How to Make Choppy Hair

If you're in a hairstyling slump, consider making your hair choppy. This easy-to-do style needs a lot of layers and precise product application to look perfect. The choppy style adds texture and pizzazz to short or long hair, making it ideal for a night out. The look must begin with the right haircut -- the more layers in your hair, the better, regardless of your hairstyle. Once the cut is in place, the rest of the style consists of selecting specific sections of hair and making them stand out a little more than the rest of the style. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash and condition hair normally. Towel dry the hair by squeezing and blotting out the moisture. Avoid rubbing your hair dry, because this may cause your strands to break or split.

Squeeze a plum-sized amount of mousse into one palm and rub your hands together. Work the mousse through your hair from your tips to roots.

Dry your hair with a hairdryer set to medium heat. As you dry, use your fingers to fluff up hair, or flip your head over entirely to blow-dry the underside of your hair. There is no wrong way to dry your hair when creating the choppy look.

Split your hair in half and clip the upper layer to the top of your head. Heat a 1-inch flat iron to maximum heat, or the highest level possible.

Comb a small section of hair outward. Open the hot iron clamp and insert the hair into the flat iron. Slide the flat iron down the hair to iron out any kinks. As you slide down the hair, turn the iron up slightly to make the hair stick out from the rest of your locks. Comb out another section of hair and repeat the flat iron process. The more you flat iron your hair, the more choppy it will become. Release the upper layer and repeat the process of flat ironing all the hair or specific sections.

Apply a pea-sized amount of pomade or styling wax to your fingertips. Rub your fingertips together. Work the pomade onto specific sections of hair. Slide your fingers down the section of hair to create a choppy appearance. Repeat this process throughout random sections of your hair until you reach the style you desire.

Apply a light coat of hairspray to the hair. Mist the style with a shine spray to enhance your natural shine.

Tips

- Avoid flat-ironing wet hair, as it can damage your locks.

- Apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week if you use heated styling tools more than three times a week.