For many of us, hairspray has long been a staple in our beauty routines. Whether it’s to add volume, tame frizz, or keep a hairstyle in place, hairspray promises to hold everything together. But as we become more conscious of the ingredients we use on our skin and hair, many of us are looking for more natural alternatives. The good news? Creating your own hairspray at home is easier than you think, and it’s a great way to avoid harmful chemicals often found in commercial products.
Why Choose Natural Hairspray?
Traditional store-bought hairsprays often contain a range of ingredients that may be undesirable, especially if you’re trying to steer clear of chemicals. Some of the most common offenders include synthetic fragrances, alcohol, and propellants that can dry out your hair, leaving it brittle over time. Additionally, many of these products are packaged in aerosol cans, which are harmful to the environment.
Making your own hairspray with natural ingredients not only lets you customize the formula for your specific hair type but also provides peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re applying to your strands. From controlling frizz to adding light hold, a natural hairspray can keep your hair looking great without the added chemicals and environmental impact.
The Benefits of a DIY Natural Hairspray
- Customization: When you make your own hairspray, you can adjust the ingredients to meet your specific hair needs. Whether you’re aiming for a light hold or a firmer finish, the power is in your hands. You can also experiment with adding essential oils for a fresh, natural scent or to enhance the health benefits of your haircare routine.
- Eco-friendly: Many commercial hairsprays are packaged in aerosol cans, which are not recyclable and contribute to pollution. By creating your own hairspray, you reduce the waste associated with these products, which helps in minimizing your environmental footprint.
- Healthier for your hair: Store-bought hairsprays often contain alcohol and other drying agents, which can strip your hair of moisture. In contrast, a DIY hairspray recipe can nourish your hair, leaving it feeling soft and healthy while providing just the right amount of hold.
- Cost-effective: Over time, purchasing hairspray can add up. But with just a few simple ingredients, you can make enough hairspray for months without breaking the bank.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
Making your own natural hairspray doesn’t require a long list of exotic ingredients. In fact, the recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a few common items you likely already have at home.
- Water: The base of most homemade hairsprays is distilled water. If you don’t have distilled water, you can use boiled tap water and let it cool. Distilled water is free from minerals and impurities that could affect the effectiveness of your hairspray.
- Sugar: The secret to a natural hairspray lies in the sugar. Sugar acts as a natural styling agent, providing hold to the hair. It’s important to note that you don’t need a lot—just a tablespoon or two will do. The sugar will dissolve in the water, creating a solution that helps your hair stay in place without the stiffness of conventional hairsprays.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a powerhouse when it comes to haircare. It’s known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Adding aloe vera gel to your hairspray recipe will help condition your hair, leaving it soft and hydrated while still holding your style.
- Essential Oils (optional): To add a touch of luxury and benefit to your haircare routine, consider adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Lavender, rosemary, or peppermint are popular choices that not only smell amazing but can also promote hair growth and improve scalp health.
- Glycerin (optional): If you have very dry or frizzy hair, you can add a little vegetable glycerin to your hairspray recipe. This will help lock in moisture and give your hair a smooth, glossy finish.
The Easy Recipe
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making your own natural hairspray at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water (or boiled and cooled tap water)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar (depending on how strong you want the hold)
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 5-10 drops of essential oils (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil the water: If you’re using tap water, boil 1 cup of water and let it cool to room temperature. If you have distilled water, you can skip this step.
- Mix sugar and water: In a small saucepan or mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in the water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. This creates the base for your hairspray, and the sugar will help provide hold.
- Add aloe vera gel: Mix in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Aloe vera will add moisture and help keep your hair hydrated throughout the day.
- Essential oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you want to infuse your hairspray with a pleasant fragrance. Lavender, rosemary, or chamomile are all great options.
- Optional glycerin: If you want to enhance the moisture-retention properties of the hairspray, add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin.
- Cool and store: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and let it cool completely before using. Store the hairspray in a cool, dry place.
How to Use Your Homemade Hairspray
Once your natural hairspray is ready, simply spritz it onto your hair as you would with any regular hairspray. The spray should provide a light to medium hold depending on how much sugar you add, and it should feel soft and natural. It’s perfect for keeping your hair in place without the stiffness and crunch that sometimes comes with store-bought products.
If you find that the hairspray isn’t holding as well as you’d like, you can always tweak the amount of sugar to strengthen the hold. Keep in mind that this DIY spray may not have the same lasting power as chemical-heavy products, but it’s perfect for those who want a light, breathable hold without compromising hair health.
Conclusion: A Natural Way to Style
Homemade hairspray is an excellent way to embrace a more natural, eco-friendly beauty routine. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a styling product that works for your hair without the chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of volume, control frizz, or set your curls in place, this DIY hairspray recipe has got you covered.
By switching to a natural hairspray, you’re not just caring for your hair—you’re also making a small but significant step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. The best part? You can experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect formula for your unique hair needs. Enjoy the journey of natural beauty and let your hair shine with a little help from nature!
