How to Make Your Hair Stay in Place without Hairspray or Gel

Achieving a perfect hairstyle is a daily ritual, but what do you do when you’ve run out of hairspray and gel? Now, that is the part where you need to be creative with alternative products. So, how can you make your hair stay in place without gel or hairspray?

To make your hair stay in place without hairspray or gel, consider using alternatives such as pomade, dry shampoo, sugar spray or mousses for light to medium hold. However, while they are excellent alternatives, some may not hold the hair firmly like hairspray and gel would. 

In this blog post, I’ll discuss alternatives you can use to hold your hair in place, how to apply and the best hairstyle for each. 

6 Hairspray and Gel Alternatives

Below is how to make your hair stay in place without using hairspray or gel;

1. Use pomade

Pomade is a versatile alternative to hairspray, known for its strong hold and shine. It’s particularly well-suited for achieving classic, structured, or slicked-back hairstyles. 

It’s ideal for hairstyles that require structure and definition. You can create classic looks, like a side part, quiff, or a neat comb-over. 

Here’s how to use pomade effectively:

• Pomade works best on dry hair, so make sure your hair is completely dry before application.
• Pomade is potent, so you only need a small amount. Begin with a fingertip-sized portion and adjust as needed depending on your hair type and the level of hold you desire.
• Rub the pomade between your palms to warm it up. This makes it easier to distribute evenly.
• Start by applying the pomade to your hair from the back to the front. Ensure even coverage by running your fingers through your hair. If you’re styling a specific look, like a pompadour or a slicked-back hairstyle, use a comb to shape and define your hair.
• Pomade is not as stiff as hairspray, so you might need to touch up your style throughout the day. Simply re-comb or reshape your hair as needed.
• Pomade is oil-based and can be a bit challenging to wash out with water alone. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove it completely from your hair before your next wash.

2. Style using styling clay

Styling clay is a fantastic alternative to hairspray, especially for achieving textured, matte finishes and a natural, tousled appearance.

Styling clay can be applied to either dry or slightly damp hair, depending on the level of hold and flexibility you desire. For a stronger hold, use it on dry hair, and for a more pliable, less rigid finish, apply it to damp hair. 

It works best for hairstyles that require a relaxed, voluminous, or messy look. 

Here’s how to use styling clay effectively:

• You typically need a small amount of styling clay. Start with a fingertip-sized portion and adjust based on your hair length and style.
• Warm up the styling clay between your palms to make it easier to distribute through your hair.
• Run your hands through your hair, distributing the styling clay evenly from the roots to the tips.
• Styling clay offers a matte finish, making it suitable for hairstyles that don’t require a high shine. If you want a natural, non-greasy look, styling clay is an excellent choice.
• Styling clay provides flexibility, allowing you to re-style your hair throughout the day by running your fingers through it or reshaping with your hands.
• Styling clay is water-based, so it’s easy to wash out with regular shampoo, leaving no residue behind.

3. Hair wax

Hair wax offers as much stronghold and flexibility as hairspray. It’s particularly well-suited for achieving textured and structured hairstyles. Hair wax works best on dry hair, so ensure your hair is completely dry before application. 

Hair wax is ideal for achieving a textured and structured look. It’s perfect for creating styles like spikes, messy crops, faux hawks, and pompadours. 

Here’s how to use hair wax effectively:

• You only need a small amount of hair wax. Start with a pea-sized portion and adjust based on your hair type, length, and style.
• Apply the wax evenly throughout your hair, working it from the roots to the tips. Use your fingers to style your hair as desired, creating texture, separation, and definition.
• Hair wax provides a strong but flexible hold, allowing you to restyle your hair throughout the day. Simply run your fingers through your hair to reshape it.
• Hair wax is typically water-based and easy to wash out with regular shampoo.

4. Dry shampoo

Dry shampoo is an alternative to hairspray. While it may not provide hold like hairspray, it can be an excellent option for specific hairstyles and hair care needs. 

