DIY Hair Spray With Essential Oils for Natural Hold

QUICK SUMMARY

This DIY hair spray with essential oils is an easy, alcohol-free homemade hair spray made with purified or distilled water, organic sugar, and your favorite hair-loving essential oils. It gives your hair flexible, natural hold without aerosol propellants, a heavy alcohol base, or synthetic fragrance.

Sugar is the secret ingredient. When it is dissolved properly and misted lightly, it helps hold your hairstyle without leaving your hair excessively sticky or crunchy. In our experience, it also has not attracted insects when used as directed and spills are wiped up.

The best essential oils for homemade hair spray include rosemary, lavender, cedarwood, tea tree, and bergamot. Rosemary has human research for androgenetic hair loss, cedarwood appeared in a successful multi-oil alopecia areata trial, tea tree has human dandruff research, and lavender has promising animal research. Those studies used specific formulations, so they do not prove that this hair spray treats hair loss or scalp disease. (5, 6, 7, 8)

Because this is a water-based DIY without a broad-spectrum preservative, make small batches and treat shelf life conservatively. If you use bergamot, choose bergapten-free or FCF bergamot when possible, and remember that essential oils do not truly dissolve in water.

When going all-natural with your hair care, don't forget to include your finishing products, such as hair spray. My DIY hair spray with essential oils smells great, is extremely budget-friendly, and works beautifully for everyday styling and natural hold.

While it contains sugar, it doesn't leave your hair sticky or attract insects when used as directed. The sugar simply gives this homemade hair spray its holding power without the harsh feel of many conventional sprays.

As a Mom of girls, non-toxic hair spray brings me so much peace of mind. Every swap matters. When we choose cleaner personal care products, we're reducing our family's toxic burden, stewarding our bodies well, and creating a healthier home one simple recipe at a time. Protect yourself and the environment by whipping up this easy DIY! I just know you'll love it.

Reasons to Avoid Store-Bought Hair Spray

Store-bought hair spray may help hold a style, but it can also expose your family to aerosolized ingredients, strong fragrance, drying alcohols, and indoor air pollutants. That's why this DIY hair spray is such a practical non-toxic beauty swap.

1. Hair Spray Poisoning and Overspray

Hair spray poisoning can occur after significant inhalation, swallowing, or eye exposure. MedlinePlus lists possible symptoms including blurred vision, breathing difficulty, burning throat pain, eye burns, low blood pressure, slurred speech, and, in severe cases, coma. It also makes an important point that deserves to be included: hair spray is not considered highly toxic and most hair spray poisonings are not serious. (1)

For everyday use, my bigger concern is repeated overspray around the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs. Aerosol cans can create a cloud that is harder to control than a simple fine-mist pump bottle.

When you make this DIY hair spray, you know exactly what's in the bottle. The ingredients are simple and recognizable. I don't recommend drinking it because essential oils are concentrated plant medicine, but I do love knowing we're not spraying synthetic fragrance and aerosol propellants all over the bathroom.

2. Indoor Air Quality Concerns

Storebought hair spray isn't just something that lands on your hair. Some of what you spray remains in the air, and then your family breathes that air.

The EPA explains that volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are emitted as gases from many household products, including cosmetics and other products used in the home. Indoor VOC levels can be higher than outdoor levels, and exposure may contribute to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms depending on the chemical, concentration, and duration of exposure. (2)

This is important. We can eat clean, use essential oils wisely, and make healthy recipes, but if we ignore the air inside our homes, we're missing a big piece of Biblical health. Reducing aerosol products is one simple way to lower your family's unnecessary exposure.

