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My daughter recently had a dance competition where the chemicals were flying! It wasn’t until we were already in the midst of the event that I realized that I didn’t have a homemade recipe for natural hairspray. I definitely wanted to take the time to make recipes that were out there and determine which ones were good, bad, and how they can be improved.
That’s been my routine with everything we put on our bodies, from tooth paste, soap, and lotion, to herbal hair rinses, hair growth oil, and makeup. I want it to be natural and if I can make it myself the more frugal and happier I’ll be.
When I think of hairspray, I think big 90s hair that’s hard or crunchy (I’m that old), but in reality a natural hair spray can gently get rid of frizz in natural hair or be made strong enough to hold hair in a styled position.
I’ve tried and adjusted 6 natural hair spray recipes so that you can have some options to choose from.
Natural Ingredients
I did not use any alcohol in my recipes. A lot of people put alcohol in homemade hair spray, but it seriously dries out hair and after a number of uses you can have dry and breaking hair. So, don’t put alcohol on your hair!
Essential oils can be therapeutic, so add a few drops of your favorite scent. Essential oils that are great for your hair are cypress, rosemary, geranium, cedarwood, and many more, so choose your favorite or a combination.
Shelf Life
Shelf life can vary per recipe. I’ve included some guidelines, but understand that whenever you are dealing with water the shelf life is shorter than if you had a recipe with just oils. Make sure to keep your utensils clean while preparing and watch for mold and scent change.
6 Natural Hair Spray Recipes
These 5 natural hair spray recipes are put together so you can avoid toxins, take care of your hair, get rid of frizz, and create a beautiful hold. They also add shine to your hair.
These natural hair spray recipes are also really frugal. Though cheap hair spray is often available, the toxin impact is not. Putting these together is very simple and great on your budget.
1. Sugar Hair Spray
This is a common recipe found on the internet, but it really works! Adjust the amount of sugar for the kind of hold you desire. I tried a few different amounts and preferred the recipe below.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Directions:
- Heat water in a saucepan.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved and then allow to cool.
- Add essential oil.
- Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
- Discard after 1-2 months.
2. Lemon Hair Spray
The sugar recipe makes sense, but lemon? This does not work as well with lemon from a jar. You need to use real lemon juice without all the junk in it. Lemon is acidic so adding a small amount of baking soda and shaking before use is a great way to counteract that acidity.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)
Directions:
- Pour the water into a saucepan and add the lemon: slice the lemon into quarters, squeeze the juice from the quarters into the water, add the slices to the water as well.
- Bring lemon water to a boil. Boil until half of the water has evaporated.
- Allow to cool.
- Strain.
- Add baking soda and essential oil.
- Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
- Keep in the refrigerator. Discard after 2 weeks.
3. Castor Oil Hairspray
This recipe combines oil and water which we know does not mix. Simply shake well before each use. I don’t like to add alcohol to help break up the oils because of the damage to the hair. Why castor oil? Castor is wonderful for hair and is great for calming frizziness.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 Tablespoon castor oil
- 1 drop geranium essential oil (optional)
- 1 drop rosemary essential oil (optional)
Directions:
- Heat water in a saucepan.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved and then allow to cool.
- Add essential oil.
- Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
- Discard after 1-2 months.
4. Aloe Hair Spray
Aloe contains properties that soften hair, making this great if your main goal is to combat frizz. Apply to wet hair for a softer, natural hold.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup whole leaf aloe vera
- 2/3 cup filtered water
- 2 drops bergamot essential oil (optional)
Directions:
- Combine ingredients in a large measuring cup or small bowl.
- Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
- I find that this recipe is great for wet hair application.
- Discard after 1-2 months.
5. Rose Water Hair Spray
Some people say that rose water can help reduce dandruff due to the anti inflammatory and circulatory properties in rose. Rose water will also add a beautiful shine to your hair (not to mention is smells wonderful).
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup rose water
Directions:
- Gently warm rose water in a saucepan.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved and then allow to cool.
- Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
- Discard after 1-2 months.
6. Witch Hazel Hair Spray
Witch hazel is great for the face and great for the hair. It really smooths, shines, and calms and cleanses the scalp as well. I love the idea of combing it with some aspects of the above recipes for an all around great hair spray.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 cup rose water
- 1 Tablespoon aloe vera
- 1 Tablespoon castor oil
- 1 Tablespoon non-alcohol witch hazel
- 2 drops vanilla oil (optional)
- 2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Directions:
- Gently warm rose water in a saucepan.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved and then allow to cool.
- Add aloe, castor oil, and essential oils and stir until combined (oil will be on top).
- Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
- Discard after 1-2 months.
Don’t forget that you can increase the sugar amount for a stronger hold. Try increasing by 1 Tablespoon at a time to find the sweet spot for your particular hair type and style.
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