Promising an all-day stay, hair spray is a perfect trick to tame troublesome hair while helping people flaunt their desired hairdos without much trouble.
If you are still oblivious to what a hair spray can do, this blog is a must-read for you. Check out some amazing hair setting spray benefits and downsides (these are a must to know as well!).
What is a Hair Spray?
A hair spray is a hair styling product that packs a concoction of holding ingredients. They are compressed and packed in spray cans, offering a targeted application. The hair sprays are broadly categorized into two categories – aerosol and non-aerosol hair spray.
The aerosol sprays are primarily alcohol-based, dispensed as mist, and offer a more even and widespread application. On the other hand, a non-aerosol hair spray packs more water and less alcohol content.
The Science Behind Hair Spray
Have you experienced the hair strands feeling light and crunchy to the touch after a hair spray use? A hair spray is made of polymers that cling together when they come in contact with air. They form an invisible hair net that sets the hair in place. It is this polymer bond that makes the hair stiff and holds it in place.
Benefits of Using a Hair Spray
‘Necessity is the mother of invention’. It was in the 1940s when hair spray entered the beauty industry. Its use helped cope with several hair troubles that bogged down the fashion goers. Today, hair sprays are more than just a hair setting spray. Hair spray uses and benefits are far-reaching. Some of the most pronounced hair spray benefits include:
- Long-Hold and Stay: Holding complex hairstyles has always been a problem. But the best hair spray packs everything it needs to keep the style in place, even through long, hectic schedules.
- Settles Frizz: How about a spray for hair that can keep the flyaways and frizz settled through the day? Amongst the many hair spray uses, frizz control is seen as the most sought-after hair spray benefits.
- Curl Defining: People with curly and wavy hair would know how difficult it is to keep their hair managed all through the day. Using a hair setting spray gives a day-long clean look to their curly hair.
- Adds Volume: Hair sprays that are specifically designed for limp textures ensure a fuller look. Helping them stay in place, they add the boost required for a more voluminous look.
- Adds to the Shine: The hair spray ingredients give a healthy and polished appearance to dry and dull hair.
- Hair Protection: A few hair sprays are specifically designed to protect against heat and sun damage. A heat protectant spray is used as a preparation product before using heat styling tools.
Is It Safe to Use Hair Spray?
The first question that comes to mind when considering using a hair spray is ‘Is it safe’. For those who do not know, a hair spray contains a range of chemicals. The most commonly found ones are Aminomethyl Propanol, Butane, PVM/MA Copolymer, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Isobutane, Glycerin, Isopropyl Alcohol, and VA/Crotonates Copolymer.
No wonder, excessive use of a hair spray is linked to a series of side effects. These include:
- Hair Damage: Prolonged use of hair sprays damages the cuticle layer, making the strands prone to breakage.
- Hair Loss: The damaged hair and excessive breakage weaken the hair follicles, affecting the hair growth cycle and causing hair loss.
- Sucks Out Natural Oils: A regulated amount of sebum is important for scalp health. Hair spray strips away natural oils.
- Allergic Reactions: Wondering what this chemical-laden spray can do to your hair and health? The chemicals can cause redness or itching of the scalp in a sensitive individual.
Conclusion
A hair spray can be used as an effective strategy to manage hair and complex hairdos. But it is important to limit its use. Also, adopt careful application practices to minimize the damage. Important points to be taken care of are to avoid its reach on the scalp. Also, spray from a distance of at least 15 cm to enjoy a better hold without the unappealing, greasy look.
