Dreaming of big hair? You’re in good company. Whether you're blessed with natural volume or want to amp up your strands, going big and bold is always a good time. Icons past and present have been serving up big hair inspiration for years—and you don’t need your own glam squad to channel their styles. In this post, we’re sharing a few of our favorite voluminous manes, plus simple tips to help you achieve your own full, lifted look.
How to get big hair (without a salon visit)
First, a few product tips. Even if you weren’t born with a massive mane, you can still get the full-bodied look with the right routine. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:
- Volumizing Shampoo + Conditioner: It all starts in the shower. Our volumizing duo focuses on giving your hair lift, movement and nourishing without adding weight.
- Thickening Shampoo + Conditioner: If your strands are fine, limp or thinning, this duo helps increase density for fuller-looking hair.*
- Volumizing Foam: This multitasker adds root lift, protects against heat and holds volume up to 8 hours.* Apply it on your damp hair before blow-drying to give it that extra oomph.
- Texturizing Sea Salt Spray: A natural volume-booster thanks to texture-enhancing sea salt—think big, beachy waves.
- Dry Shampoo: Not only does it freshen up second-day hair, but it also adds volume and texture. Keep a bottle on hand for an easy volume boost throughout the day.
- A round brush: A round brush is your best tool for getting volume at the roots and creating that perfect bouncy wave. Use it while blow-drying to lift your strands and create body.
*According to third-party lab testing. Individual results may vary.
Classic coifs: big hair from back in the day
Onto some OG inspiration—the icons who set the standard for big hair.
Diana Ross
With volume that defied gravity, Diana's larger-than-life curls have inspired generations to embrace fuller, more textured looks.
Get the look: For Diana’s diva-level volume, start with our Thickening Shampoo + Conditioner (best for hair that’s fine to medium and straight or wavy, but friendly with all types). Apply Volumizing Foam for control and heat protection, then blow-dry with a diffuser, focusing on the roots. Gently separate your dry curls with your fingers, or use a pick to lift hair at the base for maximum volume. Smooth on a few drops of Hair Oil for luxe shine.
Farrah Fawcett
Farrah's feathered waves were the hair goals of the '70s. Full-bodied with soft, flicked ends, her iconic style is all about effortless volume.
Get the look: Set the foundation with our Volumizing Shampoo + Conditioner, then style with a flexible-hold mousse like our Volumizing Foam for a bouncy, Farrah-approved finish. Use a round brush while blow-drying to lift and curl.
Dolly Parton
If there was ever an unofficial ambassador for big hair, it’s Dolly Parton. Her voluminous curls and iconic bouffants are as legendary as her talent.
Get the look: Want to go full Dolly? Using Volumizing Foam, blow out your hair with a round brush and wrap it in big rollers until it cools. From there, tease away—starting at the roots—to add extra height at your crown. Set everything with our powder-based Dry Shampoo, then secure your style with hairspray.
Aretha Franklin
Known for her perfectly sculpted natural hair, Aretha's mane was always full of body and undeniably stunning.
Get the look: For Aretha’s flipped bob, work a generous amount of Volumizing Foam into damp hair. Blow dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting at the roots to add fullness. As you dry, roll the ends of your hair slightly outward to get that flipped effect, then set it in with rollers or a curling iron.
New heights: modern big hair icons
Fast forward to today, and big hair is still going strong. Here are few celebs we have on our big hair mood board.
Solange
Solange is the queen of natural curls, and she knows how to make them pop. Whether she’s donning an afro or a braid-out, she loves to embrace her hair’s full potential.
Get the look: Start with Leave-in Conditioner to hydrate and define. Use a blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment for big bounce, or air-dry for more natural texture. Want even more volume? Grab a pick comb and lift those roots, and use your hands (and a little Hair Oil) to gently separate your curls.
Zendaya
Zendaya’s hair game is as versatile as it is voluminous—whether she’s wearing full, natural curls or glossy waves.
Get the look: For Zendaya-worthy waves, prep your hair with Volumizing Foam and use a blow-dryer with a round brush to create body. Once your hair is dry, use a large curling iron to define soft waves, then tousle with your fingers for that effortless, lived-in look.
Sarah Jessica Parker
As Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker became synonymous with voluminous, textured tresses. From laid-back waves to sleek ringlets, she never fails to makes big hair look effortless and really good.
**Get the look: **Get SJP’s “I woke up like this” waves with Texturizing Sea Salt Spray—it adds beachy texture as it air dries.
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey’s signature style? Big bangs—and even bigger hair. With soft curls and a touch of retro charm, her locks are always full of life.
Get the look: For Zooey’s volume, start with Volumizing Foam. Blow-dry with a round brush to give your roots lift, then add loose curls with a curling iron. Set it all with hairspray to keep that bouncy finish. For a more textured, fuller-looking fringe, massage in a little Dry Shampoo.
The Drop
Big hair is timeless, and it’s here to stay. Whether you’re channeling the legends of the past or the trendsetters of today, there’s endless inspiration to draw from. When you want to go big, our Volumizing collection has your back—with easy essentials for body, lift and bounce.
