KAO Cape: Japan's Secret to No-Budge Bangs and Hairstyles

The warm, humid weather of Hong Kong makes hair styling an uphill battle. Curls fall limp as soon as you step outdoors into 95% humidity. The slightest heat and sweat transforms meticulously styled bangs into a droopy barcode. If these issues sound familiar, you're not alone.

Bangs are a common trait whether among Japanese idols or Korean girl groups. But how are they kept neat and spotless even with their intense dance routines? What's the secret behind these ironclad bangs?

Former Japanese idol Akari Yoshida talks on YouTube about tips for armouring her bangs against big moves and dance performances – her secret weapon being the KAO Cape Hair Spray series. Styling hair sprays coat your hair to form a 'protective shield', allowing the hairstyle to quickly set. It protects against weather and the elements, so that your hairstyle remains insulated and sturdy.

How do I Use Hair Spray?

① To weatherproof your bangs, once done with styling, spray the hair spray in a Z-shape about 20cm from your bangs.

② Use your fingers to take a tiny amount of spray from the hair spray nozzle. Apply along where your bangs part.

③ There you go – iron bangs that won't budge!

Tips to Make Hairstyles Last

Tip ① Style with Hair Dryer or Hair Iron

Use a hair dryer or straightening iron to blow or curl bangs inwards, slightly arched from your forehead. Adding volume to your look, this also keeps your bangs away from your forehead and protects them from being flattened by sweat and sebum on skin. Also, use your hands to support your bangs once done with blow drying and curling, and allow your hair to cool slightly for a more natural-looking curl.

Tip ② Adjust Amount Bit by Bit

The amount of spray matters, too. Using a heavy, one-and-done burst stiffens hair unnaturally, but using too little doesn't yield enough protection. The key is to go little and often. Holding the spray about 15cm away from your scalp, spray a small amount on the triangular area of your bangs’ roots, repeating 2 to 3 times. Stay clear of your scalp area, though, so that it's not made sticky and stifled by the spray.

Tip ③ Beware of Overuse

Using too much hair spray leaves hair unnaturally heavy or sticky, with a rigid and unbrushable hairdo. Tweaking any flaws would require shampooing and styling all over again, so be careful with how much you're using to really nail your look!

KAO Cape Hair Spray

Many hair sprays out there present a difficult choice between a strong hold and a natural, airy effect. But the KAO Cape hair spray from Japan can do both.

Despite fixing powerfully, it doesn't leave hair stiff and solid; your hair's natural flow and fluff is perfectly retained. It also doesn't harden on hair immediately the way some styling sprays do. Gradually stiffening, it leaves time for finger brushing after spraying and keeps your look natural and soft while preventing it from falling apart.

To further add to the natural effect, each formula is enriched with moisturisers that keep hair nourished and smooth and your bangs airy.

So if you're looking for a hair spray that does what it says without breaking the bank, the KAO Cape hair spray – popular in Japan for good reason – is just what you need.

Which KAO Cape Hair Spray Should I Use?

KAO offers dozens of variations and features within the brand's Cape hair spray line. Whether for everyday use or on special occasions, for soft natural waves or a sturdy and durable finish, you'll find just the right type to suit your needs.

KAO Cape Basic Collection｜Purple - 3D Extra Keep Hair Spray

Boasting the strongest hold in the Cape basic series, the purple 3D Extra Keep maintains natural volume, movement, and flow all day long. The moisture-resistant formula dries without stiffening hair and is perfect no matter if you have waves, straight hair, or are tying it up.

KAO Cape Basic Collection｜Blue - Set & Keep Hair Spray

Repeatedly featured in Japanese magazines is the KAO Cape blue bottle! Striking the perfect balance between hold and bounce, it smooths frizz with a decent grip and helps tidy loose strands at the nape of your neck when your hair is up.

KAO Cape Basic Collection｜Green - Natural Hair Spray

For a soft, flowing look with naturally held sleekness, opt for the green bottle. It's strong enough to shield your hairdo against the breeze without leaving your tresses stringy or rock-hard. As the name suggests, it's designed to maintain bounce and volume while still keeping your hairstyle fresh.

KAO Cape Basic Collection｜Pink - Soft Hair Spray

The pink bottle provides an even milder hold that adds fluff to limp hair, and is good for gentle curls or hairstyles in need of volume.

KAO Cape for Active Collection｜Black - Cape For Active Hair Spray

Meet the product line with the strongest hold in the KAO Cape collection! Seizing first place in the Japan @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards soon after its launch, the black-bottled Cape sprays are made for intense exercising, heavy sweating, and humid environments. Your hairstyle remains intact and natural no matter how much you move or sweat, so bring it along to gym sessions and outdoor activities.

KAO Cape One Collection｜Quick Dry Spray for Bangs

Designed specifically to style bangs, the Cape One collection comes in two variations – the white type is for natural softness, and the red type for a stronger hold. Each Cape One spray features a narrow nozzle that only produces a fixed amount of spray, making it much easier to control portion and style pinpoint areas. Besides keeping bangs light and curled, the Cape One also works on flyaway hairs at the crown of your head and the nape of your neck.

KAO Cape Free Arrange Collection｜Free Arranging Hair Spray

A non-hardening hair spray that keeps hair brushable while maintaining hairstyle with a unique Free Arrange formula. Works similarly to hair wax, but with less finesse required – all you need is a simple spritz for airy, voluminous hair. The quick-drying formula leaves no sticky residue on hands, so you can get to finger-brushing and adjusting right after.

KAO Cape Natural Memory Styling Collection｜Natural Memory Styling Spray

Like the Free Arrange hair spray, this innovative Shape-Memory formula sets hairstyles without hardening to leave it light and soft. Even when the wind messes up your hair, a quick brush-through with fingers is enough to restore your look and dispel messy flyaway hair for good.

KAO Cape Keep Water Collection｜Additive-Free Travel-Safe Hair Spray

An alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and non-gas formula that's safe even for children. The watery texture hardens slowly to leave hair brushable and non-sticky, so that tresses are smooth and natural even after the spray sets. Plus, the non-gas formula means it's safe to carry onto flights for easy styling wherever you go!