How to Back-Comb Hair

In the 1950s and 1960s, back combing was the method used to create popular hairstyles such as the beehive and the bouffant. Recently, the technique has come back to the forefront and is used to give the hair a subtle and lovely height and fullness.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Rat-tail comb or teasing brush
• Hair spray

1. Separate a strand of hair about 1 to 2 inches wide at the crown of the head, and comb it to make sure it is smooth and tangle-free.

2. Comb the section straight up and then forward to about a 145-degree angle. Hold it taut while you work.

3. Use the rat-tail comb or teasing brush to back-comb the hair near the root area. Comb down 3 to 4 inches lightly and quickly, about three times. This is enough to give the hair lift and won't damage the hair.

4. Spritz the back-combed section of hair with hair spray, and let it fall forward over the face. Continue to section and back-comb the hair until the entire area is completed.

5. Flip the hair back and brush the top of the hair into place very carefully. Use the tail of the rat-tail comb or teasing brush to lift the back-combed area, pushing up lightly with your hands.

6. Spray the completed hairdo to help keep it in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Carry a rat-tail comb with you, and use the tail to give the back-combed area a lift periodically throughout the day.