Although hairspray already resides decidedly in the arsenal of “important things to never forget” and “items to stow in your purse at all times” for many women, sparked by watching our grandmothers do the same thing, there seems to really be no bounds to its ingenuity. While nothing can handle a bout of flyways and pesky humidity quite like a spritz of whichever drugstore hairspray you grew up to love, it does not stop there. In fact, hairspray can be used in many more versatile ways, from beauty to household.
Here are 9 unexpected uses for hairspray that prove it really is that dependable.
Household Uses
Making Flowers Last Longer
Specifically, hydrangeas! This grandma-approved trick solves the unfortunate issue that many people face when trying to keep a hydrangea arrangement (or lush floral bouquet) in the house, or for an event, since they can become sad, deflated, and wilted within mere hours or days if you’re not careful.
It’s rather simple (spray thoroughly and hang to dry) and surprisingly effective, and since hydrangeas naturally dry out and preserve themselves in a most pretty way, it only helps the process in the meantime by keeping the blooms looking in tip-top shape. Then, if desired, you can let them naturally dry out and keep the bouquet for weeks, months, or even years.
Keeping Screws Tight
Want to ensure all of your household projects are set up for success? Worried about pesky loose screws in your antique décor? Giving attached screws a generous spray of hairspray acts as a secondary barrier that locks and secures screws for a tight, foolproof solution.
Getting Rid of Pet Hair or Lint
Even the peskiest cleaning chores, such as removing pet hair from furniture, can be made easier with your trusty hairspray. Simply coat one side of a cloth with hairspray, and wipe it over the desired area to sweep up pet hair and lint, sticking to the cloth as you go.
Threading a Needle
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to thread a needle when it just doesn’t want to happen. Spritzing the end of the thread with hairspray will stiffen it just enough to be able to be threaded more easily, but keeps enough flexibility to be used.
Protecting Your Pumpkins
Keep insects and animals away from your pumpkins, especially those that have been opened up and carved, by coating the gourds in a generous spray of hairspray. The scent and texture will repel most common pests.
“Scuffing” Up New Shoes
So, it won’t actually break in the bottoms of your new shoes, but it will help you in the meantime before the soles get properly scuffed up. Coat the bottom of your new, slippery shoes with hairspray, allowing it to dry, before heading out with a confidence that you won’t be slipping. It adds just enough tackiness, especially to new heels or boots, to keep you safe.
Beauty Uses
Stopping Pantyhose From Running
One of the oldest grandma-approved tricks in the book, the best way to stop a pantyhose (or tights) run in its tracks is by giving it a spritz of hairspray. That’s right: Make use of that miniature can of hairspray in your purse for more than just flyaways!
Drying Your Nails At Home
There is nothing more disheartening than taking time to paint your nails at home only to smudge them minutes later. Hairspray can speed up the delicate drying process if you lightly spritz your nails from a good distance away, so as to not disturb the polish.
Making Bobby Pins More Secure
Using hairspray on your hair is expected, of course; but spraying your hair tools, such as bobby pins, before they even touch your hair is a sneaky way to ensure those clips don’t budge or move all night long. This stylist-approved tip will help you switch up your hair looks more often without worrying about longevity.