My mentor told me to stop backcombing so much and she was 100% right

I was at a salon in Portland and my mentor watched me backcomb a client's crown for like 10 minutes. She pulled me aside and said you're crushing the cuticle and it's gonna break off in 2 days. I didn't believe her at first because I thought more teasing meant more volume. But I tested it on a mannequin and sure enough the hair looked fried after one brush through. Now I only do 3 light passes max and use a texture powder instead. Has anyone else had an old school tip that totally changed their technique?

3 comments

3 Comments

hall.joel1mo agoMost Upvoted

I read a study a while back that said backcombing more than 3 strokes per section can strip the cuticle completely... @robin591 is right about texture powders drying things out too, I tried one that felt like straw afterwards. Now I stick to that 3 pass rule and a tiny bit of dry wax for grip instead.

robin5911mo ago

Honestly don't you think texture powder dries the hair out even more than backcombing? I've had clients come back with brittle ends after using that stuff. Ngl a good teasing brush and gentle technique gives way better hold without the damage.

the_wendy1mo ago

@robin591 nailed it honestly. Texture powder is just salt and silica, that stuff sucks the moisture right out. A good teasing comb and some patience beats any powder trick I've ever tried.