Conventional hair spray is one of the worst offenders when it comes to toxins in beauty products. It typically has aerosol, PFAS, VOCs and more. More companies are making safe alternatives, but I’ve discovered a way to make my own. This DIY hair spray is simple and really works!
This natural alternative is easy to make, less expensive, and healthier for hair. And it’s always more fun when I get to make my own beauty products. You use just a few ingredients, like alcohol, white sugar, and essential oils to make your own hair spray. While I don’t recommend eating white sugar, it does have it’s uses!
If you use hair spray, try this natural alternative… your health and the environment will thank you! If you’re looking for something more texturizing and volumizing, check out this sea spray instead.
Don’t want to make it? Here’s an organic hairspray with clean ingredients that also works well.
DIY Hair Spray Ingredients
We’ve already covered what we don’t want to see in our hair spray cans, but what about DIY hair spray? Sugar is what gives this hair spray it’s holding power and it helps preserve the liquid a little. Some DIY recipes call for a few teaspoons of sugar, but I find I get the best hold with 2 Tablespoons.
The next ingredient up is alcohol. This decreases the drying time and also helps the hair spray last a little longer. I prefer to use spiced rum for it’s scent, but any 80-proof (or higher) alcohol will work. Just be sure it doesn’t have added sweeteners or flavors. Rubbing alcohol may also work but I haven’t tried it.
And the simplest ingredient is water. Be sure to use filtered or distilled water, as tap water introduces too much bacteria. Some people replace some of the regular water in the recipe with rose water for a lovely scent and added hair benefits.
Adding Essential Oils
Essential oils have some great benefits for the scalp and ultimately healthy hair. Rosemary essential oil and lavender oil are known to help with hair loss. Peppermint feels refreshing and uplifting to the mood. Cedarwood essential oil has a woodsy scent and is also great for hair growth. You can read more about different essential oils for hair here.
DIY Hair Spray Recipe
This natural homemade hair spray recipe features simple ingredients with a long lasting hold. Customize the hold and scent with your favorite essential oils!
- 1.5 cups distilled water (or filtered water)
- 2 TBSP white sugar (dark ones don’t work)
- 1 TBSP 80 proof or higher alcohol (like vodka. I prefer spiced rum for the scent)
- 10-15 drops essential oils (see above for ideas)
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Boil water and dissolve the sugar in it.
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Allow the sugar water to cool to room temperature, then add the alcohol and essential oils.
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Store in spray bottle and use like you would use regular hair spray.
- Adjust the sugar up or down for more or less stiffness/hold (more sugar=stronger hold) but don’t add too much or hair will feel sticky.
- I’ve had some luck combining this with the salt from my beach waves spray for a texturizing spray. I reduced the sugar by half and added half of the magnesium.
- This hair spray recipe does not have a preservative so it will last for a few weeks in the fridge. I’ve found it has a longer shelf life if it’s in an airtight container. Be sure to toss it if it starts to smell or look off.
How to Use the Homemade Hairspray Recipe
Natural hair spray has much cleaner ingredients but it can work a little differently than conventional versions. While I’ve found it does hold my hair well, it usually works best to apply lightly. Spraying too much at once can make hair feel hard or sticky. Try applying a layer, let it dry, then reapply if needed.
If you have curly hair or frizzy hair, then hair spray can help tame the frizz and give curls more definition. A light spray with DIY hair spray can also help hold your hairstyle in place after you’ve used heat tools. Experts are divided on the safety of using hair spray before heat styling tools. While they’re debating about conventional hair sprays, sugar and alcohol are both flammable. So it’s likely best to save DIY hair spray for after you’ve used the curling iron.
Shelf Life
Since this product does have a water base and doesn’t have a true preservative, it won’t last forever. I find that it does last for a few weeks when kept in the fridge. If you don’t use hair spray very often, then you can also cut the recipe in half.
Not a hairspray user? Here are some other nourishing hair care recipes. No need to buy expensive (or questionable) hair products!
Do you make DIY hair products? Which ones are your favorite to make or use? Leave a comment and let us know!
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