Q: I have used Final Net hair spray, extra hold, unscented, for many years, and am now having trouble finding it in local stores. Until recently, I purchased it at CVS in Tucker. They are no longer carrying it in the store. It’s listed on their website but says they are out of stock. I’m open to using a comparable hair spray. However, due to asthma issues, the spray I use needs to be unscented and preferably in a pump. Aerosol sprays tend to linger in the air and are unhealthy for lungs. Can you help me find another local source for Final Net or a comparable spray? I also don’t mind ordering it but most websites where I’ve found it are out of stock. I appreciate any help you can give me. Mary Jane Rakel, Tucker
A: I'm glad you're open to buying Final Net hair spray online because, according to the person I spoke with at Helen of Troy, which owns a slew of brands, including Final Net, OXO, Revlon and Braun, your hair spray is phased out of stores, and for now it's available only online. The best deal I found was through Amazon, which offers a pack of six bottles, 8-ounces each, for $19.17. I know that might sound like a lot of hair spray, but at least you won't have to order it for quite a while. In the meantime, you could look for something similar. Some easy-to-find brands of unscented hair spray in a pump that might be comparable to Final Net include, Rave 4X Mega hair spray, Pantene Pro-V extra strong hold non-aerosol hair spray and TRESemmé Tres Two extra hold non-aerosol hair spray.
Q: I tend to save some glass bottles and jars that I reuse. However, I’m frustrated with typical bottle brushes. The bristles tend to smash on the bottom of the narrow jars, so I end up using a piece of paper towel and then using the brush to move it around. It’s not an ideal solution. I would like to find a brush that has fabric or something like it at the bottom. Is there such a thing? Thanks so much for any help. Di Sanders, Roswell
A: I think I found the perfect bottle brush for you. Dr. Brown's Natural Flow bottle brush is designed to clean wide-neck baby bottles. It's a typical bottle brush except that the tip features a sponge, which should eliminate you using a paper towel. Each brush costs $4.99 at Buybuy Baby, 7121 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-475-0633.
Q: I’m trying to locate English Leather deodorant stick. I have used it for more than 40 years. Nothing compares in quality. The scent is made by Dana. Thank you. Normand Lessard, Tucker
A: Normand, I'm afraid that Dana Classics recently discontinued your favorite English Leather deodorant stick. The only hope I can offer is that you keep an eye out on eBay, which has a few for sale, but you'll pay a hefty price.
Q: I’m looking for the tall glass containers with lids that I used to see in salons that held combs and scissors. They would be filled with a sterilizing solution. I’d like to use one of these in my kitchen to soak kitchen shears and knives I use when preparing chicken. This way, I can isolate them while cleaning up, and not worry about cross contaminating other items in my sink. I would rather not have to order it online. I hope you can find it in town. Thank you. W. Garner, Atlanta
A: The disinfectant jar you remember was probably made by Barbicide, and it came with a silver lid. It's been around for more than 75 years, and is still available today. The jar comes in three sizes, including the tall jar that measures nearly 12 inches high, which holds 37 fluid ounces. This should be ideal for your use. It's available for $19.95 at Atlanta Barber and Beauty Supply, 186 Mitchell St., Atlanta, 800-969-5666. When you go to Atlanta Barber, don't forget to check out the collection of vintage barber supplies and equipment.
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