14 Best Alcohol-Free Hair Products
Get shiny, soft, hydrated tresses with these fantastic alcohol-free hair products.
Erin FernandesHairstylist
Expertise: Hair Styling
Experience: 27 years
Erin Fernandes is a London, Ontario, Canada-based hairstylist. She has been in industry for 25+ years after graduating from Marvel. Erin won the Ontario Hairstylist of The Year in 2006 and went on to win this award two more times, as well t... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
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If you didn’t know, then let us tell you that many alcohols strip off moisture from our hair, making them appear dry, brittle, and dull. That’s the reason why the best alcohol-free hair products are the trend now.
Alcohol-free products are safe, free from chemicals, and work great for color-treated hair. They don’t dry out your hair but instead keep your hair looking healthy and nourished. Thus, we have listed the 14 best alcohol-free hair products just below. Have a look!
In This Article
14 Best Alcohol-Free Hair Products
1. It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Styling Serum
Image: Itsa10haircare It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Styling Serum is a humidity-proof product. The shine-enhancing formula gives you smooth and silky hair. It is lightweight and does not make the hair feel heavy. It has a grease-free formula and leaves no residue behind. The serum is safe for color-treated hair and protects hair color. It also controls frizz and seals the cuticles, thanks to its alcohol-free formula. The product is vegan and has not been tested on animals, which makes it perfect for ethically conscious hair care enthusiasts. Take a look at this video of the tester’s experience to know more about the product.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Anti-humidity effect
- Boosts hair shine
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Poor packaging
2. Honeybee Gardens Hair Spray
Image: Honeybee Gardens The Honeybee Gardens Hair Spray will help you keep your hair perfectly styled all day long. The hair spray makes your hair look strong and natural. It is a non-aerosol hair spray that is enriched with organic plant-based ingredients. It nourishes the hair and increases its shine. Its alcohol-free formula does not dry the hair out. It also makes the hair soft. The hair spray contains nourishing ingredients like chestnut extract, aloe, chamomile, sunflower seed, and rosemary that strengthen and nourish the hair. The product is safe for all hair types and suits both men and women. It is formulated without parabens. It is also vegan and gluten-free.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Aerosol-free
- Boosts hair shine
- Safe for all hair types
Cons
- May cause scalp itchiness in some
Pro TipIf you have a sensitive scalp, avoid spraying a hair spray on the scalp which will cause buildup and make it itchy. Instead focus on the length and tips of your hair.
3. Shear Miracle Organics Goin’ Somewhere Hair Spray
Image: Shear Miracle Organics The Shear Miracle Organics Goin’ Somewhere Hair Spray is a non-toxic and alcohol-free product. It has a water-based formula that helps your hair achieve a beautiful look that lasts all day long. The hair spray is formulated with natural ingredients. It is vegan and cruelty-free. It is formulated without gluten and GMO.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Water-based formula
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
4. Herbal Essences Bio-Renew Flexible Airspray
Image: Herbal Essences The Herbal Essences Bio-Renew Flexible Airspray is specially formulated to keep your hair moisturized and frizz-free. It is fortified with a blend of essential antioxidants, bamboo, and aloe vera, called bio: renew, that claims to aid hair repair and restore life into your damaged hair in just 21 days. The hair spray offers restorative care by purifying your hair and getting rid of dullness to make it soft with a flexible hold. Additionally, it is safe to use on color-treated hair.
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Lightweight
- Pleasant scent
- Fast drying
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- No colorants
Cons
- Dry and rough hair may feel a bit dry
- Not effective at volume control
Pro Tip5. Best Humidity Resistant:Four Reasons Nature Styling Mousse
Image: Four Reasons The Four Reasons Nature Styling Mousse is your sure-shot way to give your hair that much-needed shape and lift. It is formulated with organic sea buckthorn, apricot, and silver linden bud extract, which helps to protect your hair from heat styling and humidity. The ingredients restore moisture, maintain the hair’s natural luster, and enhance it to be more manageable, healthy-looking, and smooth. Best suited to thicken and add volume to fine hair, this mousse adds a light bounce and gives your hair a mild hold. The consistency of the styling mousse is light and airy and leaves behind a mild trail of refreshing scent.
Pros
- Humidity resistant
- Tames frizz
- Provides heat protection
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Chemical-free
Cons
- Takes long to dry out
6. Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath
Image: Innersense The Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath is Allure 2017’s Best of Beauty winner. It is a luxurious hydrating shampoo that strengthens hair. The shampoo works best for thick, coarse, and curly hair. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and tamanu seed oil. Coconut oil acts as a mild cleanser. It also minimizes static without stripping away the hair’s natural oils. Shea butter works as an intense moisturizer. Tamanu oil helps regenerate, protect, and strengthen the hair. It is lightweight and is easily absorbed by the scalp. It is rich in vitamins A, B, D, E, protein, and amino acids.
