*~*Introduction and reason for purchase*~*

I live on a quiet lane but am lucky to be within a 10 minute walking distance from a small retail park which features amongst it's shops a Superdrug store. I find this extremely handy for picking up everyday toiletries and medicines as well as simply perusing the different products if I have a spare 10 minutes or so and often buy basic beauty staples from there. One such product that I have repeatedly purchased over the years is their own branded hairspray and my review will now discuss my experience of using 'Superdrug Firm Hold Hairspray'.




*~*What Superdrug have to say about this product*~*

"...Enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, this firm hold hairspray with micro fine spray has been specially formulated to provide a non sticky, long lasting hold for all hair types. It brushes out easily to leave your hair feeling soft and looking shiny and beautiful.."



*~*Directions for use*~*

We are told to shake the can well before using. Then hold the can upright approximately 25 -30 cm away from the hair before spraying evenly and avoiding the eye area.




*~*Price, packaging & availability*~*

This hairspray comes in two sizes:

*One smaller hand bag size of 75 ml which costs £0.79

*A larger version of 300 ml which costs £1.19.

It is available in:

*Extra Firm Hold
*Firm Hold
*Natural Hold

I have bought and used both sized products over the years and all the different strengths but for reviewing purposes it will be the larger size I will be referring to as it's the one I currently have sitting in my bathroom cupboard, along with an almost empty bottle of the extra firm hold.

The hairspray comes in different strengths as well as sizes, and whilst I have tried the others I find that the Firm Hold seems the best suited to my short / straight hair so it is the one I tend to opt for each time when making a purchase.
All of the hairsprays come housed in a matte silver/ grey tone can which are upward standing and feature a sixties inspired logo on the front of a woman with a bouffant hair style which stands out due to the shiny imprint with each strength being a different colour and with Firm Hold being a metallic hot pink.

To access the hairspray there is an integrated nozzle positioned directly on top of can with a large button that easily activates the spray once pressed a few times. The only difference in appearance between the sizes is that the smaller cans have a small nozzle with a removable lid, though this is more practical I feel if carrying around in your bag but not needed on the larger cans as they are too bulky to haul around.



*~*My experience of using this*~*

I have nearly always had long hair but a few months ago I had it cut into an inverted bob with lots of layers on top. Although I loved my new style I found it took some getting used to styling, particularly on a busy school morning as I was used to tying it back in a pony tail if having a bad hair day. I invested in some hair products such as wax and mousse and found I was using hairspray on a daily basis rather than just occasionally if my hair was down when longer.

One thing that has always been off putting when it comes to using hairspray is how 'crispy' it can leave my hair feeling and literally crunches on trying to comb out but when I discovered TREsemme hairspray a few years ago I found it to be lightweight yet held my style in place. Unfortunately as it cost almost £4 a can I found it exceeded my budget and I needed to find a cheaper option which is when I turned to Superdrug's own brand.

Originally I started off using the smaller 75ml size can as a tester really but found it to be of quite a superior quality in comparison with some shop's brands that I also started investing in the larger cans on a more regular basis which eventually replaced my beloved TREsemme.

The hairspray is easy to use and because there is an integrated nozzle attached you simply aim at hour hair and proceed to spray. The button to activate the spray has a seal which needs breaking at first by pressing slightly harder down than you would normally then afterwards it's a very simple affair. Once the button is pressed down the hairspray emits at quite a rapid pace and is very fine which is reflected on the hair making it feel very lightweight.

The hairspray has quite a pleasant, slightly floral, fragrance and doesn't have that generic hairspray scent which can often accompany sprays (particularly shops own brands) and can be overpowering.



*~*Results and recommendations?*~*

I would say I have been using this spray now for at least 3 years on and off but more frequently this past six months since having my hair cut short. It sprays out of the can in a fine mist and covers my hair evenly whilst drying almost instantly without leaving any tacky/ sticky residue behind. Although this is the Firm Hold I am reviewing I also have a smaller version of the Extra Firm Hold which I alternate between and can honestly say I can't tell any significant difference between the two so it's worth bearing this in mind if you are thinking of purchasing a can.

As all of the strengths contain Pro- Vitamin B5 it is noticeable when using as it leaves my hair feeling quite nourished and soft whilst holding my hair in place and is very easy to brush out afterwards. I've never once had a case of 'helmet hair' when I've used this hairspray and I think for the money it is exceptional value, particularly the larger can as it lasts me for at least 3 to 4 weeks and this is of consecutive use.

I nearly always buy a small can as well as the larger version as the smaller size is ideal for popping in my bag, especially if on a night out and because it's a similar size to a body spray it takes up very little space in my bag.



*~*Conclusion*~*

A fantastic hair product at a very reasonable price that does what it says. It is easy to use, smells very pleasant, doesn't leave hair crunchy and brushes out easy enough..what more could you want from a hairspray?

Top marks from me 5/5.