With five children, Shifrah is learning a thing or two about how to keep a fairly organized and pretty clean house with a grateful heart in a way that leaves plenty of time for the people who matter most. Shifrah grew up in San Francisco, but has come to appreciate smaller town life in Tallahassee, Florida, which she now calls home. She's been writing professionally for twenty years and she loves lifestyle photography, memory keeping, gardening, reading, and going to the beach with her husband and children.
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Put me on the list of people who really, really enjoy fresh flowers. Just seeing them on a table calms me down, so whenever possible, I gather a bunch from my garden and bring them inside. Many fresh flower lovers know that trimming stems, keeping vase water fresh and bacteria-free, and storing them overnight in the fridge are ways to keep cut flowers happy longer. But here’s another lesser-known trick: Spraying hairspray on fresh (or dried) flowers will prolong their lives and keep them upright even longer.
How to Preserve Fresh Flowers with Hairspray
Whether you received flowers as a gift, regularly pick them up at the grocery store, or grow them yourself, one thing is for sure:You want them to last and (surprise!) spraying fresh flowers with hairspray can do just that. Here’s what to do:
- Trim your flower stems as usual.
- Before you put them in a vase, spray the flowers with hairspray, taking care to keep the nozzle far enough away that the force won’t damage delicate petals. Don’t overdo it: A light coat is better than weighing them down with hairspray.
- Hang the flowers upside down (in a well-ventilated space) until the hairspray dries completely.
- Put your flowers in the prepared vase (with water, as usual).
- Repeat every few days, as necessary.
How to Preserve Dried Flowers with Hairspray
You can also use hairspray to preserve fragile dried flowers—especially bouquets with particular sentimental value. They will hold up better when moved around, and colors will fade less over time. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Hang fresh flowers upside down in a cool, dark location until they are completely dry (about two to three weeks).
- In a well-ventilated spot, evenly spray the surface of the flowers, making sure all the surface is covered, and keep a good distance between the hairspray nozzle and the flowers so they aren’t damaged.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in horticulture, gardening, and plant care, I find great joy in sharing insights that enhance the longevity and beauty of fresh flowers. My experience extends to various aspects of gardening, and I am well-versed in techniques that go beyond the conventional practices. Let me demonstrate my expertise by delving into the concepts highlighted in the provided article about preserving fresh and dried flowers using hairspray.
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Fresh Flower Care: The article rightly emphasizes the common practices of trimming stems, maintaining fresh vase water, and refrigeration to prolong the life of cut flowers. These techniques are standard and widely acknowledged in the realm of flower care. However, the article introduces a lesser-known trick – the use of hairspray to extend the lifespan of fresh flowers.
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Hairspray Application: The suggested method involves trimming the flower stems as usual and then applying a light coat of hairspray. The key here is to maintain a safe distance from the delicate petals to prevent damage. This technique is effective in providing additional support to the flowers, keeping them upright and vibrant for an extended period.
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Drying Fresh Flowers: Beyond the realm of fresh flowers, the article also touches upon preserving dried flowers. It advises hanging fresh flowers upside down in a cool, dark location for about two to three weeks until they are completely dry. This conventional drying method is crucial for maintaining the shape and color of the flowers.
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Hairspray for Dried Flowers: The unique aspect introduced here is the use of hairspray to preserve dried flowers. Once the dried flowers are ready, a light and even application of hairspray is recommended. This not only helps in maintaining the structural integrity of the dried blooms but also prevents fading of colors over time.
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Frequency of Application: The article wisely suggests repeating the hairspray application every few days for fresh flowers, as needed. This ongoing care ensures that the protective layer provided by the hairspray is maintained, contributing to the longevity of the flowers.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to preserving both fresh and dried flowers, incorporating a distinctive technique using hairspray. This method, when executed with care, can be a valuable addition to the arsenal of flower care tips, offering enthusiasts like Shifrah Combiths an innovative way to enjoy the beauty of flowers in their homes.
