10 Best Alcohol-free Hairsprays to Invest in for Stiff-free Locks!

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 14, 2024
Alcohol-free Hairsprays to Invest in for Stiff-free Locks!
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Alcohol-based hairsprays tend to damage the hair cuticles over time when used excessively. Because of their drying nature, alcohol-based hairsprays are a big no-no for their harmful effects on hair. To treat your hair better, here's a new alcohol-free hairspray collection in town that you need in your vanity kit. Adding the best alcohol-free hairsprays to your vanity kit is the best way to finish styling your hair without harsh chemicals.

It's time to upgrade to a better solution and give your hair a spritz of volume and definition with the goodness of natural ingredients. Swipe down to unlock Pandora's box of the best alcohol-free hairsprays for volumized locks and a lasting hold your hair will love!

10 Best Alcohol-free Hairsprays

Various people with color-treated hair are highly prone to frizz problems as a result of chemical treatments. The Dream Coat formulation, on the other hand, uses a heat-activated polymer that compresses, tightens, and closes the fiber to draw away the frizz. With a whopping 50,000+ positive reviews, the formulation covers each strand in a thin, water-resistant layer, causing water to bead up and roll off. The humidity-proofing treatment protects hair for up to 72 hours, making it the perfect alcohol-free hairspray on this list!

Size: 6.7 Fl Oz

Scent: Unscented

Finish: Glossy

Waterproof: Yes

Cruelty-free: Cruelty-free

Pros
  • Suitable for frizzy hair
  • Tangle-free hair
  • Glossy hair
  • Heat-protection
  • Long-lasting hold
Cons
  • None

Quick Tip

To get the best results, you can blow-dry your hair after applying the product – heat will activate it and form a protective shield around each strand.

  • Best Volumizing Spray

    KENRA Volume Spray 25

    KENRA Volume Spray 25
  • Beyond the apt name, KENRA Volume Spray 25 is an alcohol-free hair spray delivering the maximum volume and hold possible. The slick grey bottle comprises volumizing components that leave the hair brushable and flake-free for versatile hair styling. The goodness of panthenol gives high humidity resistance for up to 24 hours and boasts wind resistance up to 25 MPH with the super hold for up to 120 hours. Those pursuing a professional touch must grab this product!

    Size: 10 Oz

    Scent: Not mentioned

    Finish: Matte

    Waterproof: Resistant to water

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Silicone-free
    • Professional quality
    • Volumizes hair
    • Flake-free
    • Long-lasting hold
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Thin Hair

    BOLDIFY Hair Thickening Spray

    BOLDIFY Hair Thickening Spray
  • BOLDIFY Hair Thickening Spray makes your hair look fuller while keeping it pliable and natural-looking throughout the day. The superlight formulation won't leave a sticky residue or buildups like mousse or hair gel, so it doesn't weigh down tresses like other treatments. As the brand claims to provide volumized hair in 60 seconds, there are over 15k reviews raving about this promising feature. This hair spray for dry hair is perfect for natural definition, be it straight or curly.

    Size: 4 Oz

    Scent: Unscented

    Finish: Not mentioned

    Waterproof: No

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Mineral oil-free
    • Odourless
    • Absorbs excess oil
    Cons
    • Might dry the hair
  • Best Frizz-Fighting Spray

    OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Sea Salt Spray

    OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Sea Salt Spray
  • OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Sea Salt Spray is a cult favorite for its setting formulation and argan oil goodness. The leave-in styling spray contains sea salt extracts, which gives hair a gorgeous disheveled texture and hold while adding gloss in the end. The incorporation of argan oil and sea kelp satisfies all the worries as it tames the frizz and accentuates the curls. The easy-to-use spray functions well in every weather and is a savior for tousled hair making it the best hairspray without alcohol!

    Size: 6 Fl Oz

    Scent: Moroccan Sea Salt

    Finish: Shiny

    Waterproof: No

    Cruelty-free: Not-mentioned

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Pleasant scent
    • Dairy-free
    • Ideal for curly hair
    • Doesn’t make the hair frizzy
    Cons
    • Contains sulfates
  • Best Non-Drying Hairspray

    L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

    L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray
  • The alcohol-free formula by L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray adds a significant lift to your tresses. With no stiffness, residue, or flakes, the spray gives a natural definition to the locks for brushing and styling. The satin hairspray features a heat-resistant formulation for frizz-free hairstyling in humid conditions. Lastly, it comes in an assortment of sizes and formulations for all hair types making it a versatile choice in the list!

