HIGH WATER CONTENT HAIR SPRAY COMPOSITION

2109313 9301808 PCTABS00019 What is described herein is a high water content hair spray composition which forms uniform, fine spray patterns having rapid drying characteristics, and which provides excellent curl retention, and reduced curl droop properties. These results are achieved herein by incorporation a surface active agent or agents into the hair spray composition which agent or agents substantially decreases the surface or interfacial tension of the hydroalcoholic phase of the composition during use. The decreased surface tension of the water-based composition along the length of the hair shaft enhances its spreading tendencies so that substantially no droplets can form upon application of the composition to the hair. The surface active agent preferably is a surface active lactam; and, most preferably, an N-alkyl pyrrolidone, where the alkyl group is a C4-C22, branched or linear, alkyl group.