How to Style a Killer Mohawk or Liberty Spikes: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’re ready to unleash your inner punk rocker and sport a gravity-defying mohawk or a set of fierce liberty spikes? Excellent choice! These iconic hairstyles are bold statements that scream individuality and rebellion. While they might seem intimidating to create, with the right tools, techniques, and a healthy dose of patience, you can achieve a stunning, head-turning look. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing detailed steps and tips for creating both mohawks and liberty spikes that will last. Buckle up, because we’re about to defy gravity!
## Understanding the Basics: Mohawk vs. Liberty Spikes
Before diving in, let’s clarify the difference between a mohawk and liberty spikes. Both styles involve creating vertical points of hair, but the key difference lies in the distribution and size of these points:
* **Mohawk:** A single, continuous strip of standing hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck. The width of the strip can vary depending on preference.
* **Liberty Spikes:** Individual, distinct spikes of hair that stand upright all over the head. They are typically more numerous and evenly spaced than a mohawk.
This guide will cover the techniques applicable to both styles, highlighting specific adjustments where necessary. The fundamental principle is the same: using strong-hold products and styling techniques to defy gravity.
## Gathering Your Arsenal: The Necessary Tools and Products
Success in creating a stellar mohawk or liberty spikes hinges on having the right equipment. Here’s a comprehensive list:
* **Strong-Hold Hairspray:** This is your primary weapon. Choose a professional-grade hairspray specifically designed for extreme hold. Look for phrases like “maximum hold,” “freeze hold,” or “industrial strength.” Experiment with different brands to find one that works best with your hair type. Avoid hairsprays that promise flexibility or shine, as these won’t provide the necessary support.
* **Hair Glue (Optional, but Highly Recommended):** For added reinforcement, especially for longer or thicker hair, hair glue is a game-changer. Look for brands specifically designed for hair styling. Spirit gum (often used for theatrical applications) can also be used but requires more effort to remove. Be warned, hair glue can be drying, so use it sparingly and always wash it out thoroughly.
* **Hair Gel (Strong Hold):** Gel is useful for creating the initial shape and structure of your mohawk or spikes. Choose a gel with a strong hold and a matte finish. Avoid gels that promise shine or flexibility.
* **Blow Dryer:** A blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle is essential for setting the style and adding volume. The heat helps activate the hairspray and hair glue, solidifying the shape.
* **Comb:** A fine-toothed comb is necessary for parting and sectioning your hair with precision. A rat-tail comb is particularly helpful for creating clean lines and teasing hair.
* **Clips or Hair Ties:** These are invaluable for keeping sections of hair out of the way while you’re working on others.
* **Mirror (Handheld):** A handheld mirror allows you to check the back of your head and ensure that your style is even and symmetrical.
* **Gloves (Optional):** If you’re using hair glue, gloves can help protect your hands from stickiness.
* **Towel:** Keep a towel handy to wipe up any spills or excess product.
* **Old Clothes:** Styling a mohawk or liberty spikes can get messy, so wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting product on.
* **Hair Color (Optional):** If you want to add color to your mohawk or spikes, now is the time. Temporary hair color sprays or gels are a great option for a temporary change. Permanent hair dye can also be used if you’re looking for a more lasting effect. Just remember to do a strand test first to ensure that you like the color and that you’re not allergic to the dye.
## Preparing Your Hair: The Foundation for Success
The condition of your hair plays a crucial role in how well your mohawk or liberty spikes will hold. Here’s how to prep your hair for styling:
1. **Wash Your Hair:** Start with clean, product-free hair. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Avoid using heavy conditioners or leave-in products, as these can make your hair too slippery and difficult to style.
2. **Dry Your Hair:** Towel-dry your hair thoroughly. You want your hair to be damp but not soaking wet. If you have naturally oily hair, you can blow-dry it completely.
