12 Clever Uses For A Can Of Hairspray

12 Clever Uses For A Can Of Hairspray

Hairspray is not just for keeping your hair in place! Oh no, this little wonder can is a fantastic multi-tasker around the home too.

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1. Remove makeup stains

makeup
No match against hairspray!

Get rid of those lipstick marks from your clothing by spraying some onto the stain and leaving it to soak in before popping it in the wash. The alcohol will help dissolve the lipstick and loosen the stain, making it easier for the washing machine to wash it out.

2. Fly repellent

If you've got an annoying housefly buzzing around your home, take action and spray some hairspray in their general direction. It'll stop them in their tracks, making it easier for you to either squish them or put them outside. Whichever option you take, hairspray will make it a lot easier to get the job done.

3. Make your own wrapping paper

Just take some paper, wrap your gift and coat it with hairspray. Leave it to set and it will dry to an incredible shine. This a really handy trick for when you've run out of wrapping paper, but also great fun if you're feeling creative. Make your own wrapping paper using scraps of old paper, magazines and newspaper, and you also save yourself a fortune.

4. Seal in the shine on your shoes

shoes
Keep that shine.

After you've polished and buffed your shoes, give them a quick spray of hairspray. Hold the can about 40cm away to get a light and even distribution. They'll be shining all day long.

5. Prevent and stop ladders in tights

Spray your tights as soon as you see a ladder and it'll stop it in its tracks. You can also help prevent ladders by giving a new pair a generous spray before popping them in the wash. The hairspray works at re-enforcing the materials, making it a lot tougher and less susceptible to laddering.

6. Seal your kid's artwork to prevent smudging

If your little one creates a lovely little masterpiece using crayon, pencil or chalk give the final piece a little spray with hairspray. It will prevent any smudging or smearing and will help preserve it for years to come.

7. Preserve fresh flowers

flowers
Beautiful!

You can prolong the look of cut flowers with just a can of hairspray. Take them out of the vase, spray each flower and then let them dry upside down. For the full step-by-step guide check out the eHow guide to preserving flowers with hairspray.

8. Zip stiffener

zipper
Just like magic!

If you have a loose zip then hairspray can toughen it up a little. The spray's ingredients will harden the teeth found in a zip, giving it a tighter grip.

9. Thread a needle like a pro

If you sew you'll know how frustrating it is trying to thread a needle especially when the needle hole is very small or the thread is frayed. Just give it a little spray and it pinch it tightly together. You'll be threading the needle in seconds!

10. Remove lint or pet hair from clothes

If you don't have a lint roller to hand, just spray a cloth or a paper towel and pat it onto your clothes. It will quickly lift off any fuzzies.

11. Stop shoes from slipping

Shoes a wee bit too big? Spray the inside with hairspray and it'll keep your feet from slipping out of them with every step.

12. Tame unruly eyebrows 

eye
Perfect.

If your eyebrows need a lot of taming and tweaking, give them a spray with a light-hold hairspray and gently comb through. They'll stay in place and will look more natural than an eyebrow gel.

 Thanks for reading! Do you have any interesting uses for hairspray?   

Please let us know in the comments section below!

Anushka F

Editor

A keen money-saver and fan of all things natural, Anushka enjoys making her own beauty products and is partial to a bit of crafting. Never short of a clever tip or two, she's always looking for new ways to make her money go even further.

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  1. Author Claire-Louise Harpham on April 24, 2015 at 9:23 am

    Not only will hairspray prolong the life of fresh flowers it will also protect them (if you are putting them onto a grave) from rabbits and any other herbivores.

    1. Author Anushka F on April 24, 2015 at 10:33 am

      I hadn't thought of that Claire. That's a great idea - thanks for sharing!

    2. Author Hazel on February 17, 2018 at 3:11 am

      Never thought of this, I thought it would kill or wilt the flower, but will give it a try next time I go to my mums grave, as hate it as they're always getti n eating by the rabbits, thanks alit

    Reply
  2. Author mark on April 24, 2015 at 10:39 am

    and it can be used to show up blood at a crime scene if you have a black light so ive been told

    1. Author Anushka F on April 24, 2015 at 10:43 am

      Wow who knew! Thanks Mark.

