Photo: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
You say you want some volume? Go with a poofy haircut. Channel the 1980s New Wave look with an asymmetrical cut and side-swept bangs, or go all-out sexy with a fashion-forward deconstructed curl. Your secret weapon for getting poofy hair is a styling aid. Skip the thick moisturizing products and hair muds that weigh down your hair and go for volumizing mousse, smoothing pomade, hairspray or spray gel.
Side-Swept Bangs
This trendy look works with straight, wavy or curly hair, so long as you adjust your styling routine to give your bangs a puffed-up look. Trim split ends from hair and cut it into long layers or a single length that falls at your ear lobes or below. When your hair is still wet, part it deeply to one side. Comb it to the other side if you have straight or wavy hair. If you have corkscrew curls, just use your fingers to gently manipulate them to the other side. Work mousse through your side bangs to give them height and showcase their asymmetry. Be sure to lift up your bangs at the roots to give them that poofy appearance. Clip thick hair into place. With thin hair, a spritz of spray gel should provide enough hold.
Deconstructed Curls
Women with large curls and corkscrew curls often fight frizz and poof with thick conditioners and thinning shears. However, one edgy trend has these same women embracing their curls' natural body, volume and controlled chaos. You can wear deconstructed curls by trimming just the damage away and leaving hair naturally long and thick. Style your hair by shaking it while holding it upside down. Flip upright, work some mousse through the roots and shift your curls upward, away from your face. Spray your hairstyle with curl serum for a bit of dazzle.
Messy Updo
Ditch those glossy, slicked-back ponytails and maximize your hair's poofy potential with a messy updo. This bedhead-inspired look has extra poof due to backcombing. Start with a haircut with enough length that allows you to sweep it back. A long shag, modified long bob or long layers are perfect. Tease your hair with a comb and then barely gather the top layer into a super-loose, messy ponytail that you wear high on your head.
Styling Suggestions
Poofy haircuts can quickly fuzz out and only showcase damage. Trim split ends every four to six weeks to keep your hair looking healthy and to also give it some natural bounce and volume. Wash your hair frequently to avoid product buildup and grease that weighs down poofy hair and makes it look greasy. Lightly condition your hair. If you have fine, flat hair, coloring it or using a razor to create jagged layers makes your hair look coarser and puffier.
