Styling hair backward offers a versatile aesthetic, capable of conveying anything from refined elegance to casual charm. This timeless approach works across diverse hair types and lengths, making it a popular choice for various occasions. Whether aiming for a sleek, polished finish or a relaxed, textured vibe, directing hair away from the face can elevate one’s overall appearance.
Essential Preparations
Successful backward styling begins with proper hair preparation for the desired look and longevity. Starting with clean hair is recommended, achieved by washing and conditioning to remove buildup. After cleansing, towel-drying until the hair is damp, not soaking wet, is ideal for product application. This dampness allows products to distribute evenly and helps hair dry into the desired shape.
Foundational products applied at this stage influence the outcome. Heat protectants shield hair from thermal damage if blow-drying. For volume, a lightweight mousse or pre-styling spray can be worked through the roots. Conversely, for a sleeker look, a smoothing balm can be applied to minimize frizz.
Techniques for Directing Hair Backward
Directing hair backward involves specific tools and actions. Brushing and combing are fundamental, with tool choice impacting the finish. A fine-tooth comb achieves a sleek, precise look. A wide-tooth comb detangles without removing texture and distributes product. Paddle or thick-bristle brushes lay hair flat for controlled styles, while a boar bristle brush smooths and reduces frizz on damp hair.
Blow-drying plays a key role in training hair backward, especially for those whose hair naturally falls forward. Using a blow dryer set to low or medium heat, aim airflow from the front of the head towards the back, following your brush or comb. This process helps set roots backward and adds volume if hair is lifted. For a natural, textured finish, use fingers to lift and separate sections while blow-drying, adding volume and an undone quality. Continuously brushing or combing the hair backward while drying reinforces the desired shape.
Achieving Specific Back-Styled Looks
Various back-styled looks can be achieved with specific product choices and application methods. For a slicked-back style, strong-hold gels or pomades are applied to damp hair. A water-based pomade provides a glossy, tight, flat finish. After applying the product evenly from roots to ends, a fine-tooth comb is used to meticulously comb the hair straight back from the forehead, ensuring all sections are smooth and free of flyaways.
To create a textured or messy back look, lighter hold products like sea salt sprays or texture powders are preferred. These products are applied to damp or dry hair, often with a focus on scrunching or finger-styling to enhance natural waves or create a more relaxed, undone appearance. The goal is to achieve volume and movement, rather than a flat, uniform finish.
A half-up, half-back style involves sectioning the hair, typically by gathering the top portion from the temples or just above the ears and pulling it back. This section can then be secured with a clear elastic, bobby pins, or a decorative clip. For added elegance, a small section of hair can be wrapped around the elastic to conceal it, creating a polished finish. The remaining hair is left down, often styled with soft waves or texture to complement the secured top section.
Finishing Touches and Hold
The final steps in styling hair backward involve securing the look and enhancing its longevity. After the hair is shaped, a finishing product such as hairspray is applied to lock the style in place. Different hold levels of hairspray can be chosen based on the desired rigidity and movement, with strong-hold options providing maximum durability. For a high-shine finish, a shine serum or a small amount of pomade can be applied, particularly for slicked-back styles, to boost glossiness and smooth any remaining flyaways.
To combat humidity and ensure the style lasts throughout the day, anti-frizz serums or sprays can be used as a final layer. For persistent flyaways, a detailing brush or an old toothbrush sprayed with hairspray can be used to gently smooth down errant strands along the hairline. These finishing applications help maintain the integrity of the style, protecting it from environmental factors and keeping hair polished and in place for extended periods.