hair lacquer

IPA/ˈheə ˌlæk.ər/
IPA/ˈher ˌlæk.ɚ/

hair lacquer — noun

1. a cosmetic spray applied to styled hair to keep it firmly in position, often giv

1.noun
Definition

a cosmetic spray applied to styled hair to keep it firmly in position, often giving a glossy finish

Example

Yuki bought a can of hair lacquer before the dance performance.

Omar's hairstyle stayed perfect all evening thanks to strong hair lacquer.

collocation: strong hair lacquer

Common collocations
  • strong hair lacquer
  • spray hair lacquer
  • can of hair lacquer
  • hold hair lacquer
Synonyms
  • hair spray

    more common in everyday speech; typically gives a lighter, more natural hold

  • hairspray

    one-word spelling variant of 'hair spray', same meaning and use

  • setting spray

    broader term used for both hair and makeup fixing products

Usage Note

More formal than 'hair spray'; implies a harder, glossier hold. The word 'lacquer' suggests a varnish-like finish on the hair.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Hair lacquer and hair spray are both aerosol products that fix hair in place, but lacquer suggests a firmer, glossier finish while spray is the everyday term for a lighter hold. Hair gel is a thick jelly applied with the fingers; it gives a wet look and strong control but can feel stiff. Hair mousse is a foam that adds volume and body with light, flexible hold — popular for curly or fine hair. Setting spray produces a fine, weightless mist and is used in professional styling to lock a finished look without stiffness. Choose lacquer when you want a hard, shiny hold; reach for spray for a natural, touchable result.

hair spray ↗hair gelhair moussesetting spray

Common collocations

Nouns

  • can of
  • layer of
  • coat of

Adverbs

Phrases

  • a quick spray of

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishSanskritPortugueseFrenchEnglish

Formed from 'hair' (Old English hær) and 'lacquer' (from Portuguese lacre 'sealing wax', via French lacre, ultimately from Sanskrit lākṣā referring to the resin used to make shellac). The compound emerged in the mid-20th century as aerosol cosmetic products became widely available. Earlier, 'lacquer' referred exclusively to hard, glossy varnishes applied to wood, metal, and decorative objects; applying the term to a hair product emphasised the firm, shiny hold it produced.