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Nexxus

Maxximum Firm Hold Hairspray

Styler / Hairspray, strong-hold

  • Styler
  • hairspray
  • aerosol
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Protein-free
Size10 oz
Price$19.99seen at one store · 10 oz
Price / oz$2.00/ozat 10 oz
Where to buy1 store · $19.99–19.99

Add it to your products. We’ll tell you if it’s ever recalled.

Scent:

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

Strength: Strong

Manufacturer page: nexxus.com

Personal fit

Is this right for you?

Complete the consultation to see how well this product fits your hair and your goals. With 6,000+ products in our library, we can match you to the right ones.

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$49 with 60 days of follow-up questions and plan updates

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Priced with its peers

$2.00/oz at 10 oz, less than 69% of the 242 hairsprays , which mostly run $1.61–3.87/oz. The cost less.

Price and stores

Great for

Protein-sensitive hairthat stiffens when protein is added
Maximum slipfor hair that tangles the moment it is wet
Curly-method routinesno sulfates and no water-insoluble silicones
Curl definitionfilm formers hold a clump together
Fine hairthat flattens under most products
Silicone-free routinesno silicones appear in the list

Maybe skip if

this product has a strong scent
Very dry or damaged hairit contains fast-drying alcohol
Anyone who dislikes a castthe film formers here can set firm
Soft, touchable finishesthe brand states a firm hold
Aerosol avoidancethis is a pressurised can

Whether this hold suits you depends on your density, porosity and how long your style needs to last. The consultation works that 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 (as stated) Strong

A strong hold, as stated by the brand.

Hold system Synthetic polymer

Synthetic hold polymers, the firmest kind of hold.

Cast risk Likely

Film formers with little to soften them, so expect a cast to scrunch out.

Weight on the hair Light

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

Humidity resistance Claimed

The brand claims humidity resistance; the ingredient list cannot confirm it.

Oil absorption None

No absorbent powders or starches.

Oils and butters None

No oils or butters in the list.

Fast-drying alcohol High in the list

Fast-drying alcohol in the first three ingredients.

Needs detergent to remove No

Nothing here needs a detergent wash to remove.

Fragrance Prominent

Fragrance is in the first eight ingredients, so it makes up a larger share of the formula.

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. The chips name what an ingredient does. They are not safety scores, and no ingredient here is rated good or bad on its own.

IngredientWhat it doesWhy it mattersChip
Alcohol Denat. drying alcohol Sets the style fast, which is also why it can feel dry Drying
Hydrofluorocarbon 152a propellant Pushes the product out of the can Neutral
WaterWater (Aqua) solvent The base everything else is dissolved in Neutral
VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer film former Lays down the film that holds a shape Holds
Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer film former Lays down the film that holds a shape Holds
Aminomethyl Propanol pH adjuster Fine-tunes the pH pH balancer
FragranceFragrance (Parfum) fragrance The scent Fragrance
Dimethyl Stearamine conditioning agent Adds slip, lower in the list Detangles
Geraniol fragrance The scent Fragrance
Limonene fragrance The scent Fragrance
Linalool fragrance The scent Fragrance
What the list leaves out, and what it carriesThe list carries no sulfates or silicones. No protein: a moisture formula, not a repair one. Fragrance is on the label. This is a pressurised can.
Full ingredient list (11)

In the US, ingredients above 1% are listed from most to least. Below 1% they can appear in any order. Each note keeps three things apart: what the ingredient generally does, its role in this type of product, and what its position can tell you.

  • 1 Alcohol Denat.
    General function

    Fast-drying alcohol used to make sprays set quickly. In leave-on products it can leave hair feeling dry, especially in high position on the list.

    Role in this product type

    In hairspray, denatured alcohol acts as a fast-evaporating solvent that carries the styling polymers and helps distribute them in a fine spray. As it evaporates, the polymers remain on the hair to form the hold film.

    Leading ingredient

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

    May suitFine or easily flattened hair

    May suit hair that needs a fast-drying, lightweight spray base rather than an oil- or wax-led finish.

