Homemade Hair Spray (Easy, Natural & Alcohol-Free)
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Ditch the chemical storm in your regular hairspray with this super simple homemade hairspray! It takes only 2 ingredients and is a breeze to make.
Plus, it costs almost nothing to make, so your wallet will thank you too.
There are so many toxins in the things we put on our bodies, and they can lead to all kinds of problems from thyroid issues to adrenal fatigue and more.
I've been working on having cleaner options for al homemade toothpaste, homemade body cream, or homemade eye makeup remover that work well, I'm all over it.
One of the most toxic beauty products is hairspray. I've been wanting to find a cleaner option for years, but it's not easy. Most of the products on the market either aren't very clean or they just don't work well.
Thankfully this DIY hairspray option works pretty well and I have a new formula I'm working on as well.
Why Make Homemade Hairspray?
There are lots of reasons to make your DIY hairspray.
Reduce Chemical Exposure
There are so many toxic chemicals in hairspray that you might not have thought about. Shampoo has a lot of toxic ingredients, but hairspray is typically much worse.
Save Money
The ingredients in this natural hairspray are incredibly inexpensive. Meanwhile, some commercial hairsprays cost as much as $25 for only 10 ounces!
Save the Environment
Fewer chemicals and fewer plastic containers mean a cleaner environment. Even if you recycle bottles, it's better not to have them made at all in the first place.
Avoid Allergens
When you make your own homemade beauty products, you can avoid not only toxic ingredients but also those that you are allergic to.
Healthier Hair
The alcohol used in many hairsprays is really drying. This spray makes your hair healthy and shiny.
There are recipes for salt hair sprays on the internet, too. They might be fun to use, but salt is drying for your hair when used on an ongoing basis.
Thankfully, sugar doesn't have the same drying effect.
You can add essential oils to your recipe, which I recommend. That way, you get the benefit of aromatherapy and the possible benefits that your hair might get from the oils as well. For example, the oils in this DIY Hair Growth Blend can be used in your hairspray for added benefits.
Recipe Notes
- 2 teaspoons of sugar works well, but you can adjust the amount according to how much hold you would like. Of course, if you add too much, you will end up with residue on your hair, so try adding just 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
- Use filtered water to avoid the toxins in tap water.
- This hairspray should last quite a long time due to the vodka, but discard if it smells off.
- You're probably wondering, “Won't I be a bug's best friend if I use this?” I was worried about that too, but from my and others' experiences, that's not a problem at all.
- Technically, if you use essential oils in this spray, you will want to add an essential oil emulsifier. Since you will be spraying this on your hair and not on your skin, it's not really a problem.
Other Homemade Personal Care Products You'll Love
If you're into making your own products, here are some others to try.
– Nourishing Hand and Body Cream – so great and non-greasy.
– Hand and Body Scrub – this is so easy and works amazingly well.
– Invigorating Body Wash – so much better than store-bought.
– Nourishing Hair Rinse – leaves hair super shiny and healthy!
All Natural Homemade Hairspray
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water (filtered)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (use more or less according to how strong you want the resulting spray to be.)
- 1 teaspoon vodka
- 3-5 drops essential oils (optional, for scent and slight preservative action)
Instructions
- Heat water in a small saucepan to boiling.
- Add sugar and stir to dissolve.
- Allow to cool. Add vodka and optional essential oils.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle, using a funnel if desired.
Notes
Safer Store-Bought Hairspray Options
If you don't feel like DIYing, here are some safer options to try.
The BEST natural non-toxic hairspray that I've found is from Rowe Casa. It's a light to medium hold. Their Hair Gel, Mousse, and Hair Spritz (for hair growth) are great as well. Code WNM gets 20% off your first order.
If you really need a firm hold, this spray from Giovanni is pretty clean as far as artificial fragrances go.
Also this hairspray is another one that I like. It's very reasonable and is low on the toxic scale too.
