They were some big white cans with some serious fans.
 
Sebastian Professional’s Shaper hairspray stood out from the rest—and not just because it was housed in a super tall white can.
 
The product became a stylist favorite soon after it came on the scene in 1985, backed by a formulation that delivered on its promises. It was trulya “working aerosol” that allowed stylists the freedom to spray and play while styling and the can kept on spraying even while it was upside down.  
 
A few years later,Sebastian added Shaper Plus Hairspray, which featured more holding strength and stronger humidity resistance, and over the years, the brand expanded with new SKUs like Shaper Zero G Hairspray (1998) andRe-Shaper, Shaper Zero Gravity and Shaper Fierce, which were rolled out in 2008 and 2009.
 
But in 2011—a year after the Shaper collection celebrated its 25^th anniversary— the company did away with the iconic white cans.
 
Now, Sebastian is bringing Shaper and Shaper Plus—in their iconic white cans and with their proven formulations—back to the North American market.
 
Well, almost everywhere in North America, as the VOC levels in the relaunched spray exceed some state regulations.
 
But the original formulation is what made Shaper a favorite among the professionals, according to industry observers.
 
According to Cyrus Bulsara of president of Professional Consultants & Resources, a Plano, TX consulting company specializing in the beauty and salon industries,the original 80% VOC spray formulation has been “all-time favorite of hairdressers, who felt that the 55% VOC spray, per California mandate, was just too wet and too moist especially in humid climates of the South.”


Sebastian Professional, which is part of P&G’s Salon Professional unit, contends the original Shaper sprays fit today’s needs.
 

Shaper is billed as a versatile working hairspray that provides a medium hold and is best for fine to medium hair, while Shaper Plus is a working and finishing hairspray that bestows a firm hold and is best for hair that is medium in thickness. Both aid in blow-drying, flat ironing and setting, according to the company.
 
“Thanks to a unique polymer blend designed for optimal performance without sticky, stiff or clumped results, Sebastian Shaper allows hair to remain re-workable,” said Maria Castan, who is with Procter & Gamble Beauty’s Sci Comm team.
 
According to Castan, there’s an “extra infusion of long-lasting hold polymers to keep the desired form in place” and“styling polymers, natural waxes and minerals modify the surface of the hair to create matte, messy, polished or soft texture.”
 
Both Shaper and Shaper Plus retail for $16.95, with a portable size sold at $8.95.