How to Make DIY Essential Oil Hair Spray: Natural Recipe & Tips
Let me tell you, ever since I switched all my hair care to natural products, the last thing I wanted was to add another store-bought hairspray to my routine—those things are full of chemicals, right? But I needed something to tame flyaways without drying out my hair or leaving that stiff, crunchy feeling. So I decided to make my own essential oil hair spray! And let me just say, it’s been a game-changer. Here’s why you should try it too:
- It’s alcohol-free (no dry, brittle hair like with store-bought stuff).
- Super affordable—way cheaper than fancy brands!
- Smells amazing (no harsh synthetic fragrances).
- Works just as well as anything from the drugstore—maybe even better!
Oh, and I know what you’re thinking: “But won’t it make my hair sticky? Or attract bugs?” Trust me, I worried about that too! But nope—this spray is light, non-greasy, and bugs? They’re nowhere near it. Let me walk you through how I made it, plus all the tips to make it perfect every time.
The Best Ingredients for DIY Essential Oil Hair Spray
First off, let’s talk about the base. Most DIY hairspray recipes I’ve seen use vodka, but honestly, I wanted something alcohol-free to avoid that dry, straw-like texture. I did some research and found a few alcohol-free versions, then tweaked them to fit my needs. The key here is to replace alcohol with sugar (it helps with hold) and use pure essential oils for scent and benefits.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A good spray bottle: I swear by this amber glass lock-top one! It has a trigger sprayer that gives a super fine mist, and the lock means no spills in my bag. Total lifesaver for travel or messy mornings.
- Water: Distilled or filtered water is best to avoid impurities that might affect the spray’s shelf life.
- Sugar: I use organic fair trade sugar or coconut sugar—either works! It’s the “glue” that helps the spray hold without stickiness.
- Essential oils: The fun part! Pick your favorites—just make sure they’re pure and high-quality. I’ll share my go-to blend below.
Important Note: Photosensitivity with Essential Oils
Okay, before you rush off to grab oils, there’s an important safety tip: photosensitivity. Some essential oils can react with UV light from the sun or even bathroom bulbs, causing skin irritation or discoloration. So here’s the rule:
- If you’re spending the entire day outdoors (like at the beach or hiking), skip the oils that are known to be photosensitive (more on that below).
- For short errands or indoor work, you’re probably fine—just check the oil labels if you’re unsure.
Pro tip: Oils like bergamot, lemon, and lime are the biggest culprits for photosensitivity. If you’re using those, apply the spray before sun exposure, or stick to less reactive ones like lavender, rosemary, or cedarwood if you’re worried.
DIY Essential Oil Hair Spray Recipe
What You’ll Need (Makes ~1 Cup)
- 1 cup distilled water (or filtered water)
- 1 tablespoon organic sugar (coconut sugar works great too)
- 25-30 drops of essential oils (see my blend below!)
My Favorite Essential Oil Blend
Okay, let’s get into the oil mix! I love playing with scents, but I have a go-to combo that’s fresh, relaxing, and great for hair health. Here’s what I use:
- 10 drops rosemary: It’s a hair hero! Stimulates growth and adds shine.
- 8 drops lavender: Soothes the scalp and smells amazing.
- 5 drops grapefruit: Adds a bright, uplifting scent and helps with scalp circulation.
- 2 drops bergamot: Balances the mix and gives a citrusy kick.
You can totally mix and match! Want something more calming? Swap grapefruit for sandalwood. Need a boost? Add peppermint (but be careful with strong scents). No wrong answers here—just use what makes you happy!
Step-by-Step How to Make It
Let’s get to the fun part: mixing it up! Here’s how I do it, and it’s super easy:
- Boil the water: In a small pot, bring the water to a gentle boil. You don’t need it boiling vigorously—just warm enough to dissolve the sugar.
- Add sugar: Stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved. This step is key—if there’s any sugar left, it’ll clump in the spray later. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Add essential oils: Once the sugar water is cool, pour it into your clean spray bottle. Then add all your essential oils. Close the bottle and shake it really well to mix everything.
- Store and use: Keep it in a cool, dark place (like a cabinet) to preserve the oils. When you’re ready to use it, shake the bottle first—oils separate, so a quick shake ensures even mist!
Pro tip: I use a glass spray bottle (like the one I mentioned earlier!) because plastic can absorb the essential oils over time. The amber glass also blocks UV light, which helps the oils stay potent longer.
Important Tips for Longevity & Use
Since this is a water-based spray, it won’t last as long as alcohol-based ones. I’d recommend making a small batch every 3-4 weeks. Here’s why:
- It’ll start to smell off or get cloudy if it sits too long—water-based formulas spoil faster.
- Always label the bottle with the date you made it, so you don’t forget!
- To prevent stickiness, only use what you need and keep it stored in a cool spot. If it does get sticky, add a splash more water and shake again—it’ll thin out nicely.
Honestly, this DIY essential oil hair spray has been a game-changer for my hair routine. It’s gentle, smells incredible, and I never have to worry about harsh chemicals again. Plus, making it yourself means you can adjust the scent and ingredients to your heart’s content. No more settling for store-bought sprays that leave your hair feeling dry or stiff—this one leaves it soft, manageable, and smelling like a mini spa day! Try it, and let me know what you think in the comments—I’d love to hear your oil blends!
