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These 9 Alcohol-Free Hair Sprays Won't Leave Your Hair Sahara-Level Dry

by Kaitlyn McLintock
Kaitlyn McClintock contributed to Byrdie for over two years, most recently covering beauty news for the brand.
Updated 10/17/19

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It's no secret that hairspray is a drying styling product; even a single spritz can leech the hydration out of the hair in 10 seconds flat. This is mostly thanks to its main ingredient: alcohol. But since alcohol is one of the main ingredients in traditional formulations, their alcohol-free counterparts are few and far between, but rest assured they're out there—you just have to do your research. So consider this my PSA. If your hair is colored, damaged, or naturally dry, try subbing out your current hair spray with one of these. You might notice a big difference like I did.

Keep scrolling for the best alcohol-free hair sprays on the market.

Best Overall: Kenra Professional Shaping Spray 21

Kenra Professional Shaping Spray 21

 Courtesy of Amazon

This product is lauded as "the first professional alcohol-free hairspray." It allows the hair to maintain its moisture levels while offering extra-firm hold. Plus, it dries down to a shiny finish, which makes the hair look healthier. It's one of my all-time favorites.

Best Volumizing: Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Pure Addiction Hair Spray

If you love big, voluminous hair, you might be a little hesitant to switch out your beloved hair spray for an alcohol-free version—but don't be. This formula is just as good as the classic and dries down nearly as fast. This spray even goes one step further than most and offers long-lasting humidity protection.

Best Drugstore: Herbal Essences Bio Renew Hair Spray

This alcohol-free hair spray has aloe, antioxidants, and extracts of sea kelp to treat hair and keep it soft and smooth. It's my favorite everyday hair spray that I use when I need a light-to-medium hold and a flexible finish.

Best Budget: Aussie Airspray Alcohol-Free Hair Spray

Aussie Air Spray Alcohol-Free Hairspray

 Courtesy of Walmart

This is another budget-friendly pick. Who knew that the drugstore had so many alcohol-free hair sprays? It's definitely surprising considering that there are still so many professional brands that don't offer alcohol-free options. This one leaves the hair touchably soft but it's still strong enough to hold all types of styles. Plus, the scent of citrus and jasmine is to die for.

Best Strong Hold: Pantene Pro-V Airspray Hair Spray

If your hair requires an extra-strong hold to keep styles in place, then this Pantene product might do the trick. Although it can feel a little sticky if you spray more than a spritz or two, it's super effective.

Best Non-Aerosol: Honeybee Gardens Alcohol-Free Hair Spray

When you think of hair spray, botanical ingredients might not be the first to come to mind, but this non-aerosol and non-alcohol hair spray isn't like the rest. Aloe, chamomile, rosemary, and lavender are just a few of the natural ingredients that make up this vegan, strong-hold formula.

Best for Flyaways: Ion Alcohol-Free Finishing Hair Spray

Ion Alcohol-Free Finishing Hair Spray

Courtesy of Sally Beauty 

 

Although the spray pump can take a little getting used to if you're partial to the continual spray bottles, this product works especially well for wetting a small brush or comb to smooth down flyaways and rogue strands.

Best Organic: Organic Excellence Wild Mint Styling Spray

This organic natural hold hair spray is made with lavender, rosemary, and grape seed extracts and has a light fragrance of mint; it's also made cruelty free. 

Best for Dry Hair: L'Ange Hair Luster Spray Laminate

If hold isn't all you're looking for in your styling products, this multi-use spray might do the trick. With ingredients like jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, safflower seed oil, and lemongrass extract, this spray can be used to protect against damage, add shine, and nourish hair strands.

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