To keep hairspray off your face, hold the can 25 to 30 centimeters from your head, aim it at the hair and away from the hairline, spray in short bursts, and put a physical barrier between the spray and your face. That barrier can be your free hand, a tissue or a purpose-made face shield. Close your eyes and mouth while you spray, and let the mist settle before you open them.
Why keep hairspray off your skin?
- It leaves a sticky film that can feel tight and attract dust.
- It can disturb makeup, leaving speckles on foundation or powder.
- It stings if it gets in your eyes.
- Residue along the hairline can build up and feel uncomfortable, and some people find their skin reacts to it.
- It coats glasses and lashes.
Ways to shield your face
| Method | How well it covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your free hand | Forehead only | Always available. Your hand gets sticky |
| Tissue or paper towel | Forehead and eyes | Flimsy, and you cannot see through it |
| Small towel | Most of the face | Blocks your view completely |
| Clear face shield | Forehead to chin | You can see what you are doing. Wipes clean |
How to apply hairspray, step by step
- Finish your style first. Hairspray is the last step.
- Shake the can if the directions say to.
- Put the shield in place. Hold it flat against your forehead at the hairline, covering your face.
- Close your eyes and mouth.
- Hold the can at arm's length from your head, about 25 to 30 centimeters. Too close, and the spray lands wet and heavy in one spot.
- Spray in short bursts while moving the can, aiming back and away from the hairline.
- Do the front last. For the fringe and the hair around the face, direct the spray from the front toward the back of your head, so the mist travels away from your face.
- Wait three or four seconds before lowering the shield and opening your eyes.
How do you tame flyaways at the hairline without spraying your face?
Do not spray directly. Spray a clean toothbrush, a spoolie or your fingertips, then smooth the product over the flyaways. You place the hold exactly where you want it and nothing drifts onto your skin.
A clear shield made for this
The Uexim clear hairspray face shield is a clear plastic panel that helps keep hairspray and loose hair off the face and eyes during cutting and styling, and you can see through it while you work. It measures 32.9 x 14.6 x 0.2 cm (approximately 13 x 5.7 x 0.1 inches) and is offered in standard, upgraded and extended versions. It is described for salon, barbershop and home use.
Other times a face shield helps
- Trimming a fringe. It keeps snipped hairs out of the eyes.
- Using root touch-up or temporary color sprays near the hairline.
- Applying dry shampoo, texturizing spray or shine spray.
- Styling someone else's hair, especially anyone who dislikes spray near their face.
Common hairspray mistakes
- Spraying too close. It leaves wet, stiff patches.
- One long blast. Short bursts give an even, light layer.
- Spraying toward your face to set the fringe. Angle from front to back.
- Spraying in a small, closed room. Open a window or door so you are not standing in the mist.
- Using hairspray near heat or flame. Aerosol hairsprays are flammable. Follow the warnings on the can.
What if hairspray gets on your face?
- On skin: wipe gently with a damp cloth or a makeup remover wipe.
- On makeup: blot lightly with a damp sponge instead of rubbing.
- In your eyes: rinse with clean water and follow the directions on the product label.
- On glasses: wash with a drop of mild soap and water. Dry wiping smears it.
Care for a face shield
Rinse or wipe the shield after use so spray does not build up into a cloudy film. Dry it with a soft cloth to avoid scratches, and store it flat.
Frequently asked questions
How far away should I hold hairspray?
About 25 to 30 centimeters, or whatever distance the can recommends.
Should I apply hairspray before or after makeup?
Either works if you shield your face. Many people do hair first so that spray cannot settle on finished makeup.
Can I use a face shield on myself?
Yes. Hold it against your forehead with one hand and spray with the other.
Does hairspray damage skin?
It is made for hair, not skin. Occasional contact is usually only a nuisance, but keeping it off your face avoids stickiness and possible irritation.
The bottom line
Distance, short bursts, front to back, and a barrier over your face. A clear shield makes that last part easy and lets you see what you are doing.
0 comments