Why Your Hair Needs a Freeze & Shine Spray (And How to Use It Right)

What is a freeze and shine spray?

A freeze and shine spray is a finishing product that combines two functions that are traditionally at odds with each other: hold and shine. Traditional strong hold hairsprays tend to leave hair stiff and dull. Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray uses a 50% VOC formula to deliver a firm, flexible hold while adding a mirror-smooth polish to the surface of the hair.

The result? Hair that is set in place but still moves naturally, with a healthy luminosity that looks professionally finished.

Why the VOC level matters

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound, a measure of the solvents used to carry the holding agents in a spray. A 50% VOC formula is the professional sweet spot. It is powerful enough to deliver reliable hold in all weather conditions, including humidity, but refined enough to dry quickly, feel lightweight, and remain kind to the hair over repeated use.

Higher VOC sprays can feel stiff and difficult to brush out. Lower VOC sprays may lack the hold needed for structured styles. 50% VOC strikes the balance that professional stylists rely on.

How to use it: A step-by-step guide

Getting the most from a freeze and shine spray comes down to technique. Follow these steps for a professional finish:

• Apply to dry, fully styled hair only. Freeze and shine spray is a finisher, not a styling product, it sets the shape you have already created.
• Hold the can 25–30cm from your hair. Too close and the product will land heavy and sticky. Too far and you will lose coverage.
• Use short, sweeping bursts rather than a long continuous spray. This gives you even, controlled coverage without over-saturating.
• Work section by section for structured styles such as an updo or a defined wave. For loose, everyday styles, a single pass over the surface is sufficient.
• For extra shine, lightly smooth the hair with your palm immediately after spraying, before the formula sets.

Which hair types benefit most?

Freeze and shine spray is versatile, but it delivers the most noticeable results on:

• Fine to medium hair that needs support to hold a blowout or curl without feeling weighted down.
• Colour-treated hair, where the added shine helps counteract any dullness caused by the colouring process.
• Frizz-prone hair, particularly in humid climates, where the holding agents create a barrier against moisture in the air.

For very thick or coarse hair, apply slightly more product and concentrate on the surface sections where frizz and flyaways are most visible.

How does it differ from regular hairspray?

Standard hairsprays prioritise hold above everything else, often at the expense of texture and shine. Many leave a visible residue or make hair feel crunchy. A freeze and shine spray is formulated to be brushable, meaning if you change your mind or want to refresh your style, you can brush through it without leaving white flakes or residue behind. It is the more refined, professional-grade option.

Shop Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray 500ml → Available on our store.