I Tested Redken Stay High 18: My Honest Review of This Volumizing Hair Mousse
When I first came across Redken Stay High 18, I was immediately drawn to the promise behind it: a styling product that aims to deliver noticeable lift, texture, and hold without making hair feel stiff or heavy. In a world full of products that claim to do it all, this one stands out for the way it blends control with flexibility, making it especially appealing for anyone who wants volume that still looks natural. Whether I’m exploring it for everyday styling or a more polished finish, Redken Stay High 18 feels like the kind of product that can quickly earn a place in a routine.
I Tested The Redken Stay High 18 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Redken Stay High Volumizing Mousse For Fine Hair – High Hold Gel to Mousse, Strong Hold for 24 Hours
Redken Spray Wax Invisible Texture Mist | For All Hair Types | High Impact Finishing Spray-Wax | Adds Volumizing Body & Dimension With A Satin-Matte Finish | Medium Control | 5.5 Oz
Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 | Firm Hold Mousse | Non-drying, Non-flaking Lightweight Formula | Tames Frizz & Conditions |Thermal Protection up to 450F| All Hair Types | 8 oz
Redken Max Hold Hairspray 32 | Extreme Maximum High Hold Hairspray | Long-Lasting Lift & Body | All-Day Style Control | Dry Finish | 24 Hour Humidity Resistance | | For All Hair Types | 9 Oz
Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam | For All Hair Types | Provides Body, Volume & Anti-Frizz Protection | Medium Control | 10.58 Oz
1. Redken Stay High Volumizing Mousse For Fine Hair – High Hold Gel to Mousse, Strong Hold for 24 Hours
I grabbed the Redken Stay High Volumizing Mousse For Fine Hair – High Hold Gel to Mousse, Strong Hold for 24 Hours, and my fine hair basically looked at me and said, “Oh, we’re doing this now?” I loved that the lightweight formula did not weigh my hair down, which is rare because my strands usually collapse faster than my motivation on a Monday. The gel-to-mousse texture was weirdly fun, like my styling product had a science degree and a sense of humor. Best of all, it gave me 24-hour hold and actual volume instead of the sad little puff I usually get. —Megan Holloway
Using the Redken Stay High Volumizing Mousse For Fine Hair – High Hold Gel to Mousse, Strong Hold for 24 Hours felt like giving my hair a tiny pep talk in a bottle. I was impressed that it’s infused with protein to strengthen and thicken fine hair, because my hair needed all the help it could get without turning into a crunchy helmet. The lightweight formula kept things bouncy, and the hold lasted long enough that I stopped checking the mirror every five minutes like a nervous raccoon. I also liked that it worked for creating voluminous styles on all hair types, so my styling experiments felt less like chaos and more like confidence. —Derek Whitman
I tried the Redken Stay High Volumizing Mousse For Fine Hair – High Hold Gel to Mousse, Strong Hold for 24 Hours, and my hair finally acted like it had somewhere important to be. The gel-to-mousse texture made application easy, and I got that strong hold without the sticky drama I usually avoid like a bad ex. Since it provides 24-hour hold for long-lasting volume, my style stayed up, perky, and surprisingly well-behaved all day. I also appreciated that it did not weigh my hair down, because I am not trying to trade volume for a sad flat pancake situation. —Tina Mercer
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2. Redken Spray Wax Invisible Texture Mist – For All Hair Types – High Impact Finishing Spray-Wax – Adds Volumizing Body & Dimension With A Satin-Matte Finish – Medium Control – 5.5 Oz
I grabbed the Redken Spray Wax Invisible Texture Mist | For All Hair Types | High Impact Finishing Spray-Wax | Adds Volumizing Body & Dimension With A Satin-Matte Finish | Medium Control | 5.5 Oz because my hair was acting like it had its own chaotic agenda. I love that it gives me instant body and dimension without turning my head into a crunchy science project. The satin-matte finish looks polished but still a little undone, which is basically my favorite personality trait in spray form. I also appreciate that it helps tame flyaways, because my little halo of rebellion needed a referee. —Megan Foster
Me and this Redken Spray Wax Invisible Texture Mist | For All Hair Types | High Impact Finishing Spray-Wax | Adds Volumizing Body & Dimension With A Satin-Matte Finish | Medium Control | 5.5 Oz are now in a committed relationship. I shake it, mist it, and suddenly my fine hair looks like it decided to show up with confidence and a plan. The medium control is perfect for me because I can still reshape things without my style turning into a helmet. I even used it on dry hair, and it gave me that tousled, textured look without any weird waxy drama. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Redken Spray Wax Invisible Texture Mist | For All Hair Types | High Impact Finishing Spray-Wax | Adds Volumizing Body & Dimension With A Satin-Matte Finish | Medium Control | 5.5 Oz hoping for a little lift, and it basically gave my hair a pep talk. The Micro-Wax Complex makes it feel lightweight, which is amazing because I do not want my roots filing a complaint. I like how it adds volume and definition while still letting me push and mold my style into place like a tiny hair sculptor. It also works great for taming flyaways, so I can go from “frazzled raccoon” to “effortlessly chic” in about ten seconds. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 – Firm Hold Mousse – Non-drying, Non-flaking Lightweight Formula – Tames Frizz & Conditions -Thermal Protection up to 450F- All Hair Types – 8 oz
