If you’re someone that enjoys using hairspray to hold your hair but notice that you start to have red skin or scaly patches every time you’ve used hairspray, you might be allergic to the hairspray you’re using. No worries though, we’re here to help!
Below, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about hypoallergenic hairspray and hairspray allergies. We’ll answer some frequently asked questions, provide product recommendations and give you more information on managing hairspray allergies.
What Are The Causes of Hairspray Allergies?
With hairspray allergies, fragrances are the main culprit. They’re often responsible for redness, swelling and irritation and can be found in most cosmetic and personal care products.
Additional ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions are listed below. Most hairspray products on the market use at least one of these irritants so it’s well worth checking the ingredients of the brands you’re using.
Harmful Ingredients in Hairspray
- Denatured alcohol
- Hydrofluorocarbon
- Carboxymethylcellulose
- Propylene glycol
- Acrylates
Symptoms of Hairspray Allergies
Allergies to hairspray are rather similar to other types of allergies. You’ll most likely develop one or more of the following symptoms:
- Red skin
- Scaly patches
- Oozing blisters
- Burning or itching
- Swelling of the eyes and face
- Hives
It can often be difficult to isolate what’s causing the irritation. If you suspect it may be your hairspray, try going a few days or a week without it and see if you still experience reactions. By process of elimination, you can figure out what hair product these reactions are caused by.
Top Rated Hypoallergenic Hairsprays
If you’re looking to replace your hair spray, below are some hypoallergenic hairspray options to get you started.
These ranges of hair sprays are great for those with hairspray allergies as they’re free from most fragrances and harmful ingredients.
FRAGFRE Hair Finishing Spray
This flexible hold hairspray is not only odorless, but it’s also gluten-free and will protect your hair from heat treatments such as blow drying and hair straightening. It’s also free from fragrances along with parabens, sulfates, petroleum, formaldehyde and more.
Nature's Brands Herbal Choice Mari Organic Hair Spray
This certified organic hairspray is not only paraben-free but it’s also preservative-free and doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals or dyes. All the oils are cold-pressed and are non-refined and non-deodorized, making it great for those that have allergies.
Scionse ExStatyk Anti-Static Hypoallergenic Spray
This hairspray will not only help with taming static hair along with fly-aways, but it’s also made with a hypoallergenic water-based formula that is free from fragrances, parabens and gluten. It also has no sulfates – making it safe to use for coloured hair.
FAQ’s – You Ask, We Answer
The below are some answers to some of the common questions we’ve received.
What happens if you use expired hairspray?
Hairspray usually doesn’t expire. The only thing that might happen is that the spray could become unusable (such as the valve no longer working). In that case, you’ll just have to replace your hairspray and you’re good to go.
What are the side effects of hairspray?
Some hair sprays contain ingredients such as polymers and solvents that can irritate the eyes, nose or throat. They can also cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, red eyes and rashes. If you stick to hair sprays with ingredients that are more friendly to sensitive skin, you are less likely to experience any of these side effects.
How harmful is hairspray?
If you don’t have an allergy to hairspray products, they’re minimally toxic – especially if you use them as intended. You should not be ingesting hairspray or spraying it into your eyes.
Can hairspray cause an itchy scalp?
Buildup from both shampoo or hairspray can cause scalp acne. These bumps are not only painful but it can be itchy and red. To treat scalp acne, you want to go ahead and switch up your hair care routine.
Is it bad to leave hairspray in your hair overnight?
Yes, it’s not ideal for your overall scalp health. It can also spread all over your pillow and sheets, which can be incredibly unhygienic.
Is it safe to use hairspray on babies?
No, most hairspray products contain harmful chemicals that’s also known as phthalates. They are especially dangerous so both babies and pregnant women should avoid them.
Does hairspray cause dandruff?
Not necessarily, but it can make your dandruff worse. Buildup of hair products can also irritate your scalp and cause itchiness or dryness.
Does hairspray leave flakes?
In some cases, yes. Hairspray often contains ethanol which can damage your hair and dry it out. It can also irritate your scalp. While this isn’t dandruff, these small white flakes can fall on your scalp and even your shoulders – mimicking the appearance of dandruff.
We hope that this article gives you a comprehensive overview of both hypoallergenic hairspray and hairspray allergies, and you’ll be able to find the perfect hairspray product for your sensitive skin!