3. Environmental Concerns

Storebought hair spray has a complicated environmental history. Older aerosol products, including hair sprays, were once associated with ozone-damaging fluorocarbon propellants. In 1978, the EPA announced a federal phaseout of ozone-destroying fluorocarbon gases in most aerosol products, including hair sprays. (3)

That was a major improvement, but it doesn't make every modern aerosol hair spray environmentally neutral. Hair styling and hair spray products can still contribute to air-quality problems through VOC emissions. The California Air Resources Board has fined hair styling and hair spray manufacturers for violating air-quality rules related to smog-forming VOCs. (4)

So what does this mean for you? This DIY is about more than beauty. It's about caring for your body, your home, and God's creation with practical daily choices.

DIY Hair Spray Ingredient Breakdown

The best DIY hair spray is simple: clean water, a natural holding ingredient, and essential oils that smell beautiful and support a healthy scalp. This recipe doesn't use vodka or rubbing alcohol. Some people find high-alcohol styling products especially drying on hair that is already dry, curly, color-treated, or damaged.

You might notice that this ingredient list doesn't call for vodka. I searched high and low for DIY hair spray recipes that didn't use alcohol, and I gave one a try. It wasn't quite what I was looking for, so I tweaked it and added some amazing essential oils. Now, I feel like I've come up with the perfect natural homemade hair spray! Here's what this recipe includes.

Purified or Distilled Water: I recommend using distilled water in all of my recipes, DIY or not. Distilled water gives homemade personal care products a cleaner starting base. Tap water quality can vary from home to home, so starting with clean water is a simple way to make a better DIY.

One important safety note: distilled water does not preserve a finished water-based product. FDA explains that contaminated water, ineffective preservation, storage, packaging, and consumer use can all introduce microorganisms into cosmetics. (10)

In our home, we use filtered water and are intentional about the quality of the water we drink and use in our DIYs.

Organic Fair Trade Sugar or Coconut Sugar: These options work great in this recipe. Organic Fair Trade sugar or coconut sugar helps hold the hair in place without leaving it sticky or crunchy when used lightly. I love that this ingredient is budget-friendly and found in most people's pantries! No more overspending on name-brand toxins.

Put simply, sugar gives this natural hair spray its hold. Start with the recipe as written for flexible hold. If you need a firmer hold, you can slightly increase the sugar in your next batch, but don't overdo it or your hair may feel stiff.

Essential Oils: Essential oils give this recipe a great scent, and they give your hair a boost. God made us unique, and I recommend customizing your products to reflect that fact! Here are some essential oils I love.

• Rosemary: Rosemary is one of my favorite essential oils for hair. In a 6-month randomized comparative trial, 100 people with androgenetic alopecia were assigned to rosemary oil or 2% minoxidil. Hair counts increased significantly from baseline in both groups at 6 months, with no significant difference in hair-count change between the groups, and scalp itching was more frequent with minoxidil. (5) This is meaningful human research, although the study tested a specific treatment protocol rather than this hair spray.
• Cedarwood: Cedarwood is a classic oil for scalp and hair blends, especially in men's products. In a randomized, double-blind trial of 86 people with alopecia areata, a blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood in jojoba and grapeseed oils was significantly more effective than carrier oils alone. Because cedarwood was one part of a four-oil blend, the study does not prove cedarwood alone regrows hair. (6)
• Lavender: Lavender smells beautiful and helps create a calming hair-care routine. In a mouse study, topical 3% and 5% lavender oil increased hair follicle number, hair follicle depth, and dermal thickness. That's promising preclinical research, but we still need better human trials before calling lavender a proven hair-growth treatment. (7)
• Tea Tree: Tea tree is one of my favorite oils for a fresh, clean scalp. In a randomized controlled trial of 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff, a 5% tea tree oil shampoo improved dandruff severity by 41% compared with 11% for placebo after four weeks. (8) That trial used a 5% wash-off shampoo, so it should not be used to claim that this much more dilute leave-on hair spray treats dandruff.
• Bergamot: Clean, uplifting scent. I love it in hair-care blends, especially when I want a bright citrus aroma. Choose bergapten-free, FCF bergamot whenever possible for a leave-on spray that may contact the scalp, forehead, neck, or shoulders.

