How to Make a Dread in Your Hair

Dreadlocks are clusters of tangled, matted hair. Whether you make one dread in your hair or many, the process is the same. Making dreads requires ratting your hair with a fine-tooth comb and rolling the ratted hair between your hands until it begins to take on its characteristic ropelike appearance. Dread wax is a beeswax-based product that helps hold new dreads together while they solidify. It's particularly useful when you want to make only one dread in your hair but plan to wash and condition the rest. Does this Spark an idea?

Section off a piece of hair approximately 2 inches square. Pull the rest of your hair up with a ponytail band, leaving only the sectioned hair hanging down.

Wash the sectioned hair with dishwashing liquid to strip out the oils and make it easier to dread. Dry the hair with a blow dryer or allow it to air-dry.

Hold the hair taut at the ends, pulling it away from your head.

Comb rapidly and repeatedly from the ends to the roots, ratting the hair until it shrinks to about half its length.

Roll the hair between the palms of your hands, working from roots to ends.

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 three more times.

Scoop out a pea-size amount of dread wax. Rub it between your hands until it is warm and soft.

Palm-roll your hair once more with the wax.

Tips

- Wrap your dread in a piece of plastic wrap before washing your hair. Conditioners can cause new dreads to fall apart.

How to Make Your Hair Look Super Long for a Couple of Hours

If you've got short hair and you want to switch your style up for a few hours, it's easier than you think. Getting long hair generally takes months and even years of growing and waiting. If you don't have the time, and just want temporarily super long hair, learn how to get it in a flash. Does this Spark an idea?

Research retail outlets that sell clip-on hair extensions, then go shop around to compare them.

Choose the right color. Make sure when you buy your extensions to get ones that will look natural. Try standing in natural sunlight and placing the extension up to your hair while you look in the mirror. The color should look like your natural shade.

Purchase a clip-in extension that comes in individual pieces that are about 2 inches wide. This makes it easier to apply them and make them look natural. They're also quicker to snap in than other sizes.

Clip your extensions in at the root of the hair, attaching the clip to a section of your actual hair to keep it in place. The most important thing to remember here is to clip it under a decent amount of hair. You'll want your natural hair to fall over your clip so it's not visible.

Comb your hair out and style it as desired after making sure all the clips are securely in place. Pay close attention to the kinds of clips you have purchased. If you've purchased synthetic clip-ons, don't use a curling or flat iron on them because it will make the hair burn. If you have clip-ons made from human hair, you can use an iron on them.

Tips

- Since clip-ons can quickly be put in and removed from your hair, you can experiment with all different lengths as often as you want. Have fun and try out different styles.

How to Make Hair Straight With Natural Remedies for Men

Some people have all the luck in the world. They are born with hair that agrees with them even when they roll out of bed in the morning. Those without naturally straight hair are constantly battling frizz and tangles that pull and frustrate throughout the day. In spite of this, there are natural remedies for making such hair less of a hassle and more of a joy to deal with.  Does this Spark an idea?

Milk

Pour 1/3 cup of milk into an empty spray bottle. Spray the milk over your hair 20 minutes prior to taking a shower. 

Remove tangles from your hair with a wide-tooth comb. 

Shower and shampoo and condition as normal. 

Castor Oil

Rub castor oil between both palms and rub throughout your hair. 

Dry your hair with a hair dryer on the highest setting best for your hair. Comb from root to tip, until all the naps are out and you can comb all the way through without getting tangled. 

Pat your hair with a cold, damp washcloth and towel dry thoroughly. 

Coconut Milk And Lime Juice

Mix a can of coconut milk cream with 1/2 cup of lime juice. 

Refrigerate the mixture until it turns into cream. 

Rub the mixture throughout your hair. Cover your head with a towel for one hour then shampoo and condition your hair. Repeat three times a week to gradually straighten hair. 

Techniques for How to Make Your Hair Stay Straight for a Long Time

No matter what type of hair they are born with, many women spend a large amount of time and money trying to change their hair. Specifically, women with curly, wavy or kinky hair search for ways to make their hair straight. There are a variety of hair-straightening options out there so you must carefully select which one is best for your grade of hair in order to avoid hair loss and damage to your locks. Does this Spark an idea?

Chemical Perms

The most common method of hair straightening is the perm. Chemical perms, also known as relaxers, use lye to break down the structure of the hair structure and cause naturally curly, kinky or wavy hair to lay straight. The result is hair that is tame and manageable. The results of a perm, however, are only semipermanent. Ladies with permed hair must go to the salon every six to eight weeks to touch up their curly new growth. The permed hair will continue to be straight until it is cut off.

