1. Preparation:
* Clean Hair: Start with freshly washed and dried hair. Product builds up quickly, especially with curly hair, and clean hair will hold styles better.
* Strong Hold Products: You'll need super-strong-hold products. Consider:
* Gel: This is the workhorse of liberty spikes. Look for a "maximum hold" or "extreme hold" styling gel. Many punks swear by Got2b Glued.
* Hairspray: Again, go for the strongest hold you can find. Aerosol sprays tend to provide better hold than pump sprays.
* Optional: Mousse: A volumizing mousse applied before the gel can give your spikes some extra body and lift.
* Optional: Styling Wax/Clay: This can be used to add texture and grip to the spikes after they're formed. Use sparingly.
* Tools:
* Wide-tooth comb or pick: For sectioning and lifting hair.
* Hair clips or rubber bands: To section off hair and hold sections in place while you work.
* Hairdryer (optional): For speeding up the drying process.
2. Sectioning:
* Determine Spike Size and Placement: Decide how many spikes you want and where you want them on your head. Think about the overall shape and look you're going for.
* Section Off Hair: Use the comb or pick to create small sections of hair for each spike. The size of the sections will determine the width of your spikes. Use clips or rubber bands to keep the other sections out of the way.
3. Spiking Process:
* Apply Product Liberally: Take one section of hair, and saturate it with gel from root to tip. Don't be shy! You need enough gel to really mold the hair.
* Shape the Spike:
* Method 1 (Fingers): Use your fingers to pinch and twist the section of hair upwards, forming a spike. Keep twisting and pinching as you work your way up the length of the hair.
* Method 2 (Comb): Use the comb to lift the section of hair straight up. Apply more gel as needed. Pinch the hair between your fingers and comb, shaping it into a spike.
* Hold and Dry: Once you've shaped the spike, hold it in place for a few seconds to let the gel start to set. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
* Hairspray: While holding the spike in place, spray it generously with hairspray.
4. Repeat:
* Repeat the spiking process for each section of hair until you have all your liberty spikes.
5. Finishing Touches:
* Adjust Spikes: Once all the spikes are formed, you can go back and make any adjustments. If a spike is drooping, add more gel and hairspray.
* Wax/Clay (Optional): Use a small amount of styling wax or clay to add texture and definition to the tips of the spikes.
* Final Hairspray: Give your whole head a final blast of hairspray to lock everything in place.
Tips for Curly Hair:
* Moisturizing Base: Curly hair tends to be dry. Consider using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil *before* applying the gel to help prevent the gel from drying out your hair too much.
* Embrace Texture: Don't fight your natural curl pattern too much. Work with it to create unique and interesting spikes.
* Smaller Sections: Curly hair can be harder to mold into spikes than straight hair. Smaller sections will be easier to manage.
* Patience is Key: This process takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Keep practicing and experimenting.
* Sleep Carefully: Sleeping with liberty spikes is challenging. Consider wrapping your head in a silk scarf or using a satin pillowcase to help protect your spikes. You might need to re-spike some sections in the morning.
* Consider Styling Assistance: If you're having trouble, consider asking a friend with styling experience or a hairdresser for help.
* Color (Optional): If you want to add color to your spikes, you can use temporary hair color sprays or chalks.
Important Considerations:
* Hair Damage: Using strong-hold products and frequent styling can damage your hair. Be sure to use moisturizing treatments regularly to keep your hair healthy.
* Product Buildup: All that gel and hairspray can lead to product buildup. Use a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove buildup and keep your hair clean.
* Experimentation: The best way to figure out how to get liberty spikes with your curly hair is to experiment with different products and techniques. What works for one person may not work for another.
Good luck, and have fun creating your unique liberty spikes! Be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, but the result can be awesome!