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Elnett hairspray was a constant presence during my twenties, especially throughout my modeling career. No matter where a photoshoot was happening, Elnett seemed to cast its unmistakable scent, emerging from the hair and makeup rooms. Alongside the sound of a clothes steamer and the sharp pinch of an eyelash curler, it became a hallmark of fashion shoots.
My husband, Mr. AMR, who’s been a photographer longer than I’ve been modeling, immediately recognized the iconic smell. It brings back memories of those exciting days spent in London or studios in Milan and Paris, rushing through shoots to catch flights to places like New York or Berlin.
But enough nostalgia. The real reason I’m talking about Elnett is its versatility. It’s not just its status as a beauty icon, it’s how effective it is—offering non-crunchy, long-lasting hold that works wonders whether you’re taming flyaways or crafting bold hairstyles. I’ve come up with three styles—really easy ones that I cycle through for different occasions.
The first style is the most casual—a ballerina bun. I often choose this when I’m not in the mood for styling. A tight bun with pinned sections is simple, but because of my postpartum regrowth, I need a lot of Elnett to manage the short baby hairs that tend to stick up. So, I spray them down until they’re glossy and smooth.
For that sleek look that can be spoiled by flyaways, even those without baby hairs might find a little hairspray handy. A light mist over your head or spraying directly onto your fingers to smooth them down can lead to a polished finish worth the small effort.
On a different note, there’s the cute, wavy style I might wear to an afternoon tea at Kensington Palace—a departure from my usual jeans. This look involves gently curling the hair to achieve soft, relaxed waves. If your hair doesn’t hold curls well, a light spray of Elnett before curling can help maintain the look, followed by a final misting to secure everything in place. One great thing about Elnett is how easily it brushes out, allowing you to switch styles without sticky residue.
Lastly, if you want to amp up the drama, just flip your head upside down and spray Elnett at the roots for major volume. It’s bold and not for the timid, but it adds a rock-and-roll vibe, perfect for a night out. Here, I’ve added height at the roots and defined some strands with Elnett on my fingertips to give my hair texture without it looking unruly.
I also created a deep side part to sweep the top section into a faux fringe, channeling a bit of Debbie Harry. The texture keeps it from feeling too heavy. Whether you like the voluminous, undone look or prefer neat, girl-next-door curls, you’ll find a favorite among these styles. Personally, I lean towards the sleek ballerina look for its simplicity and how it frames my face. Let me know your preferred style! Elnett can be found online and at most major retailers.