White Rain Advanced Formula Extra Hold Hair Spray 7 oz (6 pack)
White Rain's Unscented Extra Hold Hairspray is a fairly clean option for those who really want a traditional hold from their spray without a bunch of fragrance. The bottle size is great too - fits well in most purses, gym bags, etcetera.
This Poofy Organics Hair Spray is super clean but it's a very light hold. I like it on the longer portion of my hair because it's conditioning in addition to the light hold, but it's too heavy for my bangs.
Code WNM gets 10% off your first order and they have free shipping at $70.
If you have a more natural hairspray that you like, please do share in the comments.
What hairspray do you currently use?
This is awesome! I have two questions
1, Can I use well water?(bored water?)
2,Can I use Almond Oil?
Hi there. I would be concerned about the purity of the water. There is no oil in the recipe so I wouldn’t do that. Essential oils are completely different: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/the-great-essential-oils-showdown-in-search-of-the-best-essential-oils/ Hope that helps :).
Hey, I was wondering what sugar is best?
My thoughts was brown sugar, because it you look at it, the sugar tends to stick together. I’m really not a big fan of white sugar since it’s bleached and processed and just a big no-no to me. Raw sugar is another choice!
What do you think??
I just use white and it works just fine. Since it’s just going on my hair and I’m not ingesting it it doesn’t bother me but I bet you could use any of those. Enjoy! I just made a fresh batch 2 days ago.
i think brown sugar would work as it is more sticky
can this hairspray be used to help hold curls from a rollerset for a few extra days? i’m questioning whether or not to spray water on my hair after i’ve taken the rollers out and styled my hair; the water will mess up the curls. i’m looking for a something to help my rollerset last, at least two days, without having to reroll it again to keep the curls.
Hmmm…I would think so if you don’t spray too much. I would love to know if you try. Thanks!
Yes, it does hold my hair enough. My husband puts on two “layers” but his preference always was the extra super hold. He likes the way it holds (and he is pretty picky about his hair and what he uses). On really high humid days I don’t think it holds as well, but then again my hair always had a bad day on really humid days anyway. Btw I love your blog! Ty for taking the time to commit to doing it! I just placed my first order with NAN. Missed their sale this past weekend due to the flu, but still looking forward to their basic kit (I’m a newbie at oils). I’m not sure if you get credit or how that works. I went to their site from yours the first time I looked but not on the day I ordered. I’m guessing they know that through the “cookies” that are gathered?
Thanks so much! I assume they have them gathered that way – thanks for thinking of me. Did you see this new post? https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/essential-oils/
I don’t do well on humid days either :(.
I have been using this same recipe for the past two years and love it. My husband has very, very fine hair and loves it too. We haven’t had any issues with bugs/bees so far and it’s been two summers. I’m always on guard though just in case:0
That’s great! Do you find it holds your hair enough?
Will olive oil work for this?
No, the oil mentioned is an essential oil which is very different. You might be interested in this post to read about the difference. Thanks! https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/essential-oils/
Hi I was wondering if I can just boil tap water instead of using rose water? Will it work just as good?
Not sure I understand. I recommended using filtered water – please explain. Thanks!
How the hair spray is appplied after shower on wet hair or another purpose to use
I use it on dry hair.
You are a lifesaver Adrienne!
I know this is over a year late, but I wanted to post this comment for anybody who randomly stumbles upon this like I did this morning. THIS WORKS! My hair looks great, smells great, and, according to my goofy husband, tastes pretty good too.
I highly recommend this to anyone. Thank you again, Adrienne.
That’s a riot! Thanks!
What if essential oils are not put?
If you mean if you don’t use the oils what will happen, it is totally fine. Thanks!
Hi, Can you tell me how long the shelf life is and if it needs to be refrigerated or something? Also, could you add something as a preservative, maybe GSE? I know that is controversial too, but maybe you have other ideas.
Thanks.
I haven’t had it spoil – I guess it’s the sugar in it? I would think a good essential oil would act as some sort of a preservative and if you use hair spray regularly it shouldn’t be around for very long :).