Spritzers or misters are perhaps the easiest homemade haircare products to make. Scented with rosewater and stored in an old-fashioned “puff” perfume bottle, spritzer can add a touch of glamour to often-practical natural haircare routines.
Benefits of Spritzing or Misting Hair
In dry climates, hair can quickly become parched and tangly when left to its own devices. Many so-called moisturising products that are commercially produced are laden with silicones, which coat the hair and build up over time, preventing moisture getting in as well as out. If the hair is not clarified regularly, these products tend to result in dry, brittle hair.
Spritzers add moisture to the hair on a regular basis. They don’t seal the moisture in (or out), but the hair will soak up any moisture it needs. In hot weather, spritzers are also pleasantly refreshing – and for those who practice natural haircare and don’t use commercial scented products, spritzers can add a touch of luxury by scenting the hair.
Natural Ingredients for Homemade Hair Misters
Distilled water forms the base for most hair spritzers. Hard water can build up mineral deposits on the hair, discolouring it and causing brittleness. Distilled water is completely pure and results in soft, silky-feeling hair.
Some people like to spritz with distilled water alone. However, other ingredients include:
- Jojoba oil, which is similar in composition to human sebum and, combined with moisture, helps hair stay hydrated. A few drops of jojoba in a bottle of mister is enough, and the bottle should be shaken before spritzing to incorporate the oil.
- Coconut oil is much beloved by people with coarse, thick hair, but tends to be too greasy for fine hair. Coconut oil is solid at cold temperatures, but warm at a warm room temperature. If the coconut oil solidifies on top of the distilled water, run the mister bottle under a hot tap for a minute or two. Like jojoba, coconut oil should only be added in tiny quantities – the idea is not to douse the hair with grease!
- Aloe vera gel. Some people find this gives their hair a little texture and hold, like a light-hold hair spray. Add a teaspoon or two to a bottle of distilled water.
- Rose water is usually made with distilled water, and is used just because it smells great!
- Essential oils can be added, but research carefully to make sure they’re safe for topical use. Essential oils should be used very sparingly.
- Apple cider vinegar, in small quantities, will acidify a spritzer to the correct pH for hair. The vinegar smell disappears once the hair is dry.
- Some people like to add a few drops of a commercial conditioner (regular or leave-in) to their mixture. Use a silicone-free brand, or clarify the hair regularly.
Storing Homemade Hair Spritzers
Depending on the ingredients, most spritzers will keep for a few weeks at room temperature or in the fridge. It’s worthwhile to make up small quantities at first, in order to tweak ingredients if necessary. Distilled water by itself will keep indefinitely.
Sarah Tennant - Sarah Tennant is a onetime English major who lives in New Zealand with her husband and two small children. Her interests range from ...
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