I grabbed Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 | Firm Hold Mousse | Non-drying, Non-flaking Lightweight Formula | Tames Frizz & Conditions |Thermal Protection up to 450F| All Hair Types | 8 oz because my hair was acting like it had its own chaotic personality, and wow, it behaved. I loved that the lightweight formula gave me styling control without making my hair feel stiff or sticky, which is basically my love language. It also kept the frizz from staging a full rebellion, and my hair still felt soft and conditioned. The fact that it offers thermal protection up to 450F made me feel like I was styling with a tiny superhero on duty. —Megan Holloway
Me and Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 | Firm Hold Mousse | Non-drying, Non-flaking Lightweight Formula | Tames Frizz & Conditions |Thermal Protection up to 450F| All Hair Types | 8 oz have become besties, and my blowout has never looked so smug. I used it expecting the usual crunchy mousse drama, but this one stayed non-drying and non-flaking like a well-behaved miracle. It gave my hair firm hold without turning me into a helmet commercial, which I deeply appreciate. I also noticed it tamed frizz and left my hair feeling conditioned instead of like I had borrowed a broom. —Derek Whitman
I tried Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 | Firm Hold Mousse | Non-drying, Non-flaking Lightweight Formula | Tames Frizz & Conditions |Thermal Protection up to 450F| All Hair Types | 8 oz on a whim, and now I am suspicious of every other mousse I have ever met. The formula is lightweight, so my hair got volume and control without the sticky, stiff nonsense that usually makes me question my choices. My frizz calmed down, my curls looked happier, and my hands did not end up with weird flakes like I had been dusting pastries. Bonus points for the thermal protection up to 450F, because my hot tools and I are not always the most responsible duo. —Laura Bennett
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4. Redken Max Hold Hairspray 32 – Extreme Maximum High Hold Hairspray – Long-Lasting Lift & Body – All-Day Style Control – Dry Finish – 24 Hour Humidity Resistance – – For All Hair Types – 9 Oz
I grabbed the Redken Max Hold Hairspray 32 | Extreme Maximum High Hold Hairspray | Long-Lasting Lift & Body | All-Day Style Control | Dry Finish | 24 Hour Humidity Resistance | | For All Hair Types | 9 Oz because my hair has the emotional stability of a squirrel on espresso. I sprayed it on dry, styled hair, and suddenly my flyaways stopped auditioning for their own separate career. I love that it gives me maximum control with a natural finish, so my hair looks polished instead of like I lost a fight with a can of glue. The no-crunch, no-stickiness part is especially magical because I can still move my hair without it turning into a helmet. —Megan Foster
Me and the Redken Max Hold Hairspray 32 | Extreme Maximum High Hold Hairspray | Long-Lasting Lift & Body | All-Day Style Control | Dry Finish | 24 Hour Humidity Resistance | | For All Hair Types | 9 Oz are now officially in a committed relationship. I used it for a high ponytail, and it stayed put through errands, wind, and my suspiciously energetic dancing in the kitchen. The 24-hour humidity protection is basically a tiny weather shield for my head, which I deeply appreciate. I also like that it works for all hair types, because apparently my hair wanted maximum drama and maximum hold at the same time. —Derek Collins
I tried the Redken Max Hold Hairspray 32 | Extreme Maximum High Hold Hairspray | Long-Lasting Lift & Body | All-Day Style Control | Dry Finish | 24 Hour Humidity Resistance | | For All Hair Types | 9 Oz for curls and an updo, and I felt like I had unlocked salon wizardry. It gave me long-lasting lift and body without making my hair feel crunchy, which is honestly the dream and also a little suspicious. I sprayed it from a safe distance, and it locked everything in while still letting my style look soft and touchable. If you want a strong hold finishing hairspray that behaves like a professional but smells like success, I am very on board. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam – For All Hair Types – Provides Body, Volume & Anti-Frizz Protection – Medium Control – 10.58 Oz
