Is it safe to use hair spray? Know if it can damage your hair

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It is safe to say that nothing is more satisfying than a good hair day for most women. When it isn’t a good-hair day, hair spray is usually what we reach out for to make sure our tresses behave, right? But there are many mixed thoughts about hair spray. Is it safe to use hair spray? Can hair spray damage the hair? These are some common questions that come to our mind. A hair spray typically helps your hair remain the way you style it, for a long time. Read on to know about the various types of hair sprays available in the market, and if they are safe to use.

What is hair spray and why do we need it?

Hair spray is used as a hair styling aid for holding hair strands in particular places with an addition of volume and texture. “It assists in keeping a style intact over an extended period of time for people in challenging weather conditions, and this is, more particularly, necessary for those readying themselves for important events,” says dermatologist Priyanka Kuri. It adds the last touch to the styling by smoothing the baby hair. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science states that hair sprays contain fixative agents that fight against weather resistance. It can also give your hair shine. They contain polymeric ingredients to form a thin film on the hair's surface.

What are the various types of hair spray in the market?

Many types of hair sprays are available in the market. Here are a few of them:

1. Basic hair spray

This is used to style your hair daily. It is light in terms of formalisation and helps with messy hair. Read on to learn some common wet hair mistakes that can help you avoid messy hair in the first place.

2. Volumizing hair spray

This helps to add volume to your hair, making it appear thicker. This is usually applied at the base of the hair. Are you not a fan of using hair spray every day? Check out natural ways to get thick hair.

3. Heat protection spray

This is sprayed before the use of devices such as hot irons, and hair dryers. This spray helps to protect the hair from damage as well as provide nourishment. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science states that pretreating your hair with polymers in such sprays can help reduce the thermal damage of hot flat irons.

4. Texture hair spray

This hair spray helps to build texture, making hair look more vibrant. It helps to not weigh hair down, as it is a light formulation. Hair thinning can also be avoided with the right products. Check out ways to prevent hair thinning.

5. Shaping hair spray

This is used right before hair needs to be combed or brushed. This spray helps the hair to take the shape you intend to give it. This also has a light formulation.

6. Finishing hair spray

This is the hair spray that is applied at the end of your hair styling regime. This makes sure that your hair stays in shape. There are also freeze-stronger hair sprays and make sure that not a strand of hair moves away from the hairstyle.

What are the main ingredients used in all hair sprays?

The active ingredients in hair sprays are polymers and copolymers which prevent hair humidity and help to soften the hair. It also contains something called polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a hair fixative, or dibutyl acrylate, which helps to smoothen hair and varnish, ethanol or water. There are also modifying agents for hair gloss and reducing fluffiness. There may be additional components such as fragrances inclusive of a UV filter and vitamins specified to the products.

What are the benefits of using a hair spray?

Hair spray gives a lot of benefits:

It holds the hairstyle in its place, makes the hair look fuller

Tames the flaring hair strands

Acts against the water vapour that causes the hair to puff up

Certain hair sprays can offer heat protection

It gives a glossy finish

HealthShots Recommends: Best heat protection sprays for hair: Save your tresses from styling tools

Side effects of using a hair spray

Overuse of hair spray can lead to the following side effects:

1. Hair spray may lead to build-up

Excessive use of hair sprays can lead to residue in your hair. That can cause a build-up. This can lead to dry hair, and it can also weigh your hair down. This also leads to hair loss and hair breakage. Overuse can also lead to scalp irritation or dandruff, especially if it is not washed properly. Check out some ways to remove scalp build-up.

2. Makes hair stiff, dull, and difficult to manage

Too much hair spray can result in making your hair very stiff. According to a study published in Cosmetic Dermatology, when hair spray is applied too frequently, it can lead to brittle hair.

3. May dry your hair

Hair spray can also dry out the hair due to its alcohol content, potentially leading to breakage or split ends. These can remove hair moisture, and lead to hair loss as well.

4. May alter your hair shade

While hair sprays cannot change the colour of your hair. What they can do is that they flatten the natural tilt in your hair cuticles. This may make your hair appear to be a different shade. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science states that stronger formulations can have this impact on hair.

So, is it safe to use a hair spray?

Yes, when used as directed, hair spray is generally safe:

Use it in moderation: It is very important to not overuse hair spray. Overuse can lead to dry, brittle hair, dandruff as well as hair breakage.

Choose products suited to your hair type: Understanding why you need to use hair spray, and how your hair reacts to the spray is very important to see which one to use.

Don’t use heat styling: It is important to not use hair spray before using heat to style your hair, as this can make your hair more dry. Of course, heat protection hair sprays can be used.

Spray in the right way: It is important to always spray in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the product and opt for sprays that are free from harsh chemicals. Also, make sure to hold the hair spray bottle at least 25-30 cm away from your hair. If you hold it too close, it can make your hair look limp.

Combing your hair: This is especially true for styling or freeze hair sprays. Combing your hair after the hair spray can lead to split ends.

What should you keep in mind as after-care after using a hair spray?

Once hair is styled with a hair spray, there is no other option but to clean hair thoroughly to remove all traces of the spray and add a good and rich conditioner so that the hair gets moisture back. Using a deep conditioner quite often and brushing carefully, can counteract the moisture-sucking effect which some hair sprays tend to have on hair so that it does not become unmanageable and dry.

FAQs

Can hair spray increase hair growth?

No, hair spray does not promote hair growth. If you are looking for hair growth, then you should focus on a good diet, cleanliness of the scalp, and application of lotions that work on nutrition.

Is hairspray necessary? How can you substitute it in your hair care regime?

Hair spray isn't necessary 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 might try using aloe vera gel or homemade sugar water sprays, which can give a light hold without the potential downsides of traditional sprays.

Can hair spray be used every day? If yes, how much?

Hair spray can be used daily, but it's best to apply sparingly to avoid build-up and dryness. A light mist over styled hair should suffice for most hair types.