3. **Consider Texturizing:** If you have very fine or smooth hair, consider using a texturizing spray or mousse to add some grip. This will help the mohawk or spikes hold their shape better. Apply the texturizing product to damp hair and distribute it evenly before blow-drying.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Styling a Mohawk
Now for the main event! Follow these steps to create a gravity-defying mohawk:
1. **Section Your Hair:** Use your comb to part your hair, creating a strip down the center of your head from your forehead to the nape of your neck. The width of the strip depends on your personal preference. A wider strip will result in a more dramatic mohawk, while a narrower strip will be more subtle. Use clips or hair ties to keep the hair on either side of the strip out of the way.
2. **Tease Your Hair (Optional, but Recommended):** For added volume and hold, tease the hair within the mohawk strip. Take small sections of hair, hold them vertically, and use your comb to backcomb the hair towards the roots. Repeat this process throughout the mohawk strip. Teasing creates a textured base that will help the mohawk stand upright.
3. **Apply Hair Gel:** Apply a generous amount of strong-hold hair gel to the mohawk strip. Distribute the gel evenly from roots to tips. The gel will provide the initial structure for the mohawk.
4. **Shape the Mohawk:** Use your hands and comb to shape the mohawk into the desired form. Start by lifting the hair vertically, creating a standing wave. Use your comb to smooth out any lumps or bumps. You can create a perfectly straight mohawk or a more curved or angled mohawk, depending on your preference. If you’re aiming for a perfectly straight mohawk, use a mirror to ensure that the line is even and symmetrical.
5. **Blow-Dry the Mohawk:** Use your blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle to dry the mohawk. Direct the heat at the roots to help the mohawk stand upright. Continue blow-drying until the gel is completely dry and the mohawk is firmly in place. This step is crucial for setting the shape of the mohawk.
6. **Apply Hairspray:** Once the gel is dry, generously spray the mohawk with strong-hold hairspray. Focus on the roots and the base of the mohawk to provide maximum hold. Use short, controlled bursts of hairspray to avoid weighing the hair down. You can also use your hands to gently mold the mohawk while the hairspray is still wet.
7. **Reinforce with Hair Glue (Optional):** For extra hold, especially for longer or thicker hair, apply a small amount of hair glue to the roots of the mohawk. Use a cotton swab or your fingertips to apply the glue precisely. Be careful not to use too much glue, as this can make the hair stiff and difficult to style. Immediately after applying the glue, use your blow dryer to dry it quickly. The heat will help the glue bond to the hair and provide a super-strong hold.
8. **Final Touches:** Once the hairspray (and glue, if used) is completely dry, inspect the mohawk for any gaps or uneven spots. Use your comb to smooth out any imperfections and apply more hairspray as needed. You can also use your fingers to gently manipulate the mohawk and create a more textured or defined look.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Liberty Spikes
Creating liberty spikes requires a slightly different approach, focusing on individual sections of hair:
1. **Section Your Hair:** Divide your hair into small, even sections using your comb. The size of the sections will determine the size of the spikes. Smaller sections will create more numerous and delicate spikes, while larger sections will create fewer and more dramatic spikes. Use hair ties or clips to keep the sections separated.
2. **Apply Hair Gel:** Apply a generous amount of strong-hold hair gel to each section of hair. Distribute the gel evenly from roots to tips.
3. **Shape the Spikes:** Use your fingers to twist and shape each section of hair into a spike. Start by pinching the base of the section and then gradually twisting the hair upwards, creating a pointed tip. You can create perfectly straight spikes or slightly curved spikes, depending on your preference. Make sure that the spikes are standing upright and that they are evenly spaced across your head.
4. **Blow-Dry the Spikes:** Use your blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle to dry each spike. Direct the heat at the base of the spike to help it stand upright. Continue blow-drying until the gel is completely dry and the spike is firmly in place.
5. **Apply Hairspray:** Generously spray each spike with strong-hold hairspray. Focus on the base of the spike to provide maximum hold. Use short, controlled bursts of hairspray to avoid weighing the hair down.
6. **Reinforce with Hair Glue (Optional):** For extra hold, especially for longer or thicker hair, apply a small amount of hair glue to the base of each spike. Use a cotton swab or your fingertips to apply the glue precisely. Immediately after applying the glue, use your blow dryer to dry it quickly.
