Big hair is everywhere, from starlets and singers to the runways at Fashion Week. While celebrities can truly rock big hair, you have to remember they’ve got armies of trained and vetted stylists who make it happen. It’s not that easy for your Average Jane… or is it? There’s a thin line between spectacular and tragic when it comes to big hair, but luckily with a few handy do’s and don’ts and the new free virtual hairstyles sites , you, too, can go big with ease and style.
What’s the Big Deal?
It’s nearly impossible to think of big hair without thinking of the big decade that went with it – the ‘80s. Once all the rage (even inspiring the term, “hair band” in reference to heavy metal rockers sporting the ‘do) big hair got a bad rap when stick-straight style took over in the following decades. So what gives now?
The mane thing to remember is that there’s big hair and then there’s Big Hair. These are two distinctly different animals that belong in completely different habitats. Big Hair is the style sported by Snooki, the late Amy Winehouse and Flo, the insurance lady – whose bump has grown progressively along with her popularity. Big Hair is over-the-top and should not be attempted by anyone heading to work at the office or attending a PTA meeting.
However, big hair – when done right – is the soft, feminine and loosely curled coif that can be found on celebrities such as Tulisa Contostavlos, Brooke Burke or even Kate, the new Duchess of Cambridge. In this setting, big hair is simply a new way to refer to a classic style that is almost universally flattering. The good news is you don’t have to spend hours at the salon to get this look yourself.
What’s the Big Idea?
Big hair can be played up for nights out or toned down for daily wear. Either way, follow these do’s and don’t’s to make big hairstyles work for you:
- DO have the right equipment. All you need for beautifully big hair is some bobby pins and maybe just a touch of hairspray. A big roller or two can help as well and are extremely inexpensive to pick up.
- DON’T spend a ton of money on expensive tools, such as name brand flat irons. You can use a blow dryer or a big barrel curling iron if you have one, but they aren’t strictly necessary to get the look.
- DO apply a smoothing crème to your hair after washing.
- DON’T blow dry your hair completely. Stop drying while still wet in order to get the best effect and to spare your hair unnecessary heat damage.
- DO ditch the curling iron and pin curl your hair using bobby pins. While you can use your blow dryer to help set the style, it’s not necessary. Simply waiting ten minutes is usually enough for the curls to take hold but if you can leave the pins in overnight, do so.
- DO remove the pins and shake out your hair. Backcomb at the roots, spray lightly for hold if you’d like and you’re done.
- DON’T rewash your hair the next day. The great thing about big hair is that the style can easily last up to three days if taken care of properly. On the second day, simply redo the pin curls for ten minutes to bring your big hair back to life. You can also use one or two strategically placed big rollers to achieve a similar effect.
- DO use dry shampoo on the third day, but…
- DON’T simply spray over the top of your head. For best results, spray dry shampoo at the roots of your hair in sections then blow dry. This removes the oil from your hair while adding volume.
- DO keep it simple. For super-easy big hair, braid your hair while it’s wet and let dry naturally. Undo the dry braids for a casual, beachy look.
- DON’T forget to keep your hair healthy. Big hair is only beautiful with healthy hair. Avoid using heat when possible and be sure to use a good conditioner regularly.
With these do’s and don’t’s, going big has never been easier!
Celeste Grau is a professional cosmetologist with over 10 years of experience and is always staying on top of the latest hairstyles. Celeste specializes in six different types of hair extensions, as well as color and highlighting techniques.
