Unleash Your Inner Rebel: A Step-by-Step Guide to Styling the Perfect Fauxhawk

The fauxhawk, a stylish and versatile hairstyle, offers a rebellious edge without the commitment of a full-blown mohawk. It’s a fantastic option for those wanting to experiment with a bold look for a night out, a special event, or even just to spice up their everyday style. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, achieving a killer fauxhawk is easier than you might think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from gathering your supplies to mastering the techniques, ensuring your fauxhawk is on point.

## What is a Fauxhawk?

Before diving into the styling process, let’s clarify what a fauxhawk actually is. A fauxhawk mimics the look of a mohawk, where the hair is styled to stand upright in a strip down the center of the head, while the sides are kept shorter or slicked back. The key difference is that a fauxhawk doesn’t require shaving the sides of your head. Instead, the hair on the sides is cleverly styled to create the illusion of a shaved or closely cropped look. This makes it a less permanent and more adaptable hairstyle.

## Who Can Rock a Fauxhawk?

The beauty of the fauxhawk lies in its versatility. It can be adapted to suit various hair types, lengths, and personal styles. Here’s a quick breakdown:

* **Hair Length:** While traditionally associated with shorter hair, fauxhawks can be styled on medium and even longer hair. The length will influence the styling techniques and the final look. Shorter hair will be easier to spike and hold, while longer hair might require more product and strategic pinning.
* **Hair Type:** Fauxhawks work well on straight, wavy, and curly hair. Straight hair might need more texturizing product to achieve the desired volume and grip, while wavy and curly hair naturally have more texture and can create a more voluminous and playful fauxhawk.
* **Face Shape:** Fauxhawks can complement various face shapes. For round faces, adding height at the crown can create a lengthening effect. For oval faces, you have more freedom to experiment with different heights and widths. For square faces, softening the edges with textured waves can balance the angular features.

## What You’ll Need: The Essential Tools and Products

To achieve a flawless fauxhawk, you’ll need the right tools and products. Here’s a checklist:

* **Hair Products:**
* **Texturizing Spray/Powder:** This adds grip and volume to your hair, making it easier to style and hold the fauxhawk shape. Sea salt spray is a good option for a more relaxed, textured look, while texturizing powder provides stronger hold and volume.
* **Strong-Hold Hairspray:** This is crucial for locking the fauxhawk in place and preventing it from falling flat. Choose a hairspray that offers strong hold without being too stiff or sticky.
* **Mousse (Optional):** Mousse can be applied to damp hair before styling to add volume and definition, especially for fine or thin hair.
* **Pomade/Wax (Optional):** For more defined and structured fauxhawks, a pomade or wax can be used to sculpt and mold the hair.
* **Tools:**
* **Comb:** A fine-toothed comb is essential for sectioning and smoothing the hair.
* **Hair Dryer (Optional):** A hair dryer can be used to add volume and set the style.
* **Hair Clips:** These are helpful for sectioning the hair and keeping it out of the way while styling.
* **Mirror:** A handheld mirror is useful for checking the back of your head and ensuring the fauxhawk is even.
* **Bobby Pins (Optional):** Bobby pins can be used to secure longer strands of hair or to create a more elaborate fauxhawk design.

## Step-by-Step Guide: Styling Your Fauxhawk

Now that you have your tools and products ready, let’s get started with the styling process. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

**1. Prepare Your Hair:**

* **Wash and Condition:** Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is oily, use a clarifying shampoo. Apply conditioner to the ends to prevent dryness and breakage. Rinse thoroughly.
* **Towel Dry:** Gently towel dry your hair, removing excess moisture.
* **Apply Mousse (Optional):** If you have fine or thin hair, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair from roots to tips. This will add body and texture, making it easier to style the fauxhawk.
* **Blow Dry (Optional):** If you want to add extra volume, blow dry your hair using a diffuser attachment. Focus on lifting the roots as you dry.

**2. Add Texture:**

* **Apply Texturizing Spray/Powder:** This step is crucial for creating the necessary grip and volume. Spray texturizing spray all over your hair, focusing on the roots. Alternatively, sprinkle texturizing powder onto your roots and massage it in with your fingertips. This will create a slightly gritty texture that helps the hair stand up.

**3. Section Your Hair:**

* **Define the Center Strip:** Use a comb to create a clear part down the center of your head, from your forehead to the nape of your neck. This will define the area that will form the fauxhawk.
* **Section the Sides:** Divide the remaining hair on either side of the center strip into smaller sections. Use hair clips to keep these sections out of the way while you style the fauxhawk.

**4. Style the Fauxhawk:**

* **Start at the Front:** Take a small section of hair at the front of the center strip. Use your fingers or a comb to push the hair upwards and towards the center, creating a small spike or wave.
* **Apply Hairspray:** Immediately spray the base of the spike with strong-hold hairspray to lock it in place. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from your head to avoid creating a stiff or sticky mess.
* **Continue Down the Center Strip:** Repeat the process, working your way down the center strip from front to back. Each section should be styled to stand upright and blend seamlessly with the previous section. The height of the fauxhawk can be adjusted to your preference. You can create a gradual increase in height towards the crown or maintain a consistent height throughout.
* **Sculpt with Pomade/Wax (Optional):** If you want a more defined and structured look, apply a small amount of pomade or wax to your fingertips. Use your fingers to sculpt and mold the individual spikes or waves, creating a more polished and refined finish.

