How to Keep Liberty Spikes Up

Little is more disappointing than having your liberty spikes fall down.

Liberty spikes grab attention in nearly all settings, except perhaps a punk rock show, where they will fit in perfectly. Though perhaps not quite as iconic as a Mohawk, liberty spikes still manage to symbolize the punk mindset and lifestyle. The only problem is getting them to stay up, which requires effort and practice. Creating the style is difficult enough, but making it last all through the day - or night - challenges those of all hair types.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber bands
• Blow dryer
• Water-soluble, non-toxic glue
• Extra strong hair gel
• Hair freeze spray

Instructions

1. Brush your hair, so that there are no tangles. You can style it while your hair is damp or dry, though dry may be easier.

2. Choose whether you will use gel or glue to hold up your hair. Different gels will vary in their results, with some lasting longer or having greater hold than others. With the sheer variety out there, finding one that is strong enough to hold liberty spikes can be difficult. Consider asking your stylist, or a friend who successfully manages liberty spikes, to recommend a brand of hair gel. Glue is cheaper and easier to find, but be certain to use a brand that is both water-soluble and non-toxic. You may want to purchase a child-friendly brand to avoid potential health issues.

3. Separate your hair into different sections, one for each desired spike. Place a rubber band at the bottom of each section to keep it in place. The size of the segments is your choice, though spikes that are too large or small may not hold as well. Practice and experience, as well as studying reference photos can help to determine how large your spikes should be. Though you can technically skip this step, it makes planning the placement of your spikes much easier.

4. Remove the rubber band from the first segment you intend to spike, and apply hairspray to the hair with one hand while pulling it upward with the other. Focus on the base of the spike, and distribute the spray upwards with your fingers, if necessary.

5. Pull the first spike upwards and blow dry to help set the spray. Apply hairspray to the rest of the spike, twisting it into shape, so the hairspray can help maintain its form.

6. Repeat for each spike until you have finished your whole head.

7. 

   Apply a large dollop of gel or glue to the outside of each spike, running it up the whole length. Gel or glue at the tip will help the spikes stay pointy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have longer hair, consider hanging your head upside down as you twist your liberty spikes into shape. Gravity will help to better form them, though you may need to keep your head upside down for a while, if you used glue, as it may need more time to dry.

• You can style liberty spikes simply by pulling up and applying hair freeze spray, but this may not last as long. Experiment with different techniques, to find what works best for you.

References

• Youtube: How to Make a Liberty Spike Mohawk