How to Create a 60s Bouffant

Build volume at the crown with teasing, smooth the surface, and set with hairspray for that iconic rounded silhouette.

1. Section and prep. Part hair into three horizontal sections: crown, middle, and bottom. The crown section should be about 4 inches wide from temple to temple. Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots.
2. Tease the crown. Take the crown section and backcomb aggressively with a fine-tooth comb, working from mid-length to roots. The goal is serious volume, not subtlety. Focus on the very top and back of the crown for maximum height.
3. Shape and smooth. Gently brush the surface of the teased section backward and down, creating that rounded dome shape. Don't brush through the teasing completely—just smooth the top layer. Pin temporarily at the nape if needed.
4. Style the sides. Smooth the side sections back and under, tucking ends under the bouffant or pinning them low at the nape. The contrast between the voluminous crown and sleek sides is essential for the authentic 60s silhouette.
5. Set and finish. Spray generously with strong-hold hairspray, focusing on the underside of the bouffant for support. The higher the hair, the more hairspray it needs to defy gravity.