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10 Best Natural Hairspray Brands with Non-Toxic Ingredients for Effortless Hold
Ever found yourself holding your breath while spritzing hairspray, wondering what on earth you’re inhaling? You’re not alone! Hairspray is a staple in many of our beauty routines, but it’s high time we give those chemical-laden bottles a second thought. Lucky for us, there’s a whole bunch of the best natural hairspray brands out there that keep your style intact without compromising your health.
Why Switch to a Non-Toxic Hairspray with Natural Ingredients?
Traditional hairsprays might give you that rock-solid hold, but they often come with a cocktail of chemicals that can do more harm than good. Ingredients like PFAs, phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde releasers, and siloxanes are common culprits. For instance, PFAS—often dubbed “forever chemicals”—are linked to cancer, thyroid issues, and other health problems.
In a recent study, Purdue University researchers discovered that toxic substances can still linger in the air after using hair sprays. According to this study, you could inhale up to 17 milligrams of harmful chemicals —particularly cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes— in a single hair care session at home!
So while conventional hair care products may improve your hair's appearance, they can also mess up your hormones, trigger allergies, or cause more serious health issues. Then why risk your health with toxic hair sprays when you can switch to non toxic alternatives?
The good news is that there are healthier options available, ranging from dry shampoos to hair conditioners. We know you don't want to compromise on style either, so we’ve compiled a list of natural, yet effective options to help you find the best non toxic hairspray for you! Here's a curated list of the top 10 natural hairsprays to seamlessly integrate into your non-toxic lifestyle!
These gems are made with natural and organic ingredients, skipping the controversial synthetics for a gentler, healthier option.
The Best Natural Hairspray Brands
"Best"
Josh Rosebrook | Shop Here*
Jack Henry | Shop Here*
Captain Blakenship | Shop Here*
Nature’s Brands | Shop Here*
Organic Excellence | Shop Here*
"Better"
John Masters Organics | Shop Here*
EVOLVh | Shop Here*
Yarok | Shop Here*
Lily of the Desert | Shop Here*
Pacifica Beauty | Shop Here*
How Do We Choose the Best Toxin-Free Hairspray Brands
Finding a truly non-toxic hair spray means understanding a trade-off: the ingredients that give traditional hairsprays their super hold and quick-drying effects are often the ones linked to health risks. Non-toxic alternatives might not deliver the same firm hold, but they prioritize your health and the environment, offering a softer, more natural finish.
Some hairsprays, however, offer a middle ground. They add a few synthetic ingredients for stronger hold but avoid the most harmful toxins. The choice is yours—whether you prefer a fully natural product or a bit more hold with minimal risks.
“Best” vs. “Better”
To simplify your search, we’ve divided our recommendations into two categories:
• “Best” Non-Toxic Hairsprays: Made with natural and organic ingredients, these products skip controversial synthetics for a gentler, healthier option—perfect if you’re okay with a lighter hold.
• “Better” Non-Toxic Hairsprays: These options include small amounts of mild synthetics, sodium benzoate, or quats (quaternary ammonium compounds), but in limited quantities. While these provide stronger hold, they come with some risks, which we’ve fully outlined so you can decide if they’re acceptable for you.
In the end, it’s all about what matters most to you. We’ve curated our top picks with transparency, giving you clear insights to choose a hairspray that aligns with your health goals and styling needs.
So, without further ado, let's explore the best natural hairsprays!
What Are the "Best" Natural & Non Toxic Hairsprays ?
Josh Rosebrook Firm Hold Hair Spray* - Our Top Pick
Best For: Medium hold for all hair types
Pricing: $22.00 - 4 oz
Certifications: Leaping Bunny
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients:
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Organic Yucca
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Organic Brown Rice
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Essential Oils
Why We Like It:
Looking for a firm hold without the crunch? Josh Rosebrook has you covered. Infused with organic yucca and brown rice, this hairspray manages to tame even the unruliest of manes. I was pleasantly surprised by its staying power—it kept my style in place all day while allowing natural movement. Plus, it’s a non-aerosol option, so you’re not blasting chemicals into the air. And here’s a cherry on top: you can donate 1% of your purchase to a nonprofit of your choice!
