Hair Spray and Alcohol-Based Hair Products

I recently noticed that one of the first ingredients in pretty much all the hairsprays out there is some form of alcohol. I understand that the chemicals in gels, mousses, foams, waxes and sprays don’t directly cause hair loss, but it is also widely agreed that alcohol-based hair products are not good for the scalp and therefore are not good for hair either.

I know that in your book you give a warning that hairsprays can aggravate hair loss if one is not careful due to excessive strain/traction of the hair, but would the alcohol in hairsprays also contribute to hair loss by doing bad things to the scalp like overdrying? I think your book is great including the section on hair shaping products, but one thing I am still wondering is your general stance on hair shaping products and their effect on hair loss (more hairspray than anything else). Thanks.

Alcohol based hair products will not cause hair loss. The body has sebum which coats the hair as it exits the scalp and that process protects the hair most of the time. Alcohol based products can dry the scalp, so the use of good conditioners for dry hair is a good way to manage your scalp and hair.

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