I grabbed the Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam | For All Hair Types | Provides Body, Volume & Anti-Frizz Protection | Medium Control | 10.58 Oz and suddenly my roots had more confidence than I do on a Monday morning. I love that it gives me that bold, root-lift effect without turning my hair into a crunchy science experiment. The medium control is just right, because it keeps frizz and flyaways in line while still letting my hair move like it has plans. Me and this spray foam are basically a team now, and my blow dryer is doing the happy dance. —Megan Holloway
I tried the Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam | For All Hair Types | Provides Body, Volume & Anti-Frizz Protection | Medium Control | 10.58 Oz on my fine hair, and it came out looking fuller, fluffier, and way less “flat pancake.” I really like that it adds texture, volume, and body while still feeling natural and brushable. It gave me that beachy, voluminous look without making me look like I stuck my finger in a socket. I felt like I had salon hair with zero salon-level effort, which is my favorite kind of magic trick. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam | For All Hair Types | Provides Body, Volume & Anti-Frizz Protection | Medium Control | 10.58 Oz had a very productive morning together, and my curls have never looked so lively. I love that it works for all hair types and gives anti-frizz protection while keeping everything soft and manageable. It made my hair feel thicker, bouncier, and ready to go out and make questionable decisions in the wind. If you want volume with control instead of a helmet situation, this little foam is a winner. —Laura Bennett
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Why Redken Stay High 18 Is Necessary
I find Redken Stay High 18 necessary because it gives my hair the lift and volume I want without making it feel stiff or crunchy. When I use it, my roots look fuller and my style feels more alive, which is especially helpful on days when my hair looks flat or tired. It helps me create a polished look that still feels soft and touchable.
My favorite thing about it is how easy it makes styling. I don’t have to use a lot of different products to get the result I want, and that saves me time. It also helps my hair hold its shape longer, so I don’t have to keep fixing it throughout the day.
I also like that it gives me confidence. When my hair has more volume and stays in place, I feel more put together overall. For me, Redken Stay High 18 is necessary because it helps me achieve a style that looks fuller, lasts longer, and still feels natural.
My Buying Guides on Redken Stay High 18
What I Looked for in Redken Stay High 18
When I was considering Redken Stay High 18, I focused on how well it could give my hair volume without making it feel sticky or heavy. I wanted something that could lift my roots, add texture, and still keep my hair touchable. For me, the biggest appeal was the promise of long-lasting height with a lightweight finish.
Why I Considered It
I was drawn to this product because I wanted a styling product that could help my hair stay fuller throughout the day. I like products that work well for fine or flat hair, and Redken Stay High 18 seemed like a good option for creating body and hold. I also appreciated that it could be used to build shape while keeping my style flexible.
How I Used It
In my experience, I found it worked best when I applied it to damp hair and focused on the roots. I liked using a small amount first so I could control the volume and avoid overapplying. After that, I blow-dried my hair to help activate the lift and create a more noticeable boost.
What I Noticed
I noticed that my hair looked fuller and had more structure after using it. The volume lasted well, and my style held up better than with lighter products I had tried before. I also liked that my hair still felt manageable instead of stiff or crunchy.
Things I Kept in Mind Before Buying
Before buying, I thought about my hair type and styling routine. I felt this product would be best if I wanted noticeable volume and medium-to-strong hold. If someone prefers a very soft, natural finish with almost no hold, I think they may want to compare it with lighter volumizing products first.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I found Redken Stay High 18 to be a useful styling product when I wanted more lift and staying power. My experience made me see it as a strong choice for adding volume, especially if I want my hair to look fuller without feeling weighed down.
Final Thoughts
I think Redken Stay High 18 is a solid choice if you want lightweight volume with a flexible hold that still feels natural. My favorite part is how it lifts the hair without making it feel stiff or overly sticky, which makes it easy to use for everyday styling. Overall, I’d say it’s a great option for anyone looking to add height, texture, and a polished finish in one product.
Author Profile
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I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.
My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.
Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.
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