Kenra Professional Root Lifting Spray 13 — container, alternate view

Kenra Professional

Root Lifting Spray 13

Styler / Volumizer, polymer-set

Styler
volumizer
aerosol
Sulfate-free
Curly-method
Lightweight
Cruelty-free · PETA-listed

Size13 fl ozmost listed · 2 sizes

Price$20 Good valueseen at one store · 13 oz

Price / oz$1.54/ozat 13 oz

Where to buy5 stores · 2 sizes

Scent:

The ingredient list declares fragrance. What it smells of is not stated, and we do not guess.

Manufacturer page: kenraprofessional.com

Personal fit

Is this right for you?

Factor Your profile Fit

Best for hair types Straight–Wavy Not in your profile

Moisture level Low Not in your profile

Hold system High Not in your profile

Slip / detangling Some Not in your profile

Weight on hair Light Not in your profile

Fragrance Present Not in your profile

Protein Minor Not in your profile

Silicone / wax buildup Low Not in your profile

Clarifying wash needed Low Not in your profile

Parabens / preservatives Present Not in your profile

Show all 22 factors we check

The rest of what your plan weighs on this product.

Essential oils None listed Not in your profile

Fast-drying alcohol None Not in your profile

Vegan / cruelty-free Cruelty-free · PETA-listed Not in your profile

Animal-derived ingredients Not yet verified Not in your profile

Aerosol can Pressurised can Not in your profile

Needs heat to set Not determined Not in your profile

Heavy humectants Not heavy Not in your profile

Hard-water defence None Not in your profile

UV filter None listed Not in your profile

Ingredient list 15 ingredientsA short list Not in your profile

Price tier Masstige Not in your profile

Where to buy it Ulta · Salons Not in your profile

The consultation builds your hair profile, then reads every factor in this table against it — and tells you where this product fits, or what to use instead.

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$49.00 once, for your consultation and hair profile. No subscription, no required purchases.

Lower cost than most volumizers

$1.54/oz at 13 oz — less than 94% of the 64 volumizers , which mostly run $3–6.80/oz.

Price and stores

Great for

Curly-method routinesno sulfates and no water-insoluble silicones

Curl definitionfilm formers hold a clump together

Fine hairthat flattens under most products

Soft-hold stylesthat should stay touchable

Very dry hairno fast-drying alcohol in the list

Short ingredient listsfifteen ingredients or fewer

Maybe skip if

this product carries a scent

Anyone who dislikes a castthe film formers here can set firm

Silicone-free routinesit does contain silicones — the water-soluble kind

Aerosol avoidancethis is a pressurised can

Whether this hold level is right for you depends on your density, porosity, and how long your style has to last — that is what the consultation works out.

What the formula actually does

Read from the label, not the marketing

Each row says where it comes from: F means we derived it from this product’s own ingredient list, S means it is a claim the brand makes that the formula neither confirms nor contradicts.

Hold system Synthetic polymer

Synthetic hold polymers — the firmest of the hold systems.

Cast risk Likely

Film formers without much softening them — expect a cast to scrunch out.

Weight on the hair Light

Water-first and light: unlikely to flatten fine hair.

Oil absorption None

No absorbent powders or starches.

Oils and butters None

No oils or butters in the list.

Fast-drying alcohol None

No fast-drying alcohol in the list.

Needs detergent to remove Rinses with water

The silicones here are the water-soluble kind.

Fragrance Present

Fragrance is listed; it sits below the working ingredients.

from the formula stated by the brand reported by reviewers Scale: 1 dot low · 5 dots high, within this product type.

Ingredients that matter

The ingredients that change a decision

The workhorse ingredients plus anything lower down that changes a decision. These chips name what an ingredient does — they are not safety scores, and no ingredient here is rated good or bad on its own.

Ingredient	What it does	Why it matters	Chip
WaterAqua/Water/Eau	solvent	The base everything else is dissolved in	Neutral
Hydrofluorocarbon 152a	propellant	Pushes the product out of the can	Neutral
VP/VA Copolymer	film former	Lays down the film that holds a shape	Holds
Isopentane	solvent	The base everything else is dissolved in	Neutral
Polyacrylamide	film former	Lays down the film that holds a shape	Holds
Laureth-7	emulsifier	Keeps oil and water mixed	Stabilizes
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate	preservative	Keeps the product from spoiling	Stabilizes
Diazolidinyl Urea	formaldehyde releaser	—	Stabilizes
FragranceParfum/Fragrance	fragrance	The scent	Fragrance
Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone	emulsifier	Stabilises the mix	Shine
Potassium Dimethicone Peg-7 Panthenyl Phosphate	emulsifier	Stabilises the mix	Shine
Silk Amino Acids	protein	A small amount of protein	Protein

What the list leaves out, and what it carriesThe list carries no sulfates or drying alcohols. Fragrance is on the label. This is a pressurised can.

