Can hairspray be used in place of fixative spray for pastel and charcoal work?
Art conservators warn against using hairspray as a fixative for pastel and charcoal drawings. One of their concerns is that usually the chemical contents of commercial hairsprays are not completely known, so the chemical reaction of hairspray on artworks is unpredictable. Some artists also recommend using caution in using hairspray as a fixative, saying that eventually the hairspray will turn yellow, and ruin the artwork. I would tend to agree that hairspray is not a good idea to use as a fixative.
