{"id":1046648,"date":"2025-12-12T16:26:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T13:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1046648"},"modified":"2025-12-12T16:26:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T13:26:03","slug":"the-5-best-alcohol-free-hairsprays-to-lock-in-your-look-we-tested-over-50","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1046648","title":{"rendered":"The 5 Best Alcohol-Free Hairsprays to Lock in Your Look (We Tested Over 50)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

The 5 Best Alcohol-Free Hairsprays to Lock in Your Look (We Tested Over 50)<\/h1>\n

After 76 hours of testing, these alcohol-free formulas held up the best.<\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Emily Algar<\/p>\n
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\"emily\"emily<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nEmily Algar\n<\/div>\n
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    \nEmily Algar is an Australia-based journalist and beauty expert specializing in product reviews. Her work has been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Grazia Australia, and POPSUGAR.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    and<\/span><\/p>\n
    Melanie Rud<\/p>\n
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    \"person\"person<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nMelanie Rud\n<\/div>\n
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      \nMelanie Rud is a beauty writer with over 15 years of editorial experience, known for her expertise in skincare and product research. At Byrdie, she covers a range of beauty and lifestyle topics\u2014especially gift guides\u2014and personally tests the products she features.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Updated on September 30, 2025 10:20AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      In This Article<\/h2>\n
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      View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      In This Article<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Top Picks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        Reviews<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        What to Look For<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        Meet Our Experts<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        Why Trust Byrdie<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Byrdie<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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        TL;DR<\/p>\n

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        Our favorite alcohol-free hairspray is Crown Affair’s The Finishing Spray, thanks to its lightweight, aerosol-free formula that tames frizz and keeps hair in place without residue or flakes. For anyone seeking an alcohol-free hairspray formula with added strength, consider Yarok’s Feed Your Hold Hairspray, which boasts a lightweight feel on the hair despite its solid hold.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        Think of hairspray like the little black dress of hair care: it\u2019s versatile, necessary, and something everyone should own. However, some traditional hairsprays include alcohol, which can be drying (not the best for hair that\u2019s already brittle, damaged, or generally dry to begin with) or cause scalp irritation, says hairstylist and salon owner Anthony Nader.\n<\/p>\n

        It can admittedly be tough to find a hairspray that doesn\u2019t contain alcohol, but we tested over 50 hairsprays for two weeks, zeroing in on dozens of alcohol-free hairsprays for 76 hours. Our testers (with various hair types and textures) tried them at home, at least three times per week on dry, styled hair. We then evaluated their insights, assessing everything from ease of application to scent to the hold\u2014specifically how strong it was and how long it lasted. We also noted how the hair felt after using the product. The alcohol-free hairsprays below made a lasting impression (pun intended).<\/p>\n

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        Top Picks<\/h2>\n
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        Best Overall:<\/div>\n

        Crown Affair The Finishing Spray at Sephora<\/span>$38<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Long-Lasting:<\/div>\n

        Bounce Curl Hair Spray at Bouncecurl.com<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Flexible Hold:<\/div>\n

        Kenra Professional Shaping Spray 21 at Amazon<\/span>$22<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Strong Hold:<\/div>\n

        Yarok Feed Your Hold Hairspray at Amazon<\/span>$32<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best for Curly Hair:<\/div>\n
        SALE<\/div>\n

        Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Flexible Holding Spray at Amazon<\/span>$26<\/s>$18<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        \nBest Overall
        \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Crown Affair The Finishing Spray<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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        \"Crown\"Crown<\/div>
        Credit: Crown Affair<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        $38 at Sephora<\/span><\/span>View on Crownaffair.com<\/span><\/span>$38 at Goop.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Smooths hair and adds shine<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Lightweight, aerosol-free formula<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Even application and clog-free nozzle<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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          What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Doesn’t have a strong hold<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Works best for fine hair types<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

            Size:<\/strong> 3.4 oz | Scent:<\/strong> Fresh | Hold: <\/strong>Flexible | Cruelty-Free: <\/strong>Yes\n<\/p>\n

            Anyone with fine hair understands the trouble of finding styling products that don’t weigh their hair down or leave a residue. Our tests revealed that Crown Affair’s The Finishing Spray benefited our fine-haired tester without any adverse consequences, boasting a light to medium hold and an instant smoothing effect. Not to mention, the formula accomplishes these things without any crunchy or sticky feeling or flakes after brushing our hair post-application. We were also fond of the fresh, clean scent upon application (more formally known as Crown Affair’s The Signature Scent, with notes of bergamot, green tea, and sandalwood, to name a few), although it didn’t linger throughout the day (a bonus for those sensitive to fragrance).\n<\/p>\n

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            \"Before\"Before<\/div>\n<\/div>
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            Byrdie<\/p>\n

