Hair spray is designed to fix and hold hairstyles by delivering a fine mist of film-forming polymers onto the hair shaft. While generally considered safe for occasional use, concerns about toxicity stem from the chemical makeup and application method. The potential risks arise from volatile substances used to deliver the polymers, which become airborne during use.
Key Ingredients That Cause Concern
The majority of health concerns related to hair spray come from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which allow the product to be sprayed and dry quickly. These compounds vaporize easily and include the solvents and propellants essential for aerosol delivery. A common solvent is denatured alcohol (often ethanol), which helps dissolve the polymers and evaporates rapidly, but is a known irritant to mucous membranes.
Propellants in aerosol cans are high-pressure VOCs, such as propane, butane, isobutane, or hydrofluorocarbon 152a. These gases atomize the liquid into a fine mist, increasing the likelihood of inhalation. Propellants are the primary source of the strong chemical odor and are respiratory irritants, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
The polymers, like Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), create the hold but are also fine particulate matter that can be inhaled. Artificial fragrances also raise concern, as these proprietary blends often contain hidden chemicals like phthalates. Phthalates are used to carry the scent and contribute to non-disclosed chemical exposure.
Immediate Health Effects of Usage
The most common health effects from hair spray are acute and short-lived, resulting directly from inhaling airborne VOCs and propellants. When the fine mist is inhaled, irritant chemicals cause immediate reactions in the respiratory tract. These effects include throat irritation, coughing, and temporary difficulty breathing.
The rapid vaporization of solvents like alcohol can also lead to minor, temporary central nervous system effects, such as lightheadedness or dizziness. Direct contact with the spray can irritate sensitive areas. If the product enters the eyes, it causes stinging, redness, and tearing. Skin exposure may trigger an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis, often appearing as a red, itchy rash.
Potential Chronic Exposure Risks
While occasional use typically results only in acute irritation, long-term exposure can lead to cumulative health risks, particularly for those in close proximity to the spray daily, such as professional stylists. Repeated inhalation of these airborne compounds may contribute to respiratory symptoms like persistent wheezing and breathlessness. This chronic exposure is also associated with a measurable decrease in overall lung function over time.
The fine particulate polymers in the spray can accumulate in the lungs with excessive use, leading to a condition known as “hairspray-lung” or fibrosing alveolitis, a rare but serious consequence of extreme inhalation. Phthalates, often contained within the fragrance components, pose a systemic concern as potential endocrine disruptors. These compounds have been linked to hormone imbalances and developmental issues, though the dose-dependent risk from typical cosmetic application remains a subject of ongoing study.
Reducing Exposure and Safer Product Choices
Mitigating the risks associated with hair spray requires ensuring the environment is well-ventilated during use. Applying the product near an open window or using an exhaust fan significantly reduces the concentration of airborne VOCs and propellants. Holding the can at the manufacturer’s recommended distance (typically 10 to 12 inches away from the head) also reduces the amount of fine mist that drifts toward the face and breathing zone.
For users seeking to minimize chemical exposure, non-aerosol pump sprays are a suitable alternative because they do not rely on volatile chemical propellants. These pump bottles deliver the product in a coarser, heavier spray pattern, which reduces the amount of breathable particles in the air.
Products specifically labeled as having low or no VOCs, and those that are fragrance-free, offer further reduction in exposure to potentially irritating or disruptive chemicals like phthalates. Natural alternatives, such as simple sugar water or aloe vera-based setting sprays, can also provide light hold without relying on synthetic polymers or petroleum-derived propellants.