Hairspray works by creating a temporary bond between individual hair fibers.
The Science Behind Hairspray
Hairspray is a liquid solution that, when sprayed, forms a thin, adhesive film that connects hair strands together wherever they happen to touch. This process is what provides hair with hold and stiffness.
How Hairspray Achieves Hold:
- Liquid Application: When you spray hairspray, the liquid solution is dispersed onto your hair.
- Bonding Action: As the liquid hairspray makes contact with individual hair fibers, it connects them where they touch. This creates a network of bonded hair.
- Hold and Stiffness: The bonds between the hair strands provide the desired hold and stiffness, keeping your hairstyle in place.
Key Components of Hairspray
While the specific formulations can vary, most hairsprays typically contain:
- Polymers: These are the key ingredients responsible for the bonding effect. They're essentially long chains of molecules that create a sticky film when the liquid evaporates.
- Solvents: Usually alcohol or water-based, these act as the carrying medium for the polymers and allow the product to be sprayed.
- Propellants: These compressed gasses push the solution out of the can.
- Other additives: These might include things like emollients, shine enhancers, and fragrance.
Practical Use
Hairspray is most effective on hairstyles that are already in place. It's best applied evenly from a distance to avoid concentrated wet spots, and the hold of hairspray is temporary and can usually be removed by washing or brushing.
Reference Information
The reference video clearly explains that "as soon as you spray a coat on your hair the liquid hair spray connects individual hair fibers wherever they happen to touch." This describes the basic mechanism of how hairspray works.