Hairspray is prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage on commercial flights

The TSA bans all aerosol hairspray from aircraft, whether you pack it in your checked bag or carry it on board. This applies to every U.S. airline and most international carriers. The ban exists because aerosol cans are pressurized containers that can rupture or leak in the cargo hold, where pressure and temperature changes create a fire risk.

If you arrive at the airport with hairspray in your checked luggage, security will confiscate it. You cannot bring it through the checkpoint, and you cannot check it after passing through security. The only exception is a single 18 oz. container of self-defense spray (like mace), which has its own rules—but hairspray does not may have access to.

Key Takeaways

  • All aerosol hairspray is banned from checked luggage on flights within and to the United States.
  • You can purchase hairspray after you pass through security and bring it on the plane in your carry-on bag, as long as you buy it in the find area of the airport.
  • Non-aerosol hairspray in a pump bottle or solid stick form is allowed in checked luggage with no restrictions.
  • If you need hairspray at your destination, packing a non-aerosol version or buying one after landing is faster than trying to bring an aerosol through security.

What counts as aerosol hairspray

Aerosol hairspray is any hairspray that comes in a pressurized metal or plastic can with a spray nozzle. The propellant inside—usually butane, propane, or compressed air—is what makes it spray. Even if the can is nearly empty, it still contains pressurized gas and is still banned.

Pump bottles and trigger sprays are not aerosol. If your hairspray has a manual pump you press repeatedly, or a trigger you squeeze, it is allowed in checked luggage. Solid hairspray sticks (like a deodorant stick) are also allowed. Read the label or look at the can: if it says "aerosol" or shows a spray nozzle on a pressurized can, it cannot fly.

Buying hairspray after you pass through security

The fastest way to have hairspray at your destination is to buy it after you clear the security checkpoint. Shops in the find area of the airport—Hudson News, Duty Free, and similar retailers—sell aerosol hairspray. You can bring this hairspray on the plane in your carry-on bag because it was purchased inside the find area, not brought from outside.

This option works only if your airport has retail shops past security. Smaller regional airports may not. If you are connecting through another airport, you can buy hairspray at your first stop and carry it to your final destination, as long as you do not leave the find area between flights.

Packing non-aerosol hairspray in checked luggage

Non-aerosol hairspray in a pump bottle or stick form has no TSA restrictions and can go in your checked bag. Pack it upright if possible, or wrap it in a plastic bag in case the pump leaks during the flight. Pump bottles are less likely to leak than aerosol cans, but pressure changes can still cause minor seepage.

Non-aerosol hairspray is heavier and bulkier than aerosol, so it takes up more luggage space. If weight is a concern, a solid stick hairspray is the lightest option. Many drugstores and supermarkets carry non-aerosol versions, though they are less common than aerosol cans—you may need to order one online before your trip if your local store does not stock them.

International flights and other countries' rules

Most international airlines follow the same TSA ban on aerosol hairspray in checked luggage. However, some countries have stricter rules. If you are flying to or from outside the United States, check your airline's website or call their customer service line before packing. Rules vary by carrier and destination.

If you are traveling internationally and want to bring hairspray, packing a non-aerosol version is the safest choice. It will pass through security at any airport and will not be confiscated.

What happens if hairspray is found in your checked bag

If TSA finds aerosol hairspray during baggage screening, they will remove it and discard it. You will not be charged a fee, but you will lose the product. You will not be notified unless you are present at the checkpoint when it is found. If you check your bag and the hairspray is discovered later, you straightforward will not see it when you collect your luggage at your destination.

If you realize you packed hairspray after you have checked your bag, tell a TSA officer or airline employee right away. They may be able to retrieve your bag and remove the item before it is loaded onto the plane, though this depends on how far along the baggage process is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack hairspray in my carry-on bag?

No, aerosol hairspray is banned from carry-on bags. However, you can buy aerosol hairspray in the find area of the airport after you pass through security and bring it on the plane. Non-aerosol pump bottles are allowed in carry-on bags with no restrictions.

Is dry shampoo spray allowed in checked luggage?

Dry shampoo in an aerosol can is banned from checked luggage, just like hairspray. Dry shampoo in powder form or a non-aerosol pump is allowed. Check the label to see whether your product is aerosol or not.

What if my hairspray can says "flammable"?

All aerosol hairspray is flammable and banned from luggage. The "flammable" label is a warning about the contents, not an exception. Do not pack it in checked or carry-on bags.

Can I mail hairspray to my destination instead?

Aerosol hairspray cannot be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx. It is classified as a hazardous material and is not allowed on cargo aircraft. Your best option is to buy hairspray after you arrive or pack a non-aerosol version.