A hair spray Allows you to style your hair perfectly by keeping it in place and protecting it from wind and other elements.
However, constant use of commercial hair products such as hair spray involves certain risks, such as dry and brittle hair or even hair loss.
Accordingly, it may be worth considering better and safer Alternatives to hair sprays Style your hair without exposing it to harmful ingredients that can damage your hair.
Today, we will discuss the best substitutes for hair spray Safe to use while providing promising results. It includes a list of commercially available, natural and DIY alternatives.
What does hair spray usually contain?
The main purpose of hair spray is to set the hair in the desired style and provide hold over time. For this purpose, it should have a sticky property as it flows to exit the nozzle.
Hair sprays are usually a mixture of polymers and solvents. Various types of gums and polymers are mixed with hydrocarbon solvents and alcohol. In most cases, alcohol is the solvent.
Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is an active ingredient of hair spray. Studies show this Esters, PVP, copolymers and poly methyl vinyl ether (PMVE) impart the rigidity aspect to the spray.
Hair sprays also contain sodium benzoate, a preservative that prevents the components from rusting and protects against bacteria or viruses.
Arabic gums and vegetables are added to the mixture to make it more effective and preserve it Stiff hair.
Is hair spray bad for your hair?
In general, most ingredients in hair sprays are safe to use in moderation.
However, excessive use can cause hair to become dry and brittle as hair follicles weaken, causing temporary hair loss.
Hair spray is abundant in aerosols harm human health (inspiration). Modern studies claim that the values of aerosols in hair sprays are acceptable and the products are safe to use.
Can you hold your hairstyle in place without hairspray?
You can use various natural and commercial products to hold your hairstyle in place. Hair wax, gel and mousse are great alternatives to hair spray. Styling clay and hair paste also serve the purpose effectively.
To style your hair with the added benefit of nourishing the scalp and strengthening the follicles, you can use natural products like gelatin, coconut oil/shea butter, and flax seed gel.
Things to consider before choosing substitutes for hair sprays
Before choosing the best hair spray substitutes, you should know what factors to consider in order to make an informed decision. They include:
Hair stiffness and preservation
The main thing you need to achieve with a hairspray alternative is the ideal level of hair stiffness to hold it in place. The substitute should not be too hard and not too soft in setting the hair.
An ideal alternative to hair spray should be able to keep the hair stiff for some time. It should also be resistant to changes in hair moisture due to humidity.
hair type
The type of hair is another essential factor in choosing the ideal alternative to hair sprays. Some substitutes are more suitable for small or thin hair, while others may be suitable for frizzy and coarse hair.
The safety of the ingredients
The most crucial aspect of the best hairspray alternative is its safety. The alternative to hair spray should not irritate the scalp or damage the hair. Natural products or do-it-yourself formulations are the safest for styling and styling hair.
The best alternatives to hairspray
Here is a list of some of the best hairspray alternatives to hold your hair in place:
#1. hair gel
If you don’t want to expose yourself to the ingredients of the hair spray and still need your hair to stay in place, you can choose a hair gel. It’s the closest you can get to hairspray and get a firm hold.
Hair gel offers more control over use. You can take a small amount and apply to the hair (from the roots to the ends). Most hair gels are easy to use.
The most effective and time-saving method of setting hair using gel is to apply to wet hair and let it dry. Any look (spiked or combed) can be styled with a good quality gel. Like hair spray, hair gel also gives a shiny/shimmery look.
The only downside is that the dried gel forms whitish flakes, which can look messy. you can too Choose any of these hair gel alternatives.
advantages
- easy to use
- Produces a wet and shiny look
Disadvantages
- Flaking of hair during drying
- Hard to wash
#2. Hair mousse
The purpose of a Hair mousse It holds the hair in place and keeps the curls. Hair mousse is a viable alternative to hair spray and adds more volume to hair.
Hair mousse also helps define curls and is easy to use. All you have to do is apply the mousse to damp hair and let it dry. To style the hair, gently massage the mousse on the roots and comb the hair while blow-drying the roots.
This is a good alternative for people with curls and fine hair. However, the holding potential of moss is less than spray. It’s also essential not to overdo it to prevent your hair from looking greasy.
advantages
- Effective for all hair types
- Adds volume to the hair
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for dry hair
#3. hair paste
Do you want a natural look while keeping your hair in place? Hair paste can be your recommended solution. Hair spray sets the hair well in a permanent style and does not allow much movement. But a paste allows the hair to move a little.
This hairspray substitute is ideal for those with short or thin hair and want to create the illusion of more thickness or volume. Like other hair spray alternatives, it is best to apply the glue to wet hair.
Just be sure to warm it between your hands before applying. Hair paste does a great job of adding texture to your hair while leaving your hair flexible and manageable.
advantages
- Gives hair fullness
- Adds texture to the hair
Disadvantages
- Less hair stiffness than typical hair spray.