Application: I always use some rosemary since it's perfect for hair, but I also love to add some lavender, grapefruit, and bergamot. This blend is my favorite, but you can use any combination you like while keeping the safety of each oil in mind.

One quick note: essential oils do not truly dissolve in water. Shaking helps redistribute them temporarily, but it does not create a true solubilized formula or guarantee that every spray contains exactly the same concentration. Shake before each use, mist the hair rather than the face, avoid the eyes, and be conservative when spraying directly onto the scalp.

A Note About Photosensitization

Some essential oils, especially certain expressed citrus oils, can cause phototoxic skin reactions when enough oil remains on the skin and the area is then exposed to ultraviolet light. Reactions can include redness, burning, blistering, or pigment changes.

This matters most when the hair spray lands on your scalp, forehead, ears, neck, or shoulders rather than remaining only on the hair shaft.

NAHA recommends avoiding sun or tanning-bed exposure for at least 24 hours after a photosensitizing essential oil has been applied to the skin. (9) Oil-specific limits vary, so choosing a non-phototoxic version is the simplest option when possible.

PHOTOSENSITIZERS

• Angelica root (Angelica archangelica)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
• Grapefruit, expressed, low phototoxicity risk (Citrus paradisi)
• Lemon, expressed (Citrus limon)
• Lime, expressed (Citrus aurantifolia)
• Bitter orange, expressed (Citrus aurantium)
• Rue (Ruta graveolens)

NON-PHOTOTOXIC CITRUS OPTIONS

• Bergamot FCF or bergapten-free (Citrus bergamia)
• Lemon, distilled (Citrus limon)
• Lime, distilled (Citrus aurantifolia)
• Mandarin or tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
• Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• Yuzu, expressed or distilled (Citrus junos)

Application: If your scalp, forehead, neck, or shoulders will be exposed to the sun, choose non-phototoxic citrus oils or skip phototoxic citrus oils that day. This is especially important if you have thinning hair, a visible part, or a sensitive scalp. You can also learn more about citrus oils and photosensitization here.

How to Make DIY Hair Spray with Essential Oils

This recipe is perfect for beginners! In just a few easy steps, you'll have an excellent smelling hair spray that will keep your hair luscious and toxin-free.

DIY Hair Spray With the Best Essential Oils for Hair Care

Author Mama Z

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Quantity

2x4x6x

Ingredients

• 1 cup purified OR distilled water
• 1 tablespoon organic fair trade sugar  OR organic coconut sugar
• 32 drops essential oils*

Supplies

• Saucepan
• Glass spray bottle for storage

Instructions

 

• In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the water to a simmer. Immediately remove from heat.
• Add the sugar and whisk until completely dissolved.
• Allow the mixture to cool, then add essential oils.
• Store in a glass spray bottle with a fine mister.
• Shake before each use to distribute the essential oils as they separate.

Notes

*Essential Oils I Love – I always use some rosemary since it’s perfect for hair, but I also love to add some lavender, grapefruit, and bergamot. This blend is my favorite, but you can use any combination you like!

Water-based DIY preparations have a limited shelf life, usually lasting 3-4 weeks, be aware of this, so you make the right amount for your needs.

Photosensitization – Many essential oils can increase your photosensitivity, so you should use them with caution. If you plan on spending all day in the sun, you shouldn't use the potentially phototoxic oils listed above, as the skin on your scalp can get sunburned, particularly if you are balding or have thinning hair. Learn more about photosensitization here. 

Step One: Simmer Water

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the water to a simmer. Immediately remove from heat.

Step Two: Add Sugar

Add the sugar and whisk until completely dissolved. If you use coconut sugar, your mixture will look darker like mine. The color shouldn't have any effect on your hair! You'll have a lighter hair spray if you're using white sugar.

Step Three: Add Essential Oils

After the mixture has cooled, add the essential oils of choice and gently stir to combine.

Step Four: Store and Use

Enjoy your gorgeous hairstyle! Store your hair spray in a glass spray bottle with a fine mister. To use, shake to distribute the oils and lightly mist the hair.

Because this is a water-based DIY without a broad-spectrum preservative, make small batches, use clean supplies, and discard it if the scent, color, or texture changes. I like using it within 3-4 weeks.

Preservation note: The 3-4 week timeframe above is the existing home-use guideline for this recipe, not a microbiologically validated shelf life. FDA notes that water-containing cosmetics can become contaminated through water, ingredients, ineffective preservation, storage, packaging, and ordinary consumer use. (10) Because this formula contains water and sugar and has no broad-spectrum preservative, use clean equipment and packaging, avoid touching the sprayer opening, make only what you can use promptly, and discard it sooner if anything seems off. Visible changes are a reason to discard the product, but their absence does not prove that a homemade formula is sterile or preserved for a specific number of weeks.

DIY Hair Spray FAQs

Does DIY hair spray really work?

Yes, DIY hair spray can work when it uses a holding ingredient such as dissolved sugar. This recipe gives flexible, touchable hold for everyday styles without an aerosol propellant or a heavy alcohol base.

What is the best homemade hair spray?

The best homemade hair spray is simple, effective, and appropriate for your hair type. This recipe uses purified or distilled water, organic sugar or coconut sugar, and essential oils like rosemary, lavender, cedarwood, tea tree, or bergamot for a customizable finishing spray.

Will sugar hair spray make my hair sticky?

It should not feel excessively sticky when you use it lightly. Mist your hair from a distance, let it dry, and add another thin layer only if you need more hold. If your hair feels sticky or stiff, you probably used too much or sprayed too close.

Will homemade hair spray attract bugs?

I've never had this issue when using the spray as directed. The sugar is diluted in water, and you're misting a small amount onto your hair. This is our family's experience rather than a controlled scientific finding. Wipe up spills so you don't leave sugar residue on counters or floors.

Can I make this natural hair spray stronger?

Yes. Start with the recipe as written, then add a little more sugar next time if you want a firmer hold. Increase slowly because too much sugar can make hair feel stiff or crunchy.

Can I use DIY hair spray on curly hair?

Yes, this DIY hair spray can work well on curly hair when used lightly. Mist from a distance, scrunch gently, and let it dry. If your curls need more softness, use less product or pair it with your favorite non-toxic curl routine.

Can I use this hair spray on children?

The base recipe can be adapted for children, but the full adult essential-oil blend is not automatically appropriate for every age. Choose age-appropriate essential oils, use a lower total amount for young children or sensitive scalps, avoid phototoxic oils on sun-exposed skin, and never spray toward a child's face. For little ones, spraying the product into your own hands first and smoothing it over the hair gives you more control.

Can I use citrus essential oils in hair spray?

Yes, but choose carefully. Some expressed citrus oils are phototoxic and can increase the risk of burning or pigmentation changes when enough oil remains on skin that is then exposed to UV light. For a leave-on hair spray, FCF bergamot, distilled lemon, distilled lime, sweet orange, or another non-phototoxic option is the simplest choice when the mist may reach the scalp, forehead, neck, or shoulders. (9)

How long does homemade hair spray last?

The current recipe uses a 3-4 week home-use guideline, but a preservative-free water-based DIY does not have a scientifically established shelf life unless the finished formula has been appropriately tested. Make small batches, keep the bottle and sprayer clean, avoid introducing water or dirty fingers, and discard the spray immediately if the odor, color, texture, or appearance changes. (10)

Why do I need to shake the hair spray?

Essential oils do not dissolve in water. Shaking temporarily redistributes the droplets so the spray is less separated, but it does not create a true emulsion or solubilized product. Shake immediately before misting and avoid spraying directly into the eyes or face.

Should I use this before or after heat styling?

I prefer using this DIY hair spray after heat styling. Sugar can become sticky when heated, and essential oils are volatile, so style first and then mist lightly for hold.

References