9 Best Natural & Organic Hairsprays for Keeping Hair in Place in 2024
If you spend a lot of time and energy styling your hair in the morning, you are going to want it to last throughout the day.
A lot of people use hair spray to achieve a nice hold. The problem is that most traditional hair sprays are toxic.
If you are trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, you may think that hairspray is out of the question for you.
However, there are some healthier alternatives that use more organic ingredients and are a bit better than the regular hairspray route.
Let’s explore some of the ingredients to be wary of in hairspray and meet some brands using organic ingredients to craft high quality hair spray.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
What Makes Hairspray Toxic?
Here is a list of main ingredients you could find in toxic hair sprays. Because of all the harmful ingredients that are found in most hair sprays, there are many reasons why hairspray can be considered toxic.
These types of hair products don't only affect your hair, it also can affect your health and the environment.
Some notable symptoms these ingredients can cause include harsh chemicals cause are allergic reactions, breathing difficulty, and drying out your hair.
They cause problems for the environment by the fumes and chemicals used/released while creating the product.
Carboxymethylcellulose: One of the dangers of hairspray is that it can be poisonous. By breathing in the fumes of hairspray, which is partially because of the carboxymethylcellulose included into the hairspray formula, you are risking your health. Some of the symptoms of hairspray poisoning are low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, burning feeling in the throat, and more.
Denatured alcohol: Sources describe denatured alcohol as “ alcohol products adulterated with toxic and/or bad tasting additives (e.g., methanol, benzene, pyridine, castor oil, gasoline, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone), making it unsuitable for human consumption.” It is used in hairspray because it is known to dry quickly. That is good for hairstyling, except for when it’s not. Denatured alcohol could also cause excessive dryness, in addition to possible skin problems like breakouts, skin irritation, and redness.
Hydrofluorocarbon: This chemical is very dangerous to the environment because it disrupts the ozone layer. While it is known as an improvement from another chemical, chlorofluorocarbons - which has since been banned, it is still concerning.
Polyvinyl alcohol: This may not affect people, but the environment is a different story. It has an impact on water quality because that is the only place it can be decomposed. Once it is decomposed this type of plastic emits toxic chemicals. This leads to damage in the environment around it and can further lead to climate change.
Propylene glycol: This chemical can be damaging to your hair when used often. From creating dry hair to scalp redness, skin irritation, and flaking, you don’t want to use this product often. However, if you find that you don’t have an allergic reaction to propylene glycol, you would just add some products to combat the dryness.
Why Choose Natural & Organic Hairspray?
Here are some of the benefits of avoiding those toxic ingredients that we discussed above in your hairspray and choosing beauty products made with organic and natural materials.
Great for your hair: Since these kinds of hair sprays contain more natural ingredients, and less toxic chemicals, your hair will thank you. You’ll start noticing your hair look more shiny and healthy. This is because you are using a more long term healthy hair routine. It won’t be just a cover up and go, then cover up again situation like you’d have with typical hairsprays.
Better for your health: Near the beginning of this article I talked about health problems that can occur with your typical hairspray. Conditions like low blood pressure, abdominal pain, and more could head your way if you use traditional hairspray. When you use a hairspray made with natural ingredients, you don’t have to worry much about those symptoms.
Better for the environment: As you read above, conventional hairspray poses great risks to the environment. From product going down the drain, to fumes polluting the air, there are many issues here for the environment. When you choose one of these organic hairspray products you’ll be doing the Earth some good.
9 Natural Hairsprays Made with Organic Ingredients
Here are nine of the best hairsprays to use if you are wanting to find the best natural hair spray made with organic ingredients.
Feed Your Hold Hair Spray Made with Organic Ingredients
Price Range: $16+
The Feed Your Hold Hairspray by Yarok is 100% vegan and free from gluten, sulfate, alcohol, parabens, and chemicals.
This hairspray features ingredients such as Organic Jojoba, Grape Seed and Meadowfoam Oil, Vitamin-Infused Aloe Vera and Argan Oil, with essential oils of Orange and Ylang Ylang.
The Feed Your Hold hairspray has a medium hold and can be purchased in a range of sizes such as 2 oz, 4 oz, or 8 oz.
Nature's Brands Certified Organic Hairspray
Price Range: $8-$25
Nature's Brands USDA Certified organic hair spray is cruelty-free, vegan and vegetarian, Paraben free, preservative free, Free from PEG, ceteareth and polyethylene, Free from phthalates, synthetic chemicals or dyes, Free from Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Coco-Betain, and Free of Hydroxypropyltrimonium and other chemicals.
Made with natural ingredients such as organic vodka, organic brown sugar, organic sweet orange oil, this hairspray is a great option.
Conscious consumers can purchase Nature’s Brands different sizes of hair spray with prices ranging from $8-$25.
Sustainable customers can choose between a BPA free plastic bottle or glass bottle!
SheaMoisture Black Owned Hair Care Styling Products
Price Range: $10-$15
SheaMoisture is a Black owned and Black lead hair, bath, & skincare brand. SheaMoisture is the legacy of Sofi Tucker, a pioneering mother of four and entrepreneur, who sold Shea Butter, African Black Soap and homemade beauty preparations in Sierra Leone in 1912.
