The Truth About Hair Thickening Spray: Does It Work & Is It Worth It?
Frustrated with limp, lifeless hair that won’t hold a style? You’ve likely considered a quick fix.
Hair thinning is common across genders and ages. The market is flooded with hair styling products claiming to add instant volume. Among the most popular are hair thickening sprays, which promise to give you fuller, more voluminous hair.
In this guide, we’ll answer the big question: “Does hair thickening spray really work?” Additionally, we’ll explore how it works, how to use it, the key benefits, how it compares to hair fibers and volumisers – and share practical tips for choosing the right one for your hair.
Let’s get started.
Understanding Hair Thickening Spray
Hair thickening spray is a specialised hairstyling product designed to instantly boost the appearance of volume.
Many formulas even include tinting agents to hide gray or thin spots – in effect acting like a temporary spray-to-dye hair solution. A good thickening spray delivers bulk without stiffness, allowing natural movement and styling.
Do Hair-Thickening Sprays Really Work?
Yes – but with a catch. Hair thickening sprays can make your hair look thicker and fuller, but the effect is purely temporary.
They’re a form of hair fiber/volume concealer, not a cure for hair loss. A few spritzes give an immediate transformation that fine or thinning hair looks fuller under the right lighting.
It’s a light spray that create a thin, almost invisible layer around each hair strand with tiny particles or fibers. These usually contain ultra-lightweight polymers, proteins, keratin fibers or colour pigments. This layer increases the diameter of each hair shaft and makes hair look fuller.
In short, they do add volume and can instantly improve your look, but they only last until the next shampoo. After you wash your hair, the spray and colour are gone. So, they really work, but only as a short-term styling trick, not a permanent hair growth solution.
Benefits of Hair Thickening Spray
Hair-thickening sprays pack several perks, which is why many find them useful for styling or special occasions. Even celebrities have used them; reports suggest soccer star Wayne Rooney and Hugh Jackman used hair-thickening products to disguise thinning hair.
Key advantages include:
- Instant Volume & Fuller Look: With just a few sprays, you get an immediate boost in volume.
- Improved Texture & Manageability: Good sprays not only plump up hair but improve its texture. Fine hair becomes easier to comb and style which opens up more styling possibilities.
- Versatile Styling Aid: Thickening sprays are very versatile. Use them alone for a natural everyday lift, or combine them with other styling products (mousses, waxes, etc.) for added oomph. They work under updos, layered cuts or any hairstyle that needs volume.
- Humidity protection: Some sprays offer protection against humidity which helps maintain style integrity.
- Heat protection: Some sprays offer heat protection, which can be beneficial when using hot styling tools.
- Confidence Boost: Perhaps most importantly, fuller-looking hair boosts confidence. When you see hair that looks more vibrant and lush in the mirror, it can make you feel more attractive.
How Long Do Hair-Thickening Sprays Last?
Hair thickening sprays are temporary by design. Their hold lasts through the day but is gone with the next shampoo. Expect full results only for a single styling session.
Quality sprays won’t run or bleed colour unless you get them wet. However, if you’re sweating hard or caught in rain, some colour might wash off. To ensure longevity, use a reputable brand and apply as directed. But remember: the minute you wash or wet your hair, the thickening effect and any colour deposit will rinse out.
How to Use Hair Thickening Spray?
Using the spray is quick and easy. For best results, apply to towel-dried hair and style as follows:
- Hold the can 6-10 inches from your head and spray evenly over hair (roots to ends) while hair is slightly damp. Work it in with fingers or a comb so every strand is coated.
- You can either blow-dry or let the hair air-dry. If blow-drying, use a brush to lift roots as you dry. This heat moulds the product in place for extra volume.
- Once dry, the spray itself adds a light hold and natural texture. For more hold, finish with a dollop of pomade or wax. Barbers spritz before applying wax to loosen hair (making it easier to style) and then spray a bit afterward to lock the cut in place
Do Hair Thickeners Damage Hair?
