Le hair well-groomed, whether curly or straight, they are beautiful and full of personality but often they don't have volume at the roots. You will agree with me that we often want to get a touch more volume at the roots, for even more carefree and defined hair. If you also fall into this category, know that there is a simple and effective technique to achieve this purpose: clipping.
Il clipping it is a technique that use hair clips to lift the roots of curly (but also straight) hair while drying, thus creating volume and definition. It is a method suitable for all hair types, from very tight curls to soft and wavy ones, up to straight hair and requires few tools and a bit of practice to be performed at its best.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about hair clipping: you will discover the advantages of this technique, how to perform it step by step and you will get valuable advice for a flawless result.
What are clips and what are they for?
Hair clips are essential tools for hair care, both straight and curly. There are different types, but for clipping curly hair, the wide flat ones made of metal are most recommended.
The clipping clips act as real supports for the hair roots. By lifting them during drying, they allow you to create volume and definition at the roots, preventing the hair from flattening and losing its natural shape.
Which clips to use for curly hair
Types of clips suitable for clipping curly hair:
- Tweezers for clipping curly hair: these are the original variant, the one specially designed for curly hair.
- XCZYN Hair curling clips Made of high quality nickel-plated metal...
- The double crocodile tip design ensures a secure grip on all...
- How to use: Create a deep side part while hair is dry...
- Nose clip: the most common and versatile, suitable for all types of curly hair. You can try the duck-billed variant or the smaller stork-billed ones.
- 【High Quality Material】The hair clip is made of...
- 【Wide Use】It is very suitable for all hair types and...
- 【Anti-slip Design】The surface of these beak hair clips...
- ✅ 32 HAIR BEAKS: The stork beaks for hair are the perfect accessory...
- ✅ UNIQUELY DESIGNED HAIR BEAKS: Stork beaks commonly…
- 📌 EASY TO USE: No special skills are needed to...
- 【Quantity】: 24 pieces black plastic hair clips enough to...
- 【Material】: Made of high quality plastic and metal, this...
- 【Non-slip】: These mini hair clips have grips...
- Clip without crease: an alternative to traditional clips, ideal for those with fragile or thin hair.
Straight hair clip
We can also do clipping on straight hair. In reality we can use the same clips for curly hair but for straight hair I also recommend curler type clips. They are a kind of clip-on curler that helps lift the roots while drying. These clips are more suitable for straight hair as they they leave no marks.
- Product Name: Self-adhesive hair curlers for curling without heat...
- Contents: 5 magic curlers. 10cm x 2,5cm. Effect: air bangs, roots of...
- Curling roller and clip in one: it is effective to do air bangs during...
Recommended clip materials
- Plastic: it is the most common and cheapest material.
- Silicone: it is softer and more flexible, ideal for avoiding marking the hair.
- Metal: it is more resistant, but can be heavier and weigh down the hair.
Number of clips needed based on hair length and density
- Short hair: 3-5 clips
- Medium hair: 5-10 clips
- Long hair: 10-15 clips
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Pros and cons of clipping
Benefits
- Increased volume at the roots:the main benefit of clipping is the creation of volume at the roots, for a more carefree and defined hair.
- Best definition: clipping helps define the hair and make it more elastic and vibrant.
- More voluminous and fuller hair: the final result is more voluminous and fuller hair, with a healthier and more vital appearance.
- Face lifting effect: the volume created at the roots can have a lifting effect on the face, making the features more defined.
- Technique suitable for all hair types: clipping can be used on all types of curls, from very tight ones to soft and wavy ones. It's also good on straight hair!
disadvantages
- Possibility of leaving marks on hair if kept too long: if the clips are kept on the hair for too long, they can leave temporary marks.
- It takes a little practice to position them correctly: At first, it may take a little practice to position the clips correctly for the best result.
Which styling product to use?
The choice depends a lot on our hair type but also on expectations. I generally recommend you use one volumizing spray but there are also more fluid or more texturizing versions.
But there are also mousse products. My particular favorite (I have straight, flat hair) is the L'Oréal Tecni Art Volume Lift Spray-Mousse. It is a very light mousse that gives support to the hair, even the flattest and smoothest hair. I am very happy with this product as it actually gives volume but at the same time remains light. Even though it's a mousse, it doesn't leave your hair dry or dirty. A product to try!
