Hairspray: Is It Safe to Use?

It’s safe to say that nothing is more satisfying than a good hair day for most women. When it’s not a good hair day, we usually reach for hairspray to make sure our hair behaves, right? But there are a lot of conflicting thoughts about hairspray. Is it safe to use hairspray? Can hairspray damage your hair? These are some common questions that come to our minds. Hairspray usually helps your hair stay the way you styled it, for a long time. Read on to find out about the different types of hairsprays available in the market and whether they are safe to use.

What is hairspray and why do we need it?

Hairspray is used as a styling aid to hold strands in specific places while adding volume and texture. “It helps keep a style intact for a long period of time for people in difficult weather conditions, and this is especially necessary for those preparing for important events,” says the dermatologist Priyanka KuriAdds the finishing touch to styling by smoothing baby hair. A study published in International Journal of Cosmetic Science states that hairsprays contain fixing agents that fight weather resistance. They can also add shine to the hair. They contain polymeric ingredients to form a thin film on the surface of the hair.

What are the different types of hairspray on the market?

There are many types of hairsprays available in the market. Here are some of them:

1. Basic hairspray

This is used to style your hair every day. It is light in terms of formalization and helps with messy hair. Read on to learn some common wet hair mistakes which can help you avoid having messy hair from the beginning.

2. Volumizing hairspray

This helps add volume to your hair, making it appear thicker. It is usually applied to the base of the hair. Not a fan of using hairspray every day? Check out natural ways to get thick hair.

3. Heat protection spray

This spray is sprayed before using devices such as flat irons and hair dryers. This spray helps protect the hair from damage and provide nourishment. A study published in Cosmetic Science Magazine says that pre-treating hair with the polymers in these sprays can help reduce thermal damage caused by hot straighteners.

4. Texturizing hairspray

This hairspray helps create texture, making your hair more vibrant. It helps not to weigh down your hair, as it is a lightweight formulation. Hair thinning can also be prevented with the right products. Discover ways to prevent hair thinning.

5. Styling hairspray

This spray is used right before your hair needs to be combed or brushed. It helps your hair take the shape you want to give it. It also has a lightweight formula.

6. Final hairspray

This is the hairspray that you apply at the end of your styling regimen. This ensures that your hair stays in shape. There are also hairsprays that are more resistant to freezing and ensure that not a strand of hair moves from the style.

What are the main ingredients used in all hairsprays?

The active ingredients in hairsprays are polymers and copolymers that prevent moisture from the hair and help soften it. It also contains something called polyvinylpyrrolidone, a hair fixative, or dibutyl acrylate, which helps smooth the hair and the paint, ethanol or water. There are also modifiers for hair shine and to reduce flyaways. There may be additional components such as fragrances that include a UV filter and vitamins specified in the products.

What are the benefits of using hairspray?

Hairspray offers many benefits:

• Keeps your hairstyle in place, makes your hair look fuller
• Tame flared hair strands
• It works against water vapor that causes hair to swell.
• Some hairsprays can offer heat protection
• Gives a glossy finish

HealthShots recommends: Best Heat Protectant Sprays for Hair: Protect Your Hair from Styling Tools

Side effects of using hairspray

Excessive use of hairspray can cause the following side effects:

1. Hairspray can cause buildup

Overuse of hairspray can leave residue in your hair. This can cause buildup. This can lead to dry hair and can also weigh down your hair. This also leads to hair loss and breakage. Overuse can also cause scalp irritation or dandruff, especially if not washed properly. Check out some ways to remove dandruff buildup from scalp.

2. Makes hair stiff, dull and difficult to manage

Too much hairspray can make your hair very stiff. According to a study published in Cosmetic DermatologyIf hairspray is applied too frequently, the hair can become brittle.

3. It can dry out your hair

Hairspray can also dry out your hair due to its alcohol content, potentially leading to breakage or split ends. These can strip moisture from your hair and also lead to hair loss.

4. It may alter the shade of your hair

While hairsprays can’t change the color of your hair, what they can do is flatten the natural slope of your hair cuticles. This may make your hair appear a different shade. A study published in International Journal of Cosmetic Science states that stronger formulations can have this impact on hair.

So, is it safe to use hairspray?

Yes, when used as directed, hairspray is generally safe:

• Use it in moderation: It is very important not to overuse hairspray. Excessive use can cause dry, brittle hair, dandruff, and hair breakage.
• Choose the right products for your hair type: To decide which one to use, it is very important to understand why it is necessary to use hairspray and how the hair reacts.
• Don’t use heat styling: It is important not to use hairspray before using heat to style your hair, as it can dry it out. Of course, you can use heat-protective hairsprays.
• Spraying the right way: It is important to always spray in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the product and to opt for sprays that do not contain harsh chemicals. Also, make sure to hold the spray can at least 10-12 inches away from your hair. Holding it too close can make your hair look limp.
• Combing your hair: This is especially true for styling or freezing hairsprays. Combing your hair after hairspray can cause split ends.

What should you keep in mind for aftercare after using hairspray?

Once your hair is styled with hairspray, there is no choice but to wash it thoroughly to remove all traces of hairspray and add a good, rich conditioner so that your hair regains moisture. Using a deep conditioner often enough and brushing thoroughly can counteract the moisture-draining effect that some hairsprays tend to have on your hair so that it doesn’t become unmanageable and dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hairspray increase hair growth?

No, hairspray does not promote hair growth. If you are looking for hair growth, then you should focus on a good diet, cleansing the scalp, and applying lotions that act on nutrition.

Is hairspray necessary? How can you replace it in your hair care routine?

Hairspray isn’t a necessity for everyone. You can substitute it with natural alternatives like sea salt spray for texture or mousse for volume, depending on your styling needs. For a more natural hold, you could try using aloe vera gel or homemade sugar water sprays, which can provide a light hold without the potential drawbacks of traditional sprays.

Can hairspray be used every day? If so, how much?

Hairspray can be used daily, but it is best to apply sparingly to avoid buildup and dryness. A light mist on styled hair should be sufficient for most hair types.