Salon Bordeaux

How To Tease (Backcomb) Hair

  

How To Tease (Backcomb) Hair!

Whether you spot it on super models sashaying down the fashion runways or celebrities showing off big puffy strands on Red Carpets, back combed strands are one of the hair fashion hits of the moment. 

Backcombing, also known as "teasing" or hair ratting, has been around for many years.  Teased hair became super popular during the 1950s when big hairdos like the Bouffant and Beehive were the rule rather than the exception.  

Popular styles during the 50s were teased into big, bodacious, dizzying heights. Then it was sprayed into a solid beehive or bouffant helmet that sometimes flowed into curls, waves or a tight flip at the ends.  

If you are willing to tease your own hair into towering puffs you will need to practice, practice and practice.  If you have someone in your family who was a proud member of previous big hair movements ask them for some tips. 

If you are unsure of how to do backcombing, you may wish to book an appointment with your stylist.  Ask them to craft a style that has a teased base or isolated teased sections.  Pay attention to how they backcomb your strands, ask questions as they progress and take notes for future reference.

Instructions - Backcombing/Teasing Steps 

If you wish to try back combing or teasing your hair at home, follow the steps listed below: 

1.  Begin by making sure that super curly or wavy tresses are       flat ironed or blow dried straight.  

Although curls and waves will create major height and                     volume, they will also have a tendency to be more                               easily damaged. Avoid backcombing hair that has any                     natural texture without first straightening to prevent                       excessive tangling. 

***HINT:  Hair that is not freshly washed or that has                       product in it is a lot easier to work with!

2.   If hair is flat ironed before it is backcombed, be sure that the strands are 100% cool before teasing.  Strands that are still warm or hot will break or rip easier. 

3.   Begin by using a TEASING COMB (available at Salon

Bordeaux) or soft boar’s head brush or similar natural bristle brush to make sure that all knots and tangles are completely removed from all strands before backcombing. Never backcomb strands that are not first detangled completely.

4.   Using a Teasing comb or teasing brush, part off a section of hair from the rest of the strands. Clip the remaining hair out of the way.

5.   Using your hands in conjunction with a comb or brush, gather a small section of hair approximately 1-2 inches in thickness. Note: Use smaller strands for tighter results or larger strands for looser results.

6.   Hold the ends of the new section straight up and out from the scalp with one hand.  In essence you will be backcombing your strands in the opposite direction from its natural growth pattern.

7.   With the other hand, run the comb down the length of the hair from the end towards the base of the scalp in short, sharp and uniform strokes.  

8.   If you don't achieve enough teased hair or height in the first pass, repeat the process until the hair has the right fullness, height and texture.

9.   Spray newly teased sections with hairspray (flexi-hold or firm). Repeat after each new section is created.

10. Once the first section is completely teased, pick up the next section of hair and repeat the process until all of the desired sections of hair have been completely backcombed. 

11.  Select a firm hairspray to completely spray all of the teased hair when the backcombing is complete.  

12.  Using both hands carefully smooth the teased hair back in         the opposite direction making sure there is a lot of height               in the desired area of the hair.