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How do you pick your hair with a pick?

Published in Hair styling 5 mins read

To pick your hair with a pick, gently lift sections from the root, working upwards and outwards to add volume, detangle, and shape your hairstyle, often beginning from the lower sections of your hair.

Why Use a Hair Pick?

Hair picks are essential styling tools, especially for individuals with curly, coily, or textured hair. They are designed to lift and fluff hair without disturbing the natural curl pattern, providing volume, shape, and definition. Unlike brushes that can pull apart curls and create frizz, a pick works by separating strands from the roots, enhancing the hair's natural body.

Using a pick can help to:

  • Increase Volume: Lifts hair at the root, giving a fuller, more voluminous appearance.
  • Shape Your Style: Allows you to sculpt your hair into desired shapes, such as afros or defined curls.
  • Prevent Frizz: Glides through hair without excessive tugging, reducing the likelihood of frizz.
  • Detangle Gently: When used correctly, it can gently detangle knots, particularly on dry or slightly damp hair.

Choosing the Right Hair Pick

Selecting the appropriate hair pick is crucial for effective styling and hair health. Hair picks come in various materials and tooth spacings, each suited for different hair types and desired outcomes.

  • Plastic Picks: Lightweight and affordable, good for general use.
  • Metal Picks: More durable, often with a smoother finish to reduce snagging.
  • Wooden Picks: Gentle on the scalp and hair, can help distribute natural oils.
  • Wide-Tooth Picks: Ideal for thicker, denser hair to prevent pulling and breakage.
  • Narrow-Tooth Picks: Suitable for finer hair or for creating more precise volume.

Consider your hair's density and texture when choosing a pick. A pick with widely spaced, smooth teeth is generally recommended to minimize damage and preserve curl definition. For more insights into hair tools, check out resources on curly hair care tools.

Step-by-Step Guide to Picking Your Hair

Mastering the art of hair picking involves a gentle touch and systematic approach. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Prepare Your Hair

Ensure your hair is dry or slightly damp. Picking very wet hair can lead to damage. If your hair is prone to tangles, a light mist of a leave-in conditioner or styling spray can help.

2. Start from the Bottom

For maximum volume and to work with your hair's natural growth, flip your hair over your head if comfortable. Begin picking from the bottom, near the nape of your neck. This approach allows you to build volume from the base up.

3. Section Your Hair

Once you've done an initial lift, shake your hair out gently to loosen it. Then, separate your hair into manageable sections. This makes the picking process more organized and ensures every part of your hair gets attention. You can use clips or hair ties to keep sections separate.

4. Lift and Volumize

In each section, insert the pick close to the scalp, at the root of your hair. Start at the root and pull the pick up and away from the scalp in a gentle, outward motion. The goal is to lift the hair from the root, not to comb through the entire length. Repeat this motion throughout each section until you achieve your desired volume.

  • For more lift, angle the pick further away from your head.
  • Focus on areas that tend to flatten, such as the crown or sides.
  • Avoid aggressive raking, which can cause frizz and breakage.

5. Refine Your Style

After picking all sections, gently shake your head to allow your hair to settle. Use the pick to lightly shape the outer layers and edges of your hairstyle, ensuring a balanced and pleasing silhouette. A light holding spray can help maintain the volume and shape.

Tips for Different Hair Types

Hair Type Picking Technique Product Recommendations
Curly Hair Use a wide-tooth pick. Focus on lifting at the root. Avoid picking through the mid-lengths and ends to preserve curl definition. Lightweight curl-enhancing spray, volume mousse.
Coily/Afro Hair A sturdy, wide-tooth pick is essential. Work in smaller sections for thorough lifting. Can be used for significant volume building. Leave-in conditioner, hair oil for moisture, styling cream.
Wavy Hair Use a pick to add volume at the crown. Can also be used to separate waves gently without causing frizz. Sea salt spray for texture, light-hold volumizing spray.
Straight Hair While less common, picks can be used on straight hair to create volume at the roots after blow-drying. Root lifting spray, dry shampoo for added texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Picking Wet Hair: Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage.
  • Aggressive Picking: Harsh pulling or raking can lead to damage, frizz, and breakage.
  • Ignoring Sections: Failing to section hair can result in uneven volume and missed spots.
  • Not Cleaning Your Pick: A dirty pick can transfer oils and product buildup back into your hair.
  • Picking Too Often: Excessive picking can lead to scalp irritation or over-manipulation of delicate hair strands.

Maintaining Your Style

To maintain your picked style, consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase or using a satin bonnet to reduce friction. If your hair loses volume over the day, a quick touch-up with your pick can refresh your look. For further tips on maintaining your hair's health and style, explore resources on hair care routines.