Honestly, most of us have a love-hate relationship with hairspray. You want your curls to stay, but you don't want your head to feel like a structural monument. That's usually the trade-off. You get the hold, but you lose the "touchability." This is exactly where Nexxus Flexible Hold Hairspray—specifically the fan-favorite Comb Thru version—steps in to break that cycle.
It's weirdly light.
Most people expect hairspray to act like a sealant, basically a clear coat of paint for your follicles. But the science behind this specific formula is more about "memory" than glue. Nexxus uses something they call StyleProtect Technology. It's a blend of flexible polymers that wrap around the hair strand without snapping when you move your head. It’s meant for people who want to look like they didn’t try too hard, even if they spent forty minutes with a curling wand.
Nexxus Flexible Hold Hairspray: What Most People Get Wrong
There's a massive misconception that "flexible hold" is just code for "weak hold." If you're heading into a hurricane, yeah, maybe go for the maximum strength stuff. But for a normal Tuesday? You've probably been over-spraying.
When you use a heavy-duty lacquer, you’re basically freezing the hair in one position. The second you move, the "seal" breaks, and you get those awkward, crunchy flakes that look like dandruff but aren't. Nexxus designed this to be brushable. That means you can spray it, realize you want to change your part, and literally comb right through it without needing to jump back in the shower.
The Protein Science Factor
Nexxus has been obsessed with proteins since Jheri Redding started the brand in 1979. It’s their whole thing. They look at hair through the lens of proteomics—the study of proteins at a molecular level.
Since hair is roughly 90% protein, every time you heat-style or color it, you’re basically chipping away at that structure. The Nexxus Flexible Hold Hairspray isn't just a finisher; it’s infused with a ProteinLock formula. It sounds like marketing fluff, but it’s actually designed to create a barrier that keeps your hair’s natural proteins in while keeping humidity out.
Why Fine-Haired People Are Obsessed
If you have fine hair, you know the struggle of the "collapse." You spend time building volume, you spray it, and five minutes later, the weight of the hairspray itself has pulled your hair flat. It's frustrating.
The Comb Thru Finishing Mist is an ultra-fine aerosol. It doesn't come out in heavy droplets. Because the mist is so dry, it doesn't "wet" the hair down upon contact. This is crucial. If a hairspray is too watery, it’ll cause fine strands to clump together, revealing more of the scalp and ruining the fluffiness you worked for.
- 72-Hour Humidity Shield: This is a big claim, but in practice, it’s about preventing that mid-day frizz.
- 48-Hour Frizz Control: It keeps the "halo" of flyaways down without making them look greasy.
- Weightless Polymers: These allow the hair to bounce. If your hair doesn't move when you walk, it looks like a wig. This spray prevents that "helmet head" look.
Real Talk: The Scent and the Spray Pattern
Let's be real for a second. Some people hate the smell. It’s a very "salon-y" fragrance—think rose and jasmine mixed with that classic clean scent. It’s not subtle, but it does dissipate after about twenty minutes. If you’re super sensitive to smells, you might find it a bit much initially.
Also, the nozzle is powerful.
You’ve got to hold this can at least 10 to 12 inches away. If you get too close, the force of the air coming out of the can will literally blast your style out of place before the product even lands. It’s a rookie mistake. Stand back, mist in a sweeping motion, and let it settle.
Comparison: Flexible vs. Max Hold
Nexxus also makes a Maxximum Firm Hold version. Who is that for? If you’re doing a sleek, snatched ponytail or an intricate updo for a wedding, go for the Max. But if you're doing beachy waves or a soft blowout, the flexible hold is objectively better.
It keeps the "bounce."
One user with "Irish curly hair" (naturally dry and prone to frizz) noted that this is the only spray that lets her husband run his hands through her hair without hitting a "crunch wall." That’s a pretty solid litmus test for a styling product.
How to Use It Like a Pro
Don't just spray the top of your head and call it a day. That’s how you get flat roots and frizzy ends.
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Try the "under-layer" technique. Flip your hair over and spray the underside first. This builds a foundation of hold from the bottom up. When you flip back over, your hair has internal structure. Then, do a light "halo" mist over the top to catch the flyaways.
If you’re using it to refresh second-day hair, spray it on your hairbrush first, then run the brush through your lengths. This distributes the product evenly and kills any static electricity without adding new "wet" product to your scalp.
Does it actually protect your hair?
Nexxus claims it protects against "environmental stressors." Basically, wind and moisture. While it’s not a replacement for a dedicated heat protectant (you should still use something like their Prep & Protect spray before you touch a flat iron), it does add a final layer of defense. It’s like a light windbreaker for your hair.
The Bottom Line on Nexxus Flexible Hold Hairspray
It’s not the cheapest hairspray at the drugstore, but it’s a lot more affordable than the high-end boutique brands that do the exact same thing. You're paying for the aerosol technology—the fact that it stays dry and doesn't flake.
Is it perfect? No. The scent can be polarizing and the nozzle is a bit aggressive if you aren't expecting it. But for a "nothing-there" feel that actually keeps your hair from turning into a puffball the moment you step outside? It’s hard to beat.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your current hold: If your hair feels "crunchy" or looks dull after spraying, your current product is likely too heavy.
- Distance is key: Next time you style, measure 12 inches. It’s further than you think. Spraying from this distance is the #1 way to avoid "wet spots" and build-up.
- The Brush Test: After your hairspray dries, try to run a wide-tooth comb through one section. If it snaggs or leaves white dust, it's time to switch to a more flexible formula like the Nexxus Comb Thru.
By focusing on the "movement" of your hair rather than just the "freeze," you’ll end up with a style that looks significantly more natural and lasts just as long.