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Want gorgeous, perfectly coiffed hairstyles but hate the nasty ingredients in most hair sprays? Want an all natural, eco-friendly, non-damaging alternative that works?
Yeah, me too.
Fortunately, there are some great companies out there making healthier, more natural, clean versions.
The best non-toxic hair sprays combine plant-based ingredients, essential oils, little to no alcohol, and no aerosols.
In a bit, I’ll share the updated list of my favorite safe choices! But first, let’s learn what ingredients to avoid and which ones to look for. It is hard to find products that are completely chemical free, but at least you can avoid the most toxic ones.
Toxic Ingredients in Regular Hairspray
Phthalates
Phthalates have been classified as environmental toxins and have been strictly banned in the EU from use in toys and baby care products. [1]
They are in everything from plastic packaging to nail polish, perfume, toys, skincare products, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, and yes – hairsprays.
In all these applications, phthalates are used to make brittle and stiff polymers more flexible and soft.
Hairspray manufacturers use phthalates for preventing the notorious helmet-hair effect that older generation hair sprays have.
Phthalates are currently going through scientific scrutiny as a result of high levels being found in women in their childbearing years.
Ahead of the US (at least in this case), the European Parliament has already issued consumer alerts and prohibitions on the use of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in beauty products.
The concern is that they are suspected of causing birth defects, liver and kidney damage, and hypersensitivity in the immune system.
They infiltrate the body when inhaled or absorbed through the skin – both of which occur when using hair spray.
Formaldehyde
This is a naturally occurring preservative that’s used in hairsprays (and many other cosmetic products) to prevent and kill mold and bacteria growth.
Unfortunately, formaldehyde has been deemed both a human carcinogen and an environmental toxin and has been linked to cancer of the nose and lung cancer.
Repeated exposure to this chemical can lead to allergic skin reactions, immune system damage, inability to urinate, and internal bleeding. [2]
If you’ve already been exposed to formaldehyde from household materials such as wall insulation or carpet adhesives…
(and considering its prevalence – you probably have)
…adding hairspray-released formaldehyde might be what pushes your exposure past the tipping point.
Fragrance
What does the word ‘fragrance’ mean anyway?
This term was created to help companies protect their ‘intellectual property’ or their ‘secret formula.’
The ‘fragrance’ or ‘natural fragrance’ described on hairspray labels is just a catch-all term for introducing chemicals in such low concentrations that they don’t warrant a report.
Since there is no requirement to list individual fragrances, it’s almost impossible to know exactly what you’re putting on your body.
If just the term “fragrance” is listed on the label, you could be putting on a combo of up to 100 individual synthetic fragrances that are hazardous to your health.
These minute levels of ingredients have been associated with everything from respiratory distress to dermatitis and allergies.
It also causes multiple chemical sensitivities with a mixture of symptoms like disorientation, mood disorders, and breathing difficulty for hypersensitive individuals.
Propylene Glycol (PEG)
Propylene glycol is a synthetic petrochemical mix commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent.
It is manufactured from the same chemical used to create solvents, hydraulic fluids, and antifreeze – you know the stuff that can withstand low temperatures and is used to top up your car fuel so it doesn’t freeze?
Propylene glycol is classified as a skin irritant and penetrator, which allows other toxins and chemicals to reach the bloodstream.
It has also been associated with hives, dermatitis, and allergic reactions as well as kidney and liver toxicity in humans.
Alcohol
Alcohol acts as a water and oil solvent that dries up the skin quickly.
However bad it may be, its potential scalp and skin irritation isn’t the big concern here.
It can lead to far more serious health consequences.
When alcohol is coupled with hydrofluorocarbons and other ingredients (as found in hair sprays), it increases its absorption rate and can lead to acute poisoning. It is very hard to find totally alcohol free hairsprays, but if there are no dangerous chemicals involved, they can be considered safe.
Inhaling significant amounts can lead to breathing problems, low blood pressure, and even a coma.
Ingredients to Look For In Natural Hairspray
Plant-based natural hairsprays are healthier alternatives that remove the hocus pocus concoction of chemicals to provide shinier locks without compromising on hold and volume.
Here are some natural ingredients to look for in healthier hairsprays:
Geranium
Geranium contains high antioxidant and flavonoid content that helps fight against free radicals and keep the hair healthy and strong.
It also helps prevent hair loss because it contains a high content of amino acids – the building blocks of healthy hair.
In addition, geranium helps regulate serum production to serve as an excellent treatment for dry or oily dandruff.
Oregano
Native to Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, oregano is beneficial for hair and can heal scalp conditions (like dandruff) that affect hair growth.
It also stimulates hair growth and can help combat dermatitis, scalp inflammation, and hair loss.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb that has been used for centuries as an effective hair care ingredient. It helps to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp to counter hair loss.
It also contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an excellent ingredient for soothing inflamed scalps.
It’s even known to add shine and thicken thin, lusterless hair.
