Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray Review
If you’re looking for a hairspray that holds your style without making your hair stiff or crunchy, the Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Spray has quickly become one of the bestsellers at Sephora. Unlike traditional hairsprays that lock everything into place, Dae’s formula promises strong hold with flexibility, meaning your hair should stay styled while still feeling soft and touchable.
That said, it’s rare for a hairspray to be both strong and flexible; you usually get one or the other, so I was excited to see how this hairspray would actually perform. Dae’s products have been hit-or-miss for me in the past (check out my complete Dae Hair Review featuring all of their products), so I went into this with an open mind.
After testing it on different styles and in different climates, here’s how the Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Spray performs, how it compares to Dae’s texturizing spray, and whether it’s actually worth buying.
dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray review
what is the dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray?
The Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Spray is a flexible-hold hairspray designed to keep styles in place without the stiff, helmet-like feel that some traditional hairsprays create. Meant to give you strong hold while still allowing your hair to move, it’s a great option for styles that need staying power but shouldn’t look overly “set.”
This is definitely a “your hair but better” type of hairspray because it’s so lightweight. Even though it says strong hold, if you need something heavy-duty, you’ll want to go with an extra hold hairspray (like my fave by Color Wow).
what the dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray does
The Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray is meant to:
hold curls, waves, or styled hair in place and make your style throughout the day
control flyaways and frizz
add light structure without stiffness
add shine
maintain movement so hair still feels natural (not crunchy or sticky!)
Compared to heavier hairsprays, the finish of the Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray is easier to work with. You can brush your curls out, run your fingers through your hair, or go back and touch your waves up later on.
key ingredients in the dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray
There are two key ingredients that set the Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray apart from other hairsprays on the market:
Night blooming cactus - moisturizes and conditions, which is important as some hairsprays can be drying.
Dae signature desert botanical blend - Not just an Arizona brand via location, this spray contains Dae’s unique blend that nourishes and strengthens to give you bouncy, shiny, healthy-looking hair.
When it comes to hair products, what is omitted from the ingredient list is sometimes just as important as what’s in it, especially when it comes to aerosols and hairsprays. The Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray is formulated without parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates SLS & SLES. While the scent is pretty and somewhat strong, it also contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance, making this one of the cleaner hairsprays available on the market.
It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
pros
Lightweight, flexible hold; keeps styles in place while still allowing movement
Doesn’t leave your hair sticky or crunchy; you can brush your hair out easily after for a less-structured look
Adds shine
Doesn’t make your hair feel dried out
Helps lock in your style and make it last longer
Lovely citrus scent; fruity but not too sweet (highly recommend if you hate the chemical scent of traditional hairsprays)
cons
Not the strongest hold available (if you need extreme hold for updos or humidity, stronger hairsprays may perform better)
Scent may be strong for some people, especially if you need to use a few layers
More expensive than drugstore hairsprays
Using too much will weigh down fine hair
Using too much will make your hair feel a little sticky (but less than other hairsprays I’ve used)
dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray before and after
I have stick-straight hair and like to curl my hair with my tried-and-true $20 titanium iron; I’ve found my hair holds the curl best when it’s freshly washed (day two hair is too heavy). I applied one light layer Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray after my curls had cooled. I could’ve added a second layer later in the day, but found two layers back to back was a little heavy for my fine hair.
My curls were polished, shiny, and held all day without feeling crunchy.
how to use the dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray
Shake well.
Hold 8-10 inches away and spray onto styled hair. While this is a flexible hairspray, it still has a strong hold so a little goes a long way! You can always add more if need, but starting with too much will make your hair sticky and crunchy.
For extra hold, apply another light layer where needed.
This hairspray makes it easy to brush out your hair and then apply more later on, so it’s ideal if you need to layer or want to take your style from morning to night.
Tip: Using light layers helps maintain the flexible, natural finish the spray is designed to provide (versus a sticky, crunchy feel).
who the dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray works best for
The Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray works best for people who want hold without stiffness.
It’s a good option for:
Loose curls or waves that need staying power
Everyday hairstyles that still need movement (no crunchy prom hair!)
Medium to thick hair types
That said, I have fine hair and enjoy it! But if you accidentally use too much, it will weigh down your hair.
People who prefer flexible hold hairsprays, like if you want to brush your curls out after.
Those who want take your style from morning to night, as you can apply a few light layers without your hair feeling sticky.
It’s especially helpful if you dislike the crunchy feel of traditional hairsprays (like me).
who the dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray might not work for
The main thing to keep in mind here is if you need an extra strong hold hairspray.
You may want something stronger if you have:
Very fine hair that gets weighed down easily
Styles that require extreme hold (tight updos, formal events, dance hair, etc.)
Very humid environments where maximum hold is needed
In those cases, a stronger traditional hairspray may work better - I love this one by Color Wow for when I need something heavy-duty.
dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray vs fairy blaster dry texturizing results
While texturizing spray seems similar to hairspray, they’re actually two separate hair products that give very different results - see my full texturizing spray vs hairspray guide with before-and-after comparisons.
Essentially, the Sunsetter spray focuses on hold, while the Fairy Blaster spray focuses more on volume and texture.
In general:
Sunsetter Strong Hold Spray - best for finishing and setting styles
Fairy Blaster Dry Texturizing Spray - best for adding volume, grip, and texture
They both retail for $30, and both products have the same citrus scent, which can be strong but doesn’t give me a headache (and I’m sensitive to fragrance). They’re also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, and formulated without parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates SLS & SLES.
If you’re deciding between the two, it usually comes down to whether your hair needs structure and all-day hold, or if you want a beachy, lived in look. For more details, check out my full comparison of how the texturizing spray compares to the hairspray, which includes a list of when each product would perform better for you.
is the dae sunsetter strong hold flexible hairspray worth it?
If you want a hairspray that provides hold without stiffness or crunch, the Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Spray is a solid option. Ideal for everyday styling when you want your hair to stay in place, your hair still feels natural and touchable so it’s great for taking your style from day to night or those who don’t want their hair to feel sticky.
While it’s more expensive than many drugstore hairsprays, the lightweight formula and flexible finish make it worth considering if you prefer softer, more natural-looking hold. I also love the scent, and recommend it if you have littles who hate the chemical-y smell you often get with other hairsprays. This one is citrusy and fresh, and my 6 year-old cousin loves it.
The only downside is that the nozzle can get clogged. I don’t mind rinsing the nozzle in between uses, but if that’s a deal breaker for you, try the Chris McMillan The Major Shine Hairspray for Buildable Hold. It’s slightly more expensive, but it’s another hairspray with cleaner ingredients that works well but doesn’t make your hair crunchy.
