Hair On The Brain reader “so…” (love her screen name!) recently said this in the comments of my How To: NYE Party Hair post:
“k…i’ve heard all the rave reviews about l’oreal elnette. even went out and tried it. … and i can’t use it because i swear it is old lady smell bottled. sorry. i just can’t make it work.”
I feel so’s pain. The main criticism about L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray is the “old lady scent”. Pretty much every review I’ve ever read mentions the awful smell. It is pretty bad, but if you use it for a while you sort of get use to it… which is kinda scary actually! I really love nice smelling hair products (or at least neutral ones) so I’ve been using a really great alternative: Oribe Superfine Hairspray. It smell so good that Oribe should consider coming out with a fragrance or candle line too! Seriously awesome. But back to the hairspray: Oribe Superfine provides medium hold that’s less sticky and more flexible than L’Oreal Elnett. It has a great ultra-dry finish that doesn’t weigh down or dull hair. Also, it really does apply superfine, just like the name says. Oribe Superfine is perfect for when you just need a little extra control for casual hairstyles, light waves or curls. It probably isn’t the spray for major updo when you need an intense hold.
Now, the price. It’s nearly $30.00 a bottle, so it’s more than twice what L’Oreal Elnett Satin goes for, but it does last forever. (My bottle of never seems to run out!) So if you’re looking for a fantastic smelling hairspray & are up for the price tag, this is a great option.
Oribe Superfine Hairspray is available at Barneys for 9 fl oz./ $29.00
ok….i know i’m really late to the party on this one but – OMG, i am so glad it wasn’t just me and the elnett OLS (old lady smell). i only used it probably twice but i just had to cover it up with another hairspray (aussie mega since thats the one with the longest lasting ‘fragrance’ i had on hand) because i couldn’t leave like that! so i’m not sure i ever got to experience what all the rave reviews were about. i wanted to find a really nice hairspray to have around for once in a while occasions (my go-to hairspray for everyday is the Tressemme 24hr Body finishing spray).
seems like the Oribe would fit the bill for what I am looking for. $30 is quite a lot but its one of those things where, if its worth it, its worth it. i did shell out $22 for the Fekkai glossing creme not too long ago- not something you need everyday but when you do – you know it works the way you want it to.
thanks for the review, and an alternative to the Elnett! much appreciated!
so… : I think Oribe Superfine is worth the price. I have to say, now that I have it I never use L’oreal Elnett. Oribe just smells so so much better. And I think it works better too. It has a light hold, but it’s perfect for what I need. And seriously, the smell is so great.
AND: You reminded me about a product that I used for ages! Fekkai Glossing Creme was something I always had in stock but for some reason I haven’t used in a while. I think I might need to return to it. It’s great on the ends for those of us with long hair.