    May not suitDry, coarse, or high-porosity hair

    Porous hair gives water up easily as it is; a fast-evaporating solvent high on the list accelerates that.

    DependsVery dry or highly damaged hair

    Consider if hair is very dry or highly damaged: when alcohol is this prominent, the fast-evaporating base may leave the hair feeling drier.

    Cosmetic Ingredient Review
    • drying alcohol
    • 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 Water · Water (Aqua)
    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
  • 4 VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer
    General function

    A hairspray polymer that holds firmly and resists humidity.

    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
  • 5 Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
    General function

    A firm hold polymer used in hairsprays and gels. It holds well in humidity and brushes out.

    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
  • ▾Below about here, the order stops meaning much. These are usually used at 1% or less.
  • 6 Aminomethyl Propanol
    General function

    A base used in trace amounts to neutralise acidic hold polymers so they thicken and set properly.

    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.

    DependsFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair

    pH adjusters are how a formula is brought to a chosen acidity, and an acidic formula keeps the cuticle lying flatter than an alkaline one. Which way this one moves the pH depends on the formula, and the finished pH is not on the label.

    PubChem
    • pH adjuster
  • 7 Fragrance · Fragrance (Parfum)
    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
  • 8 Dimethyl Stearamine
    General function

    A conditioning amine activated by the acid in the formula, used for slip with light rinse-out.

    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

    A cationic conditioning agent: it binds to the damaged, negatively charged parts of the cuticle and lowers combing friction there.

    May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair

    The class that does the detangling in a conditioner. It deposits lubrication where the cuticle is worn.

    DependsBuild-up-sensitive routines

    Substantive by design. A routine with no detergent wash gives it nothing to leave with.

    • conditioning agent
  • 9 Geraniol
    General function

    A rose-scented fragrance component, listed on its own because some people react to 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

    One of the 26 scent components the EU requires to be named individually above a threshold. It is named because it is a known contact allergen, not because it is unusual.

    • fragrance
    • named fragrance allergen
  • 10 Limonene
    General function

    A citrus-smelling fragrance component that EU rules require to be named separately because some people react to 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

    One of the 26 scent components the EU requires to be named individually above a threshold. It is named because it is a known contact allergen, not because it is unusual.

    PubChem
    • fragrance
    • named fragrance allergen
  • 11 Linalool
    General function

    A floral fragrance component listed separately as a recognised contact allergen.

    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

    One of the 26 scent components the EU requires to be named individually above a threshold. It is named because it is a known contact allergen, not because it is unusual.

    PubChem
    • fragrance
    • named fragrance allergen

What the whole list adds up to

  • 4 fragrances
  • 3 named fragrance allergens
  • 2 solvents
  • 2 film formers
  • 2 polymers
  • 1 drying alcohol
  • 1 propellant
  • 1 pH adjuster
  • 1 declared fragrance
  • 1 conditioning agent

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

Price · 10 oz

Seen at $19.99 1 store · checked Aug 27
Good value under $8 Under $0.82/oz it costs less than three-quarters of the 8 products we score as doing the same job

Priced above the products that do the same job. Stores sell it above the $8 line; products that do this job typically go for about $20 at this size.

Show the price ladder
Where we’ve seen it2 listings · 1 store

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
  1. 10 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.
  2. Seen at $19.99 is the price we have observed for the 10 oz. We need three stores before we call a price commonly seen.
  3. Good value under $8 comes from the 8 products we score as doing the same job as this one. A quarter of them cost less than $0.82/oz; at 10 oz that is $8. Under that line you are paying less than most of them.
  4. About $20 is what those same products typically cost at this size: the midpoint of their prices per ounce, scaled to 10 oz.

Formula

Formula score
4 of 10

Mid-range per ounce for a shorter formula: there is no softeners alongside the hold here.

How the score is counted
  • 3 products that do the same job cost less per ounce
  • Costs less per ounce than 69% of the 242 hairsprays we’ve priced
  • No softeners alongside the hold in the formula
  • No no drying alcohol in the first three either
  • 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 measures completeness for the job: a weighted share of the systems this product type is usually built around that we find in this list. It does not rate how well the product works or its quality, and it never compares across product types.

