Thickening Blow Dry Creme vs. Texturizing Spray: Which Adds More Volume?

Quick Answer

If you want long-lasting root lift and smooth volume, a thickening blow dry creme is your best bet. If you prefer a quick, gritty texture boost and piecey separation, a texturizing spray is the way to go. For fine hair, a creme applied at the roots before blow drying gives more control and volume that lasts.

When your hair falls flat by noon, the struggle is real. You want volume, but the sheer number of products promising root lift can be overwhelming. Two popular options are thickening blow dry cremes and texturizing sprays. Both can add body, but they work in very different ways.

In this comparison, we break down how each product type works, what results you can expect, and which one suits your hair type and styling routine best. We'll also look at specific products from C.O. Bigelow – The Oldest Apothecary in America – Established 1838 that can help you achieve your volume goals.

What Is a Thickening Blow Dry Creme?

A thickening blow dry creme is a styling product designed to be applied to damp hair before blow drying. It typically contains polymers and conditioning agents that coat the hair shaft, making each strand appear thicker. The creme also provides heat protection and helps smooth the cuticle, which can reduce frizz and add shine.

When you blow dry with a creme, you're building volume from the inside out. The product gives you more control over the root area, allowing you to lift hair away from the scalp as you dry. This makes it an excellent choice for fine or limp hair that needs a foundation of volume. Because it's a creme, it also adds a bit of moisture and flexibility, so your hair doesn't feel stiff or crunchy.

• Apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths.
• Use a round brush to lift at the roots while blow drying for maximum volume.
• Start with a pea-sized amount and add more if needed—too much can weigh hair down.

What Is a Texturizing Spray?

A texturizing spray is a lightweight mist that adds grip, grit, and matte texture to hair. It's typically used on dry hair to create piecey, lived-in looks or to boost volume at the roots. The spray works by adding friction between strands, which makes hair easier to style and gives it a fuller appearance.

Texturizing sprays are great for refreshing second-day hair or adding a quick volume boost before an event. They don't provide the same long-lasting root lift as a blow dry creme, but they offer flexibility and ease of use. You can spray them on and go, without needing a blow dryer or brush.

• Spray onto dry hair, focusing on the roots for lift or on the lengths for texture.
• For best results, lift sections of hair and spray underneath.
• Don't overdo it—too much can leave hair feeling sticky or stiff.

Key Differences at a Glance

The main difference between a thickening blow dry creme and a texturizing spray is the application and the result. A creme is applied to wet hair and works with heat to create volume that lasts all day. It also conditions and smooths, making it ideal for dry or damaged hair. A texturizing spray is applied to dry hair and offers immediate texture and grip, but the volume may not last as long.

Another difference is the finish. A blow dry creme typically leaves hair looking shiny and polished, while a texturizing spray often gives a matte, more casual finish. Your choice depends on the style you're going for and how much time you're willing to spend on styling.

• Creme: wet application, heat-activated, long-lasting volume, smooth finish.
• Spray: dry application, instant texture, flexible hold, matte finish.

The Tradeoffs: Creme vs. Spray

• Time investment: A blow dry creme requires you to wash, apply, and blow dry your hair. A texturizing spray can be applied in seconds to dry hair. If you're always in a rush, the spray wins; if you have time to style, the creme gives better results.
• Volume longevity: Creme-based volume tends to last until your next wash because it's built into the hair's structure. Spray volume can fade as the day goes on, especially in humidity. For all-day events, go with the creme; for a quick pick-me-up, the spray is fine.
• Finish and feel: A creme leaves hair soft and shiny, while a spray often leaves a matte, gritty texture that some people love and others dislike. If you prefer touchable, glossy hair, choose the creme; if you like a beachy, matte look, opt for the spray.

Products That Deliver Volume

• Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Mask: This weekly mask reduces frizz and nourishes hair to leave it moisturized for up to 72 hours – for shiny, smooth, soft strands. Infused with Bumble and bumble's signature 6-oil blend of featherlight oils, Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Mask is boosted with a moisturizing blend of Moringa Oil and Pomegranate Seed Extract. Healthy, moisturized hair reflects light and appears fuller. Using a nourishing mask once a week can support your volume routine by preventing dryness and breakage, so your blow dry creme or texturizing spray has a better base to work with.
• BEAUTE Classic Repair & Shine Brush - Fine to Medium: Brushing is an art that Altesse has been practicing for nearly 150 years. Designated in France as a Living Heritage Company, they have devoted their expertise and craftsmanship to the development of brushes that are as elegant as they are effective. Designed for each hair type, they enhance the natural beauty of hair.100% Boar Bristles for Visible ResultsBoar bristles are the only fiber capable of providing real... The right brush helps distribute your styling product evenly from root to tip. A boar bristle brush can also stimulate the scalp and add natural shine, making your volume look healthier and more polished.

Which One Should You Choose?

Best for

• Fine hair that needs long-lasting root lift and a polished finish
• Dry or damaged hair that needs extra nourishment while styling
• People who have time to blow dry and want a smooth, shiny result

Not for

• Those who prefer a quick, no-heat styling routine
• Anyone wanting a matte, piecey texture rather than a smooth, voluminous look

Both thickening blow dry cremes and texturizing sprays have their place in a volume-boosting routine. If you want all-day lift and a smooth finish, invest in a quality creme and a good brush. If you need a fast fix for limp hair, keep a texturizing spray on hand. For best results, consider your hair type, your styling habits, and the look you want to achieve.