How to clip curly or straight hair: the step-by-step guide
What is needed
- Damp or wet hair
- Hairdryer with diffuser
- Lightweight styling product
- Hair clip
Preparation and positioning of the locks
- Apply a light styling product to damp hair.
- Distribute the product evenly with a wide-toothed comb.
- Ricci: Lightly dry your hair with the diffuser upside down to remove excess water. Smooth: dry with a normal hairdryer
- Position the locks of hair in a zigzag pattern to obtain a natural effect.
Positioning of clips
- Begin placing a clip at the root of each strand to lift it.
- Repeat the operation on multiple strands to create diffused volume. Change the direction and position of the clip often to obtain a more natural volume effect
Suggestion: vary the direction of the clips for a more natural result.
Final drying
- Continue drying your hair on medium heat and low speed.
- Make sure to dry the roots completely to prevent the hair from becoming weighed down.
Removing clips and retouching
- Allow hair to cool completely before removing clips.
- Gently remove the clips one by one so as not to ruin the fold.
- Use your fingers to smooth out any loose strands.
Clipping tutorial
There are many techniques and tips on clipping. I'll leave you with other very interesting techniques below!
Tips for perfect clipping
- Choose clips of the right size based on the size of the locks.
- Don't overdo the number of clips to avoid weighing down your hair.
- Use clips with rounded teeth to avoid marking hair.
- Experiment with different directions to place the clips and find the one that works best for you.
Advanced tips
In addition to the basic advice already provided, here are some advanced tips to perfect your clipping technique and achieve even more amazing results:
Choose the right time: Clipping is most effective on damp or wet, but not completely dripping hair. Lightly dry your hair with a diffuser on low heat to remove excess water before placing the clips.
Varying clip sizes: Don't only use clips of the same size. Choose smaller clips for finer, more delicate locks and larger clips for thicker, more voluminous locks.
Create gradual volume: Don't concentrate all the clips at the root. Distribute them evenly across different strands, lifting them to different heights to create gradual, natural volume.
Pay attention to the direction: The direction you place your clips can affect the final result. Try positioning some clips up, some outward, and some inward to create a defined, dynamic motion.
Use heat strategically: The heat from the diffuser helps set the volume created by the clips. However, avoid using it at too high temperatures or concentrating it for too long on a single point to avoid damaging your hair.
Finishes with a touch of freshness: Once your hair is completely dry, gently remove the clips and use a blast of cool air from the diffuser to set volume and define curls.
Choose suitable products: Use lightweight styling products formulated specifically for curly hair. Avoid heavy or silicone products that can flatten curls and cancel out the clipping effect.
Protect your hair: If you have brittle or damaged hair, apply a heat protectant product before using the diffuser to avoid damaging it further.
Experiment and have fun! Clipping is a versatile technique that offers endless possibilities for experimentation. Try different positions, directions and products to find the style that best flatters your curly hair and personality.
Remember: Practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't flawless. With a little patience and practice, you will become an expert at clipping and will be able to show off voluminous and shiny curly hair on any occasion!
Frequently asked questions about clipping for curly hair
How long can I keep the clips on my hair?
It is recommended to keep the clips on until the hair is completely dry.
Does clipping also work on short curly hair?
Yes, clipping can work on short curly hair too, but you may need to use smaller clips and position them carefully.
Can I use clips on dry curly hair?
In general, it is best to use clips on damp or wet hair for best results. However, if you have dry hair and want more volume, you can try using the clips on dry hair, first applying a moisturizing product or leave in.
Does clipping damage curly hair?
When used correctly, clipping should not damage curly hair. However, it is important to avoid holding the clips on too long or using them on brittle or damaged hair.
What are the alternatives to clipping to obtain volume in curly hair?
There are several alternatives to clipping, such as using volumizing sprays, mousse or gel, or drying with a diffuser. However, clipping can be an effective and convenient option for achieving long-lasting volume without additional products.
Conclusion
Clipping is a simple and versatile technique for obtaining volume in curly hair but also in straight hair. With a little practice, you can learn to position the clips to create natural, long-lasting volume.
Remember:
- Experiment with different clip positions and directions to find the style that works best for your hair.
- Don't overdo it with the styling product to avoid weighing down the curls.
- Use your fingers to smooth your hair after removing the clips.
With a little practice, you will be able to show off voluminous and shiny curly hair on any occasion!
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