            <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

            Amanda, tester with 1B hair<\/strong>:\u00a0“I found that it made my hair instantly smoother and frizz-free…It had an almost smoothing effect that tamed any flyaways.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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            \nBest Long-Lasting
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            Bounce Curl Hair Spray<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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            \"Hair\"Hair<\/div>
            Credit: Bounce Curl Home<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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            View on Bouncecurl.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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            What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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              Delivers hold that lasts all day<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Excellent at keeping curls in place<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Non-aerosol bottle still delivers an even, fine mist<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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              What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                Leaves behind residue that doesn\u2019t dissipate until washed out<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                Size:<\/strong> 6 oz | Scent:<\/strong> Fruity and floral | Hold:<\/strong> Medium to strong | Cruelty-Free:<\/strong> Yes\n<\/p>\n

                We were wildly impressed with not only how well this formula (which has the added benefit of moisturizing glycerin and panthenol) held the shape and style of our curls, but also how long that hold lasted. It kept everything in place all day, leaving our hair looking almost exactly the way it did upon first application. (We found it to be especially good at taming the tiny baby hairs at the nape of our neck when sporting an updo, no easy feat.)\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                The ease of application was also noteworthy\u2014it comes out in a fine mist that covers a large area, despite being a non-aerosol formula. The one drawback? It does leave a pretty noticeable residue that lingers until the product is washed out. It can also feel pretty stiff initially. That said, we found these to be worthwhile trade-offs given how well the hairspray worked and how long it lasted.\n<\/p>\n

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                \"Photos\"Photos<\/div>\n<\/div>
                <\/p>\n

                Byrdie<\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                Jessica, tester with 2C hair<\/strong>: \u201cI was impressed because typically my curls fall out by about half, especially if I curl them a few days after washing them. This hairspray did a great job keeping my curls in place in the desired shape.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                \nBest Flexible Hold
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                Kenra Professional Shaping Spray 21<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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                \"Amazon\"Amazon<\/div>
                Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                $22<\/span><\/div>\n

                $21 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>View on Ulta<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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                What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                  Fast-drying and lightweight<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                  Excellent for taming frizz<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                  No residue left behind<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                  What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                    Doesn\u2019t live up to its claims of offering an extra-firm hold<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    Size:<\/strong> 8 oz | Scent:<\/strong> Unscented | Hold:<\/strong> Flexible | Cruelty-Free: <\/strong>Yes\n<\/p>\n

                    Reach for this Kenra hairspray when you want a workable styler that delivers just a bit of hold. We liked how quickly it dried, allowing us to easily layer it throughout our styling routine. It also earned rave reviews for its featherweight texture and no visible or tactile residue or greasiness. It can initially leave hair feeling a little bit stiff, but it does brush out nicely. Our biggest gripe was that, despite the brand claiming it offers \u201cextra-firm hold,\u201d the hold only lasted for a few hours. We suggest saving it for situations when that\u2019s not going to be an issue (aka on a more casual hair day) or be prepared to bring it along for touch-ups.\n<\/p>\n

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                    \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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                    Byrdie<\/p>\n

                    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                    Stella, tester with 1A hair<\/strong>: \u201cAfter using this spray, my hair looks more put together, and it gave me a bit of volume that I desperately need for my ultra-flat, thin, straight hair.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                    \nBest Strong Hold
                    \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Yarok Feed Your Hold Hairspray<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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                    \"Yarok\"Yarok<\/div>
                    Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                    <\/p>\n
                    $32<\/span><\/div>\n

                    $31 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>View on Yarokhair.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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                    What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                      Washes out easily, despite the strong hold<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                      Plant-based formula<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                      Lightweight texture<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                      What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                        Tends to leave behind a residue<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                        Size:<\/strong> 8 oz | Scent:<\/strong> Herbal | Hold: <\/strong>Strong | Cruelty-Free: <\/strong>Yes\n<\/p>\n

                        This is the spray to reach for if you want to keep your style in place from morning to night. We were impressed with how well this plant-based formula worked (it delivers a level of hold that\u2019s equivalent to aerosol-based formulas without feeling as drying or damaging). It also dried extremely quickly and had a featherweight texture that didn\u2019t weigh down strands.\n<\/p>\n

                        However, it\u2019s best to use it for looks that you want to set in place and then not touch or play with. We found that the hairspray did leave a bit of residue if we brushed our hair or tried to manipulate our style during the day. Still, both the product and residue did wash out cleanly, so if you\u2019re planning on shampooing after use, this shouldn\u2019t be an issue.\n<\/p>\n

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                        \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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                        Byrdie<\/p>\n

                        <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                        Reese, tester with 1B hair<\/strong>: \u201cI felt good using a plant-based hair spray because it felt so similar to traditional hairsprays and had a great hold without all of the chemicals.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                        \nBest for Curly Hair
                        \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                        Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Flexible Holding Spray<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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                        \"Ouidad\"Ouidad<\/div>
                        Credit: Target<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                        <\/p>\n
                        $26<\/span><\/div>\n

