For great spikes, you should start with straight hair and toss in tons of product. With spiky hair, you can go with a messy, rumpled look or more strategic spikes. Either way, the key to a successful look is in your choice of hair products.
Start with gel to create spikes. Not all gels are created equal, so you will need to find one that works with your hair. Gel works as a general starting point, because it is heavy enough to spike your hair without causing waves.
2
Try wax or molding creams if you have fine hair. Thicker hair will need stronger products, but fine hair spikes well with simple waxes. Just spread a small amount of wax through your hair, and then pinch a few strands between your fingers and pull up.
3
Use a hairdryer to help create stiffer peaks with your hair, especially if you are going for longer spikes. Gel tends to dry very hard when used with a hairdryer.
4
Spray your hair to help hold the spiky look throughout the day. Use extra-firm or extra-hold hair spray, and avoid soaking the hair, which may cause your spikes to be limp.
5
Ask your hair stylist to recommend a hair product that will work with your hair. For spiky hair, you will need to decide whether you want a matte or shiny look, hard or pliable spikes and how often you want to wash your hair.
6
Go natural by trying gelatin or egg whites. Both will make your hair incredibly hard, but let you achieve a spiky look. This works well for longer spikes that you want to last for more than a day.
7
Stop touching your hair. Gel tends to come out as you run your hand through hair throughout the day. Creams, clays and other molding products tend to get greasy. Your best bet is to keep your hands out of your hair.
Tips & Warnings
For curly hair, have your hair chemically relaxed to make achieving spiky hair easier. Keep a flat iron on hand to use when your hairs needs some extra help.
Avoid styling products that weigh your hair down or make it greasy. You may have to experiment to see what works best for your hair and routine.
Some gels and hair sprays can flake. Most of the designer products you can buy in a salon or supply store are designed to help avoid flakes.
