How to get backcombed hair effect?

[Razamataz]

Does anyone have any quick and easy tips for creating volume in the crown of a hair updo? I've tried to recreate this look by backcombing but end up resembling Russell Brand on a bad hair day.

To give you an idea of what I'm on about, take a look at the pictures on this link - www.wendyslookbook.com/2012/01/comfort-uniform-heritage-blazer-soft-denim/

While I'm at it, does anyone know where I can buy a 'full circle' hairband like the one Wendy's wearing (as opposed to a horseshoe-shaped Alice band)? Thanks!

The headbands are pretty available these days. I have just bought my DCs some from Tesco, and I am sure they would have them in Claires or similar.

To create volume - I think that these days people buy 'inserts' to create volume - again available from Claires accesorries or similar.

Wendy has a YouTube video on recreating her hairstyle, have you looked at it?

You need a proper tail comb to back comb, and then to gently comb the top layer flat. Or there are backcomb effect sprays (or there used to be 10 years ago when I went through a brief back combing obsession).

What about that Babyliss Big Hair that everyone is always talking about?

Batiste dry shampoo for xx volume is fierce stuff. You only need a bit and it gives your hair loads of texture so it's really easy to style into beehivey type dos.

Baptiste dry hair volumising spray. Ideal for creating volume :)

The big hair gives soft volume but you'd also need a bit of a lift from elsewhere (see above) if you wanted more height

Thanks for all the tips! Will take a look at the video, and get myself to Boots for the other bits and pieces.

I already have a Babyliss Big Hair and agree that it's better for smoothing and creating body, than giving real lift.

There is a product called 'Backcomb in a bottle' - i think its umberto gianni - and that works brilliantly (and doesn't damage your hair like backcombing does).

I would recommend a back combing brush. You need to section the area you want to do, take a section and hold at the ends starting at the top comb down to the roots and repeat till the root stands up and the ends fall down then repeat on all section.
Then smooth down with the comb till the front piece is smoothed over top and give a light spray.
If back combed correctly it shouldn't be knotty and should brush straight out.

I have the backcomb in a bottle, its not quite as good as a little tresemme bottle of powder. Think it's called XXL volume or something, its a black bottle with a red lid, about 10cm tall, costs £3-4. It's a powder, sprinkle a little where you want the backcomb, and gently rub in. It is honestly fab!

Right, just looked, description was totally wrong! It's a black bottle with a hotpik lid, not even 10cm high, called 24 Hour Body. Try it, promise it's worth it!

• Hot pink -my letters are dying!

Some great tips, thanks!