                        $18 at Amazon<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

                        $26<\/span><\/div>\n

                        $19 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>$26 at Target<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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                        What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                          Adds movement while maintaining curl shape and definition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                          Easy to brush through post-application<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                          Lockable nozzles makes it easy to travel with<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                          What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                            A bit sticky when initially applied<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                            Size:<\/strong> 8.5 oz | Scent:<\/strong> Minimal | Hold: <\/strong>Flexible | Cruelty-Free: <\/strong>Yes\n<\/p>\n

                            A suitable hairspray for curly hair will maintain the definition of your curls without making them crunchy or stiff\u2014we found that Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Flexible Holding Spray formula achieved this seamlessly. Its flexible hold allows curls and waves to move freely while keeping their distinct shape, and limits the appearance of frizz and flyaways. We were pleased not only with how well this formula works after application, when using our fingers to comb through any tangled pieces, but also with how it holds up throughout the rest of the day, preventing the need for reapplication at any point.\n<\/p>\n

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                            \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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                            Byrdie<\/p>\n

                            <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                            Shauna Beni-Haynes<\/strong>, senior editor with 3C\/4A hair:\u00a0<\/strong>“The hold is very flexible\u2014my hair\/curls moved in the wind, and anytime I moved my head around. I noticed the curls had a more uniform and neat look after applying the spray.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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                            What to Look for in Alcohol-Free Hairspray <\/span><\/h2>\n
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                            • Moisturizing Ingredients: <\/strong>If you have a drier hair texture and want a hairspray that holds your style and<\/em> adds a moisture boost, opt for something alcohol-free and with moisturizing ingredients such as Moroccan or coconut oil, suggests celebrity hairstylist Alexander Armand. A couple of others to look out for: panthenol, a vitamin B derivative, and plant-based oils.<\/li>\n
                            • Hold:<\/strong> This is probably the most important factor you\u2019re considering when choosing a hairspray. Look for lighter-hold formulas if you\u2019re sporting more flexible, brushable styles (think a bouncy blowout) and strong-hold options to keep hair in place all day if you\u2019re wearing an updo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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                              FAQ<\/div>\n
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                              • \n
                                Is alcohol bad for your hair in hairspray?<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                Due to its drying nature, alcohol in hairspray can have adverse effects on your hair. If you have dry, brittle, colored, or treated hair, avoiding alcohol in hairspray is wise. However, you should also check the ingredient label for other potentially damaging ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde, notes celebrity hairstylist Emilio Uribe\u2014particularly if hairspray is a part of your daily routine. \u201cProlonged use or excessive application of a hairspray containing these types of harsh ingredients may result in dryness, rigidity, and potential harm to your hair shaft structure,\u201d he points out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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                                How does alcohol-free hairspray keep hair in place without alcohol?<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                Alcohol is typically used in hairsprays due to its fast-drying nature. It doesn\u2019t necessarily contribute to the hold factor; that\u2019s the responsibility of polymers in the formula that create a film on your hair as it dries, helping to hold it in place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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                                What is the healthiest hairspray to use?<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                The healthiest hairsprays are those that do not contain drying ingredients such as alcohol. Hairsprays with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients can help boost the health and appearance of your hair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                                Meet Our Experts
                                <\/span><\/h2>\n

                                We consulted hairstylists for additional guidance about what to know when shopping for alcohol-free hairspray.\n<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Anthony Nadar is an award-winning hairstylist, salon owner, and balayage expert.<\/li>\n
                                • Emilio Uribe is a celebrity hairstylist.<\/li>\n
                                • Alexander Armand is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Flourish, a line of hair and beard oils.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  Why Trust Byrdie <\/span><\/h2>\n

                                  Alcohol-free hairspray is a tough category to crack, so you can rest assured, Emily Algar, who has over five years of experience covering the beauty industry, scoured the market and compiled the best of the best. Melanie Rud also contributed to this article. A writer and beauty editor, she\u2019s well-versed in all things hair care-related. (And always reaches for alcohol-free hairspray to take care of her own fine and dry strands.) Both writers reviewed testing insights to help create the list of top picks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                                  Edited by<\/span>
                                  \nAlly Hirschlag\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                                  Read more:<\/div>\n
                                    \n
                                  • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  • Haircare<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  • Hair Products And Tools<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

                                    Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/alcohol-free-hair-spray<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                    We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 5 Best Alcohol-Free Hairsprays to Lock in Your Look (We Tested Over 50) After 76 hours of testing, these alcohol-free formulas held up the best. By Emily Algar Emily Algar Emily Algar is an Australia-based journalist […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1046648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1046648"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046648\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1046648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1046648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1046648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}