Brazilian keratin Treatment

The Brazilian keratin treatment uses a flat iron to smooth out the hair cuticle while sealing in the keratin solution. Unlike perms, the structure of your hair remains the same. The keratin treatment leaves your hair intact, wrapping each strand with a protective coat to smooth, strengthen and repair damaged hair. The keratin treatment, also know as the Brazilian blowout, works for just about every type of hair, even hair that has been color treated, highlighted or previously straightened. Once you leave the salon, your hair will be straight but when you wash it, you will still see a wave pattern. Your curls are softened but not eliminated completely. Straightening is much easier after the keratin treatment and your hair won’t become frizzy during humid weather. Although the effects of the Brazilian keratin treatment are long-lasting, they do eventually wear off, leaving your hair to return to its natural state.

Thermal Reconditioning

Thermal reconditioning, sometimes referred to as ionic perm or bioionic straightening, is a hair straightening procedure that uses heat to change the shape of the hair. The cuticle is broken down with chemicals; then the hair is ironed straight with a flat iron. The hair then undergoes a neutralization process that closes the hair cuticle and causes the hair to permanently remain straight. Hair that is treated will remain straight and will not become curly or wavy again. However, the new growth must be reconditioned, usually about four to six months after treatment. Some hair stylists offer "partial reconditioning" at the part line and around the hairline to conceal new growth so clients can go longer between full treatments.

Ionic Hair Retexturizing

Ionic hair retexturizing is a Japanese hair straightening technique that seals in moisture and nutrients during an ironing process. This is intended to improve the overall condition as well as straighten the hair. Ionic hair retexturizing works best on hair that has not been chemically treated. Treatment lasts for up to six months depending on how fast your hair grows. Retouches can be done on new growth or clients can choose to have the treatment completely redone. Consult your hairstylist before retexturizing hair that has already been treated.

How to Make a Hair Clippy Holder

In the morning rush to catch the bus on time, many young girls scramble to find just the right matching hair accessory. Help organize young girls’ hair clips and barrettes with a simple craft. Girls will take pride in their homemade clippie organizer and, therefore, be motivated to use the organizer to keep their clips in one organized location. School mornings will move along more smoothly with one less item to hunt for.

Cut 30 strands of yarn to a length of about 2 1/2 feet. Bunch one end of the yarn strands together and bind them with a small piece of yarn wrapped around the strands and tied in a knot. Tape the bound end to the edge of a table with masking tape. Divide the dangling yarn strands into three sections of 10 yarn strands each. Braid the yarn strands beginning at the tape and working down to 1 inch from the bottom. Bind the bottom of the braid with another small piece of yarn wrapped around the braid and tied in a knot.

Place the powder puff on a work surface with the puffy side up. Glue googly eyes on the powder puff to create a face. Add a smile and rosy cheeks with permanent marker. Fold the braid in half to locate the center point. Glue the center 3 inches of the braid to the top of the powder puff face. Allow 15 minutes for the glue to dry.

Tie a small bow with 6 inches of grosgrain ribbon. Glue the ribbon to the center of the yarn braid to conceal where the hair part would be on the powder puff head. Tie two bows on the bottom of each braid's end. Thread a needle with embroidery floss. Stitch a small loop in the back of the powder puff to hang the organizer on a wall. Clip barrettes and hair bows on the clippy organizer braids.

How to Make Hair Smell Seductive

Scents such as musk, rose, jasmine, gardenia and sandalwood can entice people and evoke a seductive mood. If you are a woman who wishes to excite someone through the sense of smell, consider scenting your hair with one of these alluring scents. Many oils, perfumes and sprays made especially for the hair use a mix of these scents. Does this Spark an idea?

Shampoo and condition your hair with products that have a deep floral or musky scent to them. If you cannot start with freshly cleaned hair, blow-dry your dry hair to remove any odors your hair and scalp may have picked up.

Spritz your hair with a perfume made for hair. They are less drying than regular perfumes for your hair. Choose a seductive scent such as rose, musk, gardenia or sandalwood.

Brush and style your hair as usual. Wearing your hair down and loose will allow the scent from your hair to disperse about you as you walk or move your head.

Add a touch of essential oil in a complementary scent to your hair perfume to make your seductive scent last longer.

