The Bouffant Hairstyle Returns—Here’s How to Achieve the Glamorous Look

Prepare for a bold hair revolution as the dramatic ‘50s hairstyle makes a stunning comeback with its voluminous charm.

The bouffant, celebrated for its sleek, elevated crown, has been a timeless favorite for generations. Originating in France and gaining fame in the ‘50s through icons like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O, this style is now embraced by modern stars such as Anne Hathaway and Sydney Sweeney, proving its enduring appeal.

“The contemporary approach is to avoid the flawless perfection of the ‘50s,” explains Nunzio Saviano, hairstylist and owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon. “This glamorous style can be made everyday-friendly with simple additions like headbands.”

If you’re eager to dive into the world of volume and puff, continue reading to discover how to master the bouffant hairstyle.

What Is Bouffant Hair?

Celebrity hairstylist Cherilyn Farris describes bouffant hair as all about boldness. “Derived from the French term meaning to puff or fluff, this style involves setting, teasing, and spraying hair to achieve a voluminous appearance, often styled high on the head with rolls or pins.”

How to Create the Bouffant

For a glamorous bouffant like Anne Hathaway’s Met Gala look, we consulted her hairstylist Orlando Pita for expert tips on achieving the style.

Start with clean hair and apply a styling foam, such as Orlando Pita Play Great Inflate Air Whipped Styling Foam, to add volume. Blow-dry and curl with a one-inch barrel iron, then use a volumizing hairspray for extra lift and shine. Tease the hair thoroughly and sweep it back. For added drama, incorporate a hairpiece to craft a romantic half-updo.

For a simpler, everyday bouffant, Lisa Epperson, stylist at NYC’s FEKKAI Soho, suggests a straightforward three-step method:

• Use mousse or volumizing spray on damp hair to lift roots and create the illusion of thicker hair (opt for a product with heat protection, like FEKKAI Root Lift Volume Spray).
• Blow-dry with a large round brush and set sections with Velcro rollers for added volume.
• Backcomb the crown while leaving face-framing strands loose. Style into a half-updo or leave it down, then finish with hairspray.

But…How Do You Undo It?

Removing all that hairspray might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite manageable.

Start by brushing your hair from the ends upward in sections. “Using a flexible-hold hairspray is key—it provides the necessary hold while being easy to brush out,” advises Epperson. “After brushing, give your scalp a massage and use a scrub to eliminate any product residue.”

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can You Do a Bouffant With Long or Short Hair?

  The bouffant is incredibly versatile. Celebrity hairstylist Gregg Lennon Jr. explains that it can be styled on everything from bobs to long layered cuts. As long as you can wrap your hair around rollers or curling tongs, you can achieve this dramatic look. Sally Hershberger, founder of Sally Hershberger Nomad Salon, notes that long hair naturally offers more volume, while shorter hair may require tools like hair padding, pieces, or donuts to achieve the desired height.

• When Was Bouffant Hair First in Style?

  The bouffant gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s, partly due to the rise of aerosol hairsprays, says Lennon Jr. This trend, embraced by youth culture, led to increasingly voluminous styles. Jackie Kennedy, a 60s style icon, popularized the look, which was originally inspired by European aristocracy. In the 1800s, towering bouffants symbolized wealth and status—higher hair meant higher class. Hershberger adds that icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, and Dolly Parton further cemented the bouffant in pop culture.

• What Hair Tools Do You Need to Create a Bouffant?

  For maximum volume, Hershberger recommends starting with a thickening mousse or volumizer on damp hair. Lennon Jr., Hershberger, and Farris all suggest blow-drying and setting the hair with Velcro rollers. Use a fine-toothed comb or teasing brush to backcomb for added lift. Lennon Jr. emphasizes the importance of finishing with a strong-hold hairspray to lock in the style. For updos, secure with bobby pins to complete the look.