If you’ve ever been up at 5:30 AM in a hotel room before a competition, trying to get the perfect cheer ponytail together, you know the struggle. Between teasing, smoothing flyaways, and trying to make everything stay put through warm-ups, stunts, and full routines… the right hairspray makes a huge difference.
Over the years, these are the three hairsprays we always reach for when styling a posh ponytail. Each one does something a little different, and together they help create that big, polished cheer look that lasts all day.
Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray
The one that locks everything in place
This one is probably the most famous cheer hairspray, and for good reason. When we need a style to stay exactly where we put it, this is the spray we grab.
What I love about it is how well it locks down the front of the hair and the base of the ponytail. If you’ve ever had those little pieces start popping out halfway through a comp day, this helps keep everything looking clean and tight.
Why we use it:
- Holds the ponytail base really securely
- Keeps flyaways from popping up
- Helps teasing stay big and lifted
- Survives long competition days
Mom tip: I usually spray this right around the ponytail base and across the top of the head once everything is smoothed out.
TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Massive Shine Hairspray
The one that makes the ponytail look shiny and finished
This spray is one I love for the final step. After all the teasing and shaping is done, it just gives everything that extra polished look.
Competition lights are bright, and this spray helps the hair look smooth and healthy instead of dull or crunchy. The hold is strong, but the ponytail can still move naturally, which I think makes it look better during routines.
Why we use it:
- Adds beautiful shine
- Keeps the ponytail soft instead of stiff
- Smooths the overall look
- Gives that polished competition finish
Mom tip: I do a light mist over the whole ponytail at the very end.
L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
The one that helps build the style
This one is a classic. A lot of stylists use it because it gives hold without making the hair stiff or sticky.
I like using this while we’re actually building the ponytail and teasing the base. It holds the volume but still lets you brush and adjust things if you need to fix something.
If you’ve ever had to redo hair quickly between performances, you know how helpful that is.
Why we use it:
- Lightweight hold
- Easy to brush and restyle
- Keeps hair soft
- Helps build volume without buildup
Mom tip: I use this while teasing the ponytail base to help the volume stay put.
Our Competition Morning Routine
Over time we’ve kind of fallen into a little routine using all three:
- Elnett while teasing and shaping the ponytail
- Got2b Glued to lock down the base and flyaways
- Bed Head Masterpiece as the final shiny finish
And if you’re anything like me, anything that makes competition mornings a little easier is always a win.
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