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If you fancy flaunting elaborate hairstyles to amp up your look, hairspray should be a regular feature in your beauty arsenal. A hairspray or spritz – comprising concentrate and lustre agents, ensures that your ‘do doesn’t budge, come rain or shine. Furthermore, this formulation delivers a gratifying lustre and incredible volume to the mane whilst keeping flyaways at bay. Chances are that most of you are familiar with this holy grail of hairstyling – which, fun fact, first appeared on the beauty scene circa 1940. But using a hairspray can prove to be a wee bit challenging. If you aren’t administering the requisite amount of product or observing the apt distance between the nozzle and your hair (while spraying) – you may end with exceedingly stiff hair. To assist you (the readers) in tackling this problem, Beauty Book reached out to expert Samantha Wadhwani. The celebrity hairstylist lists tips and tricks – adopted in this detailed guide on 'how to use hair sprays'. But before we jump right in, we are bringing you an overview of the different categories of hairsprays, the best way to apply it, and more.
What Is A Hairspray?
As the name suggests, hairspray is a liquid formulation that locks your hairstyle in place – much like what a setting spray does for your makeup. Boasting a blend of holding ingredients, a hairspray helps shape and volumise your strands for improved longevity.
As the name suggests, hairspray is a liquid formulation that locks your hairstyle in place – much like what a setting spray does for your makeup. Boasting a blend of holding ingredients, a hairspray helps shape and volumise your strands for improved longevity.
Different Types Of Hairsprays
Hairsprays are broadly classified into seven categories, based on the purpose they serve.
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Regular
Flyaways can be pesky – whether tying your hair in a slick pony or wearing it all natural. Regular hairspray curbs flyways and holds your hair intact. Hairstylist Samantha Wadhwani adds, “Instead of spraying the formula on your hair, spritz it on the comb – and run the brush through your hair.”
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Finishing
Use the finishing hairspray for final touches after heavy styling. Regardless of the hairdo you are sporting, buoyant curls or statement-making bouffant – a spritz of this spray will make sure “there is no hair out of place.”
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Freeze
True to its name, the application of this spray will guarantee little to no movement of the mane. This variety is a hit among pros and stage performers.
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Thermal
If you turn to styling tools like a straightener or a curling wand on the reg, make sure to employ a heat protectant or thermal hairspray into your regimen. A study suggests that thermally stressing your hair can lead to increased hair breakage when subjected to combing.
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Shaping
This lightweight spray is used before brushing or styling, i.e. the penultimate stage. Our expert Samantha adds, “Allow the hair to rest for a minute after spraying. Only then run a brush or your hands through it. Word to the wise – never touch the hair immediately after spritzing.”
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Volumising
This hair spritz creates the illusion of more volume and can be applied to the roots directly, without any stress.
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Texturising
This hairspray grants texture and volume to the hair without weighing it down. Albeit similar to a dry shampoo w.r.t. the chemical formulation, it doesn't expel excess oil from the hair follicles.
Ahead, the right way to use a hairspray.
How To Use A Hairspray
Using a hairspray the right way might not be in your wheelhouse. But with the following tips and tricks, you, too, can learn your way around this competent styling agent.
- Maintain a distance of at least 30 cm between the hair shafts (or roots) and the nozzle while spraying. This lil’ trick ensures that the spritzing process isn’t counterproductive, i.e. weighing your hair down. For a clean, neat hairdo – ascertain that the nozzle isn’t jammed or gummed up. Underlining the importance of the grip of the spray bottle for reaping the best results, Samantha adds. “I prefer a flexible hold hairspray as it gives a better finish and doesn’t make the tresses stiff.”
- Make smaller partitions of your mane with your fingers to help the formulation reach the entirety of the volume. You may even hold your hair upside down and spritz for the best results.
- People who grapple with a sensitive scalp should only use the formula on the hair shafts. Refrain from spritzing on the scalp to prevent aggravation.
- Curly hair gang, listen up. Instead of spritzing on the entire head of coils – divide and spray for the win. This will ascertain that your curls stay intact all day.
What Is The Best Way To Apply Hairspray?
To achieve desirable results, ensure you hold the hairspray nozzle at least 15 cm away from your mane. Spritzing too close to the roots can cause your scalp to become greasy and disrupt the hold of your hairstyle. While modern formulations are seldom heavyweight, distanced spraying will make sure the hairspray doesn’t weigh your hair down or interfere with the efficacy of the product. For those of you who have fine-textured hair, spritz more than a couple of pumps for a longer-lasting hold.
Best Hairsprays From Nykaa
Want your hair to look luxuriantly glossy? Get your hands on the Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Shine Spray. With a solid rating of 4.4/5 on Nykaa, you may summon this lightweight hairspray for administering level-1 pro control. Formulated using advanced German technology, this concoction also acts as an effective detangler. For best results, make smaller sections of your dry mane and spritz 3 to 4 times.
Imbued with nourishing ingredients, such as onion, flax seeds, chia seeds, and aloe gel – this spray assures the longevity of the ‘do without drying the tresses out. The blend also forgoes the use of sulphates, parabens and alcohol, which makes it ideal for everyday wear.
The L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Spray has been a staple in the vanities of A-listers such as Emma Stone, Blake Lively, and Jennifer Lopez. The humidity-defying formula ensures a long-lasting hold on the hairdo, whilst granting it an impeccable shine. The finishing spray that diffuses into the hair and dries almost immediately is available on Nykaa for only ₹750.
Delivering a flexible hold, the hotshot sprat from BBlunt is wallet-friendly! The formula has been crafted with the intent to serve varying Indian hair types and textures. A micro-diffusive spray that administers even distribution on your tresses also does away with irksome flyaways, baby hair, and frizz. Shake the can before use, keep the nozzle 30 cm away from the shafts and spray!
Trusted by professionals all over the world, The Sebastian Professional Hairspray grants a solid hold and yet a touchable feel to the tresses. Deemed fit for all hair types and textures, the competent offering is humidity-proof. For the best results, we recommend spraying the misty concoction in between styling to fortify the hairdo.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does a hairspray work?
A hairspray contains a medley of holding ingredients that work to improve the longevity of your hairstyle. Besides, many formulations go beyond the call of duty to enhance volume, lustre, and shine. Pick one based on your hair type, concerns, and styling needs.
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Is hairspray safe to use every day?
While hairspray may not cause permanent hair loss, overuse can weaken hair follicles, making the strands more brittle and prone to breakage. If you apply hairspray on the reg, ensure you indulge in a nourishing hair care routine featuring an ultra-moisturising hair mask to replenish lost moisture and restore damage.
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Can I sleep with hairspray on?
While sleeping with product in your hair doesn’t cause irreparable damage, it’s advisable to wash off hair formulations if you possess a sensitive scalp or any other scalp concerns. Excessive hairspray may clog your pores, causing the follicles to grow weak over time.
