Backcombing

Backcombing, also known as teasing or ratting, is a way of styling hair to create volume. It is done by repeatedly combing the hair towards the scalp, causing the hair to tangle and knot.

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Backcombing is a part of big hair styles such as beehives, bouffants, and dreadlocks. Because it rubs against the scales of the hair's cuticle, it can cause serious and progressive damage to the hair's integrity; this leads to weakening and breakage over time, and frequent backcombing is not recommended for people who want to maintain long hair.¹ It can also cause tangles near the root that are very difficult to remove.²