Image @ Josh Rosebrook
Jack Henry Hair Refresh* - Best Organic Hairspray
Best For: Creating soft, beachy waves
Pricing: $24.00 - 4 oz
Certifications: Leaping Bunny
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients:
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Filtered Spring Water
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Pacific Ocean Sea Salt
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Witch Hazel
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Lemon Oil
Why We Like It:
I admire how Jack Henry always uses minimally processed ingredients and simple formulas. With just four ingredients, its natural hairspray is as pure as it's effective. If you are someone who loves the post beach wavy hairstyle, this refreshing sea salt spray is your go-to option for daily use. This gorgeously scented hairspray is perfect for freshening up your hair in the morning or revitalizing your hair at the end of the day. It adds natural texture and waves, making fine hair look thicker.
Image @ Jack Henry
Captain Blankenship Texture Sea Salt Hair Spray*- Best Texture Spray
Best For: Volumizing and texturizing wavy or curly hair types
Pricing: $19.00 - 2 oz
Certifications: Made Safe, Leaping Bunny, B Corp, 1% For the Planet
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients:
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Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
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Seaweed Blend
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Sea Salt
Why We Like It:
Say hello to beachy waves in a bottle! This spray is perfect for adding volume and body to natural waves, separating curls, and giving you that windswept look. And with the Made Safe seal, you know you’re not spritzing any nasties onto your hair. Plus, it won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or stiff—just soft, textured perfection.
Shop Captain Blankenship here*
Image @ Captain Blankenship
Natures Brand Organic Hair Spray*- Best Frizz Control Hairspray
Best For: Frizz control
Pricing: $17.99 - 8 oz
Certifications: USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients:
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Brown Sugar
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Green Tea
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Organic Olive Oil
Why We Like It:
With more than 150 USDA-certified organic products, Nature's Brands is a one-stop-shop for all things natural beauty. Packed with organic olive oil, this organic hairspray deeply moisturizes hair shafts, improving the appearance of dry hair. Thanks to these nourishing properties, this vegan hairspray does a wonderful job at keeping frizz in check.
Image @ Nature's Brands
Organic Excellence Wild Mint Styling Spray* - Best Firm Hold Hairspray
Best For: Strong, lasting hold for slightly thick or fine hair
Pricing: $18.95 - 8 oz
Certifications: N/A
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients:
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Lavender Extract
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Rosemary Extract
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Peppermint Oil
Why We Like It:
Need a hairspray that can keep up with your dance moves? This is it. Offering one of the strongest holds in the natural category, this alcohol-free hair spray is perfect for special occasions or anytime you need your style to last. A little goes a long way, and it doesn’t leave your hair feeling like a helmet. Plus, the refreshing mint scent is an invigorating bonus!
Image @ Organic Excellence
What Are the "Better" Non Toxic and Natural Hairspray?
These options include small amounts of mild synthetics for a bit more hold but still avoid the most harmful toxins.
John Masters Organics Hair Spray* - Best Flexible Hold Hairspray
Best For: Medium hold for all hair types
Pricing: $30.00 - 8 oz
Certifications: USDA Organic Certified, Leaping Bunny, 1% For the Planet
Key Non Toxic Ingredients:
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Aloe
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Acacia Senegal Gum
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Bergamot
Why We Like It:
This cruelty free hairspray will definitely help you elevate casual up-dos, bouncy curls, and slicked back looks. Made with Acacia Senegal Gum —a natural, flexible hair coating— this certified organic hairspray is the perfect choice for keeping your style in place without the stiffness. I love that it dries quickly and doesn’t leave any residue. Plus, with every purchase, you’re helping remove plastic from the oceans!
Why "Better"? While the hairspray is mostly non toxic, it contains alcohol denat. This ingredient may dry the hair or irritate the scalp for some people.
