Crossword Genius

Special promotion in hairstyles with male product (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sperm

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'product' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'special promotion in hairstyles with male' is the wordplay.
'special' becomes 'sp' (abbreviation).
'promotion in hairstyles' becomes 'er' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'sp'+'er'+'m'='SPERM'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sperm that I've seen before include "Semen" , "Male reproductive cell" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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