Hairspray
*Originally published November 8, 2021, updated March 20, 2024
Most hairsprays are aerosol, which means they contain propellants like propane, butane, isobutane, hydrofluorocarbon 152a - all flammable chemicals.
The Poison Control Center advises that hairspray be used only in well-ventilated areas, which is the opposite of where it is often used, the bathroom. In a study of hairdressers, frequent exposure to hairspray was associated with respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were much lower among hairdressers.
Problems With Hairspray
Propellants
Common propellants like propane, butane, and isobutane are highlighly flammable and may explode when exposed to heat. These propellants are volatile organic compounds that pollute indoor air. Hydrofluorocarbon 152a is another propellant used that contributes to ozone depletion.
According to the EPA, aerosol cans may account for nearly 40 percent of retail hazardous waste items. Additionally, hydrofluorocarbons are flammable and when used improperly can cause adverse health effects.
Alcohol
In addition to harmful propellants, most hairsprays contain a solvent which is typically alcohol. Alcohol can dry out your hair and scalp. In addition, the type of alcohol used in hairsprays can contains toxins.
Cosmetics will often using a form of alcohol known as denatured alcohol, which means the alcohol has been mixed with another chemical to render it unfit for consumption. This allows for the avoidance of an alcohol beverage tax. Examples of chemicals used to denature are diethyl phthalate, an endocrine disruptor, and t-butyl alcohol which has suggestive evience of carcinogenic potential based on animal studies. Further, the chemicals used to denature the alcohol are not disclosed on ingredient labels.
Other Ingredients to Avoid in Hairspray
Fragrance - a mix of fragrance and chemicals associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. Fragrances have been found to contain unnamed toxic ingredients like phthalates which are associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer.[1][2][3][4] Read more about why you should avoid fragrance here.
Polyethylene glycols - penetration enhancers that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide are associated with reproductive, developmental, and endocrine effects, cancer, and DNA damage.[5]
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) - an antioxidant and preservative used in food and cosmetics that has been associated with endocrine disruption. BHT is similar to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) but does not show the same carcinogenic effects. {6][7][8]
Aminomethyl propanol - used as a ph adjuster and fragrance ingredient. It can be contaminated with secondary amines and form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. [9][10]
Best Clean Hairspray
Consider a natural and effective hairspray option like Yarok Feed Your Hold before your enveloping your head in a mist of unknown ingredients. Yarok’s fine mist is propelled using a non-aersol can.
Feed Your Hold is a flexible, non-sticky medium hold hairspray great for movement while keeping style in place, taming flyaways and frizz. It adds texture without making hair feel stiff, and without residue or flakes from the product.
More reasons I love Feed Your Hold:
Fine mist spray
Non-sticky
Non-crunchy
Adds shine
Mild scent
Alcohol-free
Switch
Kenra and Bumble and Bumble contain hydrofluorcarbon 152a, fragrance, and PEGs.
Tresseme Tres Two Hairspray contains alcohol, hydrofluorocarbon 152A, and fragrance.
Kevin Murphy contains methyl gluceth 20, fragrance, and propellants.
How to Buy
Price at the time of publishing is $32 for an 8 oz bottle (large size). Save 15% with discount code switchnatural.
Tips
Comes in 8 oz, 4 oz, or 2 oz bottles (great for travel).
References & Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093181/
[2] https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/proposition-65//p65list091319.pdf
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4097177/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14572300
[5] https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/potential-contaminants-cosmetics/14-dioxane-cosmetics-manufacturing-byproduct
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412018326722
[7] https://endocrinedisruption.org/popup-chemical-details?chemid=907
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/butylated-hydroxytoluene
[9] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1091581809350932
[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2017213/#:~:text=Nitrosamines%20form%20a%20large%20group,induce%20cancer%20in%20experimental%20animals.
