Are you tired of the same old straight hairstyles? Want to add some playful volume and movement to your look? Then you need to master the art of flicking your hair with a straightener! This technique, while seemingly simple, can transform your hair from flat and boring to chic and stylish in minutes.
The Basics: What You’ll Need
Before diving into the flicking action, let’s gather the essential tools:
- Hair straightener: Choose a straightener with adjustable temperature settings. The best temperature for your hair type will vary, but generally, 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit should be a good starting point.
- Heat protectant spray: This is crucial to prevent heat damage.
- Comb or brush: To detangle and section your hair.
- Clips: To hold sections of hair out of the way.
- Hairspray: To hold your flicks in place.
Preparing Your Hair for Flicks
1. Wash and Condition: Start with clean, freshly washed hair. This helps to ensure that your hair is smooth and manageable.
2. Apply Heat Protectant: Spray a generous amount of heat protectant spray evenly throughout your hair. This will create a barrier between your hair and the heat of the straightener.
3. Blow Dry: Blow dry your hair until it’s completely dry. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you might want to use a straightening brush for a smoother base.
The Flicking Technique: Step-by-Step
1. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections, about 1-2 inches wide. This will allow you to work with manageable amounts of hair and ensure that each flick is defined.
2. Start at the Roots: Hold the straightener vertically, close to the roots of your hair.
3. Twist and Flick: Gently twist the straightener outward, away from your face. As you twist, slide the straightener down the section of hair, creating a flick at the ends.
4. Adjust the Angle: Experiment with the angle of the twist to achieve different flicks. A sharper angle will create a tighter flick, while a gentler angle will create a softer, more natural-looking flick.
5. Repeat for Each Section: Continue this process until you’ve flicked all of your hair.
Styling Tips for Perfect Flicks
- Experiment with Size: For a more dramatic look, create larger flicks by using wider sections of hair. For a subtler look, use smaller sections.
- Play with Direction: You can flick your hair in different directions, such as outward, inward, or even alternating directions for a more textured look.
- Consider Your Hair Type: If you have fine hair, you might need to use a lower heat setting and fewer passes with the straightener to avoid damage. If you have thick hair, you may need to use a higher heat setting and more passes.
- Embrace Imperfection: Don’t worry if your flicks aren’t perfect. A little bit of imperfection can actually add to the charm of the style.
Styling Ideas with Flicks
- Beach Waves: For a relaxed, beachy look, create loose flicks throughout your hair and tousle them with your fingers.
- Sleek and Chic: Create sleek, polished flicks by using a straightener with a ceramic plate and a high heat setting.
- Voluminous Updo: Use flicks to add texture and volume to a ponytail or bun.
- Half-Up Half-Down: Create a playful half-up half-down style by flicking the bottom half of your hair.
Maintaining Your Flicks
- Hairspray: Once you’ve created your flicks, use hairspray to help them hold their shape.
- Refreshing: If your flicks start to lose their shape, you can refresh them by using a curling iron or a straightener to gently re-shape them.
Beyond the Basics: Adding Creativity
- Color: Add a pop of color to your flicks by using colored hairspray or temporary hair chalk.
- Accessories: Accessorize your flicks with headbands, barrettes, or clips.
- Braids: Incorporate flicks into braids for a unique and stylish look.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Inner Stylist
Learning how to do flicks with a hair straightener is a great way to add some personality and style to your look. It’s a versatile technique that can be adapted to create a wide range of hairstyles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I do flicks on short hair?
A: Yes, you can! You can still create flicks on short hair, but you may need to adjust the technique slightly. For example, you may need to use a smaller section of hair or a lower heat setting.
Q: How long do flicks last?
A: The longevity of your flicks will depend on your hair type and the styling products you use. Generally, they can last for a few days with proper care.
Q: Are flicks damaging to my hair?
A: Like any heat styling technique, flicking can be damaging to your hair if you don’t use heat protectant and if you use too high a heat setting. Always use a heat protectant spray and adjust the temperature of your straightener to match your hair type.
Q: What are some other ways to get flicks in my hair?
A: You can also achieve flicks using a curling iron or a round brush. Experiment with different tools to find what works best for you.