Every hairspray product in your salon has a VOC level designation. VOC measures the amount, by weight, of your hairspray that is composed of a class of chemicals called “volatile organic compounds.” VOCs are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency in an attempt to reduce their use and make consumers aware of their presence. VOCs are regulated at the state level, and a number of states have placed restrictions on VOC levels for beauty products.  The limit for aerosol and non-aerosol hairsprays is 55% for the following states:
 

• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Indiana

• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Hampshire

• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island

• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.

What does this mean for salon owners? If you live in any of these states, you cannot be sold or shipped products with greater than 55% VOC.
 

What Does 55% VOC Mean in Hairspray?

55% VOC hairspray is hairspray whose contents are made up of no more than 55% volatile organic compounds (by weight). This includes both the propellant and the hairspray itself.
 

What Does 80% VOC Mean in Hairspray?

80% VOC hairspray is simply hairspray that contains a maximum of 80% (by weight) volatile organic compounds.

Just be sure to check your state’s requirements when ordering hairspray for your salon.