Today the brand honors her and carries on her legacy.
This sustainable brand prides itself on using No Sulfates, No Parabens, No Phthalates, No Mineral Oil, No Animal Testing, & No Petrolatum.
SheaMoisture has quite a few options when it comes to hair styling products such as Curl Revival Oil, Sugarcane Shine Spray, Hold & Shine Spray, and more.
Hair styling products feature multiple organic ingredients.
John Masters Organics Hairspray Made with 95% Organic Ingredients
Price Range: $24+
Next up on our list of best natural hairspray products is the John Masters Organics Acacia Gum & Aloe Hairspray.
This product provides a crunch-free hold - thanks to the organic aloe leaf juice.
Organic bergamot oil is added to leave a nice, fresh scent in your hair throughout the day.
This company has been featured in publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, and more for the founder, John Masters’s belief and vision that natural beauty and clean ingredients is the way to go.
Masters was also the one to open the world’s first “clean air” salon. This salon is free of any damaging treatments and colorants.
Fat and the Moon's Spirit & Salt Styling Mist Made with Organic Ingredients
Price Range: $23.99+
Whether you love the beachy waves look, or you just want a little “umph” to your hair, textured sprays are a great solution.
The Spirit + Salt Hydrating Hair Styling Mist from Fat and the Moon is what you’ll want to achieve this desired look.
This product is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or toxins It is also vegan and cruelty free.
The Spirit + Salt Hydrating Hair Styling Mist also features multiple organic ingredients.
It can be used on all hair types, so anyone can enjoy the benefits of the sea salt spray.
Beach Waves Ocean Hair Spray That Gives Back
Another texture spray to consider for that effortless beach wave look is the spray from Earth Harbor.
This small, but mighty two ounce bottle has many benefits, such as helping curls become more defined and shiny.
This product also features quite a few organic ingredients.
Perhaps the greatest feature of this company is the work that they do for the ocean through the organization 1% for the Planet.
They have partnerships with Wild Earth Allies Inc., Oceana, and Water For People to improve our environment for a better tomorrow.
I Create Finish Hairspray Made with Organic Honey
Price Range: $9+
The I Create Finish hairspray comes in two different sizes, two ounces and 10 ounces. If you want a natural spray with a flexible hold, you’ll like this product.
It’s made up of organic honey, organic rooibos tea, and aloe and rice proteins making it a great product for anyone looking for a more natural option.
To really top the product off the formulators added essential oils, mainly lavender to create a nice scent.
This company has been spotted in publications like Glamour, Shape, Goop, and many more.
Captain Blankenship's Mermaid Sea Salt Hairspray
Price Range: $24+
Captain Blankenship is a woman owned company that uses organic, fair-trade and sustainably harvested ingredients to create high quality hair care products.
Their Mermaid Sea Salt Hairspray is made from natural ingredients like Atlantic sea salt for texture and beach waves, organic aloe vera for moisture and hold, organic sea kelp extract to nourish the hair and scalp, and a gentle beachy scent from organic essential oils of geranium and palmarosa.
It comes packaged in recycled glass, and is perfect on damp or dry hair!
Botanical Therapeutic Natural Hair Spray by Carina Organics
Price Range: $14.99+
The Botanical Therapeutics natural hairspray comes in three different sizes, 8.4 oz., 1 liter, and 4 liters. It is hypoallergenic, cruelty free,, vegan, 100% biodegradable, paraben free, and more.
Some of the ingredients that are in this product are, acacia senegal gum extract, chamomile flower extract, and avocado oil.
You can purchase this natural hairspray made with organic ingredients for $14.99-$148.99, depending on the size you need.
The company, Carina, makes sure that their products are top tier, clean and all natural products by manufacturing them by hand in Vancouver.
Tips to Consider When Choosing a New Hair Spray
Be sure to consider your type of hair. Do you have fine hair, thick hair, curly hair etc.? This might impact which hair spray works best for your hair.
What type of hold are you looking for? Are you looking for a firm hold, medium hold, or light hold? Different hair sprays might work best for the type of hold you are looking for.
What kind of hair style are you going for? The type of hair style you're trying to achieve can play into the hold you're looking for. If you are trying to keep a tight bun with every hair in place you'll probably want a hair spray focusing on a strong hold and day hold. If you're looking for more beach waves or a more casual hold then a light-medium hold hair spray will probably be a good fit.
If you're able to purchase a smaller size travel bottle to try out the hairspray that's a great way to give the hairspray a try without fully committing!
Along with the ingredients listed above be sure to try to avoid synthetic fragrances! Look for natural fragrance such as essential oils or plant based scents.
Look for eco-friendly packaging too! Does the hairspray come in a single use plastic bottle? Try to look for glass, aluminum, or something that is reusable.
Now you know the benefits of using natural organic hairspray over traditional hairspray! Next time you're shopping try to choose a natural brand or consider exploring the brands listed above.
Meet the Author
Kelly Clark is a freelance writer, who also runs her own blog Budding Joy. When she’s not writing you can find her listening to music, reading, and diving into more sustainable living topics, especially surrounding self care and eco-conscious beauty. Learn more from Kelly on LinkedIn or Instagram.
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