Crossword Genius

A solution for stiff locks (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hairspray

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a solution' is the definition.
(I have seen 'fine solution' mean 'hairspray' so perhaps 'solution' could also mean 'hairspray')

'stiff locks' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'locks' could be 'hairs' (locks can mean hair) and 'hairs' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'pray' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hairspray that I've seen before include "fine solution" , "setter" , "pressurised stuff?" , "Barnet manager" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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