Is hairspray bad for your hair? This is a common concern for many who use hairspray to keep their hairstyles in place and control frizz.
Although it is an essential part of many grooming routines, it’s important to consider the potential impacts of its ingredients on hair health.
This article will explore the effects of hairspray and provide practical tips to use it effectively while minimizing potential damage.
Is Hairspray Bad for Your Hair?
Using hairspray excessively can be damaging to your hair. The key ingredients in most hairsprays are alcohol (usually ethanol) and polymers, which work to hold your hairstyle in place.
However, these components can also coat your hair strands, making them dry and brittle over time. This can result in increased hair fragility, which leads to a higher likelihood of breakage during routine brushing and styling activities.
For those with already weakened or damaged hair, hairspray can exacerbate the problem, potentially leading to more significant hair loss.
Does Hair Spray Have Side Effects?
Hairspray often contains chemicals like alcohol and polymers, designed for their quick-drying and flexible properties. However, these components can negatively affect your hair and scalp in various ways:
Ethanol, a common ingredient in hairspray, not only damages hair but can also lead to scalp irritation. To mitigate these effects, manufacturers include fatty alcohols such as cetearyl, stearyl, and cetyl alcohol, which offer some conditioning to counteract the drying nature of hairspray.
Frequent application of hairspray can lead to a buildup on the scalp, resulting in flake formation similar to dandruff. Although these flakes aren’t actual dandruff, they create a similar appearance and contribute to dryness in both hair and scalp.
To ensure hairspray holds the hair in place, polymers are added which coat and bond with the hair. Overuse can make the hair appear dull and lifeless.
Additionally, the chemicals in hairspray can trigger allergic reactions for some users, manifesting as scalp itchiness and inflammation. It’s crucial to observe any immediate reactions after using hairspray to decide if it’s suitable for continued use.
To minimize these side effects, consider reducing the frequency of hairspray use. Alternatively, natural products like coconut oil can provide a healthier option. Applying a thin layer of coconut oil can help hold your hair while also offering nourishment and protection.
Note: For those looking to avoid the harsh chemicals in traditional hairsprays, consider exploring organic or natural ingredient-based hairsprays that might be gentler on your hair and scalp.
Advantages of Using Hairspray
Hairspray offers several advantages for styling hair, making it a staple in many grooming routines. It is especially effective for managing flyaways and ensuring that your hairstyle holds throughout an event.
For added volume, simply spray hairspray underneath the top layer of your hair and gently fluff it. Alternatively, for even more lift, you can flip your hair upside down and apply the spray from below.
For those with curls, hairspray is essential to maintain their shape. By applying it to styled curls, you can significantly extend their longevity. This is particularly useful for hair that naturally tends to straighten, as hairspray helps to preserve the curl much longer than if it were left untreated.
Additionally, hairspray can be a quick fix for oily hair. If you find yourself unable to wash your hair but need to look presentable, simply apply hairspray at the roots and lift the hair slightly. This technique can help to absorb some of the oil and give your hair a fresher appearance.
How to Use Hair Spray
To maximize the benefits of hairspray and minimize potential damage, follow these guidelines for proper use:
- Before applying, always shake the hairspray bottle to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Hold the can at least eight inches away from your hair to ensure the spray distributes evenly as a fine mist, avoiding heavy application that can lead to stiff, unnatural-looking hair.
- Apply hairspray only to dry hair. Using it on wet hair can make your hair crunchy and difficult to manage because the polymers in the spray do not bond as effectively with wet strands as they do with dry ones.
- Hairspray can be particularly useful for taming flyaways. To do this, lightly spray the affected areas and then gently smooth down the hair with your hands to settle the strands into place.
- Ensure that the nozzle of the hairspray can is clean and unclogged. This helps maintain a fine, even mist and prevents uneven application or blockages that can cause wastage and mess.
- For those with sensitive scalps, it’s crucial to avoid heavy application directly onto the scalp. If you’re trying a new hairspray, do a small patch test on an inconspicuous area of your scalp to check for any adverse reactions before using it more broadly.
Note: Always opt for hairsprays that are formulated to be gentle on the scalp and hair, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. Look for products with nourishing ingredients that offer hold without sacrificing hair health.
How to Get Hairspray Out of Hair?
If you need to clean out hairspray build-up from your hair, there are plenty of ways to do it, from special shampoos to simple home tricks that don’t even require water.
For a quick and strong solution, clarifying shampoos are the way to go. These shampoos are made to deeply cleanse and get rid of leftover residue. They make your regular shampoo work better and keep your hair feeling fresh and light.
You can also use home remedies like apple cider vinegar, baking soda paste, and lemon juice. These ingredients help remove hairspray without needing to wash your hair. They break down the hairspray’s chemicals and help bring back your hair’s natural shine and health.
How Can Hairspray Be Used to Minimize Hair Loss?
While hairspray can enhance your hairstyle, improper use can contribute to hair damage and loss. However, by using the right techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of hairspray without compromising the health of your hair.
