What Happens When You Spray Holding Spray Indoors
Let’s talk about holding spray.
You spray it to keep your curls tight or your edges laid — and yeah, it does the job. But what you might not realize is: you’re also spraying fine particles into your air.
That cloud?
It’s not just settling on your hair. It’s settling in your lungs too.
Holding Spray = PM2.5 in the Air
When you use aerosol or spray-on products like holding spray, you’re releasing something called PM2.5 — small airborne particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers wide. For reference, that’s smaller than the width of a single strand of hair.
These particles can:
Travel deep into the lungs
Enter the bloodstream
Contribute to respiratory issues
Impact fertility
Increase your risk for fibroids and hormone-related health problems
The more spray you use in a closed space, the more these particles build up in your air — and the more you’re exposed.
The Ventilation Gap
The easiest solution? Open a window or door.
Let some of that particle-heavy air escape.
But I also know that not everyone has access to good ventilation. Whether it’s because of where you live, the time of year, or housing conditions — fresh air isn't always available. That’s a real issue, and one that disproportionately affects people in under-resourced communities.
So if opening a window isn’t an option, here are a few other ways to reduce your exposure:
Use a small fan to move air around
Spray near a doorway or vent to disperse particles
Take breaks between styling steps to let the air clear
Use a portable air purifier if you have access to one
It doesn’t have to be perfect. But small changes can protect your lungs in the long run.
Final Thoughts
You shouldn’t have to choose between caring for your hair and protecting your health.
Good ventilation is a small shift that can make a big difference — especially over time.
