If you’re chasing that salon-worthy, voluminous blowout, Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray is your new best friend. I’ve tested this lightweight pre-styler, and it’s a game-changer for fine to medium hair.
It promises lift, texture, and lasting body without the sticky residue, and I’m here to share my journey with it. From application to results, this article covers why you should grab a bottle and transform your hair routine.
Trust me, your flat hair days are numbered—buy this now and thank me later!
My Experience With Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray
Picture this: me, staring at my limp, fine hair in the mirror, wondering why it refuses to cooperate.
I’ve been through the wringer with styling products—mousses that turned my hair into a sticky mess, powders that left it feeling gritty, and sprays that promised the moon but delivered flat, sad strands.
So, when I stumbled across Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray, I was cautiously optimistic but ready for another letdown.
Spoiler alert: it’s been a total game-changer.
The first time I used it, I was fresh out of the shower, my shoulder-length hair damp and towel-dried.
The bottle’s sleek design and easy-spray nozzle caught my eye—no cheap, clunky sprayers here. I spritzed about five pumps, focusing on my roots but making sure to hit the mid-lengths too.
The scent was a pleasant surprise: a light, citrusy vibe that didn’t scream “I just doused my hair in product.” I combed it through to spread it evenly, grabbed my trusty round brush, and started blow-drying.
Halfway through, I could already tell something was different. My hair felt fuller, like it had some actual substance for once. By the time I was done, I couldn’t stop running my fingers through it. The volume was unreal—my roots were lifted, and the entire length had this bouncy, plush texture.
I decided to test its staying power by curling a few sections with my Dyson Airwrap. Normally, my curls fall flat within hours, but these held strong through an entire evening out. I kept catching my reflection and thinking, “Is this really my hair?”
The next day, I tried a trick I’d read about: spritzing my dry hair with water to dampen it, then adding a couple more sprays of the product before restyling. The volume came back just as strong, and my hair didn’t feel weighed down or dirty.
Over the weeks, I experimented with air-drying (still got decent texture) and layering it with other products (worked like a charm). The bottle’s lasted me nearly a year with 3-4 uses a week, which makes the price tag feel less like a gut punch. Honestly, this spray’s made me excited to style my hair again—something I never thought I’d say.
Pros of Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray
- Instant Volume That Lasts
You know how some products hype up big, bouncy hair only to leave you with a deflated mess by noon?
Not this one. Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Spray gives you serious lift right from the roots, and it sticks around.
I’ve worn it through long workdays, sweaty gym sessions, and even windy evenings, and my hair still looks fuller than it did pre-spray.
It’s like a confidence boost in a bottle—your hair feels ready for anything, whether you’re presenting at a meeting or dancing at a wedding.
- Lightweight and Non-Sticky
If you’ve ever dealt with sticky, heavy styling products, you’ll appreciate how light this spray is. It’s like a whisper on your hair—no crunchy residue or gluey feel. After blow-drying, my hair is smooth, soft, and totally brushable.
I’ve had moments with other products where I’d run my fingers through my hair and cringe at the tacky texture. With this, it’s all natural vibes, which is a huge win for those of us who want volume without looking like we tried too hard.
- Versatile for Multiple Styling Needs
This spray’s a chameleon. I’ve used it for sleek, straight blowouts, bouncy curls, and even air-dried wavy looks on low-effort days. It adds body and texture no matter how you style, making it a go-to for fine to medium hair types.
It’s also safe for color-treated or heat-damaged hair, so you don’t have to worry about frying your strands. I love layering it with a texturizing spray for extra grit or a light hairspray for hold—it’s like the perfect teammate that makes everything else work better.
- Pleasant Scent and Easy Application
The little details make a difference, and this spray nails them. The citrusy scent is fresh and subtle, not like you’re walking through a perfume cloud. The nozzle sprays a fine mist, so you don’t end up with soggy patches or uneven application.
For my shoulder-length hair, 4-5 pumps do the trick, and I comb it through for even distribution. It’s quick and fuss-free, which is a godsend when you’re rushing to get ready in the morning.
- Long-Lasting Bottle
Let’s talk value. A single 8.5-ounce bottle has lasted me nearly a year, and I’m not skimping on use. I style my hair 3-4 times a week, and a few spritzes per session are all I need.
