How to Keep Hair Tidy When You Wear it Down

Whether going to a special event, like a wedding, clubbing or even if it's just for your day-to-day life, keeping hair looking as good all day as it does when you first leave the house can present a challenge. While there are some products that can help hold hair for extended periods of time, regular maintenance and upkeep as well as repairing existing damage is just as important to long-lasting hairstyles as the type of hairspray in use. Does this Spark an idea?

Maintain healthy hair. Healthy hair is easier to keep in check. Moisturize regularly and trim split ends.

Braid your hair before bed. This is important if you don't plan on washing your hair before going out the next day. Satin pillowcases can help keep hair undamaged while you sleep.

Repair heat and styling damage. Damage can cause hair to rebel, sticking out at all sides. You can tell if your hair is heat damaged by pulling out a hair and running your fingernail along the length of the hair from end to end. Drop the hair in a glass of water. If it doesn't uncurl, your hair is heat damaged. Upgrade your styling tools to more modern devices, like those made with ceramic, to decrease damage. Lay off using the blow dryer, curling or flat irons when you can. Apply a serum to hair before styling with heat; this will protect your hair.

Use aerosol hairspray. Aerosol cans deliver a finer mist over a wider range of hair, which holds hair in place without stiffness or crispness. Don't hold the can too close to the hair; 10 to 12 inches of distance works best.

Combat flyaway hair due to humidity or natural frizz with a smoothing serum. A small dollop, the size of a nickel, is typically all you need. Rub it between your palms and apply to your hair, starting at the tips and working your way up, using the least over the scalp, which is naturally the oiliest part of hair.

Apply lacquer. Lacquer is stronger than hairspray and will create a rock-hard hold. Like hairspray, lacquer is sprayed onto the hair.

Plan your day accordingly. Bring travel hairspray and any other hair maintenance products for quick hair taming. Be aware of what your hair can and cannot withstand; if you're going for a ride in a convertible, cover your hair with a scarf. Don't expect the impossible.