Best Hair Products for Securing Your Updo: A Guide to Hairsprays, Gels, and Mousses

When it comes to creating a flawless updo, whether it’s a sleek chignon, a voluminous bun, or an intricate braided style, the right hair products are essential for keeping everything in place. The last thing you want is for your carefully crafted hairstyle to fall apart halfway through your event. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best hair products—including hairsprays, gels, and mousses—that can help secure your updo and keep it looking perfect all day (and night) long.

1. Hairsprays

Hairsprays are perhaps the most popular and widely used product for setting updos. They provide varying levels of hold, from flexible to extra-strong, depending on your needs. Here are some of the top hairsprays to consider:

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray: Known as the gold standard in hairsprays, this product offers a strong hold without leaving the hair stiff or sticky. It’s perfect for keeping updos in place while allowing for natural movement.

Kenra Volume Spray 25: This super hold finishing spray is ideal for updos that require a firm hold. It’s humidity-resistant and long-lasting, ensuring that your hairstyle stays intact in various weather conditions.

TRESemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray: A budget-friendly option that provides a strong hold and helps combat frizz and flyaways. It’s a great choice for everyday updos as well as more elaborate styles.

Oribe Superfine Hairspray: This lightweight, buildable hairspray offers a medium hold with a natural finish. It’s perfect for creating updos that require some flexibility while still needing to stay in place.

2. Hair Gels

Hair gels offer a stronger, more rigid hold compared to hairsprays, making them ideal for sleek, structured updos that need to stay perfectly in place.

Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel: A highly popular gel that offers maximum hold without flaking. It’s especially effective for slicked-back styles or updos where every hair needs to stay in place.

Redken Brews Extreme Gel: This gel provides a strong hold and high shine, making it perfect for polished updos. It’s great for hairstyles that require a firm grip, such as buns or ponytails.

Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel: Known for its strong hold, this gel is perfect for securing complex updos that need to withstand a long day or night. It dries quickly and provides a rock-solid finish.

3. Mousses

Mousses are ideal for adding volume and texture to your hair before creating an updo. They help provide a foundation that makes the hair easier to work with and can enhance the overall hold of your style.

Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse: This mousse adds volume and lift, making it ideal for creating fuller updos. It also contains argan oil, which nourishes the hair while providing a light hold.

TIGI Bed Head Foxy Curls Mousse: Perfect for curly or wavy hair, this mousse enhances natural curls while providing definition and hold. It’s great for updos that require texture and bounce.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Mousse: This mousse is designed to give fine hair a fuller appearance, making it easier to create voluminous updos. It provides a lightweight hold without weighing down the hair.

Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam: This mousse offers long-lasting volume and a medium hold, making it ideal for updos that need a bit of lift and structure.

4. Additional Products

Besides hairsprays, gels, and mousses, there are other products that can enhance the hold and longevity of your updo.

Texturizing Sprays: Products like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray or Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray add texture and grip to the hair, making it easier to style and pin into an updo. They’re especially useful for creating messy, boho-chic styles.

Hair Serums: If you’re looking to add shine and control frizz while keeping your updo in place, a lightweight serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum can be applied before styling. It helps smooth the hair and provides a sleek finish.

Pomades and Waxes: For more defined and controlled looks, consider using a pomade or wax like American Crew Fiber or Redken Rough Paste 12. These products are great for taming flyaways and adding definition to braided or twisted updos.

Tips for Using Hair Products on Updos

Layer Your Products: Don’t be afraid to use a combination of products to achieve the perfect hold. For example, start with a volumizing mousse, add texture with a texturizing spray, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray.

Avoid Overloading: Use products sparingly to avoid weighing down your hair or making it look greasy. Start with a small amount and build up as needed.

Test Before the Big Day: If you’re planning an updo for a special occasion, like a wedding or formal event, do a trial run with your products to ensure they work well together and achieve the desired look.

Consider Your Hair Type: Choose products that are suited to your hair type and the style you want to create. For instance, if you have fine hair, opt for lightweight products that won’t flatten your hair.

Conclusion

The right hair products can make all the difference in ensuring your updo stays secure and looks flawless throughout the day. Whether you need strong hold, added volume, or extra texture, there are products out there to meet your needs. By selecting the right combination of hairsprays, gels, mousses, and other styling aids, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting updo that enhances your overall look and gives you confidence for any occasion.