Full ingredient list (15)

US labelling rules put ingredients above 1% in descending order of amount; below 1% they may be listed in any order. Annotations keep three readings separate: the ingredient's general function, its role in this product type, and what its position can support.

1 Water · Aqua/Water/Eau

General function
The base of almost every rinse-off and cream hair product. It carries everything else and is normally the first ingredient on the label.

Leading ingredient
Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.
- solvent
2 Hydrofluorocarbon 152a

General function
A non-flammable aerosol propellant used in dry shampoos and finishing sprays.

Leading ingredient
Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.
PubChem
- propellant
3 VP/VA Copolymer

General function
A hold polymer that dries to a clear film. It sets the style and washes out with water.

Leading ingredient
Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.

May suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair
A set polymer film is a physical barrier to humidity, so a style keeps its shape longer in damp conditions.

May suitMaximum-hold styling
Synthetic film formers dry into a continuous film, which is what holds a shape against movement and against humid air.

DependsBuild-up-sensitive routines
Some acrylate copolymers rinse with water and some need a detergent; the label alone does not say which one a formula used.
- film former
- polymer
4 Isopentane

General function
A very fast-evaporating carrier used in aerosols to make the spray dry almost instantly.

Supporting ingredient
Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.
PubChem
- solvent
5 Polyacrylamide

General function
A thickening polymer that also leaves a light film, used in gels and styling creams.

Supporting ingredient
Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

May suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair
A set polymer film is a physical barrier to humidity, so a style keeps its shape longer in damp conditions.

May suitMaximum-hold styling
Synthetic film formers dry into a continuous film, which is what holds a shape against movement and against humid air.

DependsBuild-up-sensitive routines
Some acrylate copolymers rinse with water and some need a detergent; the label alone does not say which one a formula used.
- film former
- polymer
- thickener
6 Laureth-7

General function
An emulsifier that keeps silicones and oils dispersed in water.

Supporting ingredient
Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.
- emulsifier
- solubilizer
▾Below about this point, order stops being meaningful — these are typically used at 1% or less.
7 Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

General function
A preservative used at very low levels against mould and yeast.

Estimated lower-concentration zone
It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
PubChem
- preservative
8 Diazolidinyl Urea

General function
A formaldehyde-releasing preservative used at low levels; some brands avoid it for that reason.

Estimated lower-concentration zone
It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
PubChem
- formaldehyde releaser
- preservative
9 Methylparaben
- paraben
- preservative
10 C13-14 Isoparaffin

General function
A light carrier used to spread silicones and polymers thinly.

Estimated lower-concentration zone
It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair
Emollients fill and smooth the surface of the strand, which lowers the friction that lifts the cuticle and reads as roughness.
- emollient
- solvent
11 Fragrance · Parfum/Fragrance

General function
An undisclosed blend of scent ingredients. Regulations let it stay unlisted, so a fragrance-free product is the only way to be certain what is not in it.

Estimated lower-concentration zone
It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

May not suitFragrance-sensitive routines
Declared fragrance. On a fragrance-sensitive routine this is the line that decides it, wherever it sits on the label.
- fragrance
- declared fragrance
12 Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone

General function
An ethoxylated or propoxylated formulation aid. Ingredients of this family keep oils, silicones and fragrance evenly dispersed in a water-based product.

Estimated lower-concentration zone
It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

May suitBuild-up-sensitive routines
The PEG- and PPG-modified silicones disperse in water, so ordinary washing carries them off instead of leaving a film to accumulate.

May suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair
A surface film slows how quickly humidity reaches the cortex, which is what limits swelling-driven frizz in damp air.

May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair
Delivers the slip and surface smoothing of a silicone without needing a detergent wash to remove it afterwards.
- emulsifier
- silicone
- water-soluble silicone
13 Potassium Dimethicone Peg-7 Panthenyl Phosphate
- emulsifier
- silicone
- water-soluble silicone
14 Silk Amino Acids

General function
Silk protein broken into amino acids, used for slip and shine rather than strength.

