Hair spray is a wonderful styling product that holds your hair in place and makes it look flawless but does it cause hair loss as well? While some continue using it without concern, others believe it causes hair thinning. But is it possible that your favorite spray is the reason behind the hair on your comb?
There has been a big debate if hair spray and hair loss are linked so if you think this product is making your hair thinner, you’re not alone. Many people fear that those ‘simple sprays’ might be causing more harm than good. We need to find out if it’s an actual concern or just another hair myth.
What’s Inside Your Hair Spray?
If you are so curious about “does hair spray cause hair loss“, then turn the back of the bottle and have a look at the ingredients. There are all big scientific names written but they will tell you if the composition is harsh enough to harm your hair.
Most of the hair sprays out there have these key ingredients:
- Alcohol: While it’s a fast-drying agent that quickly settles during hair styling, a lot of it will surely dehydrate your beautiful hair. As a result, it will be more fragile and prone to breakage.
- Polymers: Actually, these are the main agents that do the real job of keeping your hair in place. When sprayed, they form a layer over your hair strands that you can feel as buildup and stiffness.
- Propellants: This one element makes it possible for hair spray to come out of the can. While there is no direct way that they can damage your hair, to some people, they can cause scalp irritation.
- Fragrances and preservatives: Though they are quite harmless, some people can sometimes experience allergic reactions that are mostly itching and scalp irritation.
The Effects of Using Hair Spray Over Time
Suspecting hair products making hair fall out? Honestly, spraying your hair once in a while isn’t going to do you any bad. However, if you are too frequent and don’t use products with care, your strands will eventually become weaker and start thinning. Here’s how:
- Dryness: In some time, alcohol-based products start stripping off your natural hair oils making them all dry and brittle.
- Buildup: When you keep spraying, residues can accumulate on your scalp over time. They block the hair follicles and also affect hair growth.
- Breakage: The more stiff your hair, the more it’s likely to break and crack. It gets really frustrating when you comb or run your fingers through your hair.
- Scalp Irritation: Of course, there are a lot of chemicals in hair sprays and they can cause redness, itching and dry scalp. Your overall hair health will go for a toss.
If you think there’s any chance that your hair spray is acting like your hair’s enemy, simply stop using it and let your hair be. You can also try other options like a lightweight styling cream that isn’t as damaging.
Using Hair Spray Without Damaging Your Hair
Yes, there are potential risks involved in styling but there are also ways to avoid them and to keep your locks safe and healthy. Let’s discuss what to do and what not to do:
Dos:
- Keep a safe distance: Instead of spraying too close, keep at least an arm’s distance to avoid product buildup.
- Mind the quantity: You don’t have to overload your hair with the product else it’ll get dry and stiff.
- Wash it out: It’s strongly recommended to wash your hair before sleeping so that there’s no buildup.
- Alcohol-free options: Get your hands sprays that come with ingredients like keratin and argan oil because they provide hydration instead of ruining it.
- Moisturize: Show your hair some love by using deep conditioners and hair masks. These will neutralize the bad effects of styling products.
Don’ts:
- Direct application: Don’t spray on the scalp but keep it to the hair strands, only. When the product touches the roots, it will clog the follicles.
- Excessive brushing: It’s not a good practice to brush stiffened hair as it can cause breakage and you will think that the hair spray is causing hair loss.
- Don’t spray every day: Your hair deserves some break from all the styling and harsh products. Instead, use leave-in conditioners or light serums to manage it.
How to Clean Hair Spray?
After using hairspray and enjoying its results, it’s equally important to remove it for the sake of your hair health. Start by rinsing your hair with warm water to loosen up the residue before applying a cleanser. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to remove the hairspray from your strands and scalp without leaving them lifeless, and give your scalp a gentle massage to ensure proper removal of product buildup. After shampooing, always follow up with a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and keep your hair soft. Finally, never go to sleep without washing your hair to prevent potential scalp irritation.
Does Hair Spray Cause Hair Loss?
Now we are back to the same big question- does hair spray lead to hair fall? It’s not a straightforward yes or no answer. It doesn’t directly cause hair loss because the sprays don’t hinder hair growth from the follicle nor does it kill hair roots.
But hair sprays can cause hair thinning if:
- It’s making the hair dry enough to break and fall.
- The chemicals irritate your scalp and cause a lot of itching or redness.
- You don’t wash it out properly before going to bed and it adds to buildup.
If it’s happening that you are using hair sprays and also experiencing hall fall at the same time, it can be a coincidence. But hair spray and hair loss together are also a sign that you need to evaluate your hair care routine from now on. This is when you must switch to gentler styling products and keep your hair and scalp clean. Ultimately, your hair’s health is in your hands (and products).
