Here's what happens to our hair when we put hairspray

Lacquer is the ally of our hairstyles, but what effects does it have on our hair fiber? Answers.

Lacquer became more popular in the aftermath of the Second World War when the cosmetic industry introduced aerosol cans to condition its products. Long before it was all the rage to distribute styling products, these aerosols were intended for agriculture and used to spray insecticides. Unlike gomina or gel, hairspray brings a whole new effect, more natural, more bouffant, much appreciated by women. As the CNRS explains, lacquer contains, among other things, “polymers”, a fixing molecule which “vaporizes into a translucent and flexible film”. Olivier Lebrun, studio hairdresser and founder of the OLAB PARIS salon, explains: "The lacquer does not chemically modify the scales, but it deposits a light film which virtually smoothes the fiber. "

When its film is deposited, the lacquer coats the hair fiber. It makes the hair more rigid which is then limited in its natural movement. This thin layer fights against moisture and the formation of frizz. Olivier Lebrun specifies: “As the product is sticky, it also traps particles and dust. This is why brushing is very important to remove the lacquer. Brushing is what removing makeup from the face. "

THE LACQUER OF ALL EXTREMES

 "A good hairprotection spray is a hairspray which fixes in an invisible way and which is eliminated" declares Olivier Lebrun. However, if you spray it one after another, without brushing your hair, the layers overlap. The product flakes leaving room for a semblance of dandruff. These are not dead cells, but rather residues formed by the styling product. Olivier Lebrun explains: “When the white residue is deposited, the hair is overloaded. The hair is less airy, the hair is dull  ”. These signs give the alert of an abuse. The expert specifies: “We know that we put too much hairspray when the hair has a wet, cardboard, oily effect. "

When we know that the pH of a hair is around 5.5, that of  hair protection spray also comes into play according to the training center of hairdressers Hair book: "If it is too acidic (pH about 4), it will not stick, will be more insensitive to humidity, but may leave white traces insoluble in water (dandruff appearance), the plasticizing film will be rather hard. If on the contrary, it is too alkaline (pH about 11), it will not leave white marks, but will be soluble in water easily, will absorb moisture from the air, and will give a tacky appearance, the plasticizing film will be more flexible and shiny. ”. The product is sensitive to heat, it is to be used as a final touch to fix and not during a blow-dry or with a hot iron at the risk of seeing our hair smoke. Lacquers are ultra flammable.

OLIVIER LEBRUN'S ADVICE FOR THE PROPER USE OF LACQUER

To fix a hairstyle, you should never spray the hairspray too close. The correct distance is about 40 cm, that of an arm. For a more natural finish, the expert recommends depositing the lacquer on the brush and passing it through the hair: "The finish is light, fine, airy".

It is important to treat the hair beforehand with appropriate care so that you can then use hairspray as you wish.

Finally, the tip that absolutely deserves to be known by the pro: “Never wash your hair directly without first removing the lacquer with a brushstroke: the water and the lacquer create a paste. "

Thanks to Olivier Lebrun, studio hairdresser and founder of the OLAB PARIS salon.