    Size: 11 Oz

    Scent: Unscented

    Finish: Shiny

    Waterproof: No

    Cruelty-free: Not-mentioned

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Unscented
    • Long-lasting hold
    • Great non-drying power
    Cons
    • Not ideal for daily use
  • Best for Fine Hair

    Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer

    Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
  • Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer is not your ordinary, traditional hair spray. This miracle volumizer safely douses the hair with a moisturizing ingredient like bamboo extracts and avoids hair-drying ingredients like sodium salts. The light, frothy formula is much suited for thin, fine hair that craves volume and drama. The alcohol-free hairspray formulation doesn't disturb the hair cuticles as the polymer tech sits on the top layer, keeping the cuticles hydrated and healthy.

    Size: 6.5 Fl Oz

    Scent: Unscented

    Finish: Glossy

    Waterproof: No

    Cruelty-free: Not-mentioned

    Pros
    • Thickens hair
    • Bouncy feel
    • Glossy finish
    • Doesn't clog the pores
    • Does dry hair
    Cons
    • Pricer than the others
  • Best for Men’s Hair Grooming

    Brickell Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

    Brickell Texturizing Sea Salt Spray
  • Brickell Texturizing Sea Salt Spray focuses on men's grooming and lifts their natural hairstyle to add oomph to their ordinary hair routines. The spray provides a matte finish to the gorgeous locks of men seeking the best hair grooming. It’s infused with sea salt, vitamin E, argan oil, and hydrolyzed proteins that lift and volumize hair from the roots to the tips. The hydrolyzed proteins encourage moisture retention keeping frizz problems out of the way. Vitamin E and panthenol assist in hair growth giving it a place in our neat list.

    Size: 6 Oz

    Scent: Unscented

    Finish: Not mentioned

    Waterproof: No

    Cruelty-free: Not-mentioned

    Pros
    • Natural ingredients
    • Ideal for all hair types
    • Long-lasting hold
    • Controls frizz
    • Promotes maximum moisture retention
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • Best for Hold

    KENRA Ultra Freeze Spray

    KENRA Ultra Freeze Spray
  • Another classic by KENRA, the Ultra Freeze Spray is a firm hair spray for tousled and unruly hair that can't seem to find the definition. This humid-resistant flexible hair spray keeps hairstyles in place while leaving them smooth and shiny with natural movement. The charming alcohol-free spray will make you fall in love with the definition and gloss it brings to your hair. With every single use, it dries instantly and keeps the hold for up to 30 hours perfect for professional and amateur styling too!

    Size: 10 Oz

    Scent: Unscented

    Finish: Not mentioned

    Waterproof: No

    Cruelty-free: Not-mentioned

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Pleasant scent
    • Great hold
    • Dries quickly
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Doesn't bring volume
  • Best Scented Hairspray

    Cake Beauty The Hold Out Flexy Hold Hair Spray

    Cake Beauty The Hold Out Flexy Hold Hair Spray
  • Those looking to style their hair for a Barbiecore aesthetic will love this pick. Cake Beauty The Hold Out offers a burst of volume to thin, fine hair in need of an upgrade. From styling updos to waterfall braids, the clean hairspray leaves the hair flexible and brushable without being stiff and dry. Free of parabens and sulfates, you can safely douse your hair with the goodness of Abyssinian oil, vitamin E, and vanilla extracts that leave you smelling like a dream. This fantastic formulation makes it one of the best alcohol-free hairsprays on the neat list!

    Size: 200 ml

    Scent: Vanilla

    Finish: Soft

    Waterproof: No

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Brushable
    • Great scent
    • No residue or buildups
    • Volumizes hair
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Doesn't last long
  • Best Vegan Hairspray

    BYRD Texturizing Surfspray

    BYRD Texturizing Surfspray
  • This moisturizing alcohol-free spray, infused with quinoa proteins, vitamin B5, and sea buckthorn extracts, repairs, and nourishes hair, giving it tousled beachy volume and control over the edges. The natural ingredients help heal and protect the hair from further damage adding a natural thickness that would make Rapunzel shy. Sunflower seed oil provides a natural barrier from UV and environmental damage, and green tea extracts will leave no harm to the hair cuticles. Add BYRD Texturizing Surfspray to your beauty arsenal for glossy, wavy curls.

    Size: 6 Fl Oz

    Scent: Salty Coconut

    Finish: Shiny

    Waterproof: No

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Hydrating
    • Gives the look of beachy hair
    • Free of parabens
    • Pleasant scent
    • UV protection
    • Vegan
    • Suitable for damaged hair
    Cons
    • Contains sulfates

    Quick Tip

    To achieve a texture that's more pronounced, you can add a few layers. Start off light with the product and build up as you go.

    Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best alcohol-free hairsprays, let's find out the differences between an alcohol-free hairspray and one that contains alcohol.

    Alcohol-free Hairspray Vs Alcohol Hair Spray

     

    The primary difference between an alcohol-free hairspray and one that contains alcohol is the formulation of the product and the effect that it has on your hair. Here are a few more factors to be compared.

    Alcohol-free Hairspray

    Ingredients: Alcohol-free hairsprays usually have a water-based formula along with polymers.

    Benefits: These hairsprays are more gentle on hair and are safe to be used on dry or damaged hair as well.

    Downsides: They usually don't have a very firm hold and they also take a long time to dry.

     

    Hairspray with Alcohol

    Ingredients: One of the main ingredients is alcohol – this allows it to dry quickly and gives it a strong hold.

    Benefits: Fast-drying properties and a superior, long-lasting hold.

    Downsides: It may dry out the strands, making it a product that's not recommended for dry and damaged hair.

    Keep your hair type and styling needs in mind when you're trying to choose between the two – check product labels for specific ingredients.

    How to Choose the Best Alcohol-free Hairspray?

    • Ingredients: As the whole list suggests, opting for non-alcohol-based hair sprays is the key to better hair quality. Opting for natural ingredients like vitamin E, panthenol, green tea extracts, sea salt, hydrolyzed proteins, and argan oil can be key to volumizing and texturing all hair types without turning them dry or brittle.
    • Formula: The purpose of hairspray can be to style, hold, or volumize the strands depending on the formula. Thin and fine hair must search for thickening and volumizing benefits, and must not opt for hold-based hairsprays as they may not give the desired volume but definition. Choose hydrating and moisturizing alcohol-free hair sprays or deep conditioning hair sprays if your hair is dry and brittle in the end.
    • Harsh chemicals: Spare your hair from harsh chemicals like sulfates, resins, salts, parabens, and alcohol, as they could potentially ruin the texture and overall health of your hair. They may lead to breakage and even stiffness of the strands, making them look and feel like straws.

    How to Use an Alcohol-free Hairspray?

    1. First, style hair in your desired way, be it curls, waves, or poker-straight strands.
    2. Then grab the alcohol-free hair spray and simply spray it 7 inches to 10 inches away from your head after you've done your hair. 
    3. While the spray is settling in, smooth down any frizz or flyaways with your hands.
    4. Viola, the alcohol-free hairspray will hold the beautiful locks in place for any event you decide to rock.

    Hairsprays come in dozens and finding the best one is a tedious job. Alcohol-based hairsprays tend to carry along the tiresome problems of scalp irritation and inflammation that can be avoided with the above-said list. Enriching your hair with the best alcohol-free hair sprays is the solution to firm locks and eye-pleasing hair definition without destroying your hair cuticles. Be sure to opt for the ideal hairspray your hair desires!

    Conclusion

    There are an abundance of hairsprays available and finding the best one is a tedious job. Alcohol-based hairsprays tend to come with disadvantageous problems of scalp irritation, inflammation, dry strands, and breakage – these can be avoided with the above-mentioned best alcohol-free hairsprays. From the KENRA Volume Spray to the BYRD Texturizing Hairspray, we've got something for everyone. Enriching your hair with these prized hair products is the ideal solution to achieving firm locks and eye-pleasing hair definition without destroying your hair cuticles. Be sure to opt for the ideal hairspray your hair desires!

    FAQ's

    Is hairspray with alcohol bad for your hair?
    Alcohol-based hairsprays can be bad for hair cuticles as they can dry out the hair if used excessively.
    What hairspray doesn't make your head itch?
    The best choice would be to opt for sulfate-free and alcohol-free hairsprays for an itch-free experience that brings hold and definition to your locks.
    Do all hairsprays contain alcohol?
    With alcohol’s fast-drying nature and firming hold, many hairsprays include alcohol in the formulation but it is not always safe. The above-mentioned hairsprays are alcohol-free and make for a better option.
    Is hairspray damaging to your hair?
    Frequently usign regular hairspray can lead to hair damage – this is because of the alcohol present and the potential for build-up.
    Are alcohol-free hairsprays expensive?
    Alcohol-free hairsprays vary in price but they are typically more expensive that the regular hairsprays found in the market.
    Do all hairsprays have alcohol?
    No, not all hairsprays contain alcohol. Alcohol-free options are available as well.
    Does alcohol-free hairsprays cause grey hair?
    The development of grey hair is generally influenced by genetic and any type of hairspray is not know to cause the onset of grey hair.
    Are there alcohol-free hairsprays with natural ingredients?
    Yes, there are some alcohol-free hairsprays that are formulated wth natural ingredients, making them very safe to be used on the hair.
    Can alcohol-free hairspray be used on all hair types?
    Yes, alcohol-free hairspray is typically suitable for all types of hair since they are more gentler and don’t cause excessive dryness or damage to the strands.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our haircare expert Alvira says that alcohol-free hairsprays are a great choice as they add volume to hair without making it dry. She tried and tested various products to come up with this list of the top 10 shampoos that are alcohol-free and nourish the hair. After testing all the ten products on the list, she concluded that Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer was one of the best shampoos for fine hair. After continuous use, it made her hair glossy, added volume to her hair, and made her hair shinier than ever.

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More