Tips

- Avoid "fresh" or citrusy scents. These create an energizing and awake mood rather than a romantic and seductive atmosphere.

Warning

- Avoid spraying too much perfume on your hair. Scents that are overpowering can be distracting.

How to Make Straight Hair Look Great for School

Girls with curly hair often want straight hair, while straight-haired girls wish their hair was more curly. Instead of wishing for something you don't have, learn to embrace the hair type you were born with. With the right haircut, styling products and styling tools, everyone at school will be envious of your beautiful, straight hair. Does this Spark an idea?

Shampoo your hair with a volumizing shampoo. After you rinse out the shampoo, add a volumizing conditioner to just the ends of your hair. Rinse the conditioner out after letting it sit in your hair for a couple of minutes.

Spray your hair with a leave-in conditioner to get the tangles out and prevent your hair from becoming frizzy during the day. Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb.

Squirt a quarter-sized amount of volumizing mousse in your hand. Distribute the mousse throughout your hair with your fingers.

Use a blow dryer to dry your hair. Hold up your hair from the roots with the a round brush as your blow dry your hair to give your hair more volume. Another way to add volume is to blow dry your hair upside down.

Finish your style with hair spray. Holding the hair spray two inches away from your hair, spritz the product in your hair to help hold your style.

Tips

- Ask your hair stylist to add layers to your hair. A layered haircut frames your face and helps your hair look more voluminous.

Tips to Make Straight Hair Look Messy

Although the messy look hair style appears easy to achieve, it can actually take a little work to get right. For people with straight hair, a few tips come in particularly handy. One of the most important things to keep in mind when going for a natural unkempt look is to avoid over-stylizing. Does this Spark an idea?

Crimping Iron

After washing and conditioning your hair, apply hair gel or mousse while towel drying the hair. Use a crimping iron at the base of the hair near the scalp, but not the front hairline. Also avoid using it towards the ends of the hair. The crimping iron will give the hair lift and prevent it from being too smooth, while the crimps themselves are concealed.

Rollers

You can also use large rollers to create the messy look. When setting the hair in the rollers, leave some out around the face. Keep the rollers in the hair for about four minutes, but do not allow them to cool. Take them out, turn your head upside down, and shake out the curls with your hands. Use a scrubbing motion to mess up the curls. Then turn your head right-side-up again and arrange it as desired.

Conditioning the Ends

Another tip to help create that just-out-of-bed appearance is to scrunch pomade, cream, or similar hair products into the ends of your hair. This will help separate the ends and prevent the hair from lying too flat. Less hair wax is needed for fine hair in comparison to thicker, wavier hair. Too much, nonetheless, and it will look wilted. Use a light hair spray to hold the desired look in place.

Ponytail Method

It may take a little more work for people with longer hair to get the messy look they want. First, use hair gel on wet hair and dry with a diffuser. You might consider using rollers halfway up the hair in 2-inch sections if your hair is very straight. Pull the hair into a ponytail with your fingers and then divide it into 5 or 6 sections. The sections can be wound up into sphere-like shapes, secured with bobby pins, and then sprayed with hair spray. When unleashed the hair should look satisfyingly messy.

How to Make Hair Bands for Teens

Teenagers love trying new hairstyles and accessories. A bohemian floral headband can be worn in different ways, with the hair up or down. You can take the basic idea of this headband and create many versions using different types and colors of fabric, ribbon and beads. Because it's made with basic craft supplies, you may already have the materials you need to get started.

Cut 3 pieces of ribbon, 1 yard each. Braid the pieces together and knot them at the end. Leave a tail of ribbon if you want.

Draw a 2-inch circle on paper and cut it out. Fold the circle in half and then in half again. Cut 2 arches on the outside edge. When you unfold the paper, you will have the classic flower shape to use as a stencil. Draw a 3-inch circle and repeat to create a larger stencil.

Put the smaller stencil on the fabric and trace around it with a pencil. Do this 5 more times for a total of 6 small flower pieces. Put the larger stencil on the fabric and trace around it. Do this 2 more times for a total of 3 large flower pieces. Cut out all the pieces using scissors. Cut one-half-inch slits from the edge toward the center, every 2 inches around each flower piece.

Stack 3 flower pieces together with a large one on the bottom and 2 small ones on top. With the needle and thread, make a stitch through the middle of the flower. Fold the flower in half and then fold it in half again. Stitch several times through the corner of the flower. Open the flower and sew a small bead in the middle. Repeat to make the other 2 flowers.

