(scroll to the bottom for recipe)
Since my daughter's diagnosis with ACD - allergic contact dermatitis (chemical allergies that cause rashes/eczema), I've been missing hair products that give my hair a little extra texture or volume. I have 2 hairsprays that we can use, but haven't found a dry shampoo or texture spray that I like. I've only ever used dry shampoo as a texturizer, not as a reason to soak up extra oil in my hair. Several friends online encouraged me to make a DIY spray with salt, sugar and water. I wanted something that would dry faster than water. And because my daughter is allergic to essential oils in addition to several other chemicals, I had to tweak almost every online recipe I found.
Since my daughter's diagnosis with ACD - allergic contact dermatitis (chemical allergies that cause rashes/eczema), I've been missing hair products that give my hair a little extra texture or volume. I have 2 hairsprays that we can use, but haven't found a dry shampoo or texture spray that I like. I've only ever used dry shampoo as a texturizer, not as a reason to soak up extra oil in my hair. Several friends online encouraged me to make a DIY spray with salt, sugar and water. I wanted something that would dry faster than water. And because my daughter is allergic to essential oils in addition to several other chemicals, I had to tweak almost every online recipe I found.
I started with some recipes online and then went to work. I slaved for hours coming up with the right combination of ingredients. Just kidding. I actually threw a bunch of stuff together and after a few trials, I realized I came up with something I really liked. Thankfully, I wrote the recipe down before I forgot it.
I call it "sticky spray," but my daughters correct me with a mocking tone saying, "Don't you mean SALTY SWEET TEXTURING HAIR MIST, Mom?" Yes. That's what I labeled my bottle. It's a very descriptive name, don't you think?
I love this recipe. It doesn't take much (4-5 pumps - more for thick hair, fewer for thin/fine). You won't want to overdo it or it'll weigh down your hair or make it difficult to comb, but it's perfect for making your hair less slippery when you need some texture to hold your style. I mostly use it on my daughters hair when they ask for french braids, I add a mist of this spray and the hair doesn't slip around while I'm braiding, but is much easier to braid than wet hair. It's my go-to for updo's.
I added 91% isopropyl alcohol to it which has two distinct benefits: It drys faster on the hair. And it extends the shelf life of the spray. I would guess that there are a few people out there with a sensitivity to pure rubbing alcohol, but in general, it's pretty benign (though it can be drying on the skin). Without it, I'd advise keeping in the refrigerator and making a new batch every 2 weeks.
OK, enough blabbing about it. Here's the recipe. I've added links to my favorite suppliers, but almost everything can be found at a local grocery or drugstore.
SALTY SWEET TEXTURING HAIR MIST
1/4 cup distilled water
1/2 tsp. kosher or sea salt
1 tsp raw or brown sugar
1 tbsp. 91% isopropyl alcohol
In a glass or glass measuring cup, warm the distilled water in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir in salt and sugar until it dissolves. Add alcohol and mix well. Pour into a glass 1-2 oz. bottle with a mist sprayer or let cool enough to pour into a plastic bottle with mist sprayer.
OPTIONAL: Add a pinch of cornstarch for a dry shampoo use, but remember to shake the bottle before spraying. I didn't think this made much difference in my thin, fine hair.
Happy hair styling!