Compared to other products I’ve gone through in a couple of months, this one’s a marathon runner. It makes the price feel more reasonable, especially when you’re getting salon-quality results without constant repurchasing.
Cons of Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray
- Pricey for the Size
I won’t sugarcoat it: at around $35 for 8.5 ounces, this spray isn’t exactly budget-friendly.
When I first saw the price, I hesitated, wondering if it was worth it compared to drugstore options.
The longevity helps, but if you’re pinching pennies, the upfront cost can sting.
I’ve learned to think of it as an investment in my hair’s happiness, but it’s definitely a splurge for some.
- Can Feel Drying if Overused
Here’s where I messed up early on: I got a little too enthusiastic with the sprayer and ended up with dry, slightly tangled hair. The alcohol in the ingredients (like Alcohol Denat.) can be harsh if you go overboard, especially on fine hair that’s already prone to dryness.
I’ve since dialed it back to a few targeted spritzes, and the problem’s gone, but it’s something to watch out for if you’re heavy-handed.
- Not a Miracle for Very Thin Hair
If your hair is super thin or you’re dealing with significant thinning, this spray’s good but not a miracle worker. It adds volume and texture, but it won’t transform sparse hair into a thick, lush mane. My hair’s fine but decently dense, so I saw great results.
But a friend with very thin hair said it helped a bit but didn’t blow her away. Manage expectations if your hair’s on the extreme end of thin.
- Subtle Hold for High-Humidity Days
Living in a humid area?
You might need a backup plan. This spray gives light hold, which is great for everyday styling, but it’s not bulletproof against sticky, humid weather. On muggy days, my hair can lose some of its bounce by mid-afternoon.
I’ve started pairing it with an anti-frizz serum or stronger hairspray, which helps, but it’s not a one-and-done solution for extreme climates.
Comparison of Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray With Other Brands
Let’s put Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray in the ring with some big names: Oribe Texturizing Spray, Living Proof Full Thickening Cream, and Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Spray. I’ve used all of them, and while each has its strengths, here’s how they stack up against our star player.
Oribe Texturizing Spray is the darling of hair gurus, and it’s easy to see why. It’s like a hybrid of dry shampoo and hairspray, delivering gritty texture and massive volume. It’s perfect for that “I woke up like this” tousled look, but at $48 for 8.5 ounces, it’s a wallet-buster.
It also feels heavier than Bumble’s spray, which can be a downside if you want a lighter, more natural finish. The scent is another sticking point—some love its luxe fragrance, but I found it a bit too strong for daily use. Bumble wins for ease and subtlety.
Living Proof Full Thickening Cream is a different beast since it’s a cream, not a spray. It’s designed to add body without stickiness, and it does a decent job, but it’s less convenient than a spray.
You have to work it into your hair with your hands, which can be messy, and it doesn’t lift roots as effectively as Bumble’s spray. At $30 for 4 ounces, it’s not exactly cheap either. If you’re Team Spray for quick styling, Bumble’s the better pick.
Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Spray is a more budget-friendly contender at around $24 for 6.7 ounces. It adds decent volume and has a natural, earthy scent that’s pleasant if you’re into eco-friendly vibes.
However, it can make hair feel slightly stiff if you use too much, and the results don’t feel as plush as Bumble’s. It’s a solid choice for those prioritizing sustainability, but for sheer performance and versatility, Bumble takes the crown.
Bumble and Bumble strikes a sweet spot: it’s lightweight, versatile, and delivers salon-quality volume without breaking the bank as much as Oribe. It’s not perfect for every scenario, but it’s the most well-rounded option for daily use.
Tips For Using Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray
- Use Sparingly for Best Results
Trust me, you don’t need to drown your hair in this stuff. For my shoulder-length hair, 4-5 spritzes on damp hair, mostly at the roots, is perfect. If you go too heavy, you risk dryness or a slightly sticky feel.
Start with a few pumps, comb it through with a wide-tooth comb, and add more only if you need it. This keeps your hair looking full and feeling natural.
- Pair with a Good Blow-Dry Technique
The spray’s great, but your blow-drying game can make or break the results.
Grab a round brush and a quality blow-dryer with adjustable heat settings.
Section your hair, lift each section with the brush, and direct the heat at the roots for maximum lift.
I like to flip my head upside down for the last minute of drying—it sounds silly, but it adds crazy volume.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries.
