Final answer:
Hair spray is ideal for providing a firm hold for fine hair without heaviness, thanks to polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone which keep hair stiff but not heavy. It can leave a 'crunchy' texture, which is lessened by brushing, and there are natural hair spray options with ingredients like gum arabic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The benefit of using hair spray is that it offers firmer, longer hold for fine hair with the least amount of heaviness. Unlike heavier hair styling products such as gel or wax, hair spray contains polymers that keep the hair stiff and firm without weighing it down.
Hair spray was first developed in 1948 and provides a long-lasting hold by evenly coating the hair with a fine mist, either through a pump or an aerosol nozzle. Although it can leave the hair feeling 'crunchy', this effect can typically be mitigated by brushing the hair out after application.
Common components of hair spray like polyvinylpyrrolidone add stiffness to the hair. There are also natural alternatives available that use ingredients such as gum arabic, derived from acacia tree sap, and gum tragacanth, known for stiffening textiles as well as hair.