Whether you're a casual sketcher or a dedicated artist, protecting charcoal or pastel drawings is essential—but professional fixatives can cost €7–20. As someone who draws extensively with these media, I've found a reliable, wallet-friendly alternative using items you likely have at home: hairspray.
1. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the strong hairspray fumes.
2. Hold the can about 15 cm from your artwork.
3. Mist lightly and evenly, avoiding heavy sprays on any single spot to prevent streaks.
Your drawing is now safeguarded with this effective homemade fixative. If you already have hairspray, it's free; otherwise, a bottle costs just €4 and works for hair, art, even runs in tights. For me, a frequent charcoal user, this trick has been a game-changer amid pricey fixatives.
Skip expensive fixatives altogether and create worry-free. To prevent smudges from a dirty eraser, try this additional hack.
