before and after blow-drying to set the style, or apply to a finished, dry style to lock it in
• Reapply through the day as needed to refresh hold

• Pro: Holds firmly without the stiff, helmet-like texture typical of extra-hold sprays
• Pro: Resists humidity and frizz, useful for styles that need to last
• Pro: Fine aerosol mist distributes evenly and dries quickly
• Pro: Leaves hair brushable, so styles can be reshaped without breaking the hold entirely
• Con: Alcohol-based formula can be drying to hair and scalp with frequent, heavy use
• Con: Aerosol propellant makes the can pressurized and flammable, requiring careful storage away from heat
• Con: Contains added fragrance, which may not suit fragrance-sensitive users
• Con: Aerosol format offers less precise, targeted application than a pump spray