Hairsprays are complicated chemical mixtures. A setting polymer gives hold, additives to make the heair shiny and soft with perfume oils for a pleasant smell. However, these ingredients make up only about 5% of an average spray. The remaining 95% consists of solvents and propellant gases to carry the mixture in an aerosol spray.

Traditional aerosols contain a high proportion of volatile organic compounds (VOC) as their solvent. These compounds can break down in the atmosphere and cause air pollution.

BASF have developed a new setting polymer, called Luviset, which dissolves readily in water. The hairspray contains polyurethane which is a polymer used in applications as varied as foam cushions, ski boots and skateboard wheels. In the spray it is formulated so that its elastic and cusioning qualities are utilised. "Polyurethanes have a modular structure, so we can vary the starting materials in various ways and specifically adjust the properties of the product," explains Dr. Claudia Wood, a polymer chemist at BASF.

Hairsprays containing Luviset can be made with much less organic solvent and propellant which reduces the emissions of VOC's to the atmosphere.