L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold ($14.99)

Rosie:

5/10

I've heard a lot of hype about this hairspray as a cult favorite of celebrity hairstylists. It claims to have a hold that lasts all day and a spray "so fine, it disappears at the stroke of a brush". For me, it didn't live up to the hype. First of all, it doesn't smell great. It has a pretty strong chemical smell, much like the really cheap aerosol hairsprays. I was expecting it to smell more like the nicer hairsprays I've used. Secondly, it doesn't give me a great hold. I tried the "Strong Hold" version, but it didn't hold my curls very well. After that, I bought the "Extra Strong Hold" because I hoped it would work better, but I barely noticed a difference. I have long, very thick, wavy hair, and I was trying to get large curls with hot rollers. The curls fell within a few hours. I usually don't have trouble holding curls because my hair is already somewhat curly, but this hairspray did a remarkably bad job. I've had curls last longer with $5 hairspray. The one positive with this hairspray is the soft feel. It really does seem to disappear when you brush it and isn't at all sticky or flaky. Elnett feels better on my hair than any other hairspray I've used before, but if it doesn't hold my style, what's the point? I think this hairspray would be good for someone who is looking for a little hold without the stiff, sticky feel that many hairsprays have. I used it on my naturally wavy hair to smooth away some flyaways. Like I said before, I have long, thick hair, so this might provide better hold for someone with shorter and/or lighter hair. Personally, I won't be buying this hairspray again.


Pros:

• Great feel
• Combs out
•  Not sticky or flaky 

Cons:

• Doesn't provide good hold for my thick, long hair.
• Smell
• Relatively expensive  

Has anyone else tried this? Does anyone have any good hairspray suggestions for thick hair?