What action is involved in back combing?

Depending on the style you’re after, you can go full-on bouffant  (hello, 80s throwback) or a something a little more subtle. Either way, this time-honoured method is more than capable of packing a visual punch.

While backcombing – or teasing, as it’s sometimes known - can seem daunting, it’s an easy enough technique once you know what you’re doing.

Master the correct method and you won’t cause any damage or breakage to your hair, either.

Here are six golden rules to get you started on the wondrous art of backcombing. Say hello to your recipe for party-ready pizzazz:

Backcombing is a powerful weapon in any DIY styler’s armoury. It’s a go-to recipe for impact, lift and volume. But, if the handling goes awry, it can easily look a mess. And it can be damaging for your hair, too.

So, how to approach this most delicate of styling techniques?

Everyone’s aware of the basic premise of backcombing, but we’re not all familiar with the one accessory that smooths the process: a custom brush.

Using a brush that’s been specifically designed for backcombing will work with you, paving the way as you go about building body and movement.

From updos and buns to long hairstyles, virtually every hairstyle trend and idea we’ve come across involves adding volume to your hair. Teasing hair, also known as backcombing, is one of the easiest, most common ways to do this. Wondering what exactly teased hair is and how you can work it into your next hairstyle? Keep reading to learn how to tease hair and more!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TEASE YOUR HAIR?

Teasing your hair is the act of combing your hair backward. The back and forth motion of combing your hair builds volume and creates clusters, or teases, your hair for an overall thicker look. You can backcomb your roots, ends, or virtually anywhere you want a little extra fullness and lift.

HOW TO TEASE HAIR AND BUILD VOLUME

Ready to amp up the volume for your next hairstyle? Whether you’re rocking a messy bun or something a little more intricate, backcombing is a hairstyling skill you’ll want to have in your repertoire. Follow the steps below to learn how to get teased hair, step by step.

What you’ll need:

Fine-tooth comb

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray

Get the look:

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

To tease your roots, start by taking a section of hair from the front of your head that’s about one-inch thick. Put that section aside, pulling it in front of your face, then pick up a section behind it that’s the same size.

STEP #2: USE HAIRSPRAY

Use a hairspray that has a brushable hold to ensure you won’t damage your locks when teasing your hair. Pull the section of hair up toward the ceiling and spray your roots with the hairspray. Using hairspray is key to make sure your teased hair stays!

STEP #3: BACKCOMB YOUR HAIR

Take a fine-tooth comb, placing it about two to three inches from the root. Gently brush up and down to create clustered, teased hair.

STEP #4: SECTION AND REPEAT

Once that section of hair is teased, pull the section forward and allow it to hang in front of your face, gently moving it aside. Take another section of hair from behind the one you just backcombed and repeat steps two through three. Continue to do this until you think your hair is voluminous enough.

STEP #5: SMOOTH OUT YOUR HAIR

To tease your hair without ending up with a frizzy appearance, you’ll need to smooth things out. Gently pull all of your hair back into place. Lightly use the fine-tooth comb to smooth out the top of your hair, covering any backcombed sections. While doing this, be careful not to comb through your teased hair, as you might start to undo your hard work.

STEP #6: GRAB YOUR HAIRSPRAY

Finish teasing hair with a coat of hairspray that will keep your strands exactly where you want them!

Editor’s tip: If you want to add volume to the body and ends of your hair—not just the roots—lightly comb back and forth in sections throughout your hair, wherever you feel you need an extra boost. For this, you don’t have to be as precise with your sectioning, but you’ll still want to finish with some hairspray!

HOW TO GET RID OF TEASED HAIR

So, you’ve rocked your voluminous hair all night (or day) long, and you’re totally tempted to brush out your teased hair and hop into bed. As tempted as you may be—don’t do it! Brushing out backcombed hair can cause hair breakage, split ends, and damage. Instead, wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner—and don’t forget to rinse with lukewarm water.

Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. Then, follow with a smoothing hair treatment, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Hair Treatment, to help detangle your locks and leave you with silky, healthy-looking hair. You’ll thank yourself in the morning (and save yourself the trouble of fighting to get a hair brush through your teased hair). For extra detangling, take a trip down memory lane with the L’Oréal Kids Burst of Sweet Pear Tangle Tamer for All Hair Types.

Obsessed with voluminous hair? So are we! Head over to our article, How to Make Your Hair Look More Voluminous, for more hairstyling tips that are all about the volume.

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