Does Hairspray Cause Hair Loss?

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There’s a lot of debate surrounding the use of hairspray and its potential to cause hair loss. Some people swear by it, while others believe it’s the root cause of their hair loss.

Even though I have been confused about this for a while. But after doing some research, I’ve realized it’s not the sole reason for my hair loss. So does hairspray cause hair loss?

The answer is Hair spray does not cause hair loss in short term if properly used. But if you do not know the proper usage and apply it directly on your scalp for a long time, it may cause scalp irritation which may result hair loss.

Let’s take a closer look at this topic in more detail.

What Is the Purpose of Hairspray?

Hairspray is a type of cosmetic product that is used to style hair. It usually contains chemicals, such as alcohols, which help hold the hair in place. Then, there are also volumizing and thickening ingredients, such as polymers, which give the hair a fuller appearance.

However, clay and pastes have been used from the beginning of time for intricating hair, but it wasn’t until the 1950s when hairspray as I know it was introduced in the market.

Typically, hairspray aims to keep your hairstyle in place and look great all day long. However, many people also use it to achieve a particular look that they wouldn’t be able to achieve without the added hold of a hairspray.

For example, people with straight hair may use it to achieve more curl or volume, while those with curly hair may tame their locks and achieve a straighter look.

What are the Ingredients of Hair Spray and How Does It Work?

So you must be curious about what is in hair spray. If I explain it in simple language, it contains a chain-like-molecule called Polymers which can sometimes work as solvent and sometimes as propellant.

When you spray it on your hair, the solvent evaporates and leaves a thick and hard layer on your hair to hold it at the same place where you want to keep it. 

That’s it. Simple! Isn’t it?

The Debate: Does Hairspray Cause Hair Loss?

Now that we know what hairspray is and what it’s used for, let’s get into the main question: Does hairspray cause hair loss?

There are two leading schools of thought when it comes to this topic. The first belief is that hairspray does not cause hair loss. This is because hairspray is simply a cosmetic product used to style hair, and it does not penetrate the scalp or hair follicles. Therefore, it cannot directly cause hair loss.

The second belief is that hairspray can indirectly cause hair loss.

The main point here is if the manufacturer of the hair spray abides by the direction of  the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the toxicity in the chemical used in hair spray should be very minimal. However, if the chemicals come in contact with the scalp or skin, some people might have allergic reactions and irritation. 

And if these chemicals come in contact with your scalp and skin regularly for a long time, it very much likely that your scalp and hair will be dry and become brittle which may result hair loss in the long run.

How to Use Hair Spray Properly

If you know the right way to apply hair spray, you can avoid the relavent problems very easily. Here is the 5 easy steps to apply hair spray.

Step 1: Apply to clean hair

Make sure that your hair is clean and dust-free before you apply hair spray. Don’t hesitate to use shampoo before using hair spray so that you can avoid impurities of your hair.

Step 2: Apply on Dry Hair

If you use hairspray on damp hair, you might not achieve the desired effects. When your style is ready to be sealed down, add hairspray.

Step 3: Select the perfect Hair Spray

Choosing the right hair spray is one of the most important steps. Please consider your hair type (straight, curly, frizzy etc.) when you buy hair spray.

Step 4: Keep the safe Distance

To obtain an equal coating and just enough hold, hold the nozzle 15cm away from your hair. If you hold the nozzle too close to the strands and spray, the substance will not distribute evenly and will concentrate in one area.

Don’t spray too close to your hair and don’t directly spray on your scalp.

Step 5: Spray Evenly

Don’t spray in one are for a long time. This uneven spray may cause you to start again from the beginning. Try to spray evenly to cover the all area of tyour head.

Reasons for Having Hair Loss

There can be many reasons for having hair loss. It could be due to genetics, nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, scalp infections, or even certain medications.

Genetics

The most prevalent cause of hair loss is genetics. If your parents or grandparents have experienced hair loss, then it’s likely that you will too. This is because hair loss can be passed down from generation to generation. Also, specific genes can make you more susceptible to hair loss.

Nutrient Deficiencies

If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it could lead to hair loss. Your hair needs certain nutrients, such as iron, protein, and zinc, to stay healthy. And if you’re not getting enough of these nutrients, it can lead to hair loss.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases, such as alopecia areata and lupus, can also cause hair loss. These conditions cause your body’s immune system to attack your hair follicles, which leads to hair loss. Moreover, thyroid problems can also lead to hair loss because they can cause your body’s metabolism to slow down, affecting the growth of your hair.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during menopause or pregnancy, can also cause hair loss. It is because fluctuating hormone levels can affect your hair’s growth cycle.

Also, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can cause thinning of the scalp hair.

Scalp Infections

Ringworm and other scalp infections can also lead to hair loss. This is because the infection can cause your hair follicles to become inflamed and damaged, leading to hair loss.

Dandruff

Dandruff is another scalp condition that can cause hair loss. This is because skin flakes can clog up your hair follicles and prevent new hair from growing.

Certain Medications

Certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer, can also cause hair loss. This is because the medication can attack the cells that help to grow your hair.

How to Treat Hair Loss

There are many ways to treat hair loss. If the cause is genetic, you may not be able to do much about it. However, if the cause is due to a nutrient deficiency, autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalance, or scalp infection, treatments are available.

For example, if the cause of your hair loss is because of a nutrient deficiency, you can take supplements or eat foods rich in the nutrients that your hair needs.

Suppose the cause of your hair loss is because of an autoimmune disease, such as alopecia areata or lupus. In that case, you can use immunotherapy to help suppress your immune system and prevent it from attacking your hair follicles.

You can go for a hair transplant if the cause of your hair loss is genetic or because of certain medications. In this procedure, the surgeon will transplant healthy hair follicles from one area of your scalp to another.

Bottomline

So, what’s the verdict? Does hairspray cause hair loss? Hairspray has no direct relation to hair loss. However, if your scalp and hair are excessively dry, it might lead to hair loss. Therefore, it’s essential to use a hairspray that is alcohol-free and does not contain any harsh chemicals.

FAQ’s

Here, I have answered some of the frequently asked questions regarding hairspray and hair loss.

What Are the Side Effects of Using Hairspray?

The side effects of using hairspray include dryness, sneezing, itchiness, and red eyes. If you experience any of these side effects, it’s essential to stop using the product and see a doctor.

How Often Should I Use Hairspray?

You should only use hairspray as often as you need to style your hair. If you use it too often, it can dry out your hair and scalp, leading to breakage.

Do I Need to Wash My Hair After Using Hairspray?

No, you don’t need to wash your hair after using hairspray. However, if you feel like your hair is too greasy or oily, you can wash it with a mild shampoo.