Use our tips to get salon-worthy looks with your hairspray
Your hairspray works hard to keep your hair looking flawless on a daily basis. It helps you style your hair and holds it in place throughout the day to create a professional, polished look. When you use hairspray, you have the opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of hairstyles without having to commit to any of them. When you find the best hairspray for your needs, it's a practical tool to have, but it also grants you the freedom of fixing up your hair however you wish.
You may think you’re using your hairspray correctly, but there are ways to optimize the product in order to achieve professional results. Whether you have a spray that adds volume to your hair or fights frizz, adjusting the way you use it allows you to style your hair like a true expert. Follow these guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of your hairspray and to give your hair a truly professional treatment.
How to Choose the Right Level of Strength
No matter how you use your hairspray, it won’t work effectively if you don’t choose the appropriate product for your hair type. There are many features to take into account when you search for the best hairspray, but one of the most important ones to look for is strength. The three main types of strength that you’ll find on a hairspray label are:
- Flexible/low-hold
- Classic/medium-hold
- Extra-strong/extreme-hold
As the names suggest, these strength levels vary based on how much hold they provide. Flexible or low-hold spray is ideal when you’re aiming for a more natural or casual look. You can also opt for low-hold hairspray if you have fine hair that doesn’t need a lot of help to stay in place. Moreover, flexible spray should be your choice whenever you need to switch hairstyles without the hassle, as this spray lets you redo your hair effortlessly.
Classic or medium-hold hairspray gives you a good amount of control that lies between low-hold and extreme-hold. Medium-strength spray allows your hair to stay in place without causing it to lose its natural bounce. If you want to use a straightener to smooth out your strands, or tease them, this type of spray is your go-to product. Medium-hold hairspray also gives your newly smoothed locks the right amount of grip.
This leaves you with extreme-hold hairspray, which, as its name implies, provides the greatest amount of strength out of all the types of spray. Extreme-hold sprays are typically recommended for intricate hairstyles that need to stay in place throughout the entire day. Because this extra-strong spray is so powerful, it’s best to save it for when you need as much hold as possible.
How to Keep the Right Distance
Another key strategy for using your hairspray correctly is to maintain a good distance when you spray your hair. If you point the bottle directly towards your roots, you’ll end up with a greasy or wet look. Focusing on one area while spraying may also cause your hair to harden. To achieve a smooth and polished look, be sure to keep the can sufficiently far away from your head while you spray. The instructions on the label usually indicate the ideal distance for optimal results.
When Is the Best Time to Add Hairspray?
If you solely use hairspray as the final step of your hairstyling routine, it may be time to rethink your strategy. In many cases, you can prime your hair with some spray before you begin styling it. This allows you to prepare your strands for the work you’re about to do on them. In addition, using hairspray before styling helps your hair stay fresh throughout the day and even adds a bit of volume to it. You will also have an easier time fixing up your hair when you’ve already added product to it.
Don’t Brush Afterwards
If you want to achieve professional results from your hairspray, be sure not to brush your hair after spraying it. While brushing your locks may seem like a natural way to smooth them out after using a spray, this may cause damage to them. Always brush your hair before spraying it and let your hairspray do the work of making your strands appear smooth and silky.
Give Your Hair the Professional Treatment it Deserves
Treating yourself to the hairstyle that makes you feel confident doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With the help of a quality hairspray and the right tips, you can learn how to maintain hair that is healthy and gorgeous.
Resources— Lionesse, All Things Hair, L’Oréal
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