    Reply
  3. Author lorraine on April 24, 2015 at 10:59 am

    not only lipstick but hairspray will also remove pen marks on clothing.

    1. Author Anushka F on April 24, 2015 at 1:49 pm

      I have never tried it on a pen mark, will give it a go! Thanks Lorraine.

    Reply
  4. Author susan bowden on April 24, 2015 at 1:09 pm

    Spray it on stubborn sticky labels - it loosens the glue.

    1. Author Anushka F on April 24, 2015 at 1:49 pm

      Great tip thanks Susan! Those sticky labels are incredibly annoying. Will try it out next time.

    Reply
  5. Author joan on April 24, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    also good for removing tint when tinting hair if u get it on clothing ......spray it straight away and hairspray stops it developing and usually washes out

    1. Author Anushka F on April 27, 2015 at 8:44 am

      That's an interesting tip Joan. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Author kouider on April 25, 2015 at 10:14 am

    great tip thank's

    Reply
  7. Author olly bryan on April 25, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    I managed to get a load of glue (spray adhesive) stuck in my hair in work the other week, the only way to get it out was with a good blast of hairspray! Brilliant stuff!

    1. Author Anushka F on April 27, 2015 at 8:41 am

      Oh wow what a nightmare Olly! Hairspray to the rescue! Who would of thought...

    Reply
  8. Author Betty Khan on April 29, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    I think that they are fantastic to .I will putting them to good use .Thanks a lot

    1. Author Anushka F on April 29, 2015 at 2:13 pm

      Great to hear Betty! Thanks.

    Reply
  9. Author Sian Evans on July 23, 2015 at 9:24 am

    Spray on crayon marks on walls to remove (haven't tried it myself though)

    1. Author Anushka F on July 23, 2015 at 1:40 pm

      I have heard this one too! I would be worried that it sealed the colour in, but who knows maybe it does the opposite?

    Reply
  10. Author Su on July 23, 2015 at 10:31 am

    not only does it work on flies but also spiders and any other wee beasty x

    1. Author Anushka F on July 23, 2015 at 1:39 pm

      True! They aren't fans of the humble hairspray.

    Reply
  11. Author Patrick McCreanor on July 23, 2015 at 10:44 am

    Spray on your 3D printer build plate to help the extruded filament to stick.

    1. Author Anushka F on July 23, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      Interesting tip, thanks Patrick.

    Reply
  12. Author Allison Finnie on July 23, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Hi, Couldn't you get arrested for assault if sprayed into someone's eyes! Kind regards Allison

    1. Author Anushka F on July 23, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      Hi Allison, if it was used in self-defence then I think that would be fine. Thanks, Anushka

    Reply
  13. Author Allison Marsh on July 23, 2015 at 2:23 pm

    You can use hairspray to stop feathers moulting e.g. in a feather boa. You can also use it on greetings cards (handmade or shop bought) which have glitter on. It stops the glitter shedding. Spray into the air and waft the feathers or cards through the mist.

    1. Author Anushka F on July 28, 2015 at 11:09 am

      Thanks for sharing Allison. I will definitely try the glitter card trick - it's so annoying when the glitter falls everywhere!

    2. Author Crystal Stearns on June 3, 2016 at 12:21 am

      Have you tried the hairspray with feathers idea?. I have a new feathered fan that is molting terribly and I don't want it to make a mess at the con.

    3. Author Anushka F on July 26, 2016 at 2:07 pm

      Oh I've never tried that before Crystal. Can you test it on a small area first? My first thought is that it might make the feathers sticky?

    4. Author Teresa on October 14, 2016 at 5:17 am

      Did this work? I have a feather boa that I am wearing for my daughter's wedding (Halloween) in a couple of weeks. I need to know how to keep it from shedding. Any thoughts?? I don't want to ruin the boa but I don't want to shed feathers all night, either.