**5. Style the Sides:**

* **Slick Back or Texture:** The sides can be styled in various ways to complement the fauxhawk. The most common option is to slick the sides back for a clean and polished look. Alternatively, you can add texture to the sides to create a more relaxed and edgy vibe.
* **Slicked Back:** Apply a small amount of pomade or gel to your hands and smooth it over the sides of your hair, directing the hair backwards. Use a comb to create a sleek and polished finish. Ensure the sides are tight to the head to emphasize the height of the fauxhawk.
* **Textured Sides:** Use your fingers to tousle and mess up the sides of your hair, creating a textured and slightly disheveled look. You can also use texturizing spray or sea salt spray to enhance the texture and add volume.

**6. Final Touches:**

* **Check for Symmetry:** Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your head and ensure the fauxhawk is even and symmetrical.
* **Adjust and Refine:** Make any necessary adjustments to the shape and height of the fauxhawk. Use your fingers or a comb to refine the style and ensure all the sections are blended seamlessly.
* **Final Hairspray:** Give your entire fauxhawk a final coat of strong-hold hairspray to lock it in place and ensure it lasts throughout the day or night. Again, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from your head to avoid creating a stiff or sticky mess.

## Fauxhawk Variations: Adapting the Style to Your Preference

Once you’ve mastered the basic fauxhawk, you can start experimenting with different variations to create a unique look. Here are a few ideas:

* **The Messy Fauxhawk:** This variation is perfect for a relaxed and edgy vibe. Instead of striving for a perfectly sculpted look, embrace the imperfections and create a slightly disheveled and tousled fauxhawk. Use your fingers to create texture and volume, and don’t be afraid to let some strands fall out of place.
* **The Braided Fauxhawk:** This variation adds a touch of femininity to the edgy fauxhawk style. Create small braids along the sides of your head and incorporate them into the overall fauxhawk design. This can be done with simple three-strand braids or more intricate French braids.
* **The Undercut Fauxhawk:** This variation combines the fauxhawk with the undercut hairstyle. The sides of the head are shaved or closely cropped, while the hair on top is styled into a fauxhawk. This creates a more dramatic and edgy look.
* **The Curly Fauxhawk:** This variation embraces natural curls and textures. Instead of trying to straighten or smooth the hair, work with your natural curls to create a voluminous and playful fauxhawk. Use curl-defining products to enhance your curls and add definition.
* **The Long Hair Fauxhawk:** This variation is for those with longer hair who want to rock a fauxhawk without cutting their hair. The hair is gathered and pinned to create the illusion of a shorter fauxhawk. This can be done with bobby pins or hair elastics.

## Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Fauxhawk

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you achieve a flawless fauxhawk:

* **Start with Clean Hair:** Clean hair is easier to style and hold. Avoid using too much product on your hair before styling, as this can weigh it down and make it difficult to achieve the desired volume.
* **Use the Right Products:** Choose products that are specifically designed for styling and holding hair. Avoid using products that are too heavy or greasy, as this can make your hair look flat and lifeless.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** The best way to find the perfect fauxhawk style for you is to experiment with different techniques and products. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for your hair type and face shape.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Like any hairstyle, mastering the fauxhawk takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
* **Secure with Bobby Pins:** If you are having trouble getting your fauxhawk to stay in place, use bobby pins to secure the individual spikes or waves. This is especially helpful for longer hair.
* **Tease for Volume:** Teasing the roots of your hair can add extra volume and lift to your fauxhawk. Use a fine-toothed comb to gently tease the hair at the roots, working in small sections.
* **Hairspray is Your Friend:** Don’t be afraid to use hairspray liberally to lock your fauxhawk in place. Choose a strong-hold hairspray that will keep your style looking great all day or night.
* **Consider Hair Color:** Highlights or lowlights can enhance the texture and dimension of your fauxhawk. Talk to your stylist about adding subtle color variations to your hair to create a more dynamic look.

## Common Fauxhawk Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can ruin your fauxhawk. Avoid these pitfalls:

* **Using Too Much Product:** Overloading your hair with product can make it look greasy and weighed down. Start with a small amount of product and add more as needed.
* **Not Texturizing Enough:** Texturizing is key to creating a fauxhawk that stands up. If you skip this step, your hair will likely fall flat.
* **Uneven Sectioning:** Uneven sectioning can result in a lopsided or asymmetrical fauxhawk. Take your time and use a comb to create clean and even sections.
* **Weak Hairspray:** Using a weak hairspray will not provide enough hold to keep your fauxhawk in place. Choose a strong-hold hairspray that is designed for styling and holding hair.
* **Ignoring Face Shape:** Not all fauxhawk styles are created equal. Consider your face shape when choosing a fauxhawk style to ensure it complements your features.

## Fauxhawk Inspiration: Celebrities Who Rock the Style

Need some inspiration? Check out these celebrities who have rocked the fauxhawk:

* **Rihanna:** Known for her bold and edgy style, Rihanna has sported various fauxhawk variations over the years, from sleek and polished to messy and textured.
* **Pink:** Pink is another celebrity who is known for her fearless and unique style. She has often been seen wearing a fauxhawk, often with bright colors or bold patterns.
* **Kristen Stewart:** Kristen Stewart has embraced the fauxhawk as a way to express her rebellious and unconventional style. She often wears a messy and textured fauxhawk with a casual outfit.
* **Ruby Rose:** Ruby Rose is known for her androgynous style and has sported a variety of fauxhawk styles, from short and spiky to long and flowing.
* **Zayn Malik:** Zayn Malik has been seen wearing fauxhawks in a variety of styles, demonstrating the fauxhawk’s versatility for male hairstyles.

## Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner Rebel with a Fauxhawk

The fauxhawk is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that can add a touch of rebellion to any look. Whether you’re going for a night out, attending a special event, or simply want to spice up your everyday style, the fauxhawk is a great option. By following this step-by-step guide and experimenting with different variations, you can master the art of the fauxhawk and unleash your inner rebel. So, grab your tools and products, and get ready to rock a fauxhawk that turns heads and expresses your unique personality!