Cut ribbon into three 3-inch pieces. Place a small dot of glue on the back of each flower and glue the flowers to the ribbons. Let dry. Tie the flowers onto the braided piece.

Tips

- Select contrasting fabrics for the flowers or use the same fabric for a monochromatic effect.

How to Make Nettle Leaf Hair Tonic

Stinging nettles have been used as a home remedy for centuries. Records exist that show nettles were used as early as 300 B.C. as a treatment for snake bites, arthritis and baldness. Today, herbalists prescribe nettles for hair growth, restoration of natural hair color and as an anti-dandruff treatment. They say you can make your own hair tonic out of nettles to fight a flaky scalp, renew your hair's natural luster and promote healthy hair growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Place three cups of water in a pot and bring it to the boil on the stove.

Add a handful of nettle leaves to the water once it comes to a full boil, then remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for 20 minutes.

Strain the steeped mixture into a bowl through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

Mix in one cup of cider vinegar and one tablespoon of lemon juice.

Tips

- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to your hair just before you get out of the shower, but do not rinse it out.

Warning

- Omit the lemon juice if you need to go in the sun before you hair dries -- it will bleach your hair.

How to Make a Pinewood Racer Go Straight

A flaw in alignment can be disastrous to a pinewood derby racer's performance. If the car does not roll straight, it will crash against the sides of the track. The impact will cause a loss of speed and cripple the opportunity for winning or placing. To make sure your pinewood car is ready for the next race, take a close look at the axle alignment. Minor adjustments can optimize the car's trajectory and send it speeding toward the finish line.

Ensure that the axle slots on the racer are parallel to each other. Insert the axles into the slots so they are straight and perpendicular to the body.

Place the racer on a level surface and inspect the front axles. Remove the axle of the wheel that is more firmly planted on the ground. If one of the wheels is raised, select the axle making contact with the floor.

Separate the wheel from the axle. Make a minor bend in the axle, then reattach the wheel. Insert the axle into the racer. The bend in the axle should face upward.

Test the racer by rolling it across a smooth, level surface. If it is still experiencing alignment issues, use pliers to grasp the axle head. Make a slight rotation of the axle and test the racer again. Continue alternately testing and rotating the axle until the alignment has been corrected.

Tips

- Once you have adjusted the axles and your racer is rolling straight, glue the axles into place. Since the racer's wheels rotate around the axles, you will not need to turn the axles after you have corrected the alignment.

- For greater precision making bends in the axles of pinewood racers, purchase a Pro-Axle Press and a Pro-Rail Rider Tool from a hobby store.

How to Make Your Hair Stand in a High Top Fade

The high top fade, also spelled "hi-top" fade, is a hairstyle that was popular in the hip-hop scene of the mid-to-late '80s and early '90s. While the hairstyle was popular before his band "Kid 'N Play" became popular, Kid from "Kid 'N Play" had a particularly high hi-top fade. The style became even more recognizable as "Kid 'N Play" came out with music videos and the "House Party" movies. The hairstyle itself stands straight up from the top of the head by several inches or more, fading to much shorter hair on the sides and back. Does this Spark an idea?

Place a quarter-sized dollop of hair gel in the palm of one hand. Rub hands together gently to get the gel evenly on both palms.

Bend at the waist so the hair going up in the high top points toward the floor. Rub the gel into the hair thoroughly. Apply more as needed.

Stand in front of a mirror before the gel dries. Use the palm of your hands to push any stray hairs on the side up into the high top. Apply small amounts of gel to stray strands, if necessary.

Tips

- Thin, straight hair will require more hair gel. Excessively thick hair may require very little or none.

- If your hair is very thick and will stand on its own, comb it up with hair pick.

How to Make Antique Hair Wreaths

An antique style hair wreath is a timeless, elegant headpiece option for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls. But hair wreaths are not used just for weddings. Girls may wear hair wreaths on specials occasions, to parties and dance recitals. Hair wreaths may be made of fresh or faux flowers using the same technique. While traditional hair wreaths use only the flowers' stems to weave the wreath, the same look can be achieved using wire and floral tape. Does this Spark an idea?

Trim the flowers with the floral clippers.

Measure a wire segment to fit the head of the wearer. Cut another segment of wire slightly longer than the first.

Cover both segments of wire with florist tape so that the wire is not visible.

Make a loop at one end of the first wire, which is the wire measured to be worn.

