Big Hair Is Back

When Miley Cyrus stepped onto the red carpet at the 2024 Grammy Awards, the internet—and the Byrdie awards show Slack channel—immediately focused on one thing and one thing only: her hair. The “Flowers” singer deviated from her usual rocker looks in a big, big way, and we do mean big. Her hair was thick, full, voluminous, and enormous, the kind of style her godmother Dolly Parton would envy. 

But it wasn’t just an eye-catching red carpet look; it was also a sign that big hair is coming back, baby. We had a feeling gravity-defying styles may be making a triumphant return—call it the Priscilla effect—but recent red carpet looks and Fashion Week moments all but confirmed that we’re ready for some mane maximalism this season. 

The Trend

For some of us (myself included), big hair never really went away, but it’s definitely due for a comeback. “I’m an ‘80s baby, so big hair will always be in for me,” says editorial stylist Heggy Gonzalez. “But also, it’s just fun. I think we’re seeing more of it because we’re seeing a lot more maximalism in fashion with a late-’70s and early ‘80s vibe.” Case in point: the mob wife look. “Big hair will always say glam rock, 9 to 5, and Working Girl with Melanie Griffith and Joan Cusack to me.” 

Cyrus’ hair was inspired by Raquel Welch in the ‘70s, and her stylist Bob Recine used Nexxus products to create the teased and curled—but not precisely coiffed—style. "We wanted it to be a little messy where you could see some of the teasing,” he explained. Shortly after the Grammys, models walked the runway at Marc Jacobs wearing enormous, fluffy ‘60s-inspired wigs. At The Blonds, stylist Lacy Redway took big hair to the extreme with truly towering styles.

Beyoncé also seemed to take a cue from Parton and has traded her sleek styles for several extra-fluffy hair looks since announcing her upcoming country album, Act II, during the Super Bowl. And Lana Del Rey, who also just announced a country LP, has been reviving her signature beehive from the Born to Die era—this time with the addition of plenty of hair accessories.

How to Get the Look

Voluminous hairstyles require a little more styling time than an air-dry beach wave, for example, but with a bit of practice, you can pump up the volume and make big hair your own. Gonzalez adds that she doesn’t just admire the look of big hair; she knows how much work went into creating said jaw-dropping volume and bounce.

Looks like Cyrus’s Grammys hair didn’t come from a teasing comb alone. These towering styles are the result of some strong prep work; think of it like pouring the foundation for a skyscraper. Gonzalez recommends prepping with a root-boosting spray or mousse Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic and Phomollient Styling Foam before styling. “They’re my go-tos for big hair that isn’t too heavy,” she says. 

A blowout can get you part of the way to your big hair dreams, but you may have to call in some styling reinforcements to hit new heights, like Velcro or hot rollers. “The key is to let them cool fully before taking them out,” advises Gonzalez. “If you’re worried about heat, heatless curlers or taking it back to the ‘50s with a roller set will definitely give you some amazing volume.” It all depends on your hair type; for example, if you have fine hair, a roller set and brush-out will give you that irresistible oomph. 

Thick-haired folks, you are already well on your way to these full, fabulous styles. “If you have really long hair, you’re gonna need a truck and jack to keep that up,” jokes Gonzalez. “A mini crimper at the roots is a hack I like to use.”

The teasing comb does have its place in the hairstyling routine, especially if you want tons of volume. (Here’s a helpful guide to the basics if you’ve never teased before.) “Make sure you actually backcomb the base and do it two or three times,” says Gonzalez. Then spray with a firm hold hairspray like Aveda’s Control Force, Gonzalez’s pick, or one of our fave drugstore picks. Gonzalez likes to apply a bit more heat with a dryer after spraying to lock the style in.

This may not be the kind of hairstyle you can ace in a single setting. Give yourself some time to figure out the mechanics of massive hair. “Just like with any style takes some practice and especially patience for big hair,” says Gonzalez. “It holds a lot of secrets, so it takes time.” 

As you sculpt your skyscraper style, be careful that you’re not frying or damaging your hair while heat styling and teasing. “Always remember to protect your hair when using heat and if you have to tease it up, comb from the bottom when combing it out,” advises Gonzalez. You may also want to play with different styles, like half-updos, ponytails, bouffants, and everything in between. Feel free to experiment, because the best part about big hair is that it can really be and do anything.