Shop John Masters Organics here*
Image @ John Masters Organics
EVOLVh - Natural UltraFlex Hairspray* - Best Lightweight Hairspray
Best For: Fast-drying, light hold for straight, wavy, or curly hair
Pricing: $32.00 - 8.5 oz
Certifications: COSMOS Organic
Key Non Toxic Ingredients:
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Black Cumin Seed Oil
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Linseed Oil
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Tapioca Root Starch
Why We Like It:
If you’re after a barely-there feel, this is your match! EVOLVh's non toxic and cruelty free hairspray provides the lightest hold you'll ever find. I love how this hair spray is almost like using a dry shampoo, keeping your hair soft and tamed. Its lightweight formula dries quickly and helps you get a natural-looking style, as if you’re not wearing any product at all. I often use it when I want my hair to look natural but still stay in place. Perfect for everyday use.
Why "Better"? Contains sodium benzoate. While generally safe, it can form benzene—a carcinogen—when mixed with high levels of Vitamin C. Since this product doesn’t contain Vitamin C, it’s not a major concern, but it’s good to be aware.
Image @ EVOLVh
Yarok Feed Your Hold Hair Spray* - Best Pre-Styling Hairspray
Best For: Wet styling aid
Pricing: $25.00 - 4 oz
Certifications: N/A
Key Non Toxic Ingredients:
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Rice Extract
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Plant-sourced Vitamins and Minerals
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Rosemary Oil
Why We Like It:
Packed with potent vitamins and minerals, this vegan hairspray regulates oil production and brings back your hair's natural shine. You can use this non toxic product as a medium-hold spray or apply directly to wet hair as a styling lotion. I love using it as a wet styling lotion to prep my hair before using a blow dryer or curling brush. Each time I use it this way, my hair feels brighter and more voluminous. You'll also love to hear that 3% of all profits from this product go towards protecting the Amazon rainforest!
Why "Better"? It contains potassium sorbate, a relatively safe preservative when not combined with sodium benzoate. Since this product doesn't contain sodium benzoate, there's no need to worry.
Image @ Yarok
Lily of the Desert Aloe Styling Spray* - Best Weather Resistant Hairspray
Best For: Taming frizz in humid weather
Pricing: $9.99 - 8 oz
Certifications: USDA Organic
Key Non Toxic Ingredients:
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Organic Aloe
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Vitamin B5
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Biotin
Why We Like It:
Besides providing a natural, soft hold, this vegan hairspray is one of the most affordable options in the market. But what really makes this non toxic hair spray stand out is how well it performs in different weather conditions. Rain or shine, this nourishing hairspray will keep your hair in place.
Why "Better"? This hairspray contains PVP. While this ingredient is safe, it may build up in hair over time.
Image @ Lily Of The Desert
Pacifica Beauty Big Waves* - Best Curl-enhancing Hairspray
Best For: Keeping curls soft and defined
Pricing: $14.00 - 6 oz
Certifications: FSC, PETA certified.
Key Non Toxic Ingredients:
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Coconut fruit extract
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Sea salt
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Vanilla
Why We Like It:
Curly girls, rejoice! This one of the best non toxic hairsprays enhances your natural curls, keeping them bouncy and defined. Whether your curls are natural or styled with a curling iron, this cruelty-free hairspray will hold your curls for longer without weighing your hair down or leaving a crunchy feel. It aldo smells absolutely divine—I get compliments on the scent all the time. Plus, Pacifica is known for its commitment to vegan and cruelty-free products.
Why "Better"? This non toxic hairspray contains alcohol denat and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients can irritate the scalp if applied in high concentrations.
Image @ Pacifica Beauty
What's the Big Deal: Harmful Chemicals in Hair Care Products
According to one study from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, hair sprays can contain PFAS substances. These chemicals are linked to cancer and other health problems.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Unfortunately, traditional hairsprays contain many controversial ingredients that could affect both your health and the environment.
Learning to read ingredients lists or using ingredient checker apps can help you determine if a personal care product is safe or harmful to your health. Let's take a look at some toxic ingredients that shouldn't be in your natural hairspray ingredients list.
