Vegan, Cruelty-Free Hairspray Favorites That Won’t Disappoint

Why is hairspray not always vegan?

People have been trying to tame flyaways, boost volume, and keep their hair styles in place using hair products for more than a century. Back in the Victorian era, many women used a clear gum solution on their hair called bandoline, and it wasn't until the 1940s that game-changing hair sprays in aerosol cans were developed for the first time.

Now, the global hairspray market is set to exceed a value of $20.5 billion by 2030, reports Zion Market Research. But it turns out, some of the most popular products on the market contain animal ingredients.

Take keratin, for example. The protein is much-loved in the hair care industry for its ability to smooth, protect, and de-frizz hair, making it easier to style, but most of the keratin in haircare comes from ground-up animal parts, like animal hooves and horns, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Another animal ingredient sometimes used in hairspray is collagen, which often comes from the connective tissue of cows and fish. And sometimes beeswax is used too, which, as the name implies, is a natural wax produced by bees, so it's not vegan.

Is hairspray tested on animals?

Unfortunately, animals aren't just used in product formulas. They're also used to test them too. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 500,000 animals "suffer and die worldwide every year in cosmetics tests."

Popular hairspray brands that are not cruelty-free include Got2b, John Frieda, L'Oréal, and Bed Head.

But don't be disheartened, it is still possible to give your locks lasting volume, shine, and texture without adding to animal cruelty. Below, we've gathered some of our favorite hairsprays on the market, all of which are cruelty-free and vegan.

Cruelty-free and vegan hairspray products

Oribe

Dry Texturizing Spray

$49

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Sephora Amazon

For volumized, texturized hair, that also feels fresh and clean (without having to wash), then Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray is a great choice.

Thanks to its patented formula, the spray doubles as a dry shampoo, helping to aborb the natural oils that form around hair roots.

It also smells fresh and has built-in UV protection (because yes, just like our skin, our hair can suffer from too much sun exposure too!).

Giovanni

L.A. HOLD Hair Spritz

$9.99

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Brand

For slick buns and high ponytails that won't budge, you need something with maximum hold that will last all day. And Giovanni's affordable L.A. Hold Hair Spritz ticks all the boxes.

It's like liquid glue for your hair, only it's not as sticky and far easier to wash out (and in case you needed it, this is a reminder to never put actual glue on your hair!).

Best for beachy waves:

LUSH

Sea Spray

$39

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Brand

If you've got naturally wavy or curly hair, you've likely noticed that it looks at its best when you've just been in the sea. This is because salt water helps to define curls and waves, and adds volume at the same time.

But you don't need to take a dip in the ocean everytime you wan't that beachy hair look. Instead, try this Sea Spray Hair Mist for Lush. Just like the real deal, it contains salt and seaweed, as well as neroli and grapefruit extract.

Aveda

Control Force Hair Spray

$37

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Amazon

If you need firm, long-lasting hold, you can trust that Aveda's Control Force will do the job. And it won't come at the expense of the planet either.

This hairspray reportedly has a "net-zero climate impact," which is all thanks to the brand's contributions to renewable wind energy.

For extra nourishment and a pleasant scent, the hairspray is also infused with organic essential oils like bergamot, lavender, and palmarosa.

Pureology

Style + Protect Soft Finish Hairspray

$31

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Sephora Ulta

If you're after a hairspray that won't leave your hair feeling sticky or crunchy, then Pureology's Style + Protect is worth a try.

The brushable formula will leave you with soft, shiny, and natural-looking locks, plus it smells great too, thanks to the addition of orange peel oil and cedarwood.

Best for long-lasting hold:

Paul Mitchell

Freeze and Shine Super Spray

$14

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Ulta Amazon

Get through busy days without a single hair out of place with Paul Mitchell's Freeze and Shine Super Spray.

Whether you're off to the office or out for the evening, the paraben-free, long-lasting, maximum hold formula will ensure your hair look stays rock solid for the entirety.

This hairspray works for most hair types, but it's particularly suited to those with thick, stubborn, coarse hair.

Best for fine hair:

Andalou Naturals

Lavender & Biotin Hair Style Spray

$10.85

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Brand

If you've got fine, fragile hair, you need a gentle hairspray to not only help manage your locks but also keep them looking shiny and healthy too.

This hairspray by Andalou Naturals was formulated using the brand's own Fruit Stem Cell Science, which means it will help to tame your hair, but also promote growth.

The added protein and lavender may also help to thicken your hair, as well as support scalp health.

Drybar

Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray

$27

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Sephora Ulta Amazon

After you've completed your perfect waves, curls, or bouncy blowout, you need the perfect hairspray to keep it all in place, as well as boost volume and body.

Perfect for loose hairstyles, this formula by Drybar gives a soft and flexible hold that doesn't feel sticky, heavy, or crunchy. (Even better? It smells great too!)

IGK

No Limit Volumizing Spray

$32

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Sephora Ulta Amazon

This formula by IGK is ideal for those who are looking for a thicker, more voluminous hair look.

The lightweight finishing spray, which features Nordic cotton and plant protein, isn't crunchy or sticky, and it's buildable, which means you can keep layering it up until you've reached the desired effect.

According to a survey by IGK, 91 percent of consumers who tried this product agreed that their hair "instantly appeared twice as full."

Amika

Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray

$28

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Sephora Amazon

Amika's Blowout Spray not only adds volume, but it also helps to take care of your mane's health too.

The formula will help to nourish and moisturize your hair, thanks to the addition of ingredients like provitamin B5 and sea buckthorn, a plant-based source of omega 7 (a fatty acid that may also help support scalp health).

Best for adding texture:

Eva Nyc

City Grit Matte Texture Spray

$13

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Ulta

Sometimes you want slick, sometimes you want extra volume, and sometimes you want a natural tousled look. For days when you're after the latter, and you want a relaxed, effortless-looking, loose style, add more texture with this spray from Eva NYC.

The formula contains oil- and dirt-absorbing rice starch, which also helps to add volume, as well as the all-important texture-boosting mineral zeolite.

Plus, you don't have to worry about excess beauty waste with this product, as the aluminum packaging is 100 percent recyclable.

The verdict

When you're looking for a great hairspray that doesn't hurt animals, it can be frustrating to come across ingredients like keratin and collagen. But these brands prove that is possible to make high-quality, cruelty-free, and vegan haircare products. To recap, some of our favorites are:

Best for beachy waves: LUSH Sea Spray
Best for long-lasting hold: Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray
Best for fine hair: Andalou Naturals Lavender & Biotin Hair Style Spray
Best for adding texture: Eva Nyc City Grit Matte Texture Spray

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