Is Using Hairspray Every Day Bad for Your Hair?

Hairspray is a quick and convenient product to slick back fly-away strands and achieve trendy looks. But sometimes you notice effects like dullness and flaky scalp after using hairspray several days in a row.

Hairspray contains stuff like alcohol, plasticizers, and polymers to temporarily make your hair keep its shape. Using it now and then as part of styling is probably fine. But what happens when you use it day after day?

Read this article to know if it is bad to use hairspray frequently, the effects of hairspray, and alternatives you can use.

Is It Bad to Use Hairspray Daily?

Yes, it can be bad. You should not use hairspray every day. Frequent hairspray usage could cause several problems to your hair and scalp health.

Here are some negative effects of using hairspray every day:

• Excessive product build-up
• Dry and dull hair
• Flakey and itchy scalp

Most hairsprays on the market today contain chemicals that help stiffen and slick back your hair. However, consistent exposure to these chemicals typically causes adverse effects.

Why Does Hairspray Cause Damage to Hair?

What exactly is included in a bottle of hairspray that may damage your hair with repeated use?

The main ingredients in most hairsprays are aerosols and alcohol. These chemicals are not toxic when used properly. However, frequent usage will dry out your hair and cause scalp irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Aside from aerosols and alcohol, many hairsprays include a certain percentage of fragrances and silicones to make their product smell and feel more attractive to customers.

Using heavily fragranced products on your hair daily can make your scalp red, sensitive, and itchy. Some people may even develop an allergic reaction over an extended time of use.

If you need to use hairspray often, make sure to regularly wash and hydrate your hair with conditioning masks or oils. These treatments will help alleviate potential hairspray damage.

Side Effects of Constant Hairspray Usage

Everyday exposure to hairspray ingredients negatively impacts the hair and scalp in the following ways:

• Irritation: Hairsprays that contain alcohol like Ethanol produce damaged hair, scalp redness, and overall irritation. Not all alcohol is bad for your hair, but some accentuate the appearance of split ends and frizz.
• Build up: Using hairspray often likely creates excessive amounts of product on your scalp, even if you wash your hair regularly. This build-up flakes off of your hair, giving the appearance of dandruff or dry skin.
• Dullness: Manufacturers must add ingredients like polymers into hairspray to give the product its flexible hold. Over time, these polymers can make your hair look dull and lifeless.
• Inflammation: Fragrances or chemicals commonly found in hairspray can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Often, these are mild reactions, but they still cause scalp redness and inflammation.

Hairspray Alternatives

Here is a list of alternatives if you are looking to cut back on your hairspray usage.

• Hair Mousse: Mousse is an excellent alternative to hairspray because it is lightweight while maintaining hold. Apply the product to damp hair. Then, style it as you usually would.
• Hair Gel: Gel works well if you frequently style your hair into slicked-back buns or ponytails. Gels come in various holds, from flexible to the firm.
• Pomades: A pomade keeps your hair firm for a slicked-back look. For more flexibility, try a beeswax pomade.

Wrap Up

Using hairspray every day is bad for hair. Hairspray contains several chemicals that, over time, can inflame your scalp and worsen the appearance of frizz and split ends.

After using hairspray, evaluate your hair — does it look dull? Sticky? Dry? Is your scalp irritated? If you notice any side effects, consider using an alternative product instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about hairspray.