Buzz
Increasing hair volume might not be as challenging as it sounds, but for many, it’s trickier than expected. Enter TikTok, the platform where beauty enthusiasts and experts share a wealth of tips, tricks, and hacks—all in easy-to-follow videos. The latest buzz is root clipping, a clever and simple technique that adds volume to wavy and curly hair without damaging it or altering your current routine. Ahead, top hairstylists and beauty pros explain the trend, demystify its process, and reveal what hair types can benefit from it—and which ones should skip it.
What exactly is root clipping?
Root clipping is a straightforward method involving the strategic placement of clips to create lasting volume at the roots, specifically for wavy and curly hair textures. According to Amy Abramite, Creative Director and Stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, the clips are positioned at the crown, where volume is desired, and left to air dry naturally. This process adds lift at the roots while preserving the curl texture and length without relying on heat damage. Fine hair benefits from tiny metal clips because they provide a gentler grip, while plastic clips work best for thicker hair, as they’re stronger and navigate the texture more effectively.
Advantages of Root Clipping
Celebrity stylist and owner of Cédric Salon at Lotte New York Palace Hotel, Cédric, describes root clipping as a simple and safe method that provides lasting movement, lift, and volume at the roots—far outlasting the effects of a blowout. The process works like this: When the clips are applied to damp hair, the cuticle is open and flexible. As the hair dries, the cuticle closes, locking the hair in its volumized shape until it gets wet again.
Steps to Root Clipping
Before you begin clipping, assess the kind of volume you’re aiming for. "Balance is key—volume should draw attention to the center of the jawline and the fullness of the top of the style," advises Rodger Azadganian, founder of ӓz Craft Luxury Haircare. For square and pear face shapes, volume at the top adds balance, while heart and diamond face shapes benefit from fullness at the sides to create harmony in the face's proportions.
Start with hair that’s about 70 percent dry. Select small sections of hair where you desire more volume, and position a clip in an upward direction. Secure the clip to the scalp, then repeat as needed. The more rows of clips you use, the more volume you’ll achieve. Finish by applying a volumizing spray, allowing it to dry, then gently remove the clips to avoid disrupting the ends and causing frizz or breakage.
When choosing products, avoid heavy creams and anything that could weigh down your hair. Instead, look for products that boost volume for your hair type while also providing moisture to hydrate and tame texture, advises Azadganian.
Which Hair Types Should Skip Root Clipping?
Root clipping can technically work on all hair types, but it’s especially effective for wavy/curly hair types 2B and beyond. These hair types can gain root volume by air-drying, creating bounce without the weight. It’s perfect for keeping textures light and bouncy.
Those with naturally straight hair should be aware that while they can attempt root clipping to add volume, the results might not provide the height they’re looking for. Since straight hair lacks texture or natural bends, the clips may leave marks, causing static and frizz. Instead, Erinn Courtney, StyleSeat hairstylist, recommends opting for a classic blowout to achieve more movement and volume.
Should You Give Root Clipping a Try?
If your hair texture is 2B or higher, root clipping is an excellent technique for adding lift at the roots. It’s the simplest and least damaging way to achieve volume without using heated tools. However, straight hair should stick to blowouts for volume, and if you have coarser hair that naturally lifts from your scalp when dry, root clipping may not enhance your volume and could disrupt your natural texture," says Courtney.
If you have a sensitive or inflamed scalp, it’s best to hold off on trying root clipping. The clips apply pressure to the roots and scalp, which could exacerbate irritation or cause further damage. To determine if this technique is suitable for your hair, consult with your hairstylist or a trichologist. They can advise whether it’s safe for your hair and scalp and if it will provide the volume you’re seeking for your hair type.
