\n
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n
Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead more<\/span><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Eighties revival, long evident in fashion with the resurgence of peplum tops and shoulder pads, has now firmly taken hold in the realm of hair. Big, bouncy, full-bodied styles are making a significant comeback, championed by figures such as Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, and Simone Ashley. <\/p>\n
However, this contemporary wave of volume is a distinct departure from the rigid perms and helmet-hard hairspray of its predecessor.<\/p>\n
“Big hair is back, but it\u2019s had a very modern makeover. The key difference now is softness,” explains celebrity hairstylist Jason Collier, founder of Studio23. <\/p>\n
“You want lift and fullness, but with movement and \u2018touchability\u2019, not rigid structure [\u2026] your hair should look as though it can move.” In essence, today\u2019s interpretation of Eighties hair prioritises lightness and natural flow over heavy lacquer.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
open image in gallery<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>Sabrina Carpenter has been leading the charge for a big hair revival (Alamy\/PA) (Alamy\/PA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAchieving this voluminous look begins not with styling products, but in the hairdresser\u2019s chair. Collier stresses that the correct cut can create the illusion of fullness before any tools are even picked up. <\/p>\n
“Ask for long, feathered layers that are placed properly through the crown and around the face to encourage lift,” he advises. “You don\u2019t want heavy, blunt lines because they drag volume down. A really good stylist will create shape that builds body without thinning the hair too much, so it still feels healthy and full.”<\/p>\n
For those with curly hair, the same principle applies, though precision becomes even more critical. Nicola Harrowell, a curly hair expert and Curlsmith ambassador, states: “When it comes to curls, the cut is everything. <\/p>\n
Ask your hairdresser for layers that are designed specifically for curly hair [\u2026] you want rounded layers that allow curls to spring up and out, not heavy lengths that pull them down.” The goal for this look is not to force curls into submission. “Big hair doesn\u2019t need to be teased or overly styled to look impactful,” Harrowell adds, noting that the modern aesthetic is softer and far more natural than its Eighties ancestor.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
open image in gallery<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>Doja Cat channelled 1980s Pamela Anderson on the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in September (Alamy\/PA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhat truly distinguishes today\u2019s voluminous hair from retro throwbacks is its texture. Collier warns against the common mistake of overloading hair with heavy creams and traditional stiff sprays. <\/p>\n
“Good-looking volume comes from products that support the hair, not coat it,” he says. “Root sprays, light mousses and fine texture mists are perfect because they give lift and grip without stiffness. What you want to avoid are heavy waxes, thick creams or old-school hairsprays while styling, because they make hair look crunchy and flat very quickly.” <\/p>\n
For those with natural movement, even greater care is needed, but Harrowell reiterates that support, not stiffness, should guide product choices. “A lightweight mousse is ideal because it gives curls lift and hold while keeping them soft and bouncy [\u2026] Volume should feel airy, not coated.” <\/p>\n