Harmful Hairspray Ingredients to Avoid
To make informed choices, here’s a quick rundown of ingredients you might want to skip:
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Parabens – Harsh preservatives linked to hormone disruption.
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Phthalates (Diethyl Phthalate) – Endocrine disruptors, often hidden under the term 'Fragrance'.
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Formaldehyde Releasers – Like DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, and imidazolidinyl urea, linked to cancer and allergic reactions.
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Sulfates – These substances may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a chemical linked to cancer.
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Silicones – These chemicals may build up on hair, blocking moisture and leading to dryness.
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Fragrance – Companies aren’t required to disclose the specific chemicals used in their fragrances.
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Sodium Benzoate – This preservative is generally considered safe but it might release cancer-causing chemical benzene when combined with Vitamin C.
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Sodium Hydroxide – This ingredient may irritate the scalp.
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Denatured Alcohol – This ingredient can dry out hair and may irritate the scalp.
Safe Natural Ingredient Alternatives in Non Toxic Hairsprays
Here’s a list of common ingredients found in natural hairsprays:
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Aloe vera
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Biotin
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Coconut oil
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Sea salt
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Seaweed
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Seed oils
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Green tea
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Brown sugar
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Cane sugar
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Witch Hazel
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Rice protein
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Yucca
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Honey
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Acacia Senegal gum
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Essential Oils
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Plant Extracts
Another easy way to identify clean beauty products is by looking for third-party certifications.
Certifications to Look For in Natural Haisprays
A third-party certification backs up a company's claims, which helps us recognize truly sustainable options. Here are some useful certifications to identify cruelty free, organic, and non toxic hair sprays:
• USDA Organic: Ensures at least 70% organic ingredients.
• COSMOS Organic: Guarantees products are free from harmful substances.
• Made Safe: Verifies products are free from 6,000+ toxic chemicals.
• Leaping Bunny & PETA Certified: Confirms no animal testing.
• EWG Verified: Indicates products without harmful chemicals.
Making the Switch: What to Expect
Non-toxic hairsprays prioritize your health and the planet, offering a softer, more natural finish. While they might not give you that helmet-head hold (and who really wants that?), they provide enough staying power to keep your style looking fabulous all day.
Pro Tip: When switching, give your hair a little time to adjust. Natural products might interact differently with your hair type, but the benefits are well worth it!
Key Takeaways
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Using non toxic and natural hairsprays reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and benzene, protecting your health while adding texture to your hair.
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Natural hairsprays offer a gentle hold, while non toxic hairsprays add a small amount of synthetic ingredients for stronger hold with minimal risks.
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Third-party certifications such as USDA Organic, Made Safe, and EWG Verified, help you identify products that are free of harmful substances.
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Keep making informed choices by double-checking the ingredients of your hair sprays and other personal care products to slowly remove toxic chemicals from your life.
If you enjoyed this post, check out these other articles on safe and non toxic products:
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11 Best Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo Brands for Safe & Beautiful Hair
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Clean Haircare: 11 Best Natural and Non Toxic Shampoo And Conditioner in 2024
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Unmasking Toxins: Ingredients To Stay Away From In Makeup and Skincare Products
FAQs
What is the healthiest hairspray to use?
The healthiest hairsprays are those made with natural and organic ingredients, free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Brands like Josh Rosebrook and Jack Henry offer excellent non-toxic options.
Which hair spray is not harmful?
Non-toxic hairsprays that are free from harsh chemicals and certified by organizations like USDA Organic or Made Safe are considered not harmful. Always check the ingredient list and certifications.
What hairspray to avoid?
Avoid hairsprays containing parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releasers, sulfates, silicones, synthetic fragrances, denatured alcohol, and certain preservatives like sodium benzoate.
Does hairspray contain toxins?
Traditional hairsprays often contain toxins such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful when inhaled and detrimental to the environment. Opting for non-toxic, natural hairsprays reduces this risk.
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Lilija Bairamova
