The Sun Almost Set On Setting Lotion

This spring Superdrug is looking forward to keeping a staple British beauty item on the shelves as global giant P&G announces plans to discontinue the older ladies favourite, setting lotion.

P&G informed Superdrug at the beginning of the year that it was planning to discontinue its classic setting lotion. Superdrug, which sells thousands of bottles of the lotion which gives the classic 'shampoo and set' curled hairstyle, asked the company to reconsider, but to no avail.

After months of searching Superdrug has now announced plans to introduce the classic salon setting lotion, Stayset (£1.99), into stores this week. This new product is a professional quality product which is currently used in hair salons across the country and is the first time it has been available to retail customers.

Simon Commins, Superdrug toiletries director said: 'We're delighted that we've managed to ensure that setting lotion will remain a fixture on our shelves and there should be no gap in supply for those women who come in and purchase their styling products on a weekly bases.

"The classic shampoo and set may be seen as a granny's choice, however setting lotion isn't just used by little old ladies looking for the traditional blue rinse. It's also become a bit of a secret weapon for younger customers who are using curlers and pins to get a Dita Von Teese retro hairstyle as it has real holding power."

Famous exponents of the shampoo and set over the years have been Coronation Street's Hilda Ogden who was rarely seen without her trademark rollers, Are You Being Served's Mrs Slocombe and of course HM The Queen.

When P&G discontinued Falcon male hairspray in October 2006 Superdrug received hundreds of complaints from customers who were firm fans of the hairspray. The retailer sourced and introduced Cossack male hairspray to help those customers.