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How Do I Choose the Best Hair Spray for Dry Hair?

Kesha Ward
Kesha Ward

Selecting the appropriate hair spray for dry hair depends largely on the active ingredients. Dry hair does best with hair sprays that provide sheen as well as helps to hold the hair in place. Hair sprays that contain a high concentration of alcohol should be avoided if the hair is dry, because the alcohol can make the condition worse. A spray that contains moisturizing ingredients can be an ideal hair spray for dry hair.

Individuals who have dry hair can take steps to help improve the luster of the hair and the condition of the scalp. Dry hair is often an indication that the hair requires some nourishment from within. Regular use of a moisturizing conditioner can help transform dry, brittle tresses into hair that has body and sheen.

Hair spray may be sold as an aerosol.
Hair spray may be sold as an aerosol.

When looking for the best hair spray for dry hair, keep in mind that price is not always an indication of quality. There are many hair sprays that can be found at beauty counters and drug stores that will help hair hold a style. It is important to pay close attention to the active ingredients in the hair spray. If you know that your hair does well with products that contain shea butter, for example, look for hair sprays that list shea butter as an ingredient.

Hair sprays that have anti-frizz properties work well for dry hair.
Hair sprays that have anti-frizz properties work well for dry hair.

Hair spray is one of those styling products that are often selected without much contemplation. It is possible that hairstyles can last longer with the use of the proper hair spray. Very few companies label hair sprays based on hair texture, however. Most often, hair sprays are labeled according to performance. For example, a hair spray might be labeled as offering a firm hold or light hold.

Some types of hair spray products may require clarifying shampoos to remove all residue, which may dry hair even more.
Some types of hair spray products may require clarifying shampoos to remove all residue, which may dry hair even more.

When choosing the best hair spray for dry hair, consider the amount of hold necessary for your hairstyle. Hairstyles that flow and are intended to move might appear stiff if a firming hairspray is used. For best results, people who have dry hair should consider hair sprays that provide a medium hold or light hold.

Hair sprays that provide a medium hold will allow for a defined style that can still be combed or brushed through. Hair sprays that have anti-frizz properties also work well for dry hair. Anti-frizz products also can be used on the hair before it is blow dried. Remember that the regular use of heat-styling products often causes the hair to appear more dry and brittle.

Discussion Comments

burcidi

@SarahGen-- I use a pharmacy brand hair spray that does not contain alcohol. It is not drying at all, it's mild compared to hair sprays with alcohol. Unfortunately though, the staying power is not as good as other hair sprays. So you have to use it again after a few hours.

Overall, it's a good alternative to hair sprays with alcohol. I also have very dry hair. My hair is also thin and brittle, so I need to use mild hair products.

SarahGen

@ysmina-- What about alcohol-free hair spray? I don't need a hair spray that moisturizes my hair, I just need something that won't make my hair drier than it already is.

Has anyone tried alcohol-free hair spray? Is it drying?

ysmina

Moisturizing ingredients are always best for dry hair, but moisturizers and hair spray don't go too well together. Because moisturizers prevent hair from keeping shape and cause hair styles to loose and flatten. So if I'm using a hair spray to keep my hair style in place, I will have to use something that's a little bit drying for it to work.

But I think that some of this damage can be avoided by removing hair spray thoroughly during a wash and using a deep-treatment once a week. I use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and a deep-treatment with olive oil once a week. My hair is not as dry as it used to be even though I do use hair spray frequently.

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    • Hair spray may be sold as an aerosol.
      By: Alexandr Makarov
      Hair spray may be sold as an aerosol.
    • Hair sprays that have anti-frizz properties work well for dry hair.
      By: thelosteyeball
      Hair sprays that have anti-frizz properties work well for dry hair.
    • Some types of hair spray products may require clarifying shampoos to remove all residue, which may dry hair even more.
      By: Roman Gorielov
      Some types of hair spray products may require clarifying shampoos to remove all residue, which may dry hair even more.
    • There are many shampoos and hair sprays available at drugstores that can help improve the hair's luster.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      There are many shampoos and hair sprays available at drugstores that can help improve the hair's luster.
    • Hair sprays that provide a medium hold can still be combed or brushed.
      By: myfotolia88
      Hair sprays that provide a medium hold can still be combed or brushed.