We thought when we spotted Dua Lipa wearing this nostalgic hairstyle at the 2021 BRIT Awards it was a one off. But when celebrity after celebrity started rocking the voluminous 'do — from Andra Day to Anya Taylor Joy — we realised the bouffant was here to stay this year.
It's hard to say what's triggered the return of the bouffant, but what we can be sure of is why people keep coming back to this midcentury coif. "It's because it's very flattering. It's drama, and whilst it can definitely be over the top, it can be very underplayed as well," hairstylist Sam McKnight told POPSUGAR. "Plus, I think a bit of height always makes people feel a bit taller, and a bit grander, and a bit more done if you like. And I think the best way to do them, the modern way to do them, is to have it kind of really undone and have it not look too perfect."
A bouffant can be worn with an updo, like Dua Lipa did, a ponytail, or a half-up hairstyle. However you wear it though, the key is to build up volume. To re-create the look at home, the key is to start with a light wave, which means breaking out a large curling iron if you have straight hair, or blow-drying your hair smooth if you have curly hair. Or, if you're looking for a quick way to go about it, blow-dry three sections of hair at the top of your head and roll into three large Velcro rollers, leaving the hair to completely cool before removing them. Next, mist your roots and the hair at the crown of your head with texture spray, like Hair by Sam McKnight Easy Updo Spray (£25). Separate hair at the top of the head into slim sections and backcomb gently with a comb. Smooth the surface with a soft bristle brush, create your style (updo, ponytail, or half-up), and finish with a final mist of hairspray .