How To Spike Your Hair

If you’re looking for a way to add some edge to your look, spiking your hair is a great option. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit any hair type or length. Plus, it’s relatively easy to do at home. In this article, we’ll show you how to spike your hair in just a few simple steps.

Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll need a strong hold hair gel or mousse, a comb, and a blow dryer. If you have thick or curly hair, you may also want to use a pre-styling product to help hold your spikes in place. Once you have your supplies, you’re ready to get started.

To spike your hair, start by applying a generous amount of hair gel or mousse to your hair. Use your comb to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair, from roots to tips. Then, use your fingers to start shaping your spikes. You can create small, tight spikes or larger, looser spikes, depending on your desired look. Once you have your spikes in place, use your blow dryer to dry your hair on a low heat setting. This will help to set your spikes and keep them in place all day long.

Gather the Necessary Tools

Pomade, Gel, or Wax

The choice of styling product depends on the desired level of hold and shine. Pomades provide a strong hold with a high shine, while gels offer a medium hold with a wet look. Waxes give a matte finish with a medium hold, suitable for creating textured spikes.

Hairspray

Hairspray is essential for maintaining your hairstyle throughout the day. It helps hold the spikes in place and prevents them from falling flat. Choose a hairspray with a strong hold for maximum staying power.

Comb or Brush

A fine-toothed comb or a vent brush is necessary for distributing the styling product evenly through your hair. A comb is ideal for creating defined spikes, while a brush can add volume and texture.

Blow Dryer (Optional)

A blow dryer can be used to dry your hair after applying the styling product and to set the spikes in place. Use the nozzle attachment to direct the airflow and prevent frizz.

Other Useful Tools

Table of Other Useful Tools

Tool	Purpose
Hair clips or bobby pins	To hold sections of hair in place while styling
Toothpick	To create precise spikes or to separate hair strands
Wet towel	To remove excess water after washing your hair

Prepare Your Hair

Before you start spiking your hair, it’s important to prepare it properly. This will help you achieve the best results and prevent damage to your hair.

Wash and Condition Your Hair

Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt or product buildup. Follow up with a conditioner to hydrate and soften your hair. This will make it more pliable and easier to spike.

Dry Your Hair Completely

After washing and conditioning, towel-dry your hair and then blow-dry it until it is completely dry. This will help to create volume and hold for your spikes.

Apply a Styling Product

Apply a styling product to your hair to help it hold the spikes in place. You can use a mousse, gel, or pomade. Apply it evenly to damp or dry hair, depending on the product’s instructions.

Create a Base for the Spikes

Once your hair is prepared, you can start creating the base for the spikes. To do this, use a comb or brush to create a section of hair that is about 1-2 inches wide. The section should be located in the front or back of your head, depending on where you want the spikes to be.

Hold a Curling Iron Vertically

Hold a curling iron vertically at the base of the section of hair. Wrap the hair around the barrel of the curling iron, starting at the roots. Hold the hair in place for a few seconds, then release it.

Apply Styling Products

The type of styling products you use will depend on the type of spikes you want to create. For short, messy spikes, you can use a matte pomade or wax. For longer, more defined spikes, you can use a gel or mousse. To apply the product, start by working a small amount into your hair at the roots. Then, use your fingers to pull the hair up into spikes. You can also use a comb to help create the desired shape.

Tips for Applying Styling Products

Here are a few tips for applying styling products:

Start with a small amount of product and add more as needed. Too much product will weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.
Apply the product to the roots of your hair first, then work it through to the ends. This will help create volume and hold.
Use your fingers or a comb to shape the spikes. You can create different looks by varying the size and shape of the spikes.
If you want to create a more polished look, you can use a hairspray to hold the spikes in place.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few troubleshooting tips if you’re having trouble getting your spikes to stay in place:

Problem	Solution
My spikes are too soft.	Try using a stronger styling product, such as a gel or mousse.
My spikes are too stiff.	Try using a lighter styling product, such as a pomade or wax.
My spikes are falling down.	Try using more product or applying it closer to the roots of your hair.

