People walk into our downtown Boise studio at 104 S Capitol Blvd asking for the same thing all year long. They want their style to survive an Idaho day. Dry mountain air pulls moisture out of hair fast, and by mid afternoon a lot of clients tell us their look feels rough, flat, or full of flyaways. So when a product called Extra Strong Hairspray landed on our Davines shelf, our stylists wanted to put it through real chairs and real heads before we said a word about it. Here is our honest take after using it behind the chair.
What it actually is
Let us clear something up first, because the name surprised us too. Despite being called Extra Strong Hairspray, this Davines product behaves like a weightless softener and finisher rather than a stiff lacquer. The label leans on the name, but the formula is built around softness and shine. It works on any hair type, from fine to coarse, and the whole point is softer, smoother hair that never feels heavy. If you came here looking for a concrete hold that locks an updo in place, this is not that product. We say that plainly so nobody buys it expecting the wrong thing.
The ingredient our stylists keep pointing to
The reason this one earns shelf space is roucou oil. It softens and smooths the hair without weighing it down, which is exactly the balance we chase in a dry climate. Boise air can leave mid lengths and ends feeling parched, and roucou helps the hair feel supple again instead of crunchy. It also leaves an antioxidant finish that tames flyaways and frizz, which is the complaint we hear most often once the seasons turn here. The light signature Davines scent is a nice bonus. It lingers through the day without taking over.
How we use it in the studio
We work a small amount through clean, damp hair, comb it through, then style as usual. Start with less than you think you need. Because it is weightless, it is easy to layer a touch more if the ends still feel thirsty, but going heavy from the start can dull the finish on fine hair. We have used it on sleek blowouts and on looser air dried styles, and it played well with both. It is the kind of product that disappears into the hair instead of sitting on top of it.
Who it is for, and who it is not
This is a strong fit for anyone with dry, frizz prone, or color treated hair who wants softness and a clean shine. It slots into a daily or weekly routine without any fuss. It is also genuinely friendly for fine hair because nothing about it feels coated or sticky. Who is it not for? Anyone hunting for that traditional aerosol hold. If your goal is a style that does not move in the wind, the name will mislead you, and you will want a true finishing spray instead. We would rather you know that now than be disappointed at the mirror.
Is it worth the price?
It sits at 45 dollars, which is a real consideration. For a finishing product you reach for daily, we think the cost holds up because a little goes a long way and the bottle lasts. If you only style your hair for the occasional event, a smaller multitasker might serve you better. For our regulars who fight dryness every single day in this climate, it has become a quiet staple. You can see it on our shelf and read the full details on the Extra Strong Hairspray product page.
Our verdict from behind the chair
We like this one for what it truly does, which is soften, smooth, and add a healthy antioxidant finish without weight. Judge it as a softening finisher and it delivers. Judge it as a high hold spray and you will be let down by the name. Our stylists keep reaching for it on dry Boise days, and that is the most honest endorsement we can give. If you want us to match the right Davines product to your hair in person, take a look at our salon services and then book an appointment. We will show you how to use it on your own hair before you ever buy a bottle.