To tease hair for volume, hold a thin section straight up from the crown, place a teasing comb a few centimeters from the roots, and push it down toward the scalp in two or three short strokes, lifting the comb out between each one. That packs a small cushion of hair at the base of the section. Repeat on a few sections, then smooth the top layer over the cushion so the teasing is hidden. Teasing is also called backcombing.
How does teasing create volume?
Normally all your hairs lie in the same direction and sit flat against each other. Teasing pushes some of the shorter hairs in a section back toward the scalp, where they bunch up and form a soft pad. The rest of the hair rests on top of that pad instead of on your head, so the style stands higher.
What do you need?
- A teasing comb
- Sectioning clips
- A light-hold hairspray or texturizing spray
- A soft brush or the flat edge of the comb for smoothing
Before you start
- Work on dry hair only. Wet hair is fragile and will not hold the cushion.
- Second-day hair teases best. Freshly washed hair is slippery. A little texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots gives grip.
- Detangle first. Teasing over knots creates real tangles.
How to tease, step by step
- Set aside the cover layer. Take a thin layer from the very top of your head, about a centimeter deep, and clip it forward. This stays smooth and will hide the teasing.
- Take the first section just behind it: about five centimeters wide and a centimeter thick.
- Hold it straight up, taut, with the ends between your fingers.
- Place the comb on the back of the section, five to eight centimeters above the scalp.
- Push down to the roots in one short, firm stroke. Lift the comb out. Do not drag it back up through the hair.
- Repeat two or three times, starting slightly higher each time.
- Mist lightly with hairspray at the base and let the section fall backward.
- Move back and repeat on two to four more sections, depending on how much height you want.
- Bring the cover layer back over the teased sections.
- Smooth the surface only. Glide a soft brush or the flat edge of the comb very lightly over the top, without pressing into the cushion.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Where should you tease for different looks?
| Look | Where to tease |
|---|---|
| Lift at the crown | Three or four sections at the crown |
| Fuller ponytail | The crown before tying, and the underside of the ponytail itself |
| Bigger bun or updo | The lengths that will form the bun, lightly |
| Volume at the sides | One section above each ear, under a cover layer |
| Lifted fringe or quiff | The underside of the front section, close to the roots |
What makes a good teasing comb?
A teasing comb is narrow with closely set teeth, often of varying length or with a wavy profile, so it catches some hairs and lets others pass. That is what builds the cushion without matting the whole section. Rounded tooth tips are kinder to the scalp.
The Uexim wavy-tooth teasing and flat-top styling comb has rounded wavy teeth and a flat-top styling edge. It is made of plastic, comes in white, blue or black, and is described as suitable for salon and home use.
How do you take teasing out without breakage?
This matters as much as putting it in. Never rip a brush through teased hair.
- Start at the ends and work upward, a little at a time.
- Use your fingers first to loosen the cushion, then a wide-tooth comb.
- If it resists, work in a little conditioner or detangling spray.
- Wash and condition as usual once the tangles are out.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sawing the comb up and down. Push down only, and lift out.
- Teasing the top layer. It leaves a visibly fuzzy surface.
- Sections that are too thick. They knot instead of cushioning.
- Heavy hairspray before teasing. It makes the hair stiff and harder to detangle later.
- Teasing every day. Repeated backcombing roughens the hair. Keep it for when you want the lift.
Frequently asked questions
Does teasing damage hair?
Done gently and occasionally, and removed carefully, it is fine for most hair. Rough or daily teasing can cause breakage. Go easy on fine or fragile hair.
How long does teased volume last?
Usually a day or an evening. Second-day hair and a light hairspray help it hold.
Can you tease fine hair?
Yes. Use small sections, fewer strokes and a texturizing spray for grip.
What is the difference between teasing and backcombing?
They are two names for the same technique.
The bottom line
Thin sections, short downward strokes, a smooth layer on top, and patience when you take it out. A few teased sections at the crown are enough for clear, lasting lift.
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