Science-y Hair Blog: DIY Hydration Sprays

Hydration sprays are for refreshing hair (or morning styling), for hydrating hair in protective styles, for applying at bedtime to keep hair flexible, for fixing a frizzy spot.

Two problem with all the DIY recipes I’ve tried are 1) They are too heavy. 2) They don’t actually spray in a mist.

They can also tend to leave residue if the formula isn't just right for your hair.

A hydration spray can focus on humectants (moisture-retaining ingredients), on providing some styling benefits, or adding a little emollients too. And when you make your own - you get to choose what benefits and how concentrated.

Let’s look at some new-ish and inexpensive ingredients you can use to make a hydration spray tailored just for you.

This is not a sponsored post. There are some links for which I may receive a small commission when clicked at no cost to you, and providing none of your personal information to me.

For moisture - there are Proteins, Algae extracts, Hyaluronic acid and Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol.

Moisture

HairLab Shine Boost: (Hydroxypropyltrimonium lemon protein)

HairLab Scalp Reset: (Glycerin, Mannitol, Algae extract)

HairLab Moisture Boost: (Glycerin, Panthenol)

HairLab Anti-Frizz: (Hydroxypropyltrimonium Rice Protein)

Aminotouch Natural Pure Protein Treatment: (Hydrolyzed Collagen and Keratin)

Pantene Pro-V “Hydrate” Mix-In: (Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol, Histidine/amino acid) - also Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, a conditioner based on protein and silicone.

Pantene Pro-V “Shine” Mix-In: (Hydrolyzed Silk, Panthenol) - also Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, a conditioner based on protein and silicone.

Aloe juice: Less is more for a lot of us

Glycerin: This works best when there is some humidity in the air.

Styling Benefits and Emollients

Pantene “Curl Booster” shot: (Glutamic acid/ amino acid, Hydrolyzed keratin, Panthenol, Histidine/amino acid, Shea butter) - also Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, a conditioner based on protein and silicone.

HairLab Curl Define: (Polyquaternium-11, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract (Flax Extract), Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Extract

Ouidad “Unbreakable Bonds” mixing drops: (Propylene glycol and Glycerin, Ceramides, Hydrolyzed “vegan collagen,” Hyaluronic acid and Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Panthenol, panthenyl hydroxypropyl steardimonium chloride (conditioner)
hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (conditioner)

Mix It Up

Note: Every mixture must be refrigerated. Once the preservative is diluted in water, it’s not as effective.

Low porosity and/or thin/fine hair:

In a 2 oz (60 ml) spray bottle, add 2-3 small drops (using a dropper or pipet) to a bottle filled with distilled, reverse osmosis, or boiled-then-cooled tap water. That is approximately 1/32 of a teaspoon.