L'Oreal's Elnett Hairspray (Target, $13.99) definitely has a cult following.
Once available only overseas, women stateside would buy it in bulk when they were in Europe and horde it until they could get their hands on more.
I had heard last year from a Beverly Hills stylist that there was a big stir when Elnett was approved for sale here in the US, and that his clients were all rushing to buy it. Now, it's available everywhere, including my local Kroger.
But its price tag still held me back. I've seen it costing anywhere from $13.99 to $18.99, and it's hard to justify spending that much money on hairspray, particularly when my beloved White Rain hairspray does a great job of holding my hair in place at a tiny fraction of the cost. However, in the name of research, I finally caved and bought a bottle of Elnett. Check out my findings -- and see the proof in pictures -- after the jump.
I took this picture immediately after spraying my hair with Elnett. What I loved most about the spray was that my hair stayed soft and styleable, even after spraying it with hairspray. It is a very dry spray, and it gave my hair an incredible amount of lift, volume, and texture.
One important note is that while Elnett is in an aerosol can, you're supposed to spray it in short bursts, about 12 inches from your head. Do not just hold down the button and go crazy with it!
Right off the bat, I was impressed -- but could "the finest hairspray used by the finest stylists" hold my curls on a hot and humid evening out?
Well, no. This is me five hours later (sorry for the blurry shot -- it was late). But even though the curls disappeared after a few hours, the volume was still magnificent. Even now, the morning after, my hair is all tousled and textured and full. Another thing I love about Elnett is that it brushes right out of your hair when you're done with it, and leaves behind no residue.
I don't use hairspray all that often, so I think I'm always going to keep a can of Elnett handy from now on. I'll keep a can of my trusty White Rain handy, too, for those times when I don't want my hair to move at all.
What do you think of Elnett Hairspray? Have you tried it? Will you try it now?
Disclosure: I purchased the Elnett myself.
Images (top to bottom): Target; Lindsay Ferrier; Lindsay Ferrier
Comments (16)
I rarely wear hair spray but I doubt I would spend that much on one can.....so NO THANKS!
I'm a White Rain girl myself--or whatever the cheapest lacquer in the can is. I'm tempted to give this a try, but I'm afraid I'd like it and have to keep buying it. I basically only use hairspray when I pull my hair back in a large barrette to keep it out of my face. Hairspray and a couple of bobby pins keep the barrette in place all day.
I'm trying to remain low-maintenance, but you're not helping any!
LOL. Save it for a special occasion!
I do not use hairspray at all. I would consider trying Elnett when the occasion does arise though, because I hate hate HATE that stiff, flaky feeling most hairsprays leave. I might even find reasons to use hairspray more often...
Jen, it sounds like it would be PERFECT for what you're looking for. It's the least hairspray-est hairspray I've ever used, if that makes any sense! :D
No, don't think I will try it. I do like that it isn't stiff but I can't see it holding my hair for long.
I started using it when I moved to London - it's a bit less expensive here as I only have to spend about £3.50 for a 200ml can, which was plenty for me as I rarely used hair spray.