7 Hairspray Hacks Beyond Keeping Hair In Place

l don't actually use hairspray. Not for what it's meant, anyway. I've found that my hair is strangely stubborn and independent. That is, if I style my hair and don't use any hairspray, my 'do will still stay in place. But if I ever randomly decide my curls, braid, etc. need a little help, the styling will either only last as long as it would have naturally, or prematurely fall out. It's pretty weird. Maybe I just don't know how to use hairspray properly. (But if I'm being totally honest with myself, I've seen Hairspray way too many times to not have a grasp on the product by now.) What I do know, is there are plenty (for me) more useful reasons to keep a can or two lying around.

Hairspray has a pretty nifty ingredient list, which usually consists of some type(s) of stiffener, alcohol, and oil. Separately, these ingredients are each useful for a variety of tasks. But when combined into one handy can, the possibilities become optimistically endless. Or realistically, additive. But it's still nice to have three tools in one. Hairspray is like the Swiss Army Knife of beauty tools. Here are some ways to use hairspray in addition to just setting your freshly-curled locks.

1. No Running

If you notice a run has started in your tights, spray it. The hairspray will prevent the run from getting bigger, but won't leave the crunchy texture a clear nail polish does.

2. Quick Dry

After you've painted your nails, use a little hairspray to help them dry faster. Use an aerosol version from six-eight inches away so the polish will set without being disturbed by the spray.

3. Clean & Pristine

Counterintuitively, hairspray can also be used to clean up nail-polish spills on carpet (and other beauty-related stains like lipstick or mascara). Use a non-aerosol version and saturate the area. Use a toothbrush to scrub the stain. Follow with water, and blot away.

4. Down, Girl

Tame flyaways and brows by using a bit of hairspray on a toothbrush or spoolie brush.

5. Vice Grip

Give bobby pins better hold by spraying them before securing them in your hair.

6. Ink On, Ink Off

If you're into those metallic flash or watercolor temporary ones, that is. Just spray some on, let it sit for a minute, and then wipe off. The tat should come off easily.

7. Strut-Worthy

Keep feet from slipping around, or your heel from popping out by using some hairspray on the insole of your shoes.

Images: Getty Images (3); Disco-Dan, Garik Asplund/Flickr; Flashtat.com; Miki Hayes (1); Giphy (1)