Finishing Spray vs. Texturizing Spray

If you’ve ever found yourself in the beauty aisle pondering over whether you need a finishing spray or dry texture spray, you're not alone. Although these two multi-tasking products have some similarities, every type of hair spray has its purpose. And these aren’t always interchangeable. To help you clear up any confusion we’re breaking down everything you need to know about dry texture spray versus finishing spray.

Dry texturizing sprays are hardworking multitaskers that add volume and grit, create definition, absorb oil, and provide support for updo styles. This matte spray is the key to achieving effortless, messy waves. They work on all hair types, making it a must have for anyone who wants more volume and texture. Our favorite texturizing products include:

• This is a Dry Texturizer: This dry texture spray gives hair an instant full-bodied and tousled look without weighing it down. Hair is piecey, defined and effortless. 
• This is a Texturizing Serum: Like other texturizing products, this hair serum helps you achieve a texturizing effect without giving up softness or workability.

A finishing spray is traditionally a hairspray that comes in a variety of formulas from lightweight to super hold, though all versions typically have a lighter hold than gels, pomades and waxes. Finishing sprays are used to add shine and set hairstyles, while keeping your hair light, bouncy, and flexible. They’re fast drying and humidity resistant to reduce frizzy, flyaway hair. A finishing spray gives you brilliant shine without buildup or residue. Our favorite is:

• This is a Strong Hairspray: this product locks hair into place for as long as needed, without leaving residue or stickiness.

Both a dry texture spray and finishing spray can help preserve your style, but there are a few key differences between the two products. First off, a dry texture spray is lighter than a finishing spray and leaves your hair soft. And while finishing spray is great for smoothing flyaways, it can make your hair feel sticky and crunchy. Unlike finishing spray, dry texture spray creates volume and texture without leaving your hair stiff. It even helps to absorb excess oil from your roots and make hair feel refreshed. On the other hand, if you use finishing spray on hair that’s already greasy, it will only weigh it down making it look flat.

A dry texture spray is the best product for effortless beachy waves. Braid your hair in small sections and follow with a texturizing spray. Run a flat iron over your braids and let them cool. Unwrap them and shake out your hair. 

Fine hair or hair that’s too clean can be hard to hold a style. But using a dry texture spray adds grit, making it a must-have for achieving the perfect messy braids. Spritz your dry hair with a texturizing spray, scrunch your strands and throw in a few plaits.

If your fine, flat strands need a boost, a dry texture spray can help add volume. Add lift to freshly blow-dried or second day hair while absorbing excess oil. Unlike finishing sprays, it won’t weigh down your hair or leave a greasy product film.

Fluffy near the crown and rumpled all over, bedhead is the best camouflage for your unbrushed or unwashed hair. Just finger-comb it, scrunch it, and spritz it with a dry texture spray.

courtesy of Davines Hair Art Director Tom Connell

Keep your natural curls separated and defined with a dry texture spray. Unlike other styling products, texturizing spray doesn’t leave your hair stiff. Instead, it enhances your natural volume and creates soft texture without weighing down your beautiful curls.

Any updo worth its salt needs finishing spray. Anytime you create a pony or top-knot, use a finishing spray to seal the deal. It's the secret to making an updo hairstyle style look chic and polished.

A finishing spray adds shine and makes a great finisher for your retro looks. Hold your vintage curls, 70’s shag or 90’s poof in place without things looking stiff.

A finishing spray is great for setting curly styles. It can help stop frizz, preserve length and body, even keep your hair under control in the rain. Preserve your curls by spraying a finishing spray on styled hair. 

Nothing looks as naturally shiny as when your hair is so smooth that it naturally reflects light and finishing spray is the best product to keep your strands perfectly in place to do just that.

Spraying a little finishing spray on dry hair before you straighten it keeps it straight for longer. This will help keep your waves or curls from coming back in humidity and keep your hair straight for days on end.

All types of hair can benefit from either a dry texture spray or finishing spray. Below are our recommendations of the best texturizing and finishing products for every hair type.

• If you have fine hair, choose a dry texture spray or a mousse for curls.
• If you have wavy hair, choose a sea salt spray for naturally wavy hair.
• If you have curly hair, choose a finishing spray or a curl cream.
• If you have thick or coarse hair, choose a curl controlling cream or finishing spray.

Texturizing spray and finishing spray can bring your hair from a boring, at-home hairstyle to just-left-the-salon gorgeous locks. And although both deserve a spot in your beauty arsenal, and have some similarities, each spray has its purpose. A dry texture spray helps create volume and texture without leaving your hair stiff. A finishing spray gives any hairstyle a long-lasting hold and shine. This type of spray keeps your strands in place for longer periods of time. Whether you choose a dry texture spray, a finishing spray, or both — keep your hair healthy by using only the highest quality products. All of the formulas in the Davines family are made with renewable energy and packaging that minimizes the environmental impact. Our hair care isn’t just good for your hair, it’s good for the planet.

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor

Photos by @goldandglowco