Estimated lower-concentration zone
It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair
Amino acids are the smallest protein fraction and bind water as well, so they add far less stiffness than a hydrolysed protein does.

DependsProtein-sensitive hair
The lightest option in the protein family, but still protein — worth watching if protein reliably stiffens your hair.
- protein
- amino acid
15 Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids

General function
An amino acid of the kind hair protein is built from. Small enough to sit inside the cuticle, and used for water binding rather than strength.

Estimated lower-concentration zone
It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair
Amino acids are the smallest protein fraction and bind water as well, so they add far less stiffness than a hydrolysed protein does.

DependsClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair
A humectant follows the air: it holds water in humid conditions and can give it up in very dry ones. Climate decides what it does more than the label does.

DependsProtein-sensitive hair
The lightest option in the protein family, but still protein — worth watching if protein reliably stiffens your hair.
- amino acid
- mild anionic cleanser
- humectant

What the whole list adds up to

3 solvents
3 emulsifiers
3 preservatives
2 film formers
2 polymers
2 silicones
2 water-soluble silicones
2 amino acids
1 propellant
1 thickener
1 solubilizer
1 formaldehyde releaser
1 paraben
1 emollient

Ingredient list captured 2026-08-27. Formulas change — check the package in your hand when an ingredient matters to you.

Price · 13 oz

Seen at $20 lowest of 2 stores · checked Aug 30

Good value under $29 Under $2.25/oz it costs less than three-quarters of the 8 products we score as doing the same job

Usually a good value. Most stores sell it under the $29 line, and products that do this job typically go for about $39 at this size.

Sizes

8 oz

$14.99

$2.06/oz

13 ozmost listed

$20

$1.54/oz

The 13 oz costs 25% less per ounce than the 8 oz.

Show the price ladder

Price for 13 ozlower is better

Where we’ve seen it6 listings · 5 stores

13 ozmost listedBest per ounce

Ulta
$20.00

13 oz · $1.54/oz

Aug 27Lowest per oz
Ulta Beauty
$20.00

13 oz · $1.54/oz

Aug 30
Sephora
$20.00

13 oz · $1.54/oz

Aug 30

8 oz

Jomashop.com
$14.99

8 oz · $1.87/oz

Aug 30Lowest per oz
JCPenney
$18.00

8 oz · $2.25/oz

Aug 30Sale · was $20.00

Ulta
$20.00

Aug 25

Sorted by price per ounce. Dated observations from our research, not live prices. Direct store pages, no affiliate links. We don’t sell this product.

How we work this out

13 oz is the size stores list most often; every comparison on this page is made at it. Other sizes are shown in the Sizes row and the store list.
Seen at $20 is the price we have observed for the 13 oz. We need three stores before we call a price commonly seen.
Good value under $29 comes from the 8 products we score as doing the same job as this one. A quarter of them cost less than $2.25/oz; at 13 oz that is $29. Under that line you are paying less than most of them.
Each size is guarded on its own, so a multipack or a marketplace listing at one size cannot move another.
About $39 is what those same products typically cost at this size — the midpoint of their prices per ounce, scaled to 13 oz.

Formula

Formula score

10 of 10

It carries the working systems a volumizer needs and still sits in the lower part of the price range for volumizers per ounce.

How the score is counted

1 products that do the same job cost less per ounce
Costs less per ounce than 94% of the 64 volumizers we’ve priced
Covers 6 of the 6 things a volumizer should do
Reviewers mention 3 things they like about how it performs

A hold systemThe polymer, gum, or wax that holds the shape.3 pts
Softeners alongside the holdWhat keeps a film flexible instead of brittle.2 pts
No drying alcohol in the first threeFast drying without leading on alcohol.2 pts
A humectantBinds water into the hair.1 pt
A humidity claim with a mechanismThe claim has a film former or silicone behind it.1 pt
Fragrance kept out of the top eightScent as a finishing touch, not a major share.1 pt

The formula score is completeness for the job: the share of the systems this product type is normally built around that we can find in this list, weighted. It is not efficacy, not quality, and it never compares across product types.

Does the same job, for less

Same derived functions — what it cleans, conditions, coats or holds — at a lower cost per ounce. Scent, texture and where you buy it can still differ.

