Spritz was commonly used in the 90’s for roller sets, molding updos, or pre-applied to the hair before curling. Hair spray on the other hand was and still is just as popular, but it is viewed as a product for naturally straight hair. The assumption was that textured hair could use alcohol-based products before heat styling and not hair spray, as it is viewed as a sure way break textured hair. Let’s see why the spritz and hairspray have been professional product collection staples for decades. In turn you will learn how to discern which to choose over the other, or if you should choose them both!
Spritz
A spritz is a light hold spray that allows you to style your hair with hold. According to a representative from Motions, “Our Motions Light Hold-Working Spritz is a light, workable spray which allows you to style your hair with flexibility.” This type of spray is perfect for styling an updo and trying new styles that you are a little unsure of. It is also light enough to comb through and adjust your style. The representative from Motions considers this, “It is a lighter spray which will give hold, but it will not have the same longevity as other formulated holding stylers. Its major holding ingredient comes from flexible polymer- specifically ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer.”
According to The Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer is used in hair product for its setting properties. It yields a non-tacky film and is water resistant. It is used in hair setting and bodying preparations.
Hair Spray
Hair spray is used for adding body and holding styles in place. Some sprays are light and some are extremely firm. “Motion’s Hold and Shine Styling Spray produces shine without stickiness, humidly resistance and no dullness (hair spray myth”>. Once you style and use the product, you should not change the style. This is a finisher that creates the firm hold with the ingredients of butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, vinyl neodecanoate copolymer.”
These two main polymers are typically used in formulated hair sprays. Simon Quellen Field says, “The basic building blocks of these polymers are the same ones found in acrylic paints and white glue, but they are put together in such a way that they are flexible, shiny, non-clogging in the spray can nozzle, dry quickly, and remain waterproof yet able to be washed out of the hair. These polymers are carried in a base of water and alcohol (usually denatured”>, and the liquefied gas dimethyl ether, which acts as the propellant. The dimethyl ether boils away as a gas when the spray head is pushed down, propelling the rest of the ingredients out in a fine mist.”
The Difference
Spritz– a light hold, workable styler that is commonly used by performers, especially those who wear two or more hairdos in one day, or men/women who do not want to immediately wash their hair after wearing the style.
Hair Spray– a firm hold, finisher that is commonly used by men or women who want/need a lasting, firm, finished hold to last throughout the day.
Which is best for me?
The good news is, when used properly, these products can work wonders for any curl pattern.
Curly
Use the workable spray on wet hair when curl styling. Shake your hair and build it up to create the volume you love. Once you have set your hair the way you like it, you could use hair spray to hold that style in place. Shake your hair while you spray your hair to prevent clingy curls and keep the curls separate and touchable.
Coily
Workable spray is typically all that you will need. Special high moisture situations like a performance or high-humidity environment may call for a hair spray. If you are not prepared to wash your hair after styling, you could use a light oil to break up the hold. However, you will need to shampoo the hair spray out within a few days to prevent gumminess.
If you are concerned with dryness or prefer natural ingredients, look for spritz and stylers that are alcohol free. You may want to avoid ethanol, SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, propanol, propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohols. Not to be confused with good, fatty alcohols like laurel, cetyl, myristil, stearyl, cetearyl, and behenyl alcohols.
If your hair is healthy and you are comfortable using shampoo, you can try any formula to create the look you want as long as you shampoo the product from your hair within 48 hrs. or so. There is something for everyone. If you like a daring, edgy, or want a very predictable look, play around with hair spritz and hair spray!
Do you use spritz and hair spray? Which do you like more?
