How to Make Your Hair Stand Up

Co-authored by Martin Nepton

Last Updated: April 21, 2024 References

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Maybe you're looking for a wacky new hairstyle, or perhaps you're looking to add volume and shape to your hairdo. Regardless of the look you're going for, there are plenty of ways to make your hair stand up. By using products and styling methods that are best for your hair type, your hair can defy gravity in a matter of minutes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Wet and Dry Styling Products

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You'll have an easier time adding volume to your hairstyle if you're working with clean hair. Gently dry off with a towel when you’re finished.^{[1]
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Massage 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pre-styling mousse into your damp hair. Rub a palm-sized amount of mousse between your hands, and then run your fingers from the front to the back of your scalp. Massage the product into sections of hair as you go, focusing especially on the roots. Using mousse will help add volume and shape to your hair.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 17 December 2020.}
- For bonus utility, opt for a mousse that doubles as a heat protectant.
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Dry your hair from the back of your head to the front, so that your dry back hairs can serve as a surface to layer your longer front hairs.^{[3]
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Use a round brush to sweep your hair upward and back. As you dry your hair, use a wave-like brushing motion. This will lock your hair in an upward sweeping motion, while creating volume throughout your hair.
- For short hair, this may be all you need to get it to stand straight up. Longer hair may need the help of additional product.
- To get maximum volume, blow-dry your hair in the opposite direction of how you want it to fall. For instance, if you want it to be swept back, brush it forward as you dry it. That will give you more lift at your roots.
At the end of your 5-6 minute drying interval on medium/hot, switch the setting on your blowdryer to cold. Stick with this setting until your hair is completely dry. Using the cold setting for the final minutes of your drying session will help lock in the shape of your hairstyle.^{[4]
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Apply 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of hair clay or paste for a dry look. Rub a dime-sized amount of product between the palms of your hands, and incorporate it into your freshly volumized locks. Using product will help your hair hold its shape while maintaining a natural look.^{[5]
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- If your hair is thick, use a hair clay. If your hair is on the thinner side, opt for a paste.
- Using too much product can weigh down your hair, which can prevent it from standing up. When in doubt, use less clay/paste than you think you’ll need. You can always apply more later.
Rub a quarter-sized amount of product between your fingers, and use the product to sculpt your hair into spikes. When using gels and waxes, start from the roots of your hair, and comb upwards with your fingers. Gels and waxes will sculpt your hair in a firm, spiky style that will appear wet all day.
This step is optional, but using hairspray will help ensure that your hairstyle holds its shape. Give your hair a quick spray to lock in that volume. This is especially important for longer hair, as it is more resistant to drooping and falling.^{[6]
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If you’re having trouble making your hair stand up, you might be using the wrong kind of hair product. For example, if your hair is longer - up to 5 inches (13 cm) on top - your best bet is a pomade or clay product. If your hair is shorter, you’ll be better off with a gel or a wax.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Brushing Your Hair Up

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Use backcombing techniques for longer hairstyles. Backcombing involves teasing your hair with a brush or fine toothed comb in order to create volume. Often associated with the "beehive" look, backcombing is a great option for making your hair stand up with little-to-no hair products.^{[7]
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Use fingerpicking techniques with styling product for short hairstyles. You can incorporate volume into short hairstyles by using your fingers to sculpt your hair upwards. Add a dime-sized or nickel-sized amount of product into your hands, depending upon your hair length. Then slowly comb your fingers through your hair from the roots to the tips. Comb and tease your fingers upwards in order to make your hair stand up.^{[8]
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- For a wet look, opt for a gel. For a dry finish, use a matte product.
- This technique works best on slightly dirty hair, as natural hair oils will help your hair hold its shape. Try fingerpicking your hair the day or two after you've washed it.
If your hair is very curly, you can create volume and make your hair stand up by using a hair pick. Start with the pick positioned directly against your hair roots, and brush about 1 inch (2.5 cm) out in order to build subtle volume throughout your hair.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Static Electricity

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Blow up a balloon. Take a rubber balloon and fill it with air, either with a pump or by using your own breath. Fill the balloon with enough air so that the rubber is firm and taut, and then tie it off.^{[9]
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Gently move the balloon back and forth several times along your scalp. This will allow the static charge of the balloon to be transferred all over your hairs, which will help them stand up.^{[10]
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At this point, your hair should be standing up! The static electricity effects won’t last longer than a minute or so, but you can maintain your static hairdo by continuing to rub your hair with the balloon.^{[11]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Getting the Right Haircut

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Ask for a quiff. The quiff refers to a haircut that is styled longer in the front, with a gradual taper as you move back. Tell your barber to cut the sides and back shorter while keeping the length on top.
- Save a few pictures of quiff styles on your phone to reference if you’re worried you won’t be able to describe what you want.
When you make the front of your hair stand up, this length will appear voluminous, rather than shaggy. The longer your hair is in the front, the more volume you’ll be able to create when you style it.
Your hair should be shorter than 1 inch (2.5 cm) on the back and sides. When your haircut is finished, there should be a definite contrast between the front and back lengths of your hair.^{[12]
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It’s difficult to make your hair stand up in a quiff if it’s much longer than 5 inches (13 cm) on top. If you like this hairstyle, it’s a good idea to go to the barber when you notice your hair has grown between 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 2 inches (5.1 cm).^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I make my hair stronger?

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

You can give it a weekly protein treatment. Just make sure you only leave the treatment on for the amount of time recommended in the instructions.

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Question

How do you spike your 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

Add a strong-hold gel or paste to damp strands and pull your hair up between your fingers, raking it from roots to ends like a comb. You can twist the tips for added definition.

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Question

How can I make my hair stand up?

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

You can use gel or hairspray combined with the heat of a blowdryer. You can also tease your roots for a more stable shape.

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