11 Best Cruelty-free Hairsprays For Perfect Hold In 2024
There's nothing not to love about hair sprays that do the job well and carry no guilt!
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
Image: Shutterstock
A vegan and environmentally-friendly lifestyle is not an easy one to maintain. The market is not very wide, and it’s difficult to find the right products. But in this article, you will definitely find a cruelty-free hairspray that will help you carry your hairdo all day long!
A cruelty-free hair spray is just as effective as a regular hair spray but without painful tests and trials on animals. These hairsprays will, just as efficiently, set your hairstyle, tame frizz, volumize, and healthify your hair. Hairsprays hold your hairdo in place for a long time as you go about your day moving from place to place. They keep your hair from getting messy. Some of these hairsprays also neutralize free radical damage on hair.
So, even if you are not vegan, there’s no harm in trying out some of these cruelty-free, gentler hairsprays if you are in search of some good hair-setting formula. Check out our list of the 11 best cruelty-free hairsprays below!
In This Article
11 Best Cruelty-free Hairsprays Of 2024 To Keep Your Hair Woes Fixed!
1. Best Overall:COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
If you are craving that flawless smooth hair with mirror-like shine, then this Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural spray will do the perfect job for you! It is formulated with heat captivated polymers that coat your hair and protect it from humidity and frizz. The product is designed with anti-frizz advanced technology that imparts a sleek finish to the hair. Just apply it evenly to washed, towel-dried hair, comb through, and then blow-dry to activate the polymers. It forms a hydrophobic coat on your hair strands that block out the humidity and leave your hair silky smooth and frizz-free. This paraben-free, preservative-free, and cruelty-free hairspray acts like a mini-keratin treatment that works on the bonds between hair strands and lasts you easily for 3 hair washes. Numerous reviewers lauded its exceptional performance in providing shiny, smooth hair.
- No sulfates
- No dyes
- Preservative-free
- Paraben-free
- All hair types
- Expensive
- Not silicone-free
- Might harm pets
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 2,962 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Color-Safe:GIOVANNI L.A. Hold Hair Spritz
Made with USDA-certified ingredients, this organic cruelty-free hairspray with a firm holding power keeps your hairstyle in place all through the day. This hairspray is an animal-friendly and chemical-free product that is environmentally responsible. Enriched with the goodness of botanical extracts like aloe vera, lavender, and rosemary, it rejuvenates and conditions your hair. Just spritz it all over your hair and it shall retain your hairstyle keeping it smooth, shiny, and hydrated. Also, many users have enthusiastically left positive reviews about the product after testing it, commending its ability to maintain vibrant hair color. What’s more? It works great for color-treated hair too!
- Vegan
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Not alcohol-free
Pro Tip3. Best For UV Protection:Sun Bum Dry Texture Spray With Sea Salt And Sea Kelp
Made with insights from people who stay on the beach, this cruelty-free sea salt spray gives your hair a boost of volume and air with medium hold giving you that natural beach hair look. With its lightweight buildable formula, this hairspray protects your hair from damaging UV rays and prevents it from becoming dull, brittle, and frizzy. You can simply spray it on dry hair and tousle it in with your fingers to give you that controlled messy and carefree natural look. For that extra edge, you can flip your hair upside down and spray this non-toxic hairspray directly on the roots. Enriched with natural ingredients like sea salt and sea kelp, this vegan dry texture spray helps keep your hair healthy and beach-ready with every use.
- Natural hold
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Not fragrance-free
4. Best For Frizz Control:amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray
The biggest con about any hairspray is in the very thing they are meant to do, i.e. make your hair fixed in place. Once applied you dread touching your hair worried to spoil the ‘fixed’ look. But what if we give you a hairspray that holds your hair in place and leaves it touchable too? Well, amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray is meant to do just that! It is a flexible holding hairspray that gives you a frizz-free, crunch-free natural hold to your hair that is moveable and brushable thereafter. Just shake, spray and style your hair the way you want and freely run your fingers through. Also, reviewers have consistently praised the product for its eco-friendly and organic formulation. You can now go about your work or fun evenings without worrying about your hairdo anymore!
- Zero residue
- Touchable
- Crunch-free
- Frizz-free
- Nozzle design is not user-friendly
"This hairspray can effortlessly maintain its hold even in humidity. It has a very pleasing scent that lingers on the hair for some time. It strikes a decent balance for various styling needs."
