I often receive emails and messages from readers requesting recipes that they may not be able to find on the blog. By far, the most sought after DIY recipe has been homemade hairspray ! And I can totally see why - hair spray is a toxic shit-storm! Even though aerosol cans no longer contain ozone depleting CFC's (chlorofluorocarbons), and haven't since the 70'swhen ozone depletion was brought to public attention, the can itself is just another form of human waste, destined for the land-fill.
Not surprisingly, the majority of popular hairspray brands on the Environmental Working Group website are rated between an 8-10 out of 10. Ratings are based on the concern for cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies and immunotoxicity.
Common ingredients in hairspray, and ones that pose a health and environmental risks, include:RETINYL ACETATE (VITAMIN A ACETATE) Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive).
FRAGRANCE - Ecotoxicology, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Miscellaneous, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive).
LILIAL (BUTYLPHENYL METHLYPROPRIONAL) - Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Persistence and bioaccumulation.
HYDROXYCITRONELLAL - Allergies/immunotoxicity.
AMYLCINNAMALDEHYDE - Allergies/immunotoxicity.
GERANIOL - Ecotoxicology, Allergies/immunotoxicity.
EVERNIA PRUNASTRI (RING LICHEN) EXTRACT - Allergies/immunotoxicity.
And the list goes on, and on, and on...
It's actually super easy to make a homemade hairspray with essential oils that works! And as usual, you probably have all of the ingredients in your house to make a homemade hairspray right now! I would consider this hairspray to be light-medium hold. I use it mainly for taming fly-aways and holding a natural looking curl.
While you're at it, go ahead and infuse this hairspray with energizing properties using a combination of energizing/uplifting essential oils - orange, rosemary, lemon & grapefruit!
I add this combination of essential oils to the hairspray for, one, a lovely scent, and two, a boost of energy - because when was the last time you were trying to make your hair beautiful and didn't need a boost of energy? Whether it be getting ready for work, or hittin' the town with your ladies!
You can find a wonderful selection of organic essential oils at Rocky Mountain Oils, and aglass spray bottle, similar to the one I have, on Amazon!