Whether you want the messy spiked look as if you just woke up, or sharp spikes all over your head, styling your spiked hair requires a more complicated technique than many people think. However, by using the right products and in the right way, you can style your hair to get the spiked look you want.
Step
Method 1 of 2: For Short Hair
Step 1. Shampoo
In order for all the products you add to work effectively, make sure your hair is clean first. Use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Avoid using too much conditioner, as the hair will become damp and the spikes created may go limp instead of standing up straight.
Step 2. Dry the hair
The extra water weight on your hair will make it hard for your hair to stand up, so dry it before you try to spike it. However, most hair types are actually more manageable when slightly damp, so don't dry your hair completely.
- You can dry your hair using a towel or hairdryer. If you point the blow dryer at your head, you'll create thickness and texture that can help reinforce the spiked look once you've applied styling products.
- If your hair is curly, it will be difficult to stand on once it is completely dry and begins to follow its natural flow, so consider leaving some moisture to your hair.
Step 3. Straighten the hair
This step is especially true for people with curly or wavy hair that is unruly (regardless of the styling products they use). Before using any product, straighten your hair with a straight straightener.
- Separate the more wavy sections of your hair into small groups-which you can grip with a few fingers instead of your entire fist-and use a straight iron in each section.
- If you want a messy look instead of a punk look, use a flat iron in random sections of your hair (but make sure you stick to the areas that will be the most difficult to stand). This approach will give your hair more texture when using styling products.
- If you've never used a straight straightener before, look for instructions on our site on how to use it.
Step 4. Use styling products
This section is one of the trickiest parts of styling your hair, as the best product for you will depend on your hair type. Regardless of the type, almost all styling products are made to hold and harden hair, and should be used in about a quarter of a finger. This method of use helps in even application throughout the hair.
- Those with straight, dark hair will find it easier to style their hair with any product. Choose a product that can give you the look you want. For example, if you want a messy spiked hairstyle, don't use hair glue, which can create a 20cm high Mohawk bump. Try a light wax or pomade that will help you style without making it too harsh.
- For those with thin or light-colored hair, the most appropriate product is a fibrous matte paste, which will give a fuller and varied texture.
Step 5. Stand your hair up
Once you've applied the styling product of your choice, you can really style your hair. The technique you use will depend on the specific spike look you want.
- For a messy spike or faux-hawk look, start by grasping a section of hair and pulling it up so that it stands up. Take ten to fifteen seconds to straighten your hair and use your fingers to direct it, eg towards the center of your head if you want a faux-hawk look. Many stylists think that if you spend more time, your messy hair may look too styled, which will result in the opposite of what you want.
- For a spiked hair look all over your head (like Guy Fieri's), take a section of hair and use an extra strong gel. Use one hand to separate a bit of hair, then use the other hand to apply some of the gel to the section you're separating. Grab the hair at the roots and comb the gel all the way to the ends. Keep your hands in position for a few moments to let the hair harden.
- The smaller the section of hair you hold, the smaller your standing hairs will be. You can make bumps of the same size, or vary between large and small bumps.
- Pull the hair in the direction you want. If you want your hair towards the front of your head, pull it in that direction and hold it for a few seconds before releasing it. You can also make your spikes point in different directions for a more messy look.
Step 6. Use hairspray
Hairspray is not always necessary for spike hairstyles. If you want to strengthen the thinner ridges or are worried that your natural curls will make the spike look messy, you can spray on some hairspray to strengthen the position.
Make sure you use hairspray with the type of shine you want. Some nonmatte hairsprays can give a wet look. You should avoid this, especially on messy spike hairstyles
Step 7. Trim your spikes
If you're worried that your spikes will mess up as you go through the day, bring a small bottle of hairspray. Wet the ends of your hair with a few drops of water, pull them up with your fingers, and spray them with hairspray.
Method 2 of 2: For Long Hair
Step 1. Shampoo
Clean hair makes your spikes last longer. If you're not sure if you have long hair, be aware that this method is useful for hair longer than approx. 12.5 cm. Don't use products that add moisture or oil to your hair, as these can mess up your spikes.
Step 2. Use a hairdryer
In order for you to create long, sharp spikes, you'll need to "train" your hair in the direction you want it to go. Use the following techniques to blow dry your hair in the right direction:
- Lower your head so that it is upside down. Use a comb or hair brush to set the hair down, so that it falls straight off your head.
- Dry your hair from roots to ends. Drying in the direction you want the bumps to go will help keep them standing all day. The hotter the temperature you use, the more your hair will get used to one direction.
- Continue until hair is completely dry.
Step 3. Straighten your hair
If your hair is curly or wavy, make sure it's as straight as possible before you start. Gravity makes it difficult to style spikes on long hair, so make sure your hair's natural inclination doesn't complicate the styling process again. Take several sections of hair and use a flat iron straight from the roots to the ends. Use in slow, steady motions until all of your hair is straight.
Step 4. Part your hair
Use a comb to divide the hair into portions. Keep each section of hair separate from each other, using bobby pins. Each section of this hair will later become a long bulge.
- When you're dividing your hair, keep in mind that the longer your hair, the wider the base portion you'll need. As a general rule, the width of this base should be approximately one-quarter of its length.
- Medium-sized bumps are easier to hold than bumps that are too thin or thick. Thin protrusions will collapse easily because they are not strong enough to stand straight, while thick protrusions will collapse because they are too heavy.
Step 5. Make the bumps
For long hair, you should use an extra strong hair gel or even a hair glue product. Remove the bobby pin from a section of hair and apply a small amount of styling product. You have to take care of the bumps one by one. Start at the roots, then apply the gel from the bottom of your hair to the tips. Hold it in place for a minute before you move on to the next section.
- You may be tempted to use a lot of product, but this will actually only make your hair heavier. Use a product that provides a stronger bond and use it sparingly, just to set your bulge. Hairspray can help you keep the bumps on their feet.
- Depending on the length of your hair, you may find it easier to keep the hair bulge out if you keep your head upside down. If you're tired of keeping your head in this position, rest between the formation of each bulge.
Step 6. Use hairspray
Use very strong hairspray to keep the bumps standing. Make sure you spray it from the roots to the tips of your hair.
Tips
- When making a bulge at the back of your head, hold the other mirror and keep it at an angle so you can see the back of your head.
- Don't use too much gel or your hair won't dry out.
- For longer or more extreme spiked hairstyles, such as the Liberty or Mohawk, find out how specific you are to style your hair.
- Gelatin or hair glue will give you a stiff, stiff spike, but you'll also need to wash your hair multiple times to clean your hair.
- Make sure your hair is dry enough and not wet. If the hair is wet, the spike hairstyle will be hard to come by!