You can use it for hairstyles that require volume and a fresher appearance, particularly when dealing with greasy or oily hair. It’s ideal for hairstyles like loose waves, messy buns, or tousled locks. It’s also great for refreshing second-day hair. 

Here’s how to use dry shampoo effectively:

• Dry shampoo is perfect for use on days when your hair is feeling a bit oily or flat as it is designed to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair
• Shake the dry shampoo canister well before use to ensure the product is thoroughly mixed.
• Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from your roots. Section your hair and spray the dry shampoo along the roots, focusing on the areas that tend to get greasiest, like the crown and the part.
• After applying the dry shampoo, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to help distribute the product evenly and activate its oil-absorbing properties.
• Allow the dry shampoo to sit for a minute or two to work its magic. During this time, you can use a brush or your fingers to comb through your hair and remove any excess product or residue.
• Once you’ve massaged and brushed through your hair, you can style it as desired. Dry shampoo adds volume and texture, making it perfect for achieving a fuller, more voluminous look.
• Be cautious not to overuse dry shampoo, as excessive application can lead to product buildup and leave a powdery residue in your hair.

5. Sugar spray

Sugar spray is a unique alternative to hairspray that provides texture, hold, and a beachy, tousled finish. It’s ideal for creating hairstyles that have a relaxed, windswept appearance. 

Sugar spray is best suited for achieving beachy waves, tousled tresses, and textured styles. It’s perfect for those seeking a casual, carefree look that mimics the relaxed, tousled hair you get after a day at the beach.

Here’s how to use sugar spray effectively:

• Begin with clean, damp hair. Towel-dry your hair gently to remove excess moisture.
• Shake the sugar spray bottle well before use to ensure the ingredients are properly mixed.
• Hold the bottle about 6-8 inches away from your hair and evenly spritz the sugar spray from mid-lengths to the ends. You want to focus more on the lower part of your hair to create the beachy waves.
• Use your fingers to scrunch and twirl sections of your hair while it’s still damp. This helps distribute the sugar spray and encourages the formation of waves and curls.
• Allow your hair to air dry naturally for a more relaxed look. Alternatively, you can use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to speed up the drying process while maintaining the textured effect.
• Once your hair is dry, you can further define and style your beachy waves with your fingers. For a more polished look, you can use a curling wand to touch up specific sections.
• Be mindful not to overuse sugar spray, as excessive application can leave your hair feeling sticky or weighed down. Start with a light application and add more as needed.

6. Hair mousse

Mousse is another alternative to hairspray, particularly for hairstyles that require volume, hold, and flexibility.  It’s best suited for achieving styles that involve curls, waves, or a voluminous finish. 

Here’s how to use mousse effectively:

• Start with clean, damp hair. 
• Dispense a small amount, typically a golf ball-sized portion, into your palm. You can always add more if needed, but it’s essential not to overdo it to avoid a sticky or crunchy feel.
• Rub your hands together to evenly distribute the mousse. Make sure your palms and fingers are coated.
• Begin applying the mousse from the roots to the tips of your hair. Ensure thorough coverage by running your fingers or a comb through your hair.
• Depending on your desired style, use your fingers, or styling tools like curling irons or rollers. Mousse provides a flexible hold, so you can create curls, waves, or a full-bodied look. 
• Use a diffuser to scrunch your hair for enhanced curls or waves.
• If you’re using heat styling tools, ensure your hair is completely dry before finishing your style. For a natural air-dried look, allow your hair to dry naturally, scrunching it occasionally for added texture.

Conclusion

Achieving a perfectly styled and well-behaved mane without the use of traditional hairspray or gel is indeed possible. Throughout this guide, I explored alternative hair styling methods, and products, from mousse to pomade. Embracing these alternatives not only provides you with more options but also promotes the overall health and vitality of your hair. 

Try out these alternatives, and you’ll find that making your hair stay in place can be both achievable and exciting.