How to Get Hairspray Out of Hair Without Washing: Quick Tips and Tricks

Hairspray is a popular styling product used to add hold, volume and shine to hairstyles. But overusing hairspray can leave behind sticky, stiff residue in your hair that weighs it down and makes it look dirty.

Frequently washing hairspray out with shampoo can strip your hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness. So what’s the solution?

This article will provide tips and tricks for removing hairspray residue from your hair without having to wash it every time. We’ll cover:

• Why hairspray residue builds up
• The downsides of leaving it in
• How to get hairspray out without washing
• Products that help dissolve hairspray
• Maintaining your style between washes
• When you do need a full wash

Why Does Hairspray Residue Build Up?

Hairspray contains polymers and resins that coat each strand to keep your style in place. Most formulations also contain alcohol, which dries quickly to set the hold.

With repeated spraying, these products can build up on your hair over time. Humidity and moisture also react with the hairspray ingredients, making the residue even stickier.

Factors that can lead to more buildup include:

• Using a lot of heavy duty, maximum hold hairspray
• Not brushing thoroughly between sprayings
• Applying hairspray to dirty or unwashed hair
• Using hairspray daily without washing

Too much residue weighs hair down, makes it clump together, and attracts dirt and oil.

Why You Should Remove Hairspray Residue

Leaving hairspray built up in your hair over time can cause:

• Oiliness and limp strands
• Itchiness and irritation on the scalp
• Flakiness that looks like dandruff
• Hair loss from clogged follicles
• Dry, damaged hair
• Discoloration of blonde or color-treated hair

So it’s important to regularly remove product residue even when you don’t shampoo.

How to Get Hairspray Out of Hair Without Washing

You don’t have to wash your hair every time you use hairspray. Here are tips for removing the residue without shampooing:

Use a Boar Bristle Brush

Brushing your hair is one of the simplest ways to dislodge and remove buildup. Look for a natural boar bristle brush. The stiff bristles help loosen and distribute oils from the scalp to the ends. Brush thoroughly before bed to eliminate residue.

Try a Dry Shampoo

Spray or sprinkle a dry shampoo at your roots and work it through the lengths. The absorbent ingredients soak up grease and product buildup. Let it sit a few minutes before brushing out.

Apply Oil to the Ends

Coat just the ends of your hair with a few drops of argan, coconut or olive oil. This helps break down hairspray that has built up. Twist your hair into a bun and leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes before brushing.

Use a Clarifying Conditioner

Look for a lightweight clarifying conditioner containing apple cider vinegar or citric acid. Massage it into dry hair and rinse – it will dissolve residue without stripping oils like shampoo.

Spritz with Water+Conditioner

Make a dilution of 1 part conditioner to 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your hair, let sit 5 minutes, then brush. The slip from the conditioner helps release buildup.

Try a Baking Soda Treatment

Make a paste of 1 tsp baking soda + 1 tsp water. Rub it gently into hair, wait 2 minutes, then rinse and shampoo. The alkaline baking soda dissolves oily buildup without damaging hair.

Use Dry Conditioner or Texturizer

These powdery formulations absorb oil and buildup. Massage it in, let sit, then brush thoroughly. It leaves a freshened, fluffy texture.

Maintaining Your Style Between Washes

Once you’ve removed the hairspray residue, you’ll want to maintain your hairstyle as long as possible before washing again. Here are some tips:

• Use a soft hairbrush and gentle strokes to preserve your hairdo.

• Refresh styles with a curling iron or flat iron on low heat as needed.

• If hair loses its hold, spritz lightly with a working hairspray, then brush.

• Tie hair back loosely or elegantly pin it back to preserve the shape.

• Try dry shampoo and texturizing powders to perk up limp sections.

• Use scrunchies, fabric hair ties and soft clips to avoid dents or crimps.

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction and frizz.

When You Do Need a Full Hair Wash

While you can go a few days between washes, don’t go too long. Signs it’s time for a shampoo include:

• Increased oiliness at the roots
• White flakes of residue on your scalp or hair
• Strands feeling overly stiff, crunchy, dull or dirty
• Increased tangling, frizz and unmanageability
• Itchiness or irritation of the scalp

Aim to use a clarifying shampoo once a week if you use hairspray regularly. And don’t forget to condition!

Maintain Clean, Residue-Free Hair

With the right techniques, you can keep your hair looking fab between washes – minus the sticky hairspray buildup. Using products that dissolve the residue along with gentle brushing allows you to refresh your style and eliminate product on your hair without stripping your locks. Plus, it helps minimize the need for frequent shampooing.