Herbal EssencesLowest cost per oz Touchable Hold Hairspray with Frizz Control $0.75/oz $0.79/oz less

Budget

· Close function

Function: Water-binding (humectants)
Also: Drugstore tier
8 oz bottle

Compare

See more alternatives in the product library

These are functional neighbours, not personal recommendations — they are close on formula, not chosen for anyone. Get the one that fits your hair, routine, and budget

Final decision

Should you buy it?

A solid pick for the hair it suits

Best user

Curly-method routines, looking for a curly-method-compatible formula and defined, clumped curls

Biggest tradeoff

Not ideal for anyone sensitive to fragrance, anyone who will not scrunch out a cast, or silicone-free routines

Best alternative if not

Herbal Essences Touchable Hold Hairspray with Frizz Control, for similar results at a lower price

We do not sell products or take placement fees. This page states what the formula and the prices show; the consultation is what matches it to a person.

Claims check

What the brand says, against what the formula shows

Claims are quoted from the brand. We only mark one supported, partly supported, or conflicting when the ingredient list actually speaks to it; everything else stays "stated by the brand", which is not a criticism — most claims simply cannot be read off a label.

SupportedBacked by ingredients

Partly supportedSome supporting logic

Stated by brandNo clear evidence

Potential conflictFormula works against claim

Boosts hair at the roots & volumizes entire style

It reads light on the strand, which is what volume claims depend on.

VP/VA Copolymer
Polyacrylamide
Silk Amino Acids

Supported

Leaves room for lift.

Creates ultimate lift & long-lasting style support

It reads light on the strand, which is what volume claims depend on.

VP/VA Copolymer
Polyacrylamide
Silk Amino Acids

Supported

Leaves room for lift.

Provides flexible fullness without weight or stiffness

Hold polymers appear without the emollients that usually keep a film from setting firm.

VP/VA Copolymer
Polyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin

Potential conflict

Expect a cast you have to scrunch out.

How to read this

We look at the first 10–15 ingredients and what they do in a formula — not marketing. If the list doesn't speak to a claim, we don't assume.

Reviewers

What people report

Recurring themes our researchers wrote in their own words from sourced reviews. We do not store or scrape star ratings.

Gives noticeable volume and body without leaving hair feeling weighed down or product-heavy, and has little scent

long-time Kenra user reviewing on Ulta

Added great body to a lob-length haircut

Ulta reviewer with a lob haircut

Long-time Kenra customer says the brand's products consistently deliver amazing results at a good price

repeat Kenra customer on Ulta

Works well for lift but seems to strip some color from treated hair over repeated use

color-treated-hair Ulta reviewer

Left hair feeling almost dirty/dingy, similar to a mousse residue, so she avoided using it every day

Ulta reviewer with occasional-use habit

How this page was made

Everything above is generated from our researched product record — identity, the ingredient list as printed, the brand's own claims, dated price observations, and review themes written in our researchers' own words. No part of this page is written per product.
The value band is a fixed label over two stored numbers: this product’s cost per ounce as a percentile of every product of this type we have priced, each at the size it is most often sold in, and how many products we score as doing the same job cost at least a quarter less per ounce.
Both scores out of ten are defined on this page. The formula score is completeness for the job, computed from a fixed per-format checklist shown beneath the gauge; the price score is cost per ounce against every product of this type we have priced.
The "Is this right for you?" panel reads only your own consultation answers, and it applies exactly the filters our recommendation engine applies. It is computed when you load the page and is never stored on it.
2 sources consulted for this product (1 manufacturer or regulatory, 1 retailer, 0 editorial), last checked 2026-08-27.
Ingredient references are linked for 0 of 7 product-aware annotations on this page. Fit notes are conditional formulation guidance, not a conclusion about the finished product or about you.
We have not tested this product in a lab and we do not physically test your hair. Formula readings come from the ingredient list; behaviour claims are labelled as the brand's.
Ingredient order tells you relative amount only above roughly 1%. Prices are observations on the dates shown and change without notice.
Ingredient names link to our ingredient library, where each entry shows what it does, which product types use it, and where it usually sits on a label across everything we have researched.
This is cosmetic information, not medical advice, and nothing here diagnoses or treats a health condition.
Formula readings: derivation v22. Record last updated 2026-08-27.