Bouffant hairstyles have been popular for decades and have been regularly sported by famous personalities from Audrey Hepburn to Princess Diana. Bouffant hairstyles add volume and height to the hair, creating a glamorous and sophisticated look for any occasion. While the origin of the bouffant hairstyle can be traced back to the 18th century, the style became popular in the 1960s and has been a fashion statement ever since.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the bouffant hairstyle, its history, how to achieve it, and much more.
History of Bouffant Hairstyle
The bouffant hairstyle gained popularity in the 1960s and was famously worn by fashion icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jacqueline Kennedy. However, the style can be traced back to the 18th century, where it was referred to as the “pouf” hairstyle. The pouf was initially created by stacking hair pads or horsehair padding underneath the hair to add height. Hair was then swept back and pinned securely to create a voluminous, bouncy look. By the 19th century, the pouf hairstyle had become much more elaborate and was paired with intricate headwear.
In the 1960s, the bouffant hairstyle was a popular fashion statement. The signature look consisted of backcombing the hair at the crown and teasing it into a full, voluminous pouf. The hair was then left to fall in soft, face-framing curls, making the hair look fuller. The bouffant was traditionally achieved using rollers and large amounts of hairspray, which kept it in place all day. While the original bouffant hairstyle was quite elaborate, modern versions of the bouffant are more subtle and easy to achieve.
How to achieve the Bouffant Hairstyle
Achieving a bouffant hairstyle can be quite simple and can be achieved with specific styling tools and techniques. Below are steps you can follow to achieve a bouffant hairstyle from the comfort of your home:
1. Start With Dry Hair
Begin by washing your hair and allowing it to air dry or blow-dry it. Once dry, use a comb to detangle your hair and add texture. You want the hair to be as smooth as possible before creating the bouffant.
2. Section your hair
Next, divide your hair into sections, starting from the back and working your way towards the front. This will ensure you can style your hair evenly and section by section, eventually achieving the complete bouffant.
3. Backcomb
Take each section of hair and backcomb it with a fine-tooth comb to create volume. Start at the crown of your head and work your way down to the roots of your hair. Repeat this step for each section of hair, making sure to add more volume to the top layer.
4. Smooth the Hair
Once you have achieved the right amount of volume, use a paddle brush or comb to smooth the hair gently above the backcombing. You want to smooth the hair without flattening the volume created by the backcombing process.
5. Pin your Hair
The next step is to pin your hair in sections. Take your brush or comb, smooth out the hair’s top layer, and then use hairpins to secure it in place.
6. Finish with Hairspray
The final step is to use hairspray on your bouffant hairstyle. Use a strong-hold hairspray to fix the hairstyle in place throughout the day.
FAQs
Q. Can the bouffant hairstyle be achieved on all hair lengths?
A. Bouffant hairstyles can be achieved on all hair lengths, although longer hair tends to look more dramatic. For shorter hair, you can still create the look by backcombing the crown and smoothing out the hair on top.
Q. How long does the bouffant hairstyle last?
A. The bouffant hairstyle can last all day if fixed with strong-hold hairspray. However, the hair may start to fall flat or lank after a few hours. If you want to keep the hair voluminous for more extended periods, you may need to redo the backcombing process or add in more hairpins.
Q. Can the bouffant hairstyle damage your hair?
A. Backcombing the hair does cause damage to some extent. However, with careful detangling, gentle brushing, and regular conditioning, you can minimize such damage. Paying attention to your hair care routine will make it easier to achieve a bouffant hairstyle without long-term damage to your hair.
Q. Can I achieve a bouffant hairstyle without backcombing?
A. While backcombing is the traditional way of achieving a bouffant hairstyle, you can also use curling irons or hair extensions to create the look. Adding hair extensions can help create more volume without backcombing your hair. Teasing hair can also be done gently to avoid causing hair damage.
Conclusion
The bouffant hairstyle is an old-fashioned style that has stood the test of time. It’s a classic style that adds glamour and sophistication to your look. With the right techniques and styling tools, the bouffant hairstyle is a hairstyle that can be achieved by anyone. So, if you want that classic, glamorous look, this is the hairstyle for you.