Big Hair is Back!

Big hair rules once again in 2009! When times get hard, hemlines get lower and fashions become more conservative. And when economies get flatter, hair gets bigger and bouncier.

Big hair power-dos are now the ideal antidote to lack of cash for new outfits. In times of trouble, big hair makes a statement on its own - it says “I’m in charge and in control”.

Catwalk shows for Spring and Summer 2009 were all very “big” (pun intended) on big hair and hollywood celebs such as Renee Zellweger and Drew Barrymore and singers such as Cheryl Cole and Madonna are all living large - hair-wise - this season. And while Amy Winehouse still has her troubles, it’s clear that it’s not just her music that has been setting trends in recent years.

What is “Big Hair?”

Big hair is a term that generally refers to hairstyles which emphasize large volume or largely styled hair. Big hair returns to popularity at some time during most decades and has been a central feature of the classic fashion look of the 1950s and 1980. Ironically, the term is also used to describe the ‘anti-fashion’ styles of alternative cultures such as the punk and goth movements.

Want big hair? Use icons such as Marilyn Monroe as your template and ask your stylist to give it a little modern twist. The modern take on big hair is about sexy volume rather than a big, solid helmet. As Odile Gilbert, fashion sculptress extrodinaire, says “Big hair has to look destroyed to be modern.” Today's big hair shouldn’t look like you've just walked out of a salon, but should be loose enough to run your fingers through.

The cut and condition of hair is really important for big hair styles. Hair needs to be sculpted and layered and it helps if you have thick hair, but unfortunately only 20% of women do. Hair must be in great shape to carry off the look – and the good thing is that there are lots of products available to achieve this.

Big Hair Tips

1. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, towel-dry it to take out excess moisture, and spray a good setting lotion or root-lift serum throughout, lifting the hair to reach all sections.
   
2. Blow-dry your hair, and while it is still warm, lift up an inch of hair, roll it around your finger and secure it into a hollow "sausage" with a hair grip. You can use big rollers, but pinning with grips varies the size of the curls, making it look more natural.
3. Repeat until all your hair is pinned up. Cover with a medium-hold hair spray and leave to set for at least 20 minutes.
4. Then, remove the grips and run your fingers through the hair.
   

More Big Hair Tips

1. Alternatively, you can use a medium-sized, round, natural-bristle brush on warm, just-washed hair that has been spritzed with setting lotion.
2. Roll the hair around the brush and keep rolling as you blow dry. While the hair is being dried, cover it with hair spray. Repeat until all the hair is dry.
3. Run your fingers through it or backcomb fine hair slightly at the roots. Add a tiny drop of serum for extra shine.
4. To vary the look, pin up sections of the hair (not all of it).