The product also contains sage and ylang ylang essential oils that help nourish the hair and is scalp-friendly. It is lightweight and deeply hydrating. It contains no parabens, silicones, phthalates, sulfates, petro compounds, artificial dyes, or synthetic fragrances. It also is cruelty-free and gluten-free. It makes the hair bouncy without leaving any residue. Check out this video that details a reviewer’s experience with the product to learn more.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- No petro compounds
- No artificial dyes
- No synthetic fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Leaves no residue
- Adds bounce
Cons
None
7. Best For Adding Volume: Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
Image: Color Wow Hair Give your hair a voluminous upgrade with the Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer. This alcohol-free, weightless formula is super gentle on your hair and gives a hydration boost to dull and damaged hair. Fortified with strand-strengthening bamboo, this formula expands your hair as it dries to mimic a roughed-up cuticle. However, it leaves your actual cuticle tight and intact. The futuristic foam technology of this volumizer makes each hair strand thicker and fuller without disturbing the cuticles. In addition, it improves hair texture by making it shiner, glossier, and silkier. The non-drying formula adds volume and reduces breakage, lasting days without dulling or flattening the hair.
Pros
- Ideal for heat styling
- Long lasting effect
- Non-drying
- Suitable for color and chemically treated hair
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Salts-free
- Cruelty-free
- Free from drying resins
Cons
- Leaves behind residue
- Low holding power on heat styled hair
8. Vaadi Herbals Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo
Image: Vaadi Herbals The Vaadi Herbals Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo is enriched with the goodness of lemon extract and tea tree extract to keep your hair hydrated, shiny, and dandruff-free. Lemon regulates sebum production, tightens the hair follicles, prevents hair fall, and strengthens the hair shafts. It also helps to maintain the pH balance of the scalp. Moreover, the tea tree extract ensures a thorough cleansing, soothes the scalp and keeps it moisturized, and delivers a non-frizz look.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Chemical-free
- GMP certified
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Might be drying
9. ion Finishing Hair Spray
Image: Ion The ion Finishing Hair Spray is an alcohol-free product. Its lightweight formula helps you achieve versatile hair styling. The hair spray helps tame frizzy hair and adds shine to it. It is vegan and formulated without parabens.
Pros
- Vegan
- Lightweight formula
- Paraben-free
- Tames frizzy hair
- Adds hair shine
Cons
None
10. Naturelle Biotera Styling Defining Gel
Image: Biotera The Naturelle Biotera Styling Defining Gel is specially formulated to strengthen brittle and dry hair. This defining gel has natural sunscreens to protect your hair from sun damage. The bamboo extract restores your hair and makes it bouncy. The nettle leaf included in the formula adds shine, while soya protein strengthens your hair and keeps it moisturized. It is suitable for all hair types, and curly-haired beauties can use it with an air diffuser for soft, defined curls. You may check more about this productin this video of that features a reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Long-lasting
- UV protection
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Color-safe
Cons
None
Pro Tip11. Shear Miracle Organics Hold It! Hair Gel
Image: Shear Miracle Organics The Shear Miracle Organics Hold It! Hair Gel has a non-sticky and non-greasy formula. The gel provides a natural control and soft feel to the hair for easy detangling. Its lightweight formula enhances natural shine. It offers medium to firm hold to your hair. It works well for wet and dry looks.
The gel is formulated with organic, plant-based ingredients. It is vegan and cruelty-free. It is also formulated without gluten and GMO. Many reviewers love that the product is not tested on animals, which makes it ideal for people seeking cruelty-free hair care choices.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Lightweight formula
- Adds shine to hair
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
Cons
None
12. TRESemmé Ultra Firm Control Gel
Image: Tresemmé The TRESemmé Ultra Firm Control Gel provides resistance against humidity. It helps control frizz and holds your style all day long. The gel is affordable and does not make your hair sticky or wet. It is designed for all hair types, including curly hair.
Pros
- Provides resistance against humidity
- Frizz control
- Safe for all hair types
- Long-lasting
Cons
None
13. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Leave-in Smoothing Gelee
Image: Alterna Haircare The Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Leave-in Smoothing Gelee is a lightweight gel that provides hydration to the hair. The gel smoothens unwanted frizz and provides light definition to the hair. It also adds hair shine. The gel works great on wet and dry hair.
