Introduction to Big Hair
Big, bouncy, and full hair is once again everywhere, thanks to the retro revival. However, this new volumizing wave is different from its 80s predecessor. Celebrity hairstylist Jason Collier says, "Big hair is back, but it’s been given a very modern makeover. The key difference now is softness." The goal is to achieve momentum and fullness with movement and touchability, not rigid structure.
The Haircut: The Key to Volume
Volume doesn’t start with products, but with the hairdresser’s chair. The right cut creates the illusion of fullness before you’ve even picked up a styling tool. Collier recommends asking for long, feathered layers properly placed through the crown and around the face to promote lift. A good stylist will create a shape that gives the hair body without thinning it too much, so it still feels healthy and full.
Curly Hair Considerations
For curly hair, precision is more important. Curly hair expert Nicola Harrowell explains that when it comes to curls, it’s all about the cut. Ask your stylist about layers specifically designed for curly hair, with rounded layers that allow the curls to bounce up and down, not heavy lengths that drag them down.
Products for Volume and Shape
What separates today’s big hair from retro hairstyles is the texture. Collier says the worst mistake is overloading hair with heavy creams and traditional harsh sprays. Good-looking volume comes from products that support the hair rather than covering it. Root sprays, light mousses, and fine texture sprays are perfect because they add hold and support without being too stiff.
Recommended Products
Some recommended products for volume and shape include:
- Philip Kingsley Body Building Weightless Shampoo
- Philip Kingsley Body Building Weightless Conditioner
- Living Proof Full Texturing Foam
- Color Wow Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray
Blow Drying for Maximum Volume
There’s one universal professional trick for volume, and it’s directional drying. Drying the roots in the opposite direction of natural hair loss provides instant lift. Large curlers remain a stylist’s secret, and leaving them on while the hair cools can help achieve shape without stiffness.
Tips for Blow Drying
Some tips for blow drying include:
- Using a large round brush to create additional volume and shape the layers
- Blow-drying hair back and forth from the root, lifting for a textured, voluminous finish
- Gently diffusing curly hair to promote lift at the roots
- Using low heat and low airflow to avoid disrupting the curl pattern
Keeping Hair Healthy
There’s one theme every stylist wants to highlight: health equals volume. Unhealthy hair can affect the appearance of your hair when styling. Healthy hair always looks fuller, so protection is non-negotiable. Don’t overdo it day after day, and make sure to use heat protectant every time. Hydration is also important for curls, as balanced moisture results in fuller, shinier, more defined curls.