If used correctly, thickening sprays won’t harm your hair.
These sprays work by coating your strands with lightweight polymers or proteins to add bulk. When applied mostly to the hair, not directly on the scalp, and washed out regularly, they don’t permanently damage hair follicles.
However, product buildup can be an issue if you overuse sprays. Excessive residue near the scalp can clog pores or irritate skin, which can slow growth or weaken strands over time. To avoid that, spray mainly onto your hair fibers and cleanse well each wash. Using a weekly clarifying shampoo can also help strip any excess buildup.
Is It Safe to Use Hair-Thickening Spray Every Day?
Yes – daily use is generally fine for best-quality sprays.
Many thickening formulas are made to be gentle and non-greasy, so you can spritz in the morning without worrying about damage. Just choose a colour-safe, alcohol-free spray and follow up with your normal routine.
What’s the Difference Between Hair Thickening Spray and Hair Fibers?
Hair-thickening sprays and hair fibers are very similar in goal which is coating hair strands for volume.
The main difference is format. Sprays deliver a fine mist of tiny particles. Whereas, fibers are usually dispensed like a powder that you sprinkle or spray.
Sprays tend to give a uniform lift over all your hair, making them great for general volume. Fibers (like keratin hair fiber powders) can be better for targeting sparse spots or roots. Both rely on the same physics (static attraction and colour), so both wash out easily.
What’s the Difference Between Thickening Spray and Volumising Spray?
Thickening and volumising sprays sound similar, but they work a bit differently.
Thickening sprays are formulated to literally plump up each hair strand, by creating a light net of coating around the fiber. Volumising sprays focus more on lifting hair at the roots to add body and bounce. As one beauty guide explains:
In practical terms:
- Thickening products contain polymers, keratin proteins, or similar ingredients that coat each strand to make it appear thicker and stronger. They’re great if your hair is thinning or limp, and you want more density or a meaty feel to each strand.
- Volumising products work by lifting hair at the roots and adding lightweight body. They give a bouncy, airy lift without necessarily coating the hair. They’re ideal for fine hair that needs oomph at the base and a bit of movement.
Quick Tips to Choose the Right Hair Thickening Spray
With so many options, picking the right spray can be tricky. Here are some quick tips:
Know Your Hair Type:
Fine, thick, curly, or straight. Choose a spray that suits your texture. Lightweight formulas are best for fine hair. Whereas, thicker hair can handle heavier sprays with added conditioning.
Target Your Hair Needs:
Got dry, oily, or frizzy hair? Look for a spray that tackles those issues. Some offer moisture, frizz control, or even UV protection.
Match Your Colour:
Using a tinted spray? Go for a shade close to your natural hair. Red One and other top brands offer a range of tones, so you get volume and a natural finish.
Check the Ingredients:
Look for sprays with added benefits like keratin, Pro-Vitamin B5, or plant extracts. Like Red One’s spray includes ginseng and panthenol to boost shine and hair health.
Read Reviews First:
Real user feedback can save you time and money. See what others with similar hair types are saying before you buy.
Go with Trusted, Cruelty-Free Brands:
Choose salon-quality brands that care about quality and ethics. Red One Perth offers barber-formulated, cruelty-free sprays that deliver real, professional-grade results.
Pro Tip: If your hair is thinning significantly, also consider complementary treatments. These sprays are great for style, but they don’t stop hair loss. Consulting a professional for underlying hair thickening treatments (like topical vitamins or clinic therapies) can be a smart long-term step.
Struggling with thin, flat hair that leaves you feeling self-conscious?
Try Red One’s Best Hair Styling Products | Get Fuller, Thicker Hair in Seconds
Red One Perth offers a professional-grade thickening spray that can be your secret friend for instant volume. Our thickener sprays provide a thicker & fuller appearance to thinning hair. Enriched with Ginseng and Pro-Vitamin B5, they not only lift your hair but also nourish and revitalise each strand.
We are proud to be barber-approved and 100% cruelty-free, so you get ethical, high-performance hair styling every time.