7. **Final Touches:** Once the hairspray (and glue, if used) is completely dry, inspect the spikes for any imperfections. Use your fingers to adjust the shape of the spikes and apply more hairspray as needed. You can also use your fingers to gently manipulate the spikes and create a more textured or defined look.
## Advanced Techniques and Styling Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques, you can experiment with different variations and advanced styling techniques to create unique and eye-catching mohawks and liberty spikes:
* **Colored Mohawk/Spikes:** Add color to your mohawk or spikes using temporary hair color sprays or gels. You can create a single-color mohawk or a multi-colored mohawk with different sections of hair dyed in different colors. You can also create ombre or gradient effects by blending different colors together.
* **Frosted Tips:** Create a frosted tip effect by applying a light-colored hair color spray or gel to the tips of your mohawk or spikes. This will add a touch of contrast and dimension to your style.
* **Shaved Designs:** Incorporate shaved designs into your mohawk or liberty spikes. You can shave patterns or shapes into the sides of your head, creating a unique and personalized look.
* **Braided Mohawk:** Create a braided mohawk by braiding the hair within the mohawk strip. You can create a single braid or multiple braids, depending on your preference. This is a great way to add texture and visual interest to your mohawk.
* **Twisted Spikes:** Create twisted spikes by twisting each section of hair before applying gel and hairspray. This will create a more textured and dimensional look.
* **Fanned Mohawk:** Create a fanned mohawk by fanning out the hair at the top of the mohawk strip. This will create a wider and more dramatic silhouette.
* **Sculpted Spikes:** Use hair glue and styling wax to sculpt your liberty spikes into unique shapes and designs. You can create spikes that are curved, angled, or even spiral-shaped.
## Maintaining Your Mohawk or Liberty Spikes
Keeping your mohawk or liberty spikes looking their best requires regular maintenance:
* **Sleeping:** To avoid crushing your mohawk or spikes while you sleep, try sleeping on your stomach or side with your head hanging off the edge of the bed. You can also use a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent your hair from getting tangled.
* **Washing:** Washing your mohawk or spikes too often can strip your hair of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Try to wash your hair only when necessary, using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. When washing your hair, be careful not to disrupt the shape of your mohawk or spikes.
* **Restyling:** You may need to restyle your mohawk or spikes every day to maintain their shape and hold. Use a small amount of hairspray or gel to touch up any areas that have become flattened or droopy.
* **Product Buildup:** Product buildup can weigh down your hair and make it look dull and lifeless. To remove product buildup, use a clarifying shampoo once a week or as needed.
## Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best techniques, you might encounter some challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:
* **Mohawk/Spikes Won’t Stand Up:** This is usually due to not using enough strong-hold product or not blow-drying the hair properly. Make sure you’re using a professional-grade hairspray and/or hair glue, and that you’re blow-drying the hair from the roots upwards.
* **Mohawk/Spikes are Too Stiff:** This is often caused by using too much hair glue. Use glue sparingly and only at the roots. You can also try using a softer-hold hairspray to finish the style.
* **Mohawk/Spikes are Falling Over:** This can be caused by humidity or sweat. Use a waterproof hairspray to protect your style from moisture. You can also carry a small can of hairspray with you for touch-ups throughout the day.
* **Product Buildup:** This can make your hair look dull and lifeless. Use a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove product buildup.
## Safety Precautions
* **Eye Protection:** When spraying hairspray, be careful not to get it in your eyes. If hairspray does get in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.
* **Skin Irritation:** If you experience any skin irritation or allergic reaction from the hair products you’re using, discontinue use immediately.
* **Flammability:** Hairspray and hair glue are flammable. Keep them away from open flames and heat sources.
* **Ventilation:** Use hairspray in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
## Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner Rebel!
Styling a mohawk or liberty spikes is a fun and creative way to express yourself. While it might take some practice to perfect your technique, with the right tools, products, and patience, you can achieve a stunning and head-turning look. So, embrace your inner rebel, defy gravity, and rock your mohawk or liberty spikes with confidence! Remember to experiment with different variations and techniques to create a style that is uniquely you. Now go forth and conquer the world, one spike (or mohawk) at a time!