Hairspray is a solution of long, chainlike molecules (called polymers) in a very volatile solvent. Spraying deposits a stiff layer of the polymer on your hair after the solvent evaporates.
The solvent used was once a compound of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine (a chlorofluorocarbon, or CFC). CFCs are nontoxic, nonflammable, and make almost ideal aerosol propellants. But when it was learned that they causedestruction of stratospheric ozone, they were replaced with other solvents, like alcohols and hydrocarbons. Unfortunately, these are flammable.
One of the polymers used is polyvinylpyrrolidine, which is also used to glue the layers of wood in plywood together. An non-water soluble polymer called polydimethylsiloxane is added to make the hold last a bit longer (the polyvinylpyrrolidine is water soluble).
Other polymers used in plastic-based hairsprays are copolymers with vinyl acetate andcopolymers with maleic anhydride .[1]
Some hairsprays use natural polymers and solvents like vegetable gums dissolved in alcohol. One popular ingredient is gum arabic is made from the sap of certain trees that grow in the Sudan. Gum tragacanth is another herbal gum that is used to stiffen calico and crepe, as well as
Is Hairspray Harmful?
Last Updated: Aug 16, 2013 | By Tracii HanesBarbers and hairdressers may have a greater risk of experiencing hairspray-related health problems. Photo Credit hair setup image by sumos from Fotolia.com
Hairspray is a cosmetic product designed to hold hair in place. There are many different brands and formulations available, each containing a different blend of ingredients. While more research is needed on the health effects of hairspray, certain ingredients have been linked to adverse health effects in some instances.
Ingredients
Hairspray contains a group of active ingredients (polymers and solvents) in addition to one or more propellants. It usually comes in a container with a pump or aerosol nozzle.
Polymers are
Bibliography: About.com. (2013). About Chemistry. Recuperado el 20 de March de 2013, de http://chemistry.about.com/od/factsstructures/ig/Chemical-Structures---M/Methane.-eS1.htm Bookrags. (2013). Bookrags. Recuperado el 20 de March de 2013, de http://www.bookrags.com/research/methane-woc/ National Geographic. (2012). Good Gas, Bad Gas. National Geographic Magazine . Planet Green. (n.d.). Beauty, Your Health and The Environment. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from http://www.kinnelonconserves.net/Hairspray.html Seagrave, W. (2012). History of The Universe. Penny Press. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. (2013 de 21 de 2013). Wikipedia. Recuperado el 20 de March de 2013, de http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methane