4 Best Fragrance-Free Hairsprays in 2023
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We have tested and reviewed some of the leading fragrance-free hairsprays on the market in 2023 – so you don’t have to waste your money and time. In addition, we have weeded out those that claimed to be fragrance-free but weren’t.
As it turns out, the majority of hair styling sprays on the market labeled unscented or fragrance-free contain a variety of fragrances, masking fragrances, scents, or oils that should never be present in a fragrance-free product.
Why fragrance-free? Because fragrances and scents have been shown to cause various ailments and issues and, over time, can lead to perfume allergies. Read more about why you should avoid perfumes and all our reviews of the best perfume-free products.
And why fragrance-free hairspray? You would not think that hairspray needs added scents. And while they do not, most hairsprays actually do and are notorious for containing problematic chemicals.
Enter fragrance-free hairspray. They are an excellent choice for those with sensitive scalps – just as they are for anyone wanting to reduce exposure to fragrances and unnecessary chemicals on their bodies. Unfortunately, especially for those sensitive to fragrance, navigating the world of hairspray and hair care can be daunting.
Fragrance-free hairspray isn’t always fragrance-free…
Sadly, looking for terms like fragrance-free or unscented on labels isn’t enough because there are no federal standards or regulated definitions governing these terms in the United States. That means that products labeled ‘unscented’ or even fragrance-free may contain masking fragrances, scents, and oils that irritate sensitive noses.
And of course, you not only need a hairspray that is clear of harmful additives, but you also want to if they do the job as a hairspray equally well.
So, we embarked on a mission to research and test the leading fragrance-free hairspray on the market. And we’ve learned which fragrance-free hairsprays will hold curls and complicated updos and keep frizzy hair in check.
In our updated 2023 review of the best fragrance-free hairsprays, we have not made changes to our recommendations, but we have moved the Free & Clear fragrance-free hairspray up due to its unbeatable affordability.
Without further ado, here are the best 4 fragrance-free hairsprays in 2023!
Free & Clear Fragrance-Free Hairspray
The soft hold styling and finishing hairspray from Free & Clear allow firm styling control with a long-lasting, natural-looking hold. In addition, this gentle formula is fragrance-free and without masking fragrance, alcohol, aerosol, dyes, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde.
This fragrance-free styling and finishing hairspray is great for everyday use but not for voluminous up-dos.
No Nothing Sensitive Styling Mist Fragrance-Free Hairspray
The Finnish brand No Nothing‘s products contain as few potentially sensitizing ingredients as possible. To make everyone with a sensitive nose happy, all products are also 100% free of fragrances, scents, essential oils, and generally sensitizing or irritating ingredients.
No Nothing’s fragrance-free blow-drying spray with heat-activated formula gives volume and a strong but flexible, long-lasting hold. It works incredibly well as a base product for curled styles and is also excellent for refreshing and accentuating natural curls.
The versatile multi-spray is free of fragrance, scents, gluten, soy, paraben, dye, and colorant. Plus, it contains UV and humidity protection.
FragFre Fragrance-Free Hair Finishing Spray Soft Hold
Another good option is this fragrance-free finishing spray from FragFre. This one checks all the boxes as it’s free of fragrances, colors, parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, petrolatum, phthalates, BHT, irritating alcohols, preservatives, and more. The hold level is on the lighter side, so if you’re looking for a formula with a firm hold, you might want to pass on this one.
No Nothing Super Strong Hold Fragrance-Free Hairspray (discontinued)
Unfortunately, the Super Strong Hold fragrance-free hairspray from No Nothing has been discontinued. You can consider the No Nothing Sensitive Styling Mist Fragrance-Free Hairspray instead (see above).
It does not have as strong a hold, but it is still sufficient for most hair-dos.
All No Nothing products have been awarded the official emblem of the Finnish Allergy and Asthma Association, which means that they are safe for the vast majority of people who suffer from allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances.