A hair product that's nothing to sneeze at

July 26, 2021 11:49 AM

After a lifetime of eschewing hair products, I need a hair styling spray for my fine, wavy (2b) hair. Difficulty level: sensitivity to fragrances.

I'm looking for a product for wet hair (to define my waves) and a "refresher" for dry hair (to perk up my waves between washes). I am fine with purchasing two products for these different use cases.

Here are my unicorn requirements:
-No strong/synthetic fragrances. I find strong fragrances off-putting and sometimes sneeze-inducing. Natural fragrance might be okay, but subtler is better!
-Cruelty-free
-Prefer a spray, but will consider a gel or mousse
-Suitable for fine, wavy hair (nothing too heavy!)

Right now I'm looking at JessiCurl for the wet hair spray, but their next-day spray is out of stock pretty much everywhere. Any suggestions for non-smelly sprays suitable for dry hair?

posted by toastedcheese to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

I have curly hair and like IGK products. I use the Mistress balm regularly, and Rich Kid when I want more control, but in terms of sprays, I have used Sold Out (a curl defining spray) and First Class (a dry shampoo). I also use Antisocial as a dry hair definer, although it is marketed as a hair mask. Their hairspray is also very good.

As far as scent, the hairspray has no scent, or rather, it smells like hair spray. All the other products to me have light or no scent, or natural vanilla scents. Antisocial might be the only exception to that.
posted by oflinkey at 12:03 PM on July 26, 2021

I love Maui Moisture's Gentle & Lightweight Flaxseed Curl Defining Mist. (I find I sometimes don't even have to really scrunch my hair to get it to work.)

I have also used Nourish & Moisture Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse but that might be more than you want.

They do both have a slight fragrance that's added, but it's definitely not strong in either product in my opinion and definitely fades quickly.
posted by edencosmic at 12:28 PM on July 26, 2021

I also have fine wavy (or loose curly) hair. After much experimentation, in general, I would suggest seeking products with protein and without oils/butters. Anything with oils (coconut, shea, etc.) make my hair a lank limp mess. Proteins give it body and perk it up. Make sure the proteins are hydrolyzed or they are too big to do anything.

I use a few drops of this (Neutral Protein Filler) in a couple of pumps of light leave-in on wet hair for body, wave definition, and to reduce frizz. I don't find there to be a scent, but YMMV and I don't know whether it is cruelty free etc. It really improves my results versus just leave-in alone. (My leave-in is Pantene, but is scented and appears to be discontinued, so I will let others recommend for that.) For dry hair: I think maybe a mix of that Neutral Protein Filler and water (maybe 1/3 or 1/4 NPF and 2/3 or 3/4 water), sprayed liberally on dry hair and fluffed/scrunched a bit, would likely do what you're hoping.
posted by ClaireBear at 12:29 PM on July 26, 2021 [1 favorite]

No nothing might have something that works for you.
posted by fozzie_bear at 1:38 PM on July 26, 2021

Christophe Robin Instant Volume Hair Mist With Rose Water. I don’t know if it works for volume, I mainly use it as a light hair refresher/ hair scent as it has the most beautiful light Rosewater scent. I’d hope it wouldn’t bother you, it doesn’t smell artificial to me but it does contain fragrance.
posted by Champagne Supernova at 2:46 PM on July 26, 2021

I am extremely sensitive to fragrances and I’ve been happy with unscented Aqua Net. But I have super-straight hair so adjust your grain of salt accordingly.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:52 PM on July 26, 2021