Short Hair: Spiked Hairstyle Tips

Introduction

Honey Labrador - 03-21-06

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The spikes can be punked up or down with accent colors.  Known for her in-your-face style, Honey rocks her spikes with lots of heavy white blonde highlights along the front of the crown.  She brushes her hair completely off her face to give it more lift and sass.

Honey's short style is extremely versatile and is effectively wash and wear.  It can be worn softer and slicked down or edgier and spiked up.

For a more finished style apply a wax or firm styling gel and use fingers to pick or rake along the sides and across the top of the crown.  For added lift use a set of volume enhancing products that will fatten the strands and allow for firmer spikes.

Although this style is ideal for someone with medium to thick strands that have some texture and movement, the style might be adopted for people with fine or thin strands through application of a chemical root lift.  Also known as a root perm, applying a waving solution to the root areas will help lift the hair into place.  In some cases all the hair, not just the roots, should be chemically waved.

Continued below ↓

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Steal This Spikey Style

Honey Labrador - 03-21-06

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Honey proves first hand that choppy bobs can be eclectic and edgy.

Highlighting and low lighting create instant definition and focus throughout the interior and perimeter of Honey's multi-layered bob.

Depending on your face shape and hair texture and type, work with your stylist to select a similar bob style that is custom designed to maximize your best features as Honey does.

The secret to copying Honey's spiked style is a great haircut that carefully creates the right amount of layering throughout to help provide root lift. This style works best on hair that is medium to thick in texture with some slight bend.  It would not be as successful when created on hair that is naturally curly or wavy unless it is straightened before the spikes are attempted. 

The style would also not work as well of super fine, thin or slippery strands unless cut to enhance the spikability or was treated with root enhancing chemicals.

Follow these steps to steal Honey's gorgeous choppy bob hairstyle:

Honey Labrador - 06-18-05

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1.  To duplicate Honey's edgy spikes shampoo hair with a product designed to address your hair's special needs.  If you color, highlight or chemically treat your hair, select a shampoo that supports those treatments.  If you prefer, use a dilution formula or a conditioning only (CO) treatment.

Note: For extra volume, try PhytoVolume Shampoo or PhytoVolume Mousse Shampoo.

2.  Apply the appropriate rinse-out conditioners if absolutely necessary.  (Avoid if hair is super thin or fine).  Rinse out conditioners may soften hair and make spiking strands more difficult.
3.  Finish with a cool/cold water rinse to close cuticles and encourage natural shine.
4.  Towel blot and apply very light cocktail of desired leave-in detangler, conditioner or styling products (firm holding mousse or gel).
5.  For extra volume along the crown, apply a volumizing product such as PhytoVolume Actif or similar.  You can also apply a firm holding or sculpting gel.
6.  Using a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment, use fingers to lift targeted strands along the crown area and direct air flow up the hair shaft from the ends to the roots to build in movement and lift.
7.  Work around your head from side to side and back to front continuing to use your fingers to lift 1-2" sections and blow dry with medium heat at a medium speed.  Do not over blow hair or spikes will not form appropriately.
8.  When hair is completely dry, spray with a firm holding spray.  To get more pronounced spikes, separate hair into individual 1-2" sections and back comb to get lift and separation.   Work from side to side focusing special attention on the root and crown areas.

Note: Another option would be to apply a firm holding hair gel at the roots and pinch strand up to create a spike.  Let the gel dry and the spike will stiffen into place.

9.  After hair is completely spiked to your desired height and fullness spray the entire head with another spritz of firm hold hair spray like PhytoPro Strong Finishing Spray or similar. 
10.  Use a boar's bristle brush or your fingers to direct side hair back away from the head towards the back of the head. This helps to maximize the impact of the crown spikes. To get a sleeker look, apply a little gel to the sides to help hold them tightly against the head.
11.  Utilize a large sized barrel curling iron to add perimeter curls along the edges of the style if desired. 
12.  Add appropriate accessories such as earrings, necklaces and where desired, hair accessories.  Scale them to work with the length and size of the finished spiked hairstyle.
13. Finish with a firm holding styling spray like PhytoPro Strong Finishing Spray and a light touch of shine product to add shimmer.  Remember not to apply too much shine product or it may act to soften the spikes.

Honey Labrador - 06-18-05

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Summary

This short spiked style screams for experimentation.  Try cocktailing a hair thickening product with a volumizing mousse or spray to get the ultimate fullness for the base of your spikes. 

You might also try blow drying your hair with the diffuser with your head bent upside down.  Since the key is to achieve a gentle drying while lifting hair with the fingers, this can help you get better control with your arms and hands.  Especially in the back and along the very top of your head.

If you are unsure of what products to use for adding root fullness look for products that advertise that they are root boosting and root thickening.

Remember that if spikes are your goal, work with your hairdresser to get the very best cut for your hair texture and type.  Ask for styling product suggestions that you can utilize for your hair to get the exact spikiness your desire.

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