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Spiky hair is a fashionable and popular style seen on both men and women. Achieving this style, however, can be somewhat difficult for African Americans, especially men. Naturally thick, curly hair requires extra attention to turn it into the sleek spikes seen on so many celebrities. This doesn't mean it's impossible to get spiky hair, but it is a high maintenance look that will require daily attention. You'll want to keep your hair short for this style; just a few inches of hair is all you need.

Straighten your hair using chemical relaxers. Relaxers work much like hair dye: you apply a cream to hair and allow it to set, which transforms the texture of your hair. You can find hair relaxers at drugstores and beauty supply stores. If you have never done this before, you may want to go to a professional stylist for this step. Like hair dye, you will have to repeat this process every six to eight weeks to treat the new growth nearest your scalp. However, using a relaxer too often can lead to permanent hair damage, so monitor hair for signs of damage.

Cut your hair short for the easiest spiking. Hair that is too long will simply fall to the side instead of spiking up. Try to keep hair short on the sides and the back but longer on top. Tell your stylist that you plan on spiking your hair often and he or she will be able to give you an appropriate cut.

Iron your hair in small sections upwards to create the foundation for your spikes. Work on small sections of hair, placing the curling or flat iron and the base of each section and pulling straight away from the scalp slowly.

Using hair wax, twist your hair together into short, spiky sections. You'll want to pull most of your hair upwards to create this look. You can also use a strong hold mousse or gel, depending on the texture of your hair. Experiment with a few different products to see what works best for you.