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Living Proof is a brand I have relied on for years when it comes to high‑performance styling products, and their Style Lab range is all about giving you pro‑level results without compromising on hair condition or movement. I finally got my hands on the Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray and it has quickly become a staple in my heat‑styling routine.
This isn’t a new launch, but it’s a product I’ve wanted to try for ages. I’d heard so many good things about it, especially for heat styling, but it always seemed to be sold out whenever I looked. Now I’ve finally been able to test it properly, I can absolutely see why it’s so popular.
If you’re searching for a flexible hairspray with heat protection that actually helps styles last (without crunch), this one is definitely worth your attention.
What Is Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray?
The Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray is a multi‑tasking, medium‑hold hairspray designed to be used both before and after heat styling. Unlike traditional hairsprays that are purely for finishing, this formula works as a styling primer, helping to enhance hold, shape and longevity when using hot tools.
The key promise here is flexible control – hair should stay in place while still feeling soft, touchable and natural.
Key Claims & Benefits
Here’s what Living Proof says this hairspray can do:
- Provides medium, flexible hold
- Heat protection for use with hot tools
- Helps styles, curls and waves last longer
- Can be used on dry or damp hair
- Leaves hair brushable and re‑workable
- No sticky or crispy finish
On paper, it ticks a lot of boxes – especially if you heat style regularly.
How I Use It
I tend to use the Style Lab Flex Hairspray in two ways:
1. As a Heat Styling Primer
This is where it really shines for me. I lightly mist it through dry hair before using curling tongs or a straightener. It gives the hair a bit of grip, which makes a huge difference to how well curls and waves hold. This noticeably extends the life of curls and movement without making hair feel coated or heavy.
I’ve been using it a lot when styling my hair with the BaByliss Style Secret Air, which I’ve reviewed here on ReallyRee, and it makes a noticeable difference to how well the curls and waves hold. The combination of warm air, airflow and this hairspray means my styles have more grip and last much longer than with just a heat protectant alone.
2. To Set and Finish
After styling, I use a light mist to set everything in place. What I love is that hair never feels stiff – you can still run your fingers through it, and it keeps that soft, modern finish rather than a “done” look.
My Review of Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray
Does It Make Hair Crispy or Sticky?
This is always my biggest question with hairspray, and I’m happy to report that it doesn’t.
The finish is:
- Not crunchy
- Not sticky
- Not tacky
Instead, hair feels flexible and natural, which makes it ideal if you like movement or want to restyle throughout the day.
Heat Protection & Styling Performance
One of the biggest selling points of this product is that it offers heat protection, making it a great option if you regularly use hot tools.
What I particularly like is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional heat protectant spray, which can sometimes weigh hair down or feel greasy. This one is light, fine and evenly distributed, and it genuinely helps styles hold their shape for longer.
If you’re looking for a high‑performance hairspray for heat styling, this really delivers.
Texture, Finish & Scent
- Texture: Ultra‑fine mist
- Finish: Soft, flexible, natural
- Scent: Clean and fresh (noticeable on application, but not overpowering)
It layers well and doesn’t build up in a way that makes hair feel dull or overloaded.
Who Is It Best For?
I’d particularly recommend the Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray if:
- You heat style your hair regularly
- Your curls or waves tend to drop quickly
- You want hold without stiffness
- You prefer a modern, touchable finish
- You like products that do more than one job
It works well across hair types, but I think fine to medium hair will especially appreciate the flexible hold.
FAQs
Is Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray a heat protectant?
Yes. This hairspray offers heat protection, which makes it ideal to use before curling, straightening or blow-drying. It works particularly well as a priming spray before hot tools, helping styles hold their shape for longer while protecting the hair.
Does Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray make hair crunchy?
No. One of the standout features of this product is that it never leaves hair crispy, sticky or stiff. The hold is flexible and brushable, so hair still feels soft and natural.
Can you use this hairspray on damp hair?
Yes. It can be used on both damp and dry hair, which makes it very versatile. I personally prefer it on dry hair before heat styling, but it also works well layered into damp hair before blow-drying.
Is it suitable for fine hair?
Yes. The mist is very fine and lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh hair down. Fine to medium hair types will particularly appreciate the flexible hold and natural finish.
Ingredient Notes
Flexible Web Technology
At the heart of the formula is Living Proof’s Flexible Web Technology which is a blend of firm and flexible polymers. This technology allows the hairspray to be used on damp or dry hair, delivering multi-styling benefits while maintaining a medium, flexible hold.
What this means in real terms is better shape memory when heat styling, improved longevity of curls and waves, and hair that still feels natural and touchable.
Conditioning Emollient
The formula also contains a conditioning emollient, which helps to soften the hair and prevent that dry, coated feeling that traditional hairsprays can leave behind. This is key to why the finish stays flexible rather than stiff.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) helps support hair condition by adding light hydration and enhancing shine, so hair looks healthy even after heat styling and setting.
As with most hairsprays, alcohol is present to allow the product to dry quickly and evenly, but the overall balance of the formula helps prevent hair from feeling dry or brittle.
Where to Buy Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray
It is available online now for £27 for 246ml via the links below:
Final Thoughts
The Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray is one of those products that quietly becomes essential. It’s not about dramatic hold or extreme styling but I think it’s about making your hair behave better.
For me, it’s the combination of heat protection, enhanced style longevity and flexible finish that makes it stand out. If you want your curls and waves to last without sacrificing softness, this is an excellent option.
A really solid choice if you’re looking for a flexible hairspray with heat protection that actually works.