Finishing Touches

7. Maintain Your Spikes

a. Use Hairspray

Lock in your spikes by applying a firm-hold hairspray evenly over your hair. Focus on the tips to prevent them from drooping.

b. Avoid Touching Your Hair

To keep your spikes in place, resist the urge to run your fingers through your hair or rest your head on a surface.

c. Don’t Over-Wash Your Hair

Washing your hair too frequently can strip away the natural oils that help hold your spikes. Avoid washing it more than every 2-3 days.

d. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase

A silk pillowcase reduces friction, preventing your spikes from getting matted or frizzy overnight.

e. Use a Rattail Comb

If your spikes start to lose their volume, gently use a rattail comb to tease them back into shape.

f. Keep Your Hair Dry

Wet hair is more prone to losing its hold. Avoid getting your hair wet or use a hair dryer to dry it quickly.

g. Refresh Your Spikes

To revitalize your spikes throughout the day, dampen your fingertips slightly and gently smooth them over the tips, then reapply hairspray.

Maintain Your Spikes

Keep your spikes looking their best by following these tips:

Use a strong hairspray. This will help to hold your spikes in place all day long.
Reapply hairspray as needed. If you notice that your spikes are starting to fall, simply reapply some hairspray to keep them in place.
Avoid touching your hair. The more you touch your hair, the more likely it is to lose its shape.
Sleep on a satin pillowcase. This will help to reduce friction and prevent your spikes from getting damaged.
Wash your hair regularly. This will help to remove product buildup and keep your hair healthy.
Use a clarifying shampoo. This will help to remove any product buildup that may be weighing your hair down.
Condition your hair regularly. This will help to keep your hair healthy and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.

Trim your hair regularly. This will help to remove any split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.

Daily	Weekly	Monthly
Reapply hairspray as needed	Wash your hair	Trim your hair
	Use a clarifying shampoo	Condition your hair

Variations on the Spiked Hairstyle

The basic spiked hairstyle can be modified to create a variety of looks, from the classic punk rock style to the more modern and edgy looks.

Short Spikes

Short spikes are a great way to add some edge to your look without going too over-the-top. To create short spikes, start with short hair and use a strong hold gel to spike the hair up in short, choppy sections.

Long Spikes

Long spikes are a more dramatic look that is perfect for those who want to make a statement. To create long spikes, start with long hair and use a strong hold gel to spike the hair up in long, flowing sections.

Fohawk

The fohawk is a hybrid hairstyle that combines the spikes of a mohawk with the length of a ponytail. To create a fohawk, start with short hair on the sides and longer hair in the center. Spike the hair in the center up and tie the hair on the sides into a ponytail.

Liberty Spikes

Liberty spikes are a type of long spikes that are worn straight up in the air. To create liberty spikes, start with long hair and use a strong hold gel to spike the hair up in tall, thin sections.

Bedhead Spikes

Bedhead spikes are a more casual and messy version of spiked hair. To create bedhead spikes, start with dry hair and use a texturizing spray to add some volume and texture. Use your fingers to spike the hair up and leave it messy and textured.

Extreme Spikes

Extreme spikes are the most dramatic and over-the-top version of spiked hair. To create extreme spikes, start with long hair and use a strong hold gel to spike the hair up in tall, thick sections. Use hairspray to keep the spikes in place.

Spiked Hairstyle	Description
Short Spikes	Short, choppy hair spiked up with a strong hold gel.
Long Spikes	Long, flowing hair spiked up with a strong hold gel.
Fohawk	Short hair on the sides and longer hair in the center, spiked up and tied into a ponytail.
Liberty Spikes	Long hair spiked up straight in the air.
Bedhead Spikes	Messy and textured spikes created with a texturizing spray and fingers.
Extreme Spikes	Dramatic and over-the-top spikes created with a strong hold gel and hairspray.

Spiking your hair is a great way to add some edge and personality to your look. It’s a relatively easy style to achieve, but it does require some practice. Here are the steps on how to spike your hair:

Start with clean, dry hair. Dirty hair will not hold spikes as well.
Apply a styling gel or mousse to your hair. This will help to hold the spikes in place.
Use your fingers or a comb to create spikes. Start at the roots of your hair and pull the hair upwards. Twist the hair as you pull it up to create a spike.
Once you have created a few spikes, use hairspray to hold them in place.
You can add some extra height to your spikes by teasing the hair at the roots.