- Cleanse Regularly to Prevent Buildup
Styling products like this one, with polymers like PVP/VA Copolymer, can leave residue if you’re not careful. I use a clarifying shampoo once a week—Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo is my go-to—to keep my scalp and hair clean.
This prevents buildup from dulling your shine or making your hair feel heavy. If you notice your hair looking lackluster, a good cleanse will bring it back to life.
- Store Properly to Maintain Quality
Don’t let your bottle sit in a steamy bathroom or near a hot shower—it can mess with the formula. Store it in a cool, dry spot, like a cabinet or drawer.
Also, check the nozzle every few weeks and wipe it with a damp cloth if it’s gunked up. A clogged nozzle can lead to uneven spraying, which is a pain when you’re trying to style in a hurry.
- Experiment with Layering Products
One of the best things about this spray is how well it plays with others. For extra hold, I’ll follow it with a light hairspray like Bumble’s Non-Aerosol Holding Spray.
For beachy texture, I layer it with their Surf Spray after blow-drying. Always apply the Thickening Spray first on damp hair, then add other products post-styling to avoid overloading your hair. It’s like building a haircare playlist—mix and match to suit your vibe.
Who This Product Is For?
Not sure if Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray is right for you? Let’s break it down. This stuff is a dream for anyone with fine to medium hair craving volume and body.
If your hair’s like mine—flat, limp, and stubborn when it comes to holding a style—this spray will be your new obsession. It’s also great for color-treated or slightly damaged hair since it’s lightweight and heat-protective.
If you’re dealing with very curly or coarse hair, you might not see the same dramatic results, as the spray’s designed for straighter to wavy textures. Those with extremely thin or thinning hair may find it helpful but not transformative—pair it with a volumizing shampoo for better results.
It’s perfect for daily styling, whether you’re a blow-dry fanatic or an air-dry minimalist. If you love low-maintenance products that deliver high-impact results, this is your match.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s peek under the hood at what makes this spray tick. The key players include:
- Water (Aqua): The base that keeps the formula light and sprayable.
- Alcohol Denat. and Isopropanol: These help the product dry quickly and provide hold, but they can be drying if overused.
- PVP/VA Copolymer: A styling polymer that adds volume and texture without stickiness.
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Nourishes and strengthens hair, helping it feel fuller.
- Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey: A conditioning agent that smooths and adds shine.
- Fragrance (Parfum): Gives that subtle citrusy scent, with notes like eugenol and limonene.
The alcohol content is why you need to use it sparingly, especially if your hair’s prone to dryness. The wheat protein and honey derivatives are nice touches, adding a bit of care to the styling process.
If you’re sensitive to fragrances, the scent is mild, but patch-test if you’re super cautious. Overall, it’s a well-balanced formula that prioritizes performance without overloading your hair with heavy silicones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This pre-styler spray is all about boosting volume and texture before you blow-dry. It lifts roots, adds body, and gives your hair a fuller, salon-like finish. It’s lightweight, offers light hold, and protects against heat damage. Perfect for fine to medium hair, it’s a must for anyone wanting a lush blowout without heavy residue.
Yes, it’s a fantastic pick for thin hair! It adds volume and texture, making hair look thicker without weighing it down. For very sparse hair, it’s helpful but not a cure-all—pair it with a volumizing shampoo for best results. It’s a lifesaver for fine, limp strands like mine.
It does, but it’s not a permanent fix. Bumble’s spray creates the illusion of thicker hair by adding volume and texture, especially with blow-drying. Results depend on your hair type and styling technique. Use it sparingly and style properly for the best effect—it’s worked wonders for my fine hair.
Spray 4-5 pumps on damp hair, targeting the roots for lift. Comb through to distribute, then blow-dry with a round brush for max volume. You can also spritz lightly on dry hair before styling for extra texture. Don’t overdo it to avoid dryness—less is more
Wrapping Up
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray is a must-have for anyone dreaming of fuller, bouncier hair. It’s transformed my fine, flat strands into a voluminous masterpiece, and I can’t imagine my routine without it.
From its lightweight feel to its lasting lift, it’s worth every penny. If you’re ready to ditch limp hair and embrace a salon-worthy blowout, grab this spray today. Your hair—and your confidence—will thank you!