Some other ingredients to look out for are:
- Lavender
- Ylang ylang
- Sage
- Thyme
- Glycerin
- Peppermint
Our Favorite Non-Toxic Hair Sprays in 2021
There are plenty of options out there for healthier hairsprays, but these are some of the best. Plant-based ingredients replace the chemicals, and essential oils replace the synthetic fragrances!
Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Interested in which hair dyes are safe to use? See our non-toxic hair dye review here.
Best Overall: Nature’s Brands Organic Hair Spray
This hairspray has a very nice geranium smell. It really holds and not as sticky as most organic sprays. Also easy to comb out.
- Effective Hold - Nature’s Brands Organic Hair Spray for women, made of organic, herbal ingredients...
- USDA Certified Organic - Free from gluten, dairy, soy, phthalates, synthetic chemicals and dyes. Our...
Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The pump spray solution is environment friendly, which I like very much. It’s a bit on the shiny side, but not too bad. It brushes out fine with not a lot of residue. First I applied way too much, but you really don’t need a lot, which is great. This way the scent is nice, citrus-like, not very agressive, but does not last too long.
The price is a bit high, but OK considering that it really delivers.
The product is free from synthetic chemicals, phtalate free, formaldehyde free, parabene free and made without sulfates. Contains mostly organic oils, including geranium oil. It’s USDA-certified, vegan and cruelty free.
Best Fragrance-Free Choice: No Nothing Very Sensitive Super Strong Hairspray
This is a 100% fragrance-free hairspray that has a very light scent.
- Styling Mastery Unleashed: With our extra hold hair spray, embrace every challenge with confidence....
- Pure, Uncompromised Beauty: Revel in the essence of simplicity with our extreme hold hairspray. This...
Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The scent goes away relatively fast, so no lasting odor. It’s a bit chemical like, though. The hold is quite strong, in fact a bit too stiff for my taste, but long lasting. I did not find it very sticky, it was easy to comb out. If it weren’t for the high price it could compete for the nr 1 spot. I believe it’s probably the best choice for people with allergies.
There are no toxic chemicals, no parabene, no PEG, no alcohol. It is also hypoallergenic therefore good for sensitive scalp.
Another Good Choice:Beauty by Earth Sea Salt Spray
This Natural Hair Spray contains sea salt, not everyone likes that, but it’s still a great product. It has a nice smell, reminds me a bit of seaside vacations. After application it feels very light, though it also gives decent volume to your hair. The hold is not the strongest, but for me it was still OK. The great thing about this product is that it’s not sticky, like many other sea salt hair sprays.
It has mostly organic ingredients and free from heavy chemicals. I did not find any certifications however.
The spray bottle however is really not great, the pump sticks sometimes that can be annoying.
The tiny one: John Masters Organics Hair Spray
This is a USDA Certified Organic Non-Aerosol Spray claims to have 95% organic content, but also has some alcohol in it.
Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It’s a very tiny 2 oz. bottle, so don’t expect it to last long. It gives a medium hold, but not sticky and relatively light.
The aloe provides some nourishing to your hair, I assume. It also gives some volume and not flaky.
Best Natural Hair Spray for Lice: LiceLogic
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably dealt with lice. And if you haven’t…get ready – the odds are stacked against us! Haha 🙂
Desperate times call for desperate measures, but we shouldn’t have to compromise with toxic ingredients to get rid of lice.
This natural lice prevention hairspray by LiceLogic helps get rid of the bugs without the use of parabens, phthalates, or formaldehyde.
- Mom approved: Mom approved and pediatrician recommended for children over the age of two, this...
- Easy To Use: Simply spray into the hair before school, day care or work. The leave in conditioner...
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to use hairspray every day?
Using hairspray everyday can damage your hair since it’s usually combined with washing your hair daily to remove its effect. Our hair produces natural oils that act as moisturizers and protectants, but the daily use of hair spray and other hair care products disrupts natural oil production. This can lead to dry, split and unhealthy looking hair.
Is hairspray bad for your skin?
Hair spray contains lacquer and alcohol that can dry out your skin, causing it to become dehydrated, which ages you.
Hair sprays usually also contain repellents that are known to cause skin irritation and itchy red bumps. For this reason, you should look for a more natural hair spray without them.
Is hairspray harmful to your health?
Certain ingredients in hairspray such as propylene glycol have been linked to adverse health effects. However, more research is still needed to verify these claims.
Does hairspray cause hair loss?
It is certainly not good to your hair if you spray various chemicals on it, but the direct connection between hair spray and hair loss has not been proven.
Whether you have fine, thick, dry, or oily hair, I hope this quick non-toxic hair spray guide helps you find the best one for your hair type!
Want to do more for your hair? See our organic dry shampoo recommendations and find out about the best non-toxic regular shampoos and conditioners.
Want to detox your makeup too? Check out this roundup of non-toxic eyeliner!
What about your nails? Are you applying toxins without knowing it? Check out these 3+ alternatives to acrylic nails.
Editor and researcher at Detox & Prosper. With years of experience creating a healthy home for my family, I now help others eliminate toxins from theirs! Read my story here.
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