Abstract: Relatively low VOC hair styling compositions which provide good style retention without unacceptable stickiness or stiffness are disclosed. The compositions comprise from about 0.01% to about 20%, by weight of the composition, of a hair styling polymer; and a carrier comprising at least about 0.5% to about 99.9%, by weight of the composition, of a first solvent selected from the group consisting of water; water soluble organic solvents; organic solvents which are strongly to moderately strong in hydrogen bonding parameter; and mixtures thereof; wherein the first solvent is other than C1-C3 monohydric alcohol, C1-C3 ketone, and C1-C3 ether; and from about 0% to about 55%, by weight of the composition, of a second solvent selected from the group consisting of C1-C3 monohydric alcohols, C1-C3 ketones, C1-C3 ethers, and mixtures thereof; wherein the composition is characterized by having a Stiffness Value (SV) and a Curl Retention Index (CRI), wherein SV.gtoreq.[(0.703.times.CRI)-0.425)].