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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

The structure of your style is defined while the hair is in its drying state.