Can You Bring Hairspray On A Plane? (through TSA)

Flying
credit: Yay

For many people, hairspray is an essential product. People who style their hair often use hairspray to keep their hair in place. When traveling, people want to carry hairspray to ensure they can still style their hair and look good in travel photos, but can you bring hairspray on a plane?

Hairspray is allowed on a plane in checked luggage and carry-on bags. According to the TSA, aerosol, and treatment hairsprays fall under the liquid checklist. For carry on-bags, hairspray needs to be equal to or less than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in size. Full-sized hairspray is allowed if it is packed in checked baggage.

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Can You Carry Hairspray In Checked Luggage?

The TSA allows hair spray and other cosmetic aerosols on the plane in checked baggage. There is a restriction on toiletry-type aerosols in checked luggage. You cannot take more than 70 oz, with each can having a size limit of 18 oz.

Aerosol hairsprays typically come in 7 oz full-sized cans, so unless you plan on filling your entire suitcase with hairspray and deodorant, you should be safe.

Can You Pack Hairspray in Hand Luggage?

If you don’t plan on carrying checked luggage and need all your items to go into your carry-on bag, you don’t have to worry. TSA allows hairspray in hand luggage, but it is considered a liquid, so it has to meet the 3-1-1 rules.

The TSA 3-1-1 rule means that all liquid items for carry-on luggage must be equal to or less than 3.4 oz or 100 ml. They must be placed in a 1-quart-sized resealable, clear plastic bag, and only one of those bags per passenger is allowed.

All your liquid items have to fit in that bag, so you can fill it with only hairsprays or mix t up with your other toiletries, but the bag must be sealed when passing through security checkpoints.

Can You Carry Liquid Hairspray On A Plane?

Aerosol hairspray is not the only product that comes into question. Passengers often want to know about liquid sprays used as heat protectors, leave-in conditioners, or anti-frizz and detangler sprays.

According to the TSA, all the above are allowed on a plane in both checked and hand luggage. If you want to pack them in full sizes, you must store them in your checked baggage with no limitations.

For carry-on bags, you must ensure they do not exceed the TSA requirements and are 3.4 oz/100 ml or less and packed in a quart-sized clear, plastic, resealable bag. You can buy travel-sized products from any store or decant them into travel-sized reusable spray bottles.

Are All Aerosols Allowed In Carry-On Bags?

Not all aerosols are allowed on a plane. If they are medicinal or cosmetic sprays, they will be allowed if the requirements are met when packed in carry-ons. Other aerosols like paint, insecticides, laundry products, etc., will not be permitted.

If an aerosol spray cannot be directly applied to the skin or hair, you are prohibited from carrying it on the plane. They are not allowed in checked or hand luggage. Non-cosmetic aerosols are considered incredibly toxic and highly flammable.

Can Hairspray Explode On A Plane?

While there is a possibility that aerosol cans can explode, it is unlikely to happen because the plane is temperature-controlled, even in the belly of the aircraft where the luggage is packed. The cans could, however, leak from altitude pressure in the airplane.

If your hairspray is packed well, there shouldn’t be an issue, but there is a higher probability of it being intact even after you reach your destination.

How To Pack Hairspray For A Flight?

If you are taking hairspray on a flight, you want to ensure that you pack it correctly to avoid issues at security checkpoints and be prepared for possible leaks. Below are some tips:

How Should Pack Hairspray In Checked Luggage?

In checked baggage, you can take full-size hairspray cans. Ensure the cap is secured well; if needed, tape it down, so it does not come off with any impact.

You want to place your hairspray cans in plastic bags that seal well or a liquid-proof toiletry bag. That way, the spray will not get onto all your other items if there are any leaks from the pressure.

Checked luggage gets tossed and mishandled, so it is recommended that you place your spray cans in the middle of the bags, surrounded by soft items. It will save it from denting or damage that could cause leaks.

How Should You Pack Hairspray In Hand Luggage?

Carrying hairspray in your carry-on bags is more complex and requires extra planning and organizing. Use these handy tips next time you travel.

  • Purchase travel-sized hairspray. Most supermarkets and cosmetic stores sell them.
  • Ensure that the caps seal tightly. If not, tape them down.
  • Pack the hairspray in a quart-sized bag with your other liquid toiletries and ensure the plastic can seal.

Can You Buy Full-Sized Hairspray At The Airport?

If you do not carry checked luggage, you do not have more weight capacity, or if you run out of space in your bags, you don’t have to travel without hairspray.

Some of the stores in the airport that you find after security checkpoints, on your way to the boarding gates, sell a lot of full-sized liquid products, including hairspray. Once you safely pass through security, you can purchase items from the shops.

You can get them in travel sizes and full sizes. The security at the gates will permit you to board the plane whether those items are stuffed into your carry-on or have them in the shopping bag.

Getting your products after passing airport security is a great tip to save weight and space in your bags but still, be able to take what you need. Take note that airport stores are expensive, but that can work for you if you don’t have a problem paying the prices.

Another tip would be to buy your products at your destination, especially if you stay a while. That would save you the hassle of traveling with the products, and you can save money by not paying airport prices.