Abstract: The compositions of the present invention relate to improved aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic hair styling compositions comprising a combination of two copolymers. The first copolymer is a copolymer of (a1) acidic vinyl monomers, e.g., acrylic or methacrylic acid, with (a2) hydrophobic nonionic vinyl monomers, e.g., acrylic or methacrylic acid esters, with (a3) a first associative monomer and (a4) at least one other monomer which can be a second associative monomer different from the first associative monomer or a semihydrophobic monomer. The associative monomers having (i) an ethylenically unsaturated end group, (ii) a hydrophilic midsection and (iii) a hydrophobic or semi-hydrophobic end group. The second copolymer is a copolymer of (b1) C3 to C8 monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid monomers, (b2) acrylic or methacrylic acid alkyl esters, and (b3) acrylic or methacrylic acid hydroxyalkyl esters. Preferred product forms are gels, additionally containing a gel forming agent.