#4. hair clay
Styling clay is the perfect solution if you aim to achieve medium hold and have short or curly hair. The product has a consistency similar to natural clay. This property of clay allows it to be used as a substitute for hair sprays.
Applying the clay also adds volume to the hair. You can easily apply a small amount of clay by rubbing it between your palms on your hair. Clay has the advantage of being effective on both dry and wet hair.
advantages
- Works perfectly for dry and wet hair
- Adds volume to the hair
Disadvantages
- Not as solid as hairspray
#5. gelatine
Gelatin is an animal protein used in medicines and foods. However, you can use gelatin to achieve the perfect hairstyle for the day. Gelatin mousse/gel can be made by mixing ¼ teaspoon of gelatin with half a cup of heated water.
After the gelatin is completely dissolved, you can add chamomile or lavender to the mixture. It gives a pleasant smell to the preparation. Apply the mousse to damp hair and let it dry. You can achieve sufficient hair stiffness with gelatin, making it a good substitute for hair sprays.
Another significant advantage is that gelatin nourishes and strengthens the hair follicles, promotes thickness and growth.
advantages
- The addition of lavender/chamomile gives a pleasant smell
- Provides good rigidity to the hair
- Strengthens the hair
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for dry hair
#6. Flax seed gel
DIY hair gel using natural items is a safe and effective alternative to any commercially available hair product. Flaxseed Known for their various health benefits, flax seed gel can be used as a substitute for hair sprays.
To make a gel, you need to soak the seeds in water and leave them overnight. Take a cup of flax seed water and boil it. Next, you get a thread gel. Let it cool, then apply it to the design.
Studies show that flaxseed gel has a great consistency and can last for more than 24 hours. Besides, flaxseed gel promotes hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles, making it an exceptional DIY hair care/cosmetic product.
You can also add essential oils to the concoction. Store it in your refrigerator for future use.
advantages
- Keeps hair stiff for a long time
- Easy to prepare and apply
- Strengthens the follicles
Disadvantages
- Not as strong as hair spray
- It takes time to prepare
#7. Coconut oil and shea butter
Another effective natural alternative to hair sprays rich in aerosols is Coconut oil and shea butter formulation. This home preparation includes mixing half a cup of shea butter with half a cup of coconut oil.
Mix the ingredients in a mixer to make the work easier. This combination is best for curly hair. Coconut oil has the added benefit of protecting against hair damage.
Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids. This makes it a natural choice for people with curly hair. According to research, shea butter can treat hair damaged by bleaching.
A combination of shea butter and coconut oil can help hold hair in place, but maybe not as much as hairspray.
advantages
- Provides amazing hair/health benefits
- Best for curly hair
- Helps treat bleached hair
Disadvantages
- Can’t hold the hair tight
#8. pomade (hair wax)
Pomade or hair wax is another great alternative if you want a smooth look without using hairspray. The product also adds shine to the hair. You can choose different types of pomades, that is, oil-based and water-based.
An oil-based pomade lasts longer and gives a shiny look. On the other hand, water-based pomade is easier to apply and keeps the hair stiff for a shorter period of time.
advantages
- The effects last over time
- straightens the hair
Disadvantages
- Difficult to wash due to greasy texture
- Does not provide a consistency thicker than hair paste
Various effective alternatives can help ensure the hairstyle you desire, including natural/DIY products. Choosing the ideal substitute for hairspray usually depends on the type of hair and the ingredients.
Hair wax, mousse, gel and clay are effective for styling hair, making them worthy substitutes for hair sprays. DIY alternatives to hairspray include shea butter/coconut oil gel, gelatin, and flaxseed gel.
These products may not be as effective in maintaining hair as hair sprays. But they do the job satisfactorily while providing additional benefits to your hair. Happy styling!
Frequently asked questions about hair spray alternatives
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best hairspray alternatives:
The best DIY alternative to hairspray is Shea Butter Gel. It can be prepared with coconut oil and shea butter. A DIY alternative is ideal for people with curly hair. What sets it apart is the hair/health benefits it provides.
Can I use dry shampoo as an alternative to hair spray?
Yes, dry shampoo can mimic the role of hair spray. It removes the excess oils from the scalp surface, makes the hair bind closer and gives an effect similar to a hair spray. However, you should avoid long-term use of dry shampoo as it can cause dryness.
Yes, mousse can be an effective substitute for hair sprays. Apply mousse to wet hair to hold hair in place. It can also help add volume to the hair. If you have curly hair, mousse is perhaps the best alternative.
Can I use the deodorant as a hair spray?
Deodorants are not intended for use on hair and scalp. The deodorant contains large amounts of alcohol, which can cause dry hair and break the hair after loosening the scalp.