The Associated Press

Don't worry hairspray addicts, you can still get helmet-like hair, but because of new Environmental Protection Agency regulations, it'll just take a little longer for spray formulas to take hold.

After Dec. 31, manufacturers must reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in hairspray from 80 percent to 55. This means hairspray will use more water in their formula, resulting in a wetter and warmer feel, and it will take longer to dry, explains David Floyd, director of research and development for Diamond Products.

Diamond Products' brands include White Rain, Adorn and Dry Look for Men.

"In the old days, we used a lot of high-pressure hydrocarbons in hairspray, which gave a dry, cooling spray and it evaporated quickly. There was forcefulness with the spray, and people got used to that feel," Floyd says.

"At the 55 percent level, there is lower pressure and it takes propellents longer to evaporate."

Eventually, the new hairspray will dry and its styling characteristics won't change, he pledges.

Floyd compares hairspray to paint: lacquer takes only moments to dry and harden, while water-based enamel has a tackiness when applied and needs to sit longer. The final result with both, though, is shiny.