Press a flower, or bunch of flowers, against the measured wire just below the loop. While holding it against the wire, wrap the longer wire around both the stem and the first wire. Continue adding flowers and wrapping them with the wire until you reach the end of the wire.

Add another loop at the opposite end of the wire. When the wreath is ready to be worn, tie the loops together with a ribbon.

Tips

- Start reversing the direction the flowers are attached to the wire when you reach the end so that the stems at the end are hidden in the flowers and do not stick out.

- To hang streamer-like ribbons from the back of the wreath, tie ribbons through the loops and trim the ribbon's edges.

- Briefly hold the ribbon's edges over a small flame to keep them from fraying.

- The same technique may be used on longer wire segments to create holiday or decorative garland for your home.

Warning

- If you are using fresh flowers, assemble the wreath as close as possible to the day it will be worn.

- Store a wreath made of fresh flowers in the refrigerator to prevent wilting.

How To Make a Hair Bonnet

In the 18th and 19th centuries women in Britain and the United States wore soft fabric bonnets to cover their hair whenever they went out. Although most 21st-century women no longer wear bonnets outside the home, you can still buy sleeping bonnets at beauty supply stores to protect your hair at night. You can make your own bonnet from your fabric of choice to match a favorite nightgown or to add authenticity to a historical costume.

Measure your head from the front center of your hair line to the nape of your neck, and from ear to ear across the crown of your head. Cut a tissue-paper rectangle that's about four inches longer and wider than your measurements. For example if your head measurements are 12 by 13 inches, your pattern piece should be should be 16 by 17 inches.

Trim the square edges of the pattern piece to make them round. To trim your pattern evenly, fold your pattern into quarters. Use a plate to trace a rounded line just below the open corner of the folded pattern and cut along the line. Your pattern piece should be a semicircle, so use the pattern piece folded in half. Pin the pattern to your fabric and cut two pieces. The two pieces are the front and back of your bonnet.

Stitch the two rounded pieces together on a sewing machine with a 5/8 inch seam. Make a narrow fold about 1/4 inch wide around the entire perimeter of the bonnet and press it down with an iron. Fold and press the edge a second time and stitch the hem in place.

Place and pin the bias tape around the hat about 2 inches from the hemmed edge. Stitch both sides of the bias to make a casing for your elastic. Leave a small opening at the end of the bias to feed in the elastic. Measure a length of elastic around the perimeter of your head, then cut it. Attach a small safety pin to the elastic and feed it through the casing. Use a needle and thread to stitch both ends of the elastic together and to close off the casing.

Tips

- If desired you can use a piece of ribbon instead of elastic to gather the bonnet. Use the ribbon to tie the bonnet under your chin, or behind your neck to hold it in place.

How to Make a Cowlick in Your Hair

A cowlick is simply defined as a portion of hair on the top of a person's head that naturally goes in a different direction than the rest of the hair, sometimes resulting in a spiral appearance. Many people with cowlicks attempt to hide them through styling methods. For some people, however, having hair that goes in different directions, like a cowlick, is attractive. For those who desire to give themselves a cowlick or accentuate their existing cowlick, there isn't much to it. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.

Apply hair gel to the portion of hair you wish to create a cowlick from.

Brush the portion of your hair that has the gel in it and that you wish to look like a cowlick in the opposite direction that your hair normally falls. You can brush it horizontally or up, or a combination of both.

Blow-dry all of your hair. Focus on drying the cowlick portion with the hair gel in it.

Tips

- If you already have a cowlick, use the same process to make it stand out from the rest of your hair.

How to Make Nappy Hair Straight Naturally

When you get an itch to straighten your hair, giving careful consideration to the products and method you use is important. Chemical straightening products, such as relaxers, can damage hair and make problem hair worse. You can temporarily straighten hair without chemicals by using a straightening iron and pomade. Expect your straight hair to last for up three days without washing your hair. Does this Spark an idea?

Shampoo and conditioner your hair as usual. Dry your hair with a hair dryer and comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb.

Apply a dollop of straightening serum to your hair. Many retailers offer natural pomades that are herb-based with no chemicals. Separate your hair into four sections and secure three sections with hair clips.

Plug in your straightening iron and allow it to heat up for one to two minutes. If you are using an iron with a heat setting, test the plate by clamping a paper towel for 15 seconds. If the paper towel burns, it is too hot and you should reduce the heat setting.

Take a lock of hair from the unsecured section and straighten it by working from the root to the tip of the lock. You may need to apply the iron twice to the hair for a straighter look.

