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A Sticky Topic from Kendall at Mane Attraction

With the film Hairspray opening soon, the debate as to which actual hairspray is the best also opens.

What exactly is the purpose of hairspray and when and how did it become so popular?

Modern hairspray came about from, of all people, the U.S. Army and the Department of Agriculture during WWII. Yes, it was those fashionistas in Washington who created the technology of aerosol sprays - not to keep the GIs’ crew cuts in place but to help spray insecticide over large areas of jungle.

After the war, the first commercial hairsprays were introduced to the public. Much like today, celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Doris Day popularized the styles that required the use of hairspray. Hairsprays of old used shellac to literally glue hair into place. Shellac is a natural resin made from the secretions of the lac insect. Today it is predominantly used in lacquers and varnishes. Thank goodness modern technology has taken us beyond milking bugs to style our hair.

Hairspray has many uses. It can be used to smooth down flyaways, control cowlicks and tame unruly manes. It can be used to mold, hold and even fold hair. You can make hair fuller. You can make hair flatter and, in lieu of tape, you can even use it to stick your styling directions to the mirror. It can be also used as a blowtorch, though this is definitely not recommended.

So, who is the fairest of them all? There are hundreds of hairsprays on the market.  Sebastian Shaper is the official hairspray of the movie Hairspray. The number-one- selling hairspray in America is Rave with Pantene Pro V a close second.

But which one is the best?

Hair should look sexy. And if it looks sexy you should want to run your hands through it. When you move, your hair should move. Many hairsprays on the market give hair a stiff hard look. Helmet hair is not sexy hair.

My personal favorite is Bumble and bumble’s “Does It All” hairspray because it truly does it all. Unlike many hairsprays, it has a flexible hold so the style retains the shape but the hair still moves and is soft to the touch. It is lightweight and can be used before curling or flat ironing to softly set the hair and/or used after styling to give support and shine to any look.

Of course, if you want 1962-type Hairspray hold from the movie you’ll need a stronger product. Depending on whether you want Gale Force Wind Hold, Monsoon Wind Hold or the ultimate…Hurricane Hold, you may need to track down some old Aqua Net. But beware. If too many of you start using Hurricane Hold the hole in the ozone may reopen and Al Gore will come and personally take back your DVD of An Inconvenient Truth.

Vique gives the movie Hairspray 5 stars! Read her review here, and don't miss Kendall's modern take on the classic updo.

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