Hairspray on Shabbat

Is it permitted to use hairspray and hair gel on Shabbat?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

As a general rule, hair products are generally forbidden on Shabbat.

The problem with using hair gel on Shabbat is that smoothing out or rubbing in semi solids often violates the prohibition of memareiach. In fact, some authorities call doing so a Torah prohibition.

So too, “binding” hair together, is even more of an issue on Shabbat no matter what product one uses.Working to bind hair together could also be a violation of “boneh.”

Hairspray: It is forbidden to first spray the hair and then style it. However, it is permitted to first style the hair and then spray it so that the hair should stay in place.  

The ban on making hair hard and stiff applies even if one does not use a hairbrush to do so.

One is permitted to wet very frizzy or unkempt hair with water in order to brush it nicely, making sure that one won't be plucking out hair, like with a soft brush, preferably one that is designated for Shabbat-only use. When using water in one’s hair one must be careful not to violate the prohibition of squeezing.

It is worth mentioning that any hair product which changes the color of the hair would be forbidden to use on Shabbat: dyeing is one of the melachot of Shabbat. Changing the color of anything, except for food, is forbidden on Shabbat. Similarly, hair should not be intentionally scented on Shabbat.

In conclusion, there is little justification for a person to use any type of hair care product on Shabbat. Perhaps consider giving your hair a day of rest, as well!