Does the same job, for less

Formulas that do the same things (cleanse, condition, coat or hold) for less per ounce. Scent, texture and where you buy them can still differ.

SuaveLowest cost per oz Anti Frizz Hairspray $0.42/oz $1.58/oz less
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Lightweight
· Same function
Differs
  • Citrus scent
  • Cruelty-free
  • Value tier
Compare
TRESemmeSame function Tres Two Ultra Fine Mist Hairspray $0.70/oz $1.30/oz less
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Lightweight
Differs
  • Sweet scent
  • Cruelty-free
  • 11 oz bottle
Compare
TRESemmeSame function Extra Hold Hairspray $0.86/oz $1.14/oz less
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Lightweight
Differs
  • Cruelty-free
  • Drugstore tier
  • 14.6 oz bottle
Compare

See more alternatives in the product library

These products do a similar job. We haven’t matched them to you. Find the one that fits your hair, routine and budget

Built for straight to wavy hair

Final decision

Should you buy it?

A solid pick for the hair it suits
Best user

Hair that stiffens on protein, for a protein-free formula and real detangling slip

Biggest tradeoff

Worth skipping for anyone sensitive to fragrance, very dry or high-damage hair, or anyone who will not scrunch out a cast

Best alternative if not

Consider Suave Anti Frizz Hairspray, 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, and what the formula shows

Claims are quoted from the brand. We mark a claim supported, partly supported or conflicting only when the ingredient list speaks to it. Everything else stays "stated by the brand". That isn’t a criticism: most claims can’t be checked from a label.

3
SupportedBacked by ingredients
0
Partly supportedSome supporting logic
3
Stated by brandNo clear evidence
0
Potential conflictFormula works against claim
firm hold

Synthetic hold polymers are present.

  • VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer
  • Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Supported

Structure that lasts the day.

up to 72 hours hold

This is a marketing claim; an ingredient list cannot speak to it.

—

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

quick-dry finish

Nothing absorbent sits high enough to read as a matte system.

—

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

humidity protection

Silicones or film formers smooth the cuticle, which is the usual mechanism.

  • VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer
  • Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Supported

Smoother strands, less frizz.

frizz control

Silicones or film formers smooth the cuticle, which is the usual mechanism.

  • VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer
  • Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Supported

Smoother strands, less frizz.

shine

Nothing in the list reads as a shine system.

—

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

How to read this

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

Reviewers

What people report

Themes that come up again and again in sourced reviews, written by our researchers in their own words. We don’t store or scrape star ratings.

Some reviewers miss the older pump bottle and find the aerosol can harder to brush out and more buildup.

Reviewers who used the older pump version

Several reviewers say newer cans hold far less than the older formula, sometimes leaving hair flat.

Reviewers across hair types, several with fine hair

Many reviewers say the newer version smells strongly of fish or rotting, and they stopped buying it.

Reviewers across hair types

Several reviewers report the spray nozzle clogs or stops spraying, even after cleaning, on recent cans.

Reviewers across hair types

More from Nexxus

How this page was made

  • Everything above comes from our researched product record: identity, the ingredient list as printed, the brand's own claims, dated prices and review themes our researchers wrote in their own words. No part of this page is written by hand for one 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.
  • 5 sources consulted for this product (0 manufacturer or regulatory, 3 retailer, 2 editorial), last checked 2026-10-31.
  • Ingredient references are linked for 4 of 9 product-aware annotations on this page. Fit notes are general formulation guidance. They aren’t a verdict on the finished product or on you.
  • We haven’t tested this product in a lab, and we don’t physically test your hair. Formula readings come from the ingredient list. Claims about how it behaves are labelled as the brand's.
  • Ingredient order tells you relative amount only above roughly 1%. Prices are what we saw on the dates shown and can change.
  • 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 v23. Record last updated 2026-09-02.

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