Creating Lift with Root Clips
Root clips offer a mechanical method to encourage volume at the crown without the need for heat styling. By physically lifting the hair strand at its point of exit from the follicle, you allow the hair to set in a vertical orientation as the water evaporates. This technique requires patience and precise placement to ensure a natural finish rather than a crimped or flattened root.
Mastering this process relies on the tension you apply before securing the clamp. When executed correctly, the resulting lift remains stable until the next wash cycle.
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Total time
- 15 minutes
- Cost
- Low
- Cadence
- Each wash day
Ingredients
- None: This technique relies entirely on structural positioning rather than chemical agents.
Tools List
- Double-prong metal clips
- Wide-tooth comb
Step by step
Prepare the damp hair
Begin with hair that is approximately 70 percent damp. If the hair is too wet, the weight of the water will overpower the clips. Comb through your hair to ensure there are no knots, as tension against a tangle creates unnecessary breakage.
Tip: Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product evenly before clipping.Sectioning the crown
Identify the section of hair where you desire the most volume. Usually, this is the area directly at the crown and along the part. Work in small horizontal rows to manage the hair density effectively.
Tip: Keep rows thin for more controlled lift.Applying the clips
Lift a small section of hair at a 90-degree angle from the scalp. Place the root clip as close to the scalp as possible, ensuring the jaw of the clip is perpendicular to the direction of hair growth. Close the clip gently, ensuring it grips the hair securely without pinching the skin.
Tip: Ensure the clip is parallel to the ground to maintain vertical lift.Allowing the set
Let the hair air-dry completely with the clips in place. This phase is critical; removing the clips while the hair remains even slightly damp will cause the volume to collapse. Avoid touching the clips once they are positioned.
Tip: Do not move or adjust clips once set.Removing the clips
Once the hair is fully dry, gently release each clip. Use your fingers to lightly shake the roots to soften any marks left by the clip edges. Do not brush the roots, as this will undo the lift you have cultivated.
Tip: Remove clips in the reverse order they were applied.
Trouble
My clips keep sliding out of my hair.
The hair is likely too wet. Blot the roots with a microfiber towel to remove excess moisture before applying the clips.
I see visible marks where the clips were.
You are applying too much pressure or clipping too much hair at once. Use a larger section of hair to cushion the clip and release it more gently.
The volume disappears after an hour.
The hair may not have been fully dry when the clips were removed. Extend your wait time by ten minutes to ensure the shape has set.
Can I use plastic clips instead?
Metal double-prong clips provide the most secure grip and the highest lift. Plastic clips often have a bulkier hinge that can create unwanted patterns in the hair.
The structure of your style is defined while the hair is in its drying state.
Consistency in placement is the primary variable here.