Call me a murderer of hair, but I do like a little bit of backcombing every once in a while. I hold my hands up and freely admit it damages hair, but so do straighteners and I would die before I gave them up!

Backcombing is a technique using a comb and teasing your hair to add more height into the strands creating big bulk hair that stands out and goes with any hairstyle. I get sick of the old flat hairstyles that have no body or no oomph to them. I have flat hair but can easily turn it into some new heights by using a technique back-combing. It’s simple once you know how to do it and can be used for an everyday hair style which I prefer or the high featured hair style. My hair is quite fine and I often need to put some body into it using a volume product. We don’t want to go too high though with it otherwise we can end up a bit like Miss Winehouse used to wear hers on a regular basis.

The queen of backcombing

I like to start from the front but that’s up to whichever you prefer, I then work my way to the back to finish the backcombing then put it into a style my favourite is the ponytail. You don’t need to worry about being particular and neat with backcombing as this is the look and then you will be putting it up into whichever hairstyle you like afterwards. If you really want to go for the neat and tidy look then do your backcombing in smaller sections. Section the top part of your hair so you can get a good easy backcomb on it then I simply tease the hair from its roots then begin to move upwards and it’s as simple as that. Remember you can have a little backcomb or go all out like I do and make it the spotlight of your style.

Gorgeous volume…

Another way to backcomb is by dividing your hair into portions that are easily managed, then by holding a section of the hair vertically placing your comb at the middle section and brush down just gently making sure you are pushing the hair the opposite way. Repeat again doing the same to this section to achieve more height and fuller volume. If you want a visible look of backcombing then stick close to the roots but backcomb from underneath your hair for a gently not so visible look.

If you find no matter what you do your backcomb is looking to visible and messy then try using just a soft brush instead. If you’re going for this look on a regular basis, I suggest getting a shampoo and conditioner pacifically for adding volume this will help with the fullness look.

A funky, volume-licious twist on a boring ponytail.

When backcombing, don’t overuse your styling products as too much can weigh the hair down and you will struggle to keep the height bouncy and in place. Siouxsie Sioux let it get a bit too wild in the 80s, and messy can be chic too if you can pull it off.

If like me you have long hair then getting a few layers put into your hair can really make a noticeable difference to your backcomb. Yet with short hair the use of a little mousse and blow waved can give better volume and placement for your backcomb. Another little trick I use for a very full backcomb look is adding hair extensions just a few to add volume, as well as a different look if you choose to add a different colour to your current hair colour.

This article is provided by Island Blogging.