While many people associate "large hair" with the 80s, it enjoyed several waves of popularity throughout history, from the giant wigs of the 17th century to the towering beehive of the 50s. Whether you want to create a giant, voluminous mane or just wish to add a little body to your hairstyle, teasing is an essential skill. It's also known as "backcombing" because it involves combing or brushingtowards the root to create small tangles that'll hold the hair in place. When done incorrectly, teasing can severely damage your hair. But when done properly, it'll add life and substance to any hairstyle.
Step 1
Wash, dry, and brush your hair completely. Teasing wet hair increases the likelihood of tearing and damage. If possible, do this while hanging your head upside-down to encourage volume in the roots. If you have time, curl your hair before you start, unless you're looking to create a smooth look, such as a beehive.
Step 2
Separate a single strand or section of hair, moving and clipping the rest out of the way. Generally, it's best to start with hair towards the top of the head and work your way down. Smaller strands (e.g. 1 inch wide) will make for stiffer volume and will also take longer.
Step 3
Hold the strand up firmly with one hand and hold a brush gently against the strand, approximately five inches away from the scalp.
Step 4
Lightly brush towards the scalp while continuing to hold up the strand firmly with your other hand.
The strength with which you brush should be firm enough to create tangles that offer resistance, but not too vigorous so that the hair rips or the brush itself becomes tangled.
Step 5
Repeat the teasing motion until the strand has the desired volume. The curlier the hair, the less teasing will be needed. Spritz the teased section with hairspray and let it down gently.
Step 6
Use your fingers to make a loose "cage" around the teased section, holding it in place (but not flattening it). Lightly brush the un-teased section of the strand down, using only the tips of the brush and making sure not to touch or weigh down the teased section. If you want your hair to look wild and crazy, skip this step.
Step 7
Put the teased strand aside carefully as you work on teasing other sections of your hair.
Step 8
Scrunch the hair when you're done teasing for additional volume.
Step 9
Optional - Put teased hair up by pushing individual strands up at the roots, twisting them, and pinning the twisted part against the scalp. 
Step 10
Smooth over the surface of the hairstyle gently with a shine serum spread on the palms of your hands. Don't press down, though, or else the volume will disappear. This will help to compensate for the "rough" and "dull" look that teasing can create.
Step 11
Un-tease hair by brushing it out carefully. Start at the ends and work your way up with each stroke.
Tips
- Focusing on the hair on the crown of your head usually offers a realistic rather than exaggerated amount of volume.
- Make sure to use a fine comb or a round brush with strong bristles because the hair will scrunch (tease) easier.
Teasing can be used to create various hairstyles:
- Dreadlocks
- Mohawks
- The 80s mane
- A retro, 50s look (e.g. beehive, bouffant)
- Scene or emo hair
- Any crazy, gravity-defying hairstyle you want
Warnings
- No matter how careful you are, teasing will damage your hair over time. So, try to limit teasing to special occasions. When you do tease, try to limit the number of strands you do, and always deep condition after teasing.
- Do not wet your hair when brushing out your teased hairstyle. Wet hair is more prone to break when it's pulled.
- Do not straighten your hair after teasing. This will cause knots to form. In addition, if you use hair products such as hairspray, it will cause your hair to melt or become sticky.
