What comes to mind when you think of big hair: the south, the ’80s, beauty queens? I’m here to tell you that you can create volume in your hair that is tasteful and trendy while avoiding looking like a #FlashbackFriday. I tease a lot of hair, including my own, so I want to share some techniques that can apply to whatever style you are trying to achieve. I will share with you a step-by-step tutorial on how to tease hair, give product and comb recommendations, and show how to avoid common mistakes.
Choosing the Right Products
The first step to big hair is having the proper tools and products. I’ve tried countless combs over the years, and, while there are many that can get the job done, here are a few that have proven to be my favorites. The Pink Pewter “Never Let Go” comb is specifically great for stylists because it has a handle that allows you to continue working without putting it down, which is great for efficiency. I find that the pointed handle is perfect for creating even sections, while the teeth of the comb are ideal for creating a fuller tease. The “Never Let Go” comb is equivalent to a traditional rattail comb, which is very easy to find, and you may already have one at home.
Another great comb is a Lift Teasing Comb and Hair Pick. This comb is two-ended, with both ends serving a purpose. The end with the teeth can be used to tease, whereas the end with the pick is used after teasing to smooth the top of the hair without removing the back-combing, which I’ll demonstrate in the step-by-step section.
Next, you’ll need the right products to ensure your style will hold throughout the day. Have you teased your hair for it only to fall flat 10 minutes later? This can especially be true if you have smooth, silky hair. By adding grit and texture to your hair before teasing, followed by hairspray after teasing, to lock it in place, will make all the difference in the outcome and longevity of the style. The Sexy Hair Surfer Girl Texture Spray and Moroccan Oil Dry Texture Spray are two products that are great for adding texture and grit before beginning the back-combing process.
After teasing your hair, finish with hairspray at the teased root area to lock in place. Kenra Volume 25 Hairspray is a tried-and-true favorite and works on various hair types.
7-Step Tutorial on How to Tease Hair
Now that you’re set with all the tools and products needed to achieve the perfect tease, here’s the step-by-step tutorial.
- Focusing on areas you will be back-combing, add the texture spray for grit and hold.
- Using either the rattail or “Never Let Go” comb, take a 3/4-1-inch-wide section and lift the hair straight up with tension. Working with small, even sections is key.
- Starting about 3-4 inches away from the scalp insert comb into the section pushing the hair down toward the scalp. Repeat 2-4 times until the comb comes down close to the scalp.
- Repeat steps 2 & 3 through the mohawk section and sides.
- Once you’ve finished teasing, spray hairspray only at the roots for hold and structure.
- Using the hair pick end of the lift-teasing comb, carefully comb through top sections so as to smooth and remove any visible tease. Be careful not to comb through it too much.
- Adjust to final desired shape and comb through ends to smooth.
Additional Tips and Common Mistakes
Ready to tease hair? With these tips and some practice, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect, long-lasting volume in your or your clients’ hair.
- Always brush hair prior to teasing, removing knots or tangles. This will prevent damage and breakage.
- Always work with small, even sections.
- Never tease wet or damp hair
- When teasing, don’t use an up and down motion. Only work the hair down toward the scalp to prevent tearing and tangles.
- Complete heat styling (curling, straighten, etc.) prior to the teasing process. Touch up after, if needed.
NOTE: Before shampooing, gently comb through the hair, starting at the ends, working toward the roots to remove tease. Since hair stretches when wet, it has a higher chance of snapping when brushed. Because of this, you want to avoid combing through teased hair when wet to avoid breakage. If you are tender-headed, you can add conditioner to the teased sections to help with combing.
I hope that you have found the product suggestions and this step-by-step tutorial on how to tease hair helpful. With these tips and a little practice, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful and long-lasting volume. Follow along for more at @kayla_williams_hair on Instagram where I share many more tips and tutorials.