Quick Tip5. Best Non-Sticky:Cake Beauty The Hold Out Flexy Hold Hairspray
Coming from a brand that came into existence with playfulness and natural ingredients in the kitchen, this cruelty-free natural hairspray gives a light and soft hold to your tresses all day. It comes packaged in a pretty bottle and with its cake-type sweet smell, it would attract more people. With a commitment to no animal testing and no animal by-products, the formulation features renewable ingredients. Many reviewers have spoken highly about the non-sticky texture of the product. Formulated with naturally enriching ingredients like shea butter, chamomile, and calendula, this paraben-free and 100% vegan hairspray gives you that nourished healthy shine and makes sure you never have a bad hair day!
- Professional-grade
- Phthalate-free
- Talcum-free
- Non-sticky
- Overpowering sweet smell
- Small size
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,766 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
6. Best USDA Certified:Organic Hair Spray By Herbal Choice Mari
A ton of makeup products and cosmetics that we use daily, more often than not are laden with harmful chemicals. It’s always better if we can make an all-natural organic switch as far as possible. This Organic Hair Spray by Herbal Choice Mari is a USDA-certified organic cruelty-free hairspray that is free of any harmful chemicals and toxins. This eco-conscious and responsible brand ensures no animal-derived ingredients were used in the formulation. Infused with plant-based essential oils like organic bergamot oil, organic olive oil, and organic rosehip oil, It gives a light natural hold on your hair with a fresh citrusy smell. One can use it on wet and dry hair, giving you just the right body and texture to last you through the day.
- USDA certified organic
- Vegan
- No toxic chemicals
- Paraben-free
- Might feel sticky
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 725 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
7. Best Hypoallergenic:No Nothing Very Sensitive Super Strong Hairspray
It’s rare to get a hairspray that checks all the boxes. This No Nothing Very Sensitive Super Strong Hairspray gives you a firm and extra strong hold that doesn’t budge all through the day. Approved by the Finnish Allergy & Asthma Association, it is hypoallergenic and free of perfume and parabens. With no irritating ingredients, it is suitable for sensitive scalp and skin. Along With UV and humidity protection, this specialist-approved formula also adds a dash of shine and texture to your hair making it look visibly better. With a cruelty-free certification, this hairspray is allergen-free and a great choice for those seeking a sustainable and ethical hair care option.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
- Perfume-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Chemical smell
- Might be too stiff a hold
8. Best Volumizing:Pacifica Beauty Ginger Root 10 in 1 Hair Volumizer
A natural hairspray not tested on animals, that gives you 10 times more volume in one use— doesn’t that sound amazing? Well, this vegan hair spray from Pacifica Beauty is formulated with nourishing ingredients like passionfruit, abyssinian oil, and dragonfruit, and has a decadent smell as well. It lifts fine hair and adds maximum volume while keeping your hair in place and frizz-free. You can spray it onto the roots and blow-dry from root up, to give you a natural breezy look. Enriched with vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your scalp, this frizz-control hair spray helps protect your hair from everyday pollution and other environmental stressors.
- Natural ingredients
- Free of harsh chemicals
- pH-balanced formula
- Silicone-free
- Vegan
- Not residue-free
Quick Tip9. Best Heat Protectant Spray:Verb Ghost Hairspray
Infused with glycerin, pro-vitamin V5, and moringa seed oil, this cruelty-free heat protectant spray adds a weightless and touchable hold to your hairstyle. It smoothes out the frizz and promotes a radiant shine as well. It works for all hair types. Spray it a good 8-10 inches away to coat all your hair evenly for a medium natural-looking hold, or build it up for a firmer hold. This vanishing daily restorative spray gives you all-day control while providing heat protection from the styling and heating tools as well.
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- All hair types
- Contains alcohol
10. Best For Curly Hair:Texturizing Wave Sea Salt Spray
Whether you are at the beach or relaxing at home, this Texturising Wave Sea Salt hair spray brings instant texture and life to your drab dull hair. You can use it to lock your hair in place or give you that beachy wave effect anytime. It works especially well to define your curls and helps them set nicely. Just like a dry shampoo, you can also use it on dry hair, a day or two after hair wash to get that romantic wavy look. It smells beautifully of lemongrass oil and provides a light non-sticky and soft hold all through the day!
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Good for curly hair
- Might dry out the hair
- Not for sensitive skin
11. Best For Everyday Use:Ovation Volume Enhancer Styling Spray
The Ovation Volume Enhancer Styling Spray is gentle enough to be used on your hair every day. It can be used alone or in combination with other Ovation hair care products. It gives you that much-needed boost of volume to your hair right before styling. Enriched with high levels of vitamins and fruit extracts, it texturizes your hair and leaves it feeling soft and nourished. You can spray it on your damp hair and massage it slightly to get the best outcome. It is free of any harmful chemicals, is safe for all hair types, and even works well for your color-treated hair.
