Abstract: A block copolymer for hair styling compositions includes hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks which allow for optimization of desirable characteristics of the hair styling composition, such as flow onto the hair, prevention of curl droop, style retention at high humidity, tack, hardness, resistance to flaking, restylability, volumizing, and washability from the hair. The copolymer includes a polyacrylate backbone of hydrophobic blocks, with hydrophilic acrylate side chains. The copolymer is suitable for the formulation of a number personal care, household, hair care, skin care and other formulation. The copolymer is suited to incorporation into low VOC hydro-alcoholic hair styling compositions to meet reduced VOC, regulations.