- Choose Light-Hold Formulas: Light-hold hairsprays are less harsh than their stronger counterparts. They provide sufficient hold without the need for excessive application, reducing the risk of damaging your hair.
- Apply to Dry Hair: Always use hairspray on dry hair. This method helps to lock in your hair’s natural moisture and prevents the drying effect that can occur if hairspray is applied to wet hair.
- Maintain Distance: Keep the spray nozzle at least six inches away from your hair. This distance helps to evenly distribute the spray and prevents the buildup of product on your scalp, which could block hair follicles.
- Use Sparingly: Instead of a heavy, all-over application, target specific areas that need hold. This focused approach minimizes the amount of product on your hair, reducing potential damage.
- Cleanse Regularly: It’s crucial to wash your hair regularly to remove any residue from hairspray. A clean scalp supports healthy hair growth by keeping follicles clear and unobstructed.
Notes: Consider incorporating a nourishing hair serum or oil into your routine. These products can help to mitigate any drying effects caused by hairspray, keeping your hair healthy and hydrated.
Additionally, using a brush with natural bristles can help distribute oils throughout your hair, enhancing protection against potential hairspray damage.
Is Color Hair Spray Bad for Your Hair?
Colored hairspray is a trendy option for those wanting to add a quick and temporary burst of color to their hair. This product allows for playful experimentation without the long-term commitment of traditional dyes.
While there are divided opinions about the safety of colored hairspray, it is crucial to consider its potential effects on hair health. Colored hairspray coats the hair’s surface rather than penetrating deeply like permanent or semi-permanent dyes, which can lead to excessive application to get vivid results.
The temporary nature of colored hairspray means that it doesn’t alter the hair structure as permanent dyes do but overusing it can still pose problems. Because the spray sits on the hair surface, a heavy application is often necessary to achieve the desired intensity of color, which can lead to buildup and possible hair damage.
Moreover, although colored hairspray is designed to wash out with shampoo, the removal process can be challenging. Frequent shampooing needed to eliminate the color can strip the hair of its natural oils, potentially leading to dryness and brittleness. In some cases, particularly with darker or more vibrant colors, completely removing the dye without affecting hair health can be difficult, occasionally necessitating significant trimming of colored ends.
Notes: To minimize damage, use colored hairspray for special occasions rather than regular use. Choose sprays that contain conditioning agents to help mitigate dryness. Always follow up with a hydrating conditioner or a deep conditioning treatment after washing out the spray to help restore moisture and maintain hair health.
Conclusion
Hairspray is fine for your hair if you use it the right way and pick the right products. Always check what’s in the hairspray to make sure it’s good for your hair type.
Remember to only use a little bit of hairspray—using too much can hurt your hair. Always wash it out well and use shampoos and conditioners that add moisture back to your hair. By following these tips, you can answer the question ‘Is Hairspray Bad for Your Hair?’ with confidence, knowing that you can style your hair with hairspray without harming it.
Now, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and stories with us in the comments below. And don’t forget to explore more insightful blogs on nail care and health from Sure Life Health.
Professor Gaye Cunnane, PhD, MB, FRCPI
As the Director of Health and Wellbeing at RCPI, Professor Gaye Cunnane is at the helm of initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of RCPI Trainers and Trainees. Her role extends beyond administration; she is also a respected clinical professor of rheumatology and a consultant rheumatologist at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and St James’s Hospital. Prof. Cunnane’s medical journey began at TCD, where she graduated from medical school, and her path has been marked by both clinical and academic excellence.
After completing her basic clinical training in medicine, she embarked on PhD studies at University College Dublin and St Vincent’s University Hospital. Her research during this period was focused on prognostic markers in early inflammatory arthritis, a project that saw her collaborating with esteemed universities across Europe, including in Switzerland, The Netherlands, the UK, and Sweden.
Prof. Cunnane’s career took her to the University of California, San Francisco, where she spent three years delving into research on new treatments for lupus. Her academic prowess led her to the University of Leeds in 2001 as a senior lecturer, before returning to Ireland in 2003 to assume her current roles. She has also served as the National Specialty Director for Rheumatology training in Ireland, Programme Director for Basic Specialist Training with RCPI, and as a past President of the Irish Society for Rheumatology.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
“Rheumatic disease differentiation using immunoglobulin G sugar printing by high-density electrophoresis”: Published in The Journal of Rheumatology, this study reflects her in-depth investigation into rheumatic diseases.
“Benefits of exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial”: This research work, highlighting the positive impact of exercise on rheumatoid arthritis, underscores Prof. Cunnane’s dedication to practical, patient-centered research.
Additionally, Prof. Cunnane has made notable contributions to the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, discussing early referral, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. She has also been involved in a study on the NCBI platform investigating exercise benefits in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Professor Gaye Cunnane’s career is a testament to her commitment to improving patient outcomes in rheumatology through rigorous research, clinical excellence, and dedicated teaching. Her work continues to influence the field of rheumatology, both in Ireland and internationally.
