Bouffant

A bouffant is a women's hairstyle characterized by soft, rounded volume at the crown with the sides smoothed close to the head. The look creates a full, pillow-like silhouette, typically achieved by elevating the hair away from the scalp and securing it with pins and hairspray while shaping the top and crown.

How it’s made: hair at the crown is teased or backcombed to create lift, then the top layer is smoothed over to cover the teased section. Curling or rolling the hair, using padding or clips to add fullness, and finishing with a strong hold hairspray are common techniques. The style is often combined with other elements such as a front pouf or side rolls. A beehive is a related, taller variant of the same family of styles.

History and usage: The bouffant gained popularity in the 1950s and remained common into the early 1960s, associated with glamorous feminine fashion and Hollywood stars. It was worn for both daily styling and formal occasions, often paired with dresses that emphasized a cinched waist and wide skirts. The look has since become a symbol of mid-century fashion and has experienced periodic revivals in retro-inspired styling.

Modern context: In contemporary styling, bouffants appear in retro photo shoots, weddings, pageants, and themed events. Proper technique and care help protect the scalp and hair health, as prolonged teasing can cause damage; regular washing, conditioning, and gentle detangling are advised after heavy styling.