One of the most common questions we get from our clients is whether or not hairspray can damage your hair.
In most cases, hairsprays that are used responsibly will not damage your hair, but it would be inaccurate to say hairspray cannot damage your hair. Some of the most common ingredients in hairsprays include alcohol and polymers which, in certain levels, can result in damage to your hair. While these ingredients have been modified for use in hairspray to be as fast-drying and flexible as possible, there is still a possibility that the specific ingredients in some hairsprays or a general overuse of hairspray can result in damage over time.
So, does hairspray damage your hair in Greensboro, NC? Here’s a quick overview of what you should know:
- Repeated use can be problematic: A buildup of hairspray in your hair can start becoming problematic, especially if you use it multiple times between washing. Overuse of hairspray, especially with lower-quality products, can result in layers of particles that start to flake off. They’ll sort of resemble dandruff when you notice them. If you notice your chosen hairspray doing this, you should either change brands to a higher-quality spray or wash your hair more often. Ideally, you should select a hairspray that has conditioner in it to avoid this faux-dandruff phenomenon.
- Specific ingredients: Pay careful attention to the specific ingredients in your hairspray. There are, for example, several different kinds of alcohol that may be used in hairsprays. Those that feature ethanol are much more likely to be damaging to your hair, because ethanol will dry out the hair fibers and potentially cause them to break. The ingredient also can cause scalp irritation. Other types of alcohols, like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, are nowhere near as abrasive or potentially damaging, and can have a moisturizing effect, which is what you want out of your hair products.
- Itchy scalp: If you notice your scalp gets itchy when you use a particular hairspray, you should immediately stop using it, because it’s very likely the ingredients are drying out your hair and scalp. Look at the ingredients and see if you can figure out which one is problematic. Wash and condition your hair and remoisturize it before using hairspray again.
- Polymers: Hairspray creates polymers that coat your hair, but if you use too much, your hair will actually start to look dull rather than shiny, because the buildup of polymers prevents a natural sheen in your hair from coming through. You should look for hairsprays that contain vitamin E, silicone, sodium PCE or panthenol to retain the moisture and shine of your hair.
Is hairspray bad for you? Not necessarily, but these are just a few examples of some of the considerations you’ll need to take into account when selecting a hairspray. If you’re interested in learning more about the various properties of good and bad hairsprays and what you should consider in your purchase, contact Raveen Hair Replacement in Greensboro, NC with any questions you have.