Remember the glamorous volume of old Hollywood stars or the edgy texture of a rock and roll look? That iconic height and body often comes from a technique called teasing, sometimes known as backcombing. While it might seem like a secret from the past, knowing how to tease hair is a fantastic skill for adding instant volume, creating stunning updos, and making your hairstyle last all day long.
If you’re worried about it looking dated or damaging your hair, don’t be. With the right tools and a gentle touch, you can achieve beautiful, modern volume without the stress. Let’s walk through the simple steps to get the perfect tease for your hair type.
Gathering Your Teasing Toolkit
Before you begin, it helps to have the right items on hand. You’ll need a fine-tooth comb, which is the star of the show for creating that grip. A paddle brush or a similar soft-bristle brush is perfect for smoothing the surface of your hair afterward. A good, flexible-hold hairspray is also essential for locking everything in place. Starting with day-old hair or using a texturizing spray can give your strands a bit more grip to work with.
The Gentle Art of Backcombing
Start with a small, horizontal section of hair, about one to two inches wide. Hold this section straight up away from your head. Take your fine-tooth comb and, starting a few inches down from the roots, gently comb downward toward your scalp in short, swift strokes. You are essentially pushing the hair fibers toward your head to create a cushion of volume. Repeat this motion two or three times on the same section, moving slightly closer to the roots each time.
The key is to be gentle. You are not yanking or ripping through the hair. This technique builds a supportive base without causing unnecessary breakage.
Smoothing for a Polished Finish
Once you’ve teased a section, gently lower it. Now, take the topmost layer of hair—the part that everyone will see—and smooth it over the teased section beneath. Use your soft paddle brush to lightly glide over the surface, covering the teased foundation. You can use one hand to hold the base of the section steady while you smooth with the other to prevent flattening all your hard work.
Caring for Your Teased Hair
To make your style last, a light mist of hairspray over the smoothed layer can be very helpful. When it’s time to take your hair down at the end of the day, be patient. Use a detangling brush or a wide-tooth comb and start from the very ends of your hair, slowly working your way up to the roots. This prevents tugging and keeps your hair healthy.
With a little practice, teasing becomes a quick and easy way to add drama and staying power to your everyday hairstyles. It’s all about building a hidden foundation for show-stopping volume.