    Reply
  14. Author Margaret Leitch on July 23, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    Can be sprayed on natural fir Christmas trees to stop the needles from dropping

    1. Author Anushka F on July 28, 2015 at 11:10 am

      I will try that one Margaret. Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Author Lorraine Brown on July 23, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    Not only good for pen marks on clothing and walls ,it is also good to get printer ink off .

    1. Author Anushka F on July 28, 2015 at 11:10 am

      Interesting!

    2. Author Michelle on September 10, 2019 at 4:39 pm

      Will spraying my dress lift the color out? Want to spray to keep glitter from falling off.

    3. Author Joanne A on September 11, 2019 at 12:03 pm

      Hi Michelle! It'll really depend on the type of fabric/dye used. Are you able to test it out on the inside of the dress?

    Reply
  16. Author monica sussex on July 26, 2015 at 9:19 pm

    i have tryed most of the tips you have sent and they do work thank you

    1. Author Anushka F on July 28, 2015 at 11:11 am

      Oh I'm so happy to hear it Monica! Please feel free to send me any tips of your own at anushka@experthometips.com

    Reply
  17. Author Denise D on January 27, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    my daughter reckons it will remove biro from my VERY expensive leather handbag ... but not been brave enoug yet to try it

    1. Author Anushka F on January 29, 2016 at 11:37 am

      Worth a try?

    Reply
  18. Author wendy on January 27, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    hi its also great for removing pen off leather and wallpaper - when my kids were small they deceided to draw all over my cream leather suite and my walls - hairspray removed it all!!! saved me a fortune!!

    1. Author Anushka F on January 29, 2016 at 11:36 am

      Oh my gosh...now that is an endorsement!

    Reply
  19. Author Beth on January 27, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    Will get pen marks out of leather sofa's too.

    1. Author Anushka F on January 29, 2016 at 11:36 am

      Thanks Beth!

    Reply
  20. Author Pam stanton on January 27, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    If you have ball point pen ink on your clothes or leather furniture spray with hairspray then wipe off with damp cloth,and launder your clothes as normal , ever had a pen leak in your pocket? A couple of goes with this method works a treat .

    1. Author Anushka F on January 29, 2016 at 11:35 am

      That's interesting Pam. Have noted that down for future reference!

    Reply
  21. Author Lorna on January 28, 2016 at 9:41 am

    Hairspray is also great for getting hair dye off your hands or face. You can either spray it on directly and wipe off, or spray it onto a piece of tissue and wipe off.

    1. Author Anushka F on January 29, 2016 at 11:35 am

      Great tip Lorna, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  22. Author Rosemary Rowe on January 28, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Never again will I allow us to run out of this marvellous stuff! Thanks for all the tips - and from readers too! =)

    1. Author Anushka F on January 29, 2016 at 11:34 am

      Thanks for the lovely comment Rosemary. Please feel free to share any tips you have!

    Reply
  23. Author Michelle on January 28, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    Wow, so much use for hairspray! Brilliant ?

    1. Author Anushka F on January 29, 2016 at 11:34 am

      I know, who knew!

    Reply
  24. Author Glayne on January 29, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    I bought a very expensive lace dress and was advised by the shop to spray it with hair spray before wearing it . This would prevent it tearing anywhere while putting it on.

    1. Author Anushka F on February 19, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      That's a very interesting tip Glayne, and did it work?

    Reply
  25. Author susan bowden on February 1, 2016 at 11:47 am

    Don't spray hairspray directly onto eyebrows - it's dangerous!!! Spray on an old (clean) toothbrush and use that - works a treat.

    Reply
  26. Author Maureen falconbridge on June 20, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Some excellent tips will be trying a few ??

    1. Author Anushka F on July 26, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Thanks Maureen!

    Reply
  27. Author Gillian Rust on June 20, 2016 at 11:17 am

    Squeaky doors spray the hinges with hairspray, no more squeaky door!

