How to Spike Hair
Q: I have wavy/curly hair, but I want straight, spiky hair. I apply a straightening product, blow dry my hair straight, and then flat iron it, but it still gets wavy after a couple of hours. Plus, I need to know how to spike it. My hair is medium length. Wouldn't I need to cut it short to make it spiky? How short?
A: Well, if you want to continue using a temporary styling method for straight hair, you are certainly taking the right initial steps. However, keep in mind that heat styling only temporarily alters the physical side bonds of the hair. Your hair will naturally revert to its wave pattern when exposed to moisture, humidity, or heat. And the warmth generated by your own scalp is often enough to cause that reversion within a few hours.
Long-Term Straightening Options
If you want to skip daily heat styling, consider professional treatments:• Permanent Straightening (Thio or Japanese Reconditioning): Chemically breaks and reforms your hair’s disulfide bonds. Hair stays permanently straight until it grows out.
• Keratin / Smoothing Treatments: Semi-permanent (lasts 2–4 months). It doesn't permanently change the inner structure, but it heavily coats the hair to eliminate frizz and resist humidity reversion.
Hair Length
You hit the nail on the head. Medium-length hair is difficult to keep spiky, especially when naturally wavy. Gravity pulls the weight down, and the hair's natural bend will make long spikes curve rather than stand sharp.While you don't necessarily have to buzz your entire head, you do need a short cut (1.5 to 3 inches or 4 to 7 cm on top) with heavy texturizing. Shortening the top and thinning out bulk allows the hair to fight gravity, while textured layers give spikes structure to lean on. For an optimal visual effect, it is best to have the sides and back shaved short with clippers.
Step-by-Step Styling and Spiking
1. Prepare & Dry: Apply a lightweight heat protectant to damp hair. Blow-dry on medium-high heat while lifting hair upwards with a vent brush. Blast it with the "cool shot" button on your dryer at the end to lock the straight shape in place.2. Flat Iron: Once the hair is completely dry, use a flat iron in small sections, pulling straight up from the roots to straighten the hair. Never apply heavy gels or waxes before flat ironing, as high heat can burn the product into the hair shaft.
3. Product & Spikes: Use a dry, matte-finish product like a styling clay or paste (heavy gels can add water back into the hair, causing it to wave). Work it into the roots for lift, then pinch the tips together to define spikes.
4. Lock It In: Finish with a light mist of freeze spray or strong-hold hairspray to create a barrier against humidity and scalp sweat.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
What is the origin of spiked hair?
Are special cutting techniques used to create spiky hairdos?
What product should I put on my hair to make it spike?