It is formulated with oils that instantly smoothen dry and unruly strands. Its caviar extract is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It restores moisture balance and hair elasticity.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing
- Controls frizz
- Adds shine
- Works on wet and dry hair
- Restores hair elasticity
Cons
None
14. Best For Curl Revival:John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse
Image: John Frieda John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse revives your curls and gives them much-needed bounce. It is formulated with rosehip oil and curl-enhancing technology that nourishes and defines curls with a controlled hold. It eliminates frizz, tames flyaways, improves manageability, and adds softness to your naturally wavy and curly hair. The formula works seamlessly as a heat protectant and allows you to use heat styling without causing any damage. In addition, the nourishing formula caters to restoring moisture to your curls and makes them softer and glossier.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Pleasant fragrance
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Thermal styling protectant
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy dispense nozzle
Cons
- May cause tangles and knots
Being mindful of what kind of products you use on your hair is the first step to hair care. People are now aware of the harmful ingredients like alcohol or parabens that most hair products are loaded with. So, to help you pick the right kind of alcohol-free hair products, here is a quick buying guide with a few important factors.
Things To Consider While Picking The Best Alcohol-Free Hair Products
- Hair Type And Ingredients
While there are a plethora of alcohol-free hair products from serums to shampoos and sprays, picking the one with the right ingredient is equally important. Not every alcohol-free hair product will suit every hair type or cater to every hair concern. Those with oily scalp must avoid products with essential oils and instead pick ingredients like tea tree extract, apple cider vinegar, pro-vitamin B5, or lemon extract as they reduce the oiliness and do not weigh down your hair.
For thin or fine hair, look for volumizing products like mousse or sprays that have panthenol, wheat protein, peptides, or ceramides. For dry and frizzy hair, conditioning plays a key role, so pick alcohol-free hair products that contain conditioning ingredients such as shea butter, glycerine, coconut oil, argan oil, aloe vera, honey, macadamia oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
- Formulation
No matter which type of alcohol-free hair product you pick, ensure you pick the right kind of formula. Opt for a lightweight formula if you have finer hair or oily hair to avoid the weighed down, limp stands. However, for thicker, damaged, dry, and coarse hair, pick a heavy formula loaded with moisturizing ingredients like butters and essential oils. If you have sensitive skin, try finding a dermatologist-tested formulation or product to avoid any irritation.
- Good Alcohols
When it comes to alcohol-free hair products, remember not all alcohols are alike and have the similar effect on your hair. For instance, benzyl, lauryl, stearyl, and cetyl alcohols, and propylene alcohols are considered good for your hair. They are fatty alcohols and are extracted from vegetables, fruits, and sea botanicals. These make your hair softer and smoother while nourishing your hair thoroughly.
- Other Toxins To Avoid
There are a lot of ingredients apart from alcohols that can irritate or cause allergic reactions, or even damage your scalp and hair. So, avoid alcohol-free hair products that contain parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, mineral oils, phthalates, or ammonium lauryl sulfate. Look for vegan non-irritating products made without soy or gluten if you are allergic to the mentioned ingredients.
Infographic: What To Consider When Buying Alcohol-Free Hair Products
Alcohol-free hair products are great for your hair care regimen. They leave your hair soft and supple. This is why the finest alcohol-free hair products are so popular right now. If you want to get your hands on the best ones, check out the infographic given below! It contains a guide to how you can select the best alcohol-free hair products to revive your hair care game. Keep scrolling! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Whether it’s a serum, gel, shampoo, or hair spray, the generic hair care products are loaded with the alcohol that makes your hair dry. Instead, try the best alcohol-free hair products to keep your hair safe, even after color-treating it. Try the It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Styling Serum to manage dry and frizzy hair, the Four Reasons Nature Styling Mousse to add volume to fine hair, or the Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath to care for your thick, coarse, and curly hair. These hair products prevent moisture loss, eliminate dullness, reduce flakes, and keep healthy hair strands. In addition, some products add shine to your hair, tame the frizz, and smoothen the hair strands. Some of the products on our list are also paraben-free, cruelty-free, lightweight, and pleasant smelling.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a hair care enthusiast. After consulting hair care experts and skimming through various product reviews, she compiled this list of the best alcohol-free hair products for shiny, hydrated locks of hair. Each product offers unique features that will add to your hair’s beauty, and she has included complete information of the products to help pick the best one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does all hairspray have alcohol?
No, all hairsprays do not have alcohol. The Honeybee Gardens Hair Spray is alcohol-free.
Why is there alcohol in hairspray?
Hairsprays contain alcohol for the fast drying process. The alcohol serves as a solvent for the polymers responsible for the hair hold.
Will hairspray cause hair loss?
Yes, hairspray can cause minor hair fall, but it will not lead to permanent hair loss.
Does alcohol-free hairspray cause gray hair?
No, using an alcohol-free hairspray will not cause gray hair.
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