The Chemistry of Hair Spray

Introduction

I chose hairspray because I love it and it helps cute hairstyles stay in place. And, it also has a very nice smell depending on the kind.

Without hairspray, hair would never stay where you want it and it would fall out of place.

Composition of ...

• Elastesse is chemical form of liquid elastic.
• plastics in hairspray place invisible film over hair once the elastesse dries
• polyvinylpyrrolidine one of the polymers which is used to glue the layers of plywood together
• polydimethylsiloxane added for extra hold
• pytocalcious chemicals enhance minerals in the roots of hair for additional stiffness
• ethanol or more commonly water make up the rest of the composition
• active polymers are dissolved
• additive chemicals keep the inside of the can from rusting
• one popular ingredient is gum arabic which is made from the sap of trees in Sudan

Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components

Chemistry's Role

Background Research

Resources

About the Author