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Does Hairspray Make a Bouquet Last Longer?

A woman holds a bouquet of flowers.
Fusionstudio/Shutterstock.com

Whether you simply love having fresh flowers in your home or you were gifted a bouquet recently, you want to make those florals last as long as possible. One of the oft-cited ways to do so might not be the way to go.

If you’ve ever wondered if hairspray can help extend the life of your bouquet, you’re going to be sorely disappointed.

Hairspray is often named as a way to preserve the petals. You spray the delicate pieces with a light layer of hairspray, allow them to dry, and then, place them in the vase. While this might help keep the petals intact, in terms of keeping your bouquet alive for longer, it just won’t work as well as other methods.

Floral Supply Decorative Glass Flower Vase

Keep a vase on hand for any incoming floral gifts.

There’s really no science backing up this theory, and in a test conducted by Pro Flowers, the method came in dead last when it came to preservation. Instead, you should focus on caring for your florals’ stems and water to ensure longevity. If possible, Pro Flower recommends placing your flowers in the fridge at night to keep the blooms alive for as long as possible.

Of course, we don’t all have room for an entire vase of flowers in our fridges, but don’t worry. There are legitimate hacks you can use including adding vinegar or vodka to your water.

Shea Simmons Shea Simmons
Shea Simmons is the Assignments Editor at LifeSavvy. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer with a focus on beauty and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Allure, and Hello Giggles. Read Full Bio »
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