Since I have fine hair, I am constantly searching for a hairspray that will help my locks hold their shape. So when I heard about Garnier’s new bamboo hairspray, I thought I would give it a try.
That was a huge mistake.
The ads claim that the product is humidity proof, they lie. I tried the spray for about a week when there was low humidity, and I noticed no increase in volume or hold.
I also noticed that the spray made my hair tacky — sticky to the touch. Not a plus. But, by far, the most upsetting side effect of the hairspray was the acne.
That’s right, acne.
After just two days of using the spray, my hairline was covered in small, painful blemishes. By the end of the fourth day, the acne had spread to my cheeks, ear lobes and neck. To say that this was an unwanted side effect would be the understatement of the year.
I immediately stopped using the product, washed my pillow cases, and feverishly scrubbed my face. The acne cleared in a couple of days. Clearly, this product was not meant for people with oily skin.
I’m still fairly happy with Garnier’s Body Boost shampoo and conditioner, but I have no interest in using any of their styling products after this experience.
No surprise that it caused you acne, but how HORRIBLE! I dealt with acne as a teenager (super sensitive skin and overall body system) and traced breakouts to products like this, as well as other hair creams and serums, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, etc. So, I feel your pain in hearing this! Thanks for posting. There are way, way too many unnecessary chemicals in our everyday products; I've since gone natural/organic and while its not as strong, it's worth the overall health benefits ~Christine, Phoenix, AZ.
I also have fine hair and struggle to find a hairpsray that works. Especially in the humidity. My hair and humidity are mortal enemies with the humidity ALWAYS winning. I use this hairspray and it does not work; my hair is always flat and lifeless half way through the day. Fortuantly, I have never gotten ance from the product. The ProActiv must be doing its job. Tell us when you find a hairspray that works!!!
As one blessed with “flat, thin, limp” locks, I have fallen in love with “Fat Hair” hairspray found in a bright red can. CVS often sells a small trial size as well! Just be sure to rinse off the nozzle to prevent clogging.
um this may be to blame for me, too. the stuff is not good at all. i'll stick to my tres semme hairspray for sure, but your acne realization just set off a lightbulb in my head!!
Ashley-
I've been using Freezit in the gold can, and it seems to work the best. But it's a bit drying, so you need to condition well.
Belle,
What does BPGP stand for? Thanks!
Liz-
The posts used to be called “Beauty Product Guinea Pig.” But it's too much to fit on one line.
Bah, I tried this stuff a few weeks ago and had the same thing happen to me! I didn't realize the breakout was from the hairspray at the time though, but looking back that makes total sense.
Everyone raves about Elnett, which I believe is now legal in the States. I have some just in case I need a spray, but have honestly never used it.
Elnett is great! It's the only spray that can help my hair hold a curl. Although I now have to go google why it was banned…CPCs?
Ooops…meant CFCs!
“Bed Head” has the best products from TIGI. I too have very straight, fine, no-volume hair, and their hair spray “HARD HEAD” works miracles. Its a bit costly, $15 per bottle, but I often find “two for one” at Target or Ulta so its worth it. No pimples, no stickiness, just fast hold that lasts forever!
Rusk W8less hairspray is amazing and does winders for my volume impaired hair.
I have used the Garnier strong hold gel and never had a problem with acne (I also love how it looks)–so might be premature to boycott all Garnier products.
I am not sure if I am glad or sad that I am not the only one that has reactions to some hairsprays like this. I too and still searching for one that will do what it promises without leaving me with glue stiff straw instead of hair. Or a rash of zits. Or both.
sigh.