Generally, voluminous hairstyles are automatically associated with the punk style of the 80s, but over the centuries there have been so many other examples of similar hairstyles, such as the huge wigs of the 18th century, up to the hive of the 1950s. If you want a puffy, voluminous hairstyle for a more punchy style, you need to learn how to backcomb your hair. Here are the basic steps to backcomb hair in the right way.
Steps
Step 1. Wash, dry and comb your hair carefully
Backcombing wet or matted hair increases the chances of breaking and damaging it irreparably. If possible, blow your hair upside down to give your hair a little more volume right from the roots.
- Unless you are interested in a smooth hairstyle, like the beehive, you can curl your hair before backcombing it for more volume.
- If your hair is too straight and doesn't hold the hairstyle well, you may want to dampen it with a light coat of hairspray before starting. Or maybe you could wait a couple of days after washing them so they can regain their natural texture.
- Brush your hair so that natural mess isn't a problem in backcombing.
Step 2. Separate a section from the rest of the hair, securing it with a clip or elastic
You can start with a strand that is approximately 5 centimeters wide. You would get more volume by working on smaller strands (for example, 2 centimeters), but it would take much longer to complete the hairstyle.
- Generally, it would be best to start at the top of the head, gradually moving towards the nape of the neck.
- If you just want to create some volume at the root, simply make use of the hair spirals at the top of your head. It is not necessary to go all the way to the nape of the neck.
Step 3. Grab the strand and lift it with one hand, gently combing the hair towards the roots
The brush should remain within a few inches of the scalp. A comb will also work, but the process won't be as delicate.
Step 4. Brush gently towards the scalp, continuing to hold the strand raised
Repeat this movement to tease your hair until you have given it the desired volume. Curly hair takes a lot less work to achieve the same effect. If necessary, sprinkle some hairspray on the teased strand before leaving it, placing it gently.
- Use enough force to create a strong tangle, but not too tight or you risk breaking your hair or getting the brush stuck.
- Your hair will look messy, but don't rush - you can fix it later.
Step 5. Adjust the teased strand with your fingers, arranging the tangle without flattening it
Gently brush the strands that you haven't teased yet using only the tip of the brush and being careful not to ruin the rest.
- You are smoothing the cotton part with your fingers so that it looks natural and less damaged while maintaining the volume.
- If you want to have a wild look and an original hairstyle, skip this step.
Step 6. Gently set aside the teased strands, being careful as you work on the rest of the hair
Scrub your hair for more volume.
To make wavy hair, take sections of hair between your fingers and press them as you push them towards your scalp
Step 7. Use the teased strands to create new hairstyles
For example, make a ponytail and start teasing a few strands, then twist them and secure them with a hair clip.
You can also use clips to secure the teased parts in the hairstyle. For example, if you are trying to recreate a "beehive effect", you will need to use clips to anchor the beehive to the back of your head
Step 8. You can smooth the surface of the teased strands by using a polishing serum
- Spray it on the palms of your hands and apply it to your hair, but be careful not to press as you may flatten the strand.
- This way, you can compensate for the frizzy, dull effect of backcombing.
Advice
- Backcombing can be used to create different hairstyles:
- Rasta pigtails
- Crests
- 80s hairstyles
- 1950s hairstyles (e.g. beehive)
- An emo style
- Any hairstyle capable of defying gravity
- You will get exceptional volume by focusing on the strands of the upper part of the head.
- Make sure you use a fine comb or an oval brush with stiff bristles that make backcombing more effective.
- To loosen the backcombing hair, you need to brush it gently starting from the ends.
Warnings
- Even if you are very careful, backcombing will sooner or later damage your hair. Try to limit its use by reserving it perhaps for special occasions; at best, you could only use backcombing on some strands. Always use conditioner after combing your hair.
- Do not pass the straightener on teased hair: you risk creating knots. Also, if you used hairspray while backcombing, the heat could damage your hair or make it sticky.