Continue to straighten the whole section. When done, comb the section with a wide-toothed comb and start on the next section. Continue until all of your hair is straightened.

How Do I Make a Straight Knurl on a Shaft in SolidWorks?

SolidWorks is a technical drawing software platform that allows engineers, mechanics and drafters to draw 3D models of their equipment in order to describe exactly how it functions. A straight knurl is a geometric pattern that provides grip and texture to the surface of an object. SolidWorks allows straight knurling to be applied to a shaft through the "Edit" menu on the main toolbar of the software.

Open your project in SolidWorks.

Click on "Edit" from the main toolbar menu, hover over "Appearance" and then click on "Texture."

Click on the shaft you wish to apply the knurl to in the "Graphics" section.

Click on "Texture Property Manager." Click on "Metal Machined."

Select "Knurl 1" or "Knurl 2" depending on your preference of pattern. Click "OK." The straight knurl will be applied to the shaft.

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.

How to Make a Subtle Poof in Hair

A number of popular hair styles utilize a poof at the back of the head. Some poofs, such as hairstyles from the sixties and those sported by country music stars, are mountainous. Others are understated and appropriate for daily wear to work, school or a night out. Whether your hair is a chin-length bob or falls to your waist, a subtle poof will add volume to thin hair and make thick hair look even thicker. Executing the poof may take some practice but, once mastered, it can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash your hair, then towel dry lightly so that your hair does not drip. Work a small amount of firm-hold gel or mousse into your damp hair.

Blow dry your hair from underneath to add lift.

Roll frizzy hair in hot rollers from the tips to the roots or use a ceramic straightener; the heat will smooth your hair, add body and make it more manageable.

Gather a three-inch wide section of hair at the very top of your head and hold it straight up.

Spray the back of the section generously with hair spray; if you have very fine hair and do not use hairspray, apply a bit of mousse or gel to the back of the section, instead.

Tease the section of hair. Start just above the roots; insert the teeth of the comb into the section of hair at a perpendicular angle and comb down toward the roots two or three times. Move the comb up a couple of inches and repeat. Continue teasing until you reach the point about three inches below the ends of your hair.

Gather another section of hair directly behind the first. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 with this section of hair.

Gather a third section of hair behind the second and repeat Steps 4 and 5.

Smooth the three sections of hair gently back into place. Using a wide-toothed comb, comb the surface of the first section until it's smooth. Carefully smooth this section of hair over the teased sections. Pat and comb your hair until the poof is the desired height.

Spray your hair generously with hairspray, if desired, to keep your pouf in place.

Tips

- Combs specially designed for teasing hair are available in the beauty section of most drugstores.

- Use conditioner on your hair in the shower to help remove the tangles without damaging your hair.

How to Make a Pageant Hair Bump

Success in a pageant requires you to look your best, from your clothes to your hair. Stand out from other contestants by choosing hairstyles with hair bumps, which are appropriate for all aspects of a pageant, from swimwear to evening wear. Hair bumps add volume to fine hair and an interesting element to traditional hairstyles such as ponytails. Create hair bumps with backcombing and a few hair styling tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Updo

Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Apply a thermal spray to towel-dried hair before straightening it using a blow dryer or flat iron.

Brush all your hair straight back and use a hair pick to grab a section of hair at the crown of your head. Hold the section straight up and run a teasing brush up and down the back of the hair, from the ends to the roots. Repeat until you achieve the desired volume.

Spray the section of hair with hair spray before dropping it down with the rest of your hair. Use the brush to gently smooth the top layer of hair to cover the teased hair.

Gather all your hair into a ponytail, smoothing the sides but being careful not to flatten the bump. Secure the ponytail with an elastic band and spray all your hair with hair spray.

Transform an edgy ponytail with a bump into an elegant hairstyle by curling the ponytail and pinning the curls around the elastic band with bobby pins.

Half Updo

Take a section of hair at the crown of your head. To make a small bump, gather the section of hair between the arches of your eyebrows. Use a clip or elastic band to pull the rest of your hair out of the way.

Backcomb underneath the section of hair until you have created fullness. Smooth the top layer of the section to hide the teased hair.

Grip halfway down the section of hair and twist it once. Push the hair slightly forward before pinning it to your head with bobby pins. Spray the bump with hair spray.

Release the rest of your hair. Keep it straight for a casual look or curl it with a curling iron for a more formal look.