    1. Author Anushka F on August 25, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      Lovely!

    Reply
  28. Author Helen Francois on June 20, 2016 at 1:20 pm

    Spray hairspray directly onto ink stains and pop in washing machine. Not need to soak or scrub. Its amazing!

    1. Author Anushka F on August 25, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Really? Wow, I must try that one. Thanks Helen :)

    Reply
  29. Author Jan on June 21, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    I have also been told it will clean silk flowers gets rid of dust?

    1. Author Anushka F on August 25, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Yes it can!

    Reply
  30. Author Dorothy Willetts on June 22, 2016 at 2:35 pm

    Just printed your holiday snaps, or any photo's ? Place prints on a flat tray then spray lightly all over from a distance of about 10 inches, leave to dry for about 15 minutes. Your pictures, your memories, well protected.

    1. Author Anushka F on August 25, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Lovely tip, thanks for sharing Dorothy. I'll be sure to use it.

    Reply
  31. Author Ravin on June 26, 2016 at 4:58 pm

    I've been told it's great for removing fake eyelashes. I would assume you'd spray it onto a cloth then wipe...

    1. Author Anushka F on July 26, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      Oh really? I have not heard of that one before, must tell my eyelash wearing friends! Thanks Ravin.

    Reply
  32. Author Dawn on July 1, 2016 at 11:38 pm

    I find that hairspray stops perspiration on my forehead underneath my fringe which stops it from going frizzy in humid conditions

    1. Author Anushka F on July 26, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      That's interesting, I'm going to pass this tip onto my friend who has the same problem! Thanks Dawn.

    Reply
  33. Author Dawn on July 1, 2016 at 11:41 pm

    As above comment

    Reply
  34. Author MARTHA on January 17, 2017 at 6:21 pm

    ok thank you very much. loved your suggestions.

    1. Author Anushka F on January 19, 2017 at 9:59 am

      Fab! Glad you enjoyed the tips Martha :)

    Reply
  35. Author Maureen Wilson on February 16, 2018 at 9:24 am

    It removes permanent marker pen off worktops, walls etc just like magic (not tried it on clothes yet but probably worth a go)

    1. Author Stephanie C on February 16, 2018 at 9:48 am

      Hi Maureen, Thanks a lot for sharing this tip. Permanent marker can be a real pain to remove so this will definitely come in handy. :)

    Reply
  36. Author Andy D on February 16, 2018 at 10:01 am

    I have used it to aid the first layer of a 3D print to stick, it works quite well

    Reply
  37. Author angela on February 16, 2018 at 11:00 am

    spraying hairspray onto a leather sofa with pen marks ( Kids hey) spray it on leave it 30 seconds and wipe away,

    1. Author Stephanie C on February 19, 2018 at 10:26 am

      Hi Angela. We love using hairspray to remove marks too! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  38. Author ROSALIND BURRAGE on February 16, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    I like the fly tip, since Raid seems to be useless now. Personally I use hairspray to freeze massive spiders long enough for me to hoover them.

    Reply
  39. Author Anita Schilder on February 17, 2018 at 7:47 am

    I use hair spray when I have jewelry that's not real silver or gold. When you spray it with hair spray it will stay nice and it will prevent you from getting green/black marks on your finger, wrist, or neck. Really works well. I also used it to spray the back of my son's watch, he's allergic to things like stainless steel and the hair spray prevents him from getting a rash.

    1. Author Stephanie C on February 19, 2018 at 10:26 am

      Hi Anita, This is a fascinating tip! We've never heard it before and will definitely be giving it a go. Thanks so much for sharing :)

    Reply
  40. Author jay woo on December 6, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    Stops my steel bicycle handlebars from rusting.

    1. Author Joanne A on December 7, 2018 at 9:51 am

      Wonderful!

    Reply
  41. Author Norma on October 30, 2019 at 9:51 pm

    Hi will it make my puffer jacket shinny I would love it to

    1. Author Joanne A on October 31, 2019 at 9:42 am

      Hi Norma! I don't think it would.

    Reply

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