How to Back Comb

Download Article

Co-authored by Arthur Sebastian

Last Updated: November 4, 2024

Download Article

Prepping Your Hair

|

Using Proper Technique

|

Finishing the Look

|

Video

|

Expert Q&A

|

Tips

|

Things You'll Need

Beautiful, full-bodied hair doesn't have to cost a fortune. No matter what your hair type or length, you can learn how to back comb your tresses to give you the extra volume you've always wanted. Backcombing the underside of your hair and smoothing down the top results in natural-looking volume. Read on to learn how to add height and flair to your hair in a few easy, natural steps.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Prepping Your Hair

Download Article

1
Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo. If you're going for extreme body, this is a good first step. Pick a shampoo that is labeled as "volumizing."^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Shampoos labeled as "clarifying" are also a good choice when it comes to getting more volume. They'll clean away conditioning agents and oils that might be weighing your hair down.
- Don't use shampoos that are made for dry hair if what you want is volume. These contain conditioners that might make your hair flatter.
- However, if you have dry or damaged hair, use a moisturizing shampoo.
2
Use a volumizing conditioner. Again, you want to go with a brand that says it will add volume, rather than smooth your hair down.^{[2]
X
Research source} You can skip the conditioner as long as your hair is not dry or damaged.
- Use a deep conditioner if your hair is dry or damaged.
Advertisement
Work a volumizing mousse or gel through your hair. Start at the roots, and spread it through to the ends. For best results, run a brush through your hair after applying to help distribute the product evenly.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 29 April 2019.}
4
Turn your head upside down, and blow it dry. This helps create volume since the hair can dry virtually weightless.
- Use a low temperature setting to add volume but prevent heat damage from occurring.
- Using a diffuser is a way to preserve some natural wave and volume.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using Proper Technique

Download Article

1
Choose a section of hair to backcomb. Determine what part of your hair needs volume. You can backcomb the top of your head, the crown, or your whole head. Use your fingers to section off the hair, and grasp a small section of hair in your hand. Hold the hair straight upward, and pull it taut so that none of the strands can escape.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- A lot of people like to start with the section of hair on top, right above the forehead. Adding a little lift right there can make a dramatic difference.
2
Tease the hair backward. Place your brush or a fine-tooth comb about halfway between your hair's roots and your hand, and apply firm brush strokes downward toward the scalp.^{[5]
X
Research source} Start with the backside of each section and work towards the side of it that is closest to your face. Repeat this motion until there is a cushion of hair at the base of the hair section.
- At this point your hair will look wild. That's totally normal! If you backcombed it correctly, your hair should look like you haven't combed it in days. You can smooth out the top layer to hide the tangles later.
Continue until you have volume in all the areas you desire.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Look

Download Article

Use light pressure and fluid movements to brush out the very top layer of your hair so that it hides the backcombed sections. You need enough pressure to blend the hair together to cover or hide the back combed areas but not enough to flatten out the areas where you just added volume. Your hair should appear smooth and full, and the back combing should not be visible.^{[6]
X
Research source}
2
Finish styling your look however you desire. Add hair spray where necessary to hold the look.
- Backcombing can be used to create gorgeous dreads.
- Backcombing is the first step to creating the classic French twist.

Video

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What products can I use to back comb or tease my hair?

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist
Arthur Sebastian is a Professional Hair Stylist based in San Francisco, California. He is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, a studio offering Hair Styling, Color & Brazilian Blowout services. Arthur has 30 years of experience styling hair. His career began with apprenticeships at Wayne’s Beauty College in Santa Cruz, California Miss Marty’s School of Beauty in San Francisco, California. After receiving his Cosmetology License in 1998, he rented his first station at Wack Shack Hair Salon in San Francisco, going on to hold positions at Posh Hair Salon, Acabello Hair Salon, and Red Union Salon before opening his own studio. With over 500 online customer reviews, Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon has a 5 star average rating on Yelp and 4.9 average review on Google.

Arthur Sebastian

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

So there are products on the market now called dry shampoo and salt spray. These products are great if you want a natural dry finish on the roots and tease your hair with very little effort. You could also use a delicate amount of dry pommade. Any of these products will help you tease, comb, or brush your hair with a lot less effort.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
Question

What does "backcomb" mean?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Backcombing is like teasing but done with a comb. It is a method of creating hold and volume by pushing the hair down toward the scalp.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
Question

Is backcombing bad for hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Backcombing shouldn't damage the hair as long as it is done gently. You must also take care when combing it out.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

For longer-lasting volume, use a comb and tease only one small section at a time. If you are looking for a softer effect, use a brush and larger sections of hair to achieve the look.

Thanks
Helpful 114 Not Helpful 43
For best results, try to avoid conditioning the scalp area, as this can weigh down the roots of the hair and make back combing more difficult.

Thanks
Helpful 112 Not Helpful 51
Be sure to hold the sections of hair you are back combing as close to the ends as possible. This will prevent the comb from pulling too much hair down and creating a clump of tangles.

Thanks
Helpful 84 Not Helpful 43