- No parabens
- No sulfates
- Safe for color-treated hair
- All hair types
- Not scent-free
Now that you have yourself armed with a list of the best cruelty-free hairsprays available in the market, you can now be sure to make the switch to a more environmentally conscious, healthy, and sustainable living starting with your hairstyling products. To help you decide further, we give you below the basic know-how to decide which hair spray to opt for.
How To Choose The Best Cruelty-free Hairspray
- Hair type
Just the way your choice of skincare products depends on what type of skin you have, the hair styling products you use should first depend on your hair type. If you have dry hair you should go for a hairspray with moisturizing and hydrating ingredients and if you have oily hair, it’s better to stay away from any spray that is known to make the hair feel greasy and sticky. Fine limp hair would need a volumizing hairspray while thick wavy hair would do well with a lightweight, naturally conditioning hairspray. Certain hairsprays are also known to hold and define curly hair especially well.
- Formula
Along with choosing a cruelty-free formula, it is always better to go for an alcohol-free and toxin-free all-natural formula for your hair. You can choose to opt for a completely organic formula, a formula with moisturizing ingredients, or one that helps protect your hair from frizz and humidity. You can also go for a 100% vegan formula, with none of the animal-derived ingredients listed in it.
- Strength
The setting strength expected from your hair spray may vary as per your hair type as well as the time and occasion you intend to use it for. If you use a hair spray daily, you can opt for a natural moderate hold whereas if you are going out for a formal dance or event, you may desire a more firm and stronger hold that keeps your hairdo fixed in place. One might also want a low-strength hair spray just for that occasional use, to tame and restrict the stubborn flyaways.
- Size
If you use your hair spray occasionally or are trying it out for the first time, a smaller size would be enough. But if you have long tresses and need quite some amount each time, you would rather go for a larger size for everyday use. Also, no one would mind a travel-friendly mini-sized bottle for the very convenience of carrying it along with you anywhere anytime. Go a step further and make it a sustainable choice by choosing a biodegradable formula which comes in recyclable eco-friendly packaging.
- Finish
The very idea behind any hairstyling product is the final look and finish. So the hair spray you choose ultimately depends on the final look you are aiming for. You may want a romantic beachy wave look on some days or go for a sleek swept-up formal look on certain special occasions. Nonetheless, you can always choose a hairspray that gives you your desired style and effect effortlessly.
The Bottom Line
Using vegan and cruelty-free products has many benefits and it is like taking a conscious step towards the welfare of the environment. When giving your hair a strong, flexible, and maximum hold, you need to get your hands on the best cruelty-free hairsprays that will keep your hair in place all day long. The COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray seconds as a mini keratin treatment to give your hair a sleek, frizz-free finish, while the Cake Beauty The Hold Out Flexy Hold Hairspray is a vegan, cruelty-free product that offers a soft hold all day. If you are looking for a gentle product for regular use, the Ovation Volume Enhancer Styling Spray is ideal for you. They prevent your hair from getting messy and are safe for all hair types. The products reviewed in the curated list are devoid of any synthetic chemicals, non-sticky, do not leave any residue, and some are safe for color-treated hair. Consider your hair type, product formula, strength, size, and finish while picking the best cruelty-free hairspray. Also, read reviews before buying a product and conduct a patch test before using it daily.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a skin and hair care aficionado who loves to curate equitable product lists for her readers. She has conducted in-depth research and sifted through many user reviews on trusted platforms to list the best cruelty-free hair sprays. These products are made of natural ingredients that nourish and volumize hair. Besides, they fight frizz and keep the hairdo intact all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a hairspray damage your hair?
No, hair sprays do not damage your hair if used with caution. Always make sure you wash your hair regularly to remove the product buildup caused due to hairsprays.
Can hairspray make your hair fall out?
While it can lead to hair fall out, hair sprays do not cause permanent hair loss. Using excess hair spray may weaken your hair follicles and make your strands prone to breakage.
Is it OK to use cruelty-free hairspray everyday?
Yes, it is alright to use a cruelty-free hairspray everyday but not in excessive amounts. Use a tad bit of the spray to settle your curls and add definition to your tresses.
What age can you use a cruelty-free hairspray?
You may start using hair sprays after turning 18. Do not use hair sprays as a kid since the ingredients may not benefit sensitive scalp and hair.
Should you wash out the hairspray before going to bed?
Yes, if used excessively, hair sprays might be too drying. So, it is recommended to wash it out before going to bed or if you experience any irritation.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.