Beehive Bouffant Big Hair Root Lift

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       Rachel Hairstyle - Celebrities have long been influential in creating trends and
setting fashion among the general population. Marilyn Monroe made women of the 50s
rush out and buy peroxide and pencil in beauty marks to imitate her look. Likewise,
the 1990s brought us the television show 'Friends' which became wildly popular world-
wide and whose character 'Rachel Green' (played by Jennifer Anniston) caused millions
of women and girls to flock to their hairstylists for the long-layered, medium-length,
razor-cut shag hairstyle she wore on the show.
       The style's popularity is well-deserved. It is a soft, romantic style that looks good
on a wide variety of faces. The style is characterized by inward-swept curving layers and
wispy bangs that frame the face, while still having sufficient length to be versatile in
styling. The overall effect is a look that seems both carefree and carefully done.

       Big Hair - In the Southern United States, this phrase is often heard: "Praise the
Lord, and pass the hairspray". The Southern U.S. is also considered the birthplace of
'Big Hair' or 'Pageant Hair' because of the fact that most beauty queens and pageant
contestants seemed to favor bigger, more voluminous hairstyles.
       In general terms, though, 'Big Hair' refers to very full hairstyles, and those styles
can be as varied as the women who wear them. In the late 80s and early 90s, 'big hair'
meant high cresting bangs and out-swept sides. Earlier generations had their own 'big
hair' styles, like the 'Beehive', the 'Bouffant', and even the 'Bubble' (though not all
'big hair' styles had names beginning with a 'B'). While the earlier 'big hair' styles
were generally shorter (with hairlines above the collar) they seemed to grow longer as
decades passed. The common factor for these styles through the years seems to be
that they were held firm against the winds by gallons of hairspray, and were often
believed to be better and more beautiful the bigger they were.
       Today's 'big hair' styles are more curled than coiffed, but volume is still the key.
Gels, mousse and countless other products are used to create masses of cascading
curls and layers of flowing waves, all of which have 'big hair' written all over them.

       Root Lift - The term 'root lift' refers to the technique of adding (or maximizing)
the hair's volume through the use of product and/or styling appliances. 'Root Lift' can
be achieved in a number of ways, but most commonly by using hair product on damp
or wet hair and using a blow-dryer to dry the hair at the scalp while holding it
perