Traditional hairsprays are one of the worst offenders when it comes to toxins in beauty products. Usually, there are aerosols, PFAs, VOCs, etc. More companies are making safe alternatives, but I have discovered how to make them myself. This DIY hairspray is simple and really works!
This natural alternative is easy to make, inexpensive and healthy for your hair. And when I was able to make my own beauty products, it’s always more fun. Create your own hairspray using just a few ingredients, including alcohol, white sugar, and essential oils. I don’t recommend eating white sugar, but it has its uses!
If you use hairspray, try this natural alternative. Thank you for your health and environment! If you’re looking for something more textured and voluminous, check out this ocean spray instead.
Don’t you want to make it? This is an organic hairspray with clean ingredients.
DIY Hair Spray Material
I’ve already covered things I don’t want to see in a hairspray can, but what about DIY hairspray? Sugar is what gives this hairspray strength and helps to store a little of the liquid. Some DIY recipes require a few teaspoons of sugar, but you can see that 2 tablespoons earn you the best hold.
The next ingredient is alcohol. This will help reduce drying times and help the hairspray last a little longer. I prefer to use spice lamb for the aroma, but 80 proof (or more) alcohol all work. Make sure there are no added sweeteners or flavors. Friction alcohol may work too, but I haven’t tried it.
And the simplest ingredient is water. Use filtered or distilled water as tap water is introducing too much bacteria. Replace some of the regular water in the recipe with rose water for a nice fragrance and additional hair benefits.
Adding essential oils
Essential oils have great benefits for your scalp and ultimately healthy hair. Rosemary essential oils and lavender oils are known to help with hair removal. Peppermint feels refreshing and elevated. Cedarwood essential oils have a woody scent, making them perfect for hair growth. Learn more about the various essential oils for your hair here.
DIY Hair Spray Recipe
This natural homemade hairspray recipe features simple ingredients with long-term holds. Customize your hold and scent with your favorite essential oils!
Active time 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Author: Katie Wells
1.5 cups distilled water (or filtered water) 2 tablespoons of sugar (dark ones don’t work)
Bring the water to a boil and dissolve the sugar.
Cool the sugar water to room temperature and add alcohol and essential oils.
Store in a spray bottle and use it as if you were using regular hair spray.
Adjust the sugar up and down for more or less stiffness/hold (more sugar = stronger hold), but don’t add too much. I had the luck combining this with salt from my beach wave spray and then a textured spray. I reduced the sugar in half and added half the magnesium. This hairspray recipe doesn’t have preservatives, so it lasts for several weeks in the fridge. It has been found that the shelf life is longer when it is in an airtight container. If it smells or starts looking down, be sure to throw it.
How to use homemade hairspray recipes
Natural Hair Spray has cleaner materials, but it may work a little differently than the traditional version. I’ve found it holds my hair well, but it usually works best to lightly apply. Spraying too much at once can make your hair feel intense or sticky. Apply the layers, allow them to dry, and then reapply if necessary.
If you have curly or frizzy hair, hairsprays can help tame the frizz and give your curls more definition. A light spray with DIY hair spray also helps to hold your hairstyle in place after using the heat tool. Experts are divided into safety by using hairspray before thermal styling tools. While they discuss traditional hairsprays, both sugar and alcohol are flammable. Therefore, it is best to store DIY hair spray after using a curling iron.
Storage life
This product has a water-based product and does not have a true preservative, so it will not last forever. If you store it in the fridge, you will know it will last for several weeks. If you don’t use hairspray frequently, you can also cut the recipe in half.
Are you a hairspray user? Below are other nutritious hair care recipes. You don’t need to buy expensive (or suspicious) hair products!
Do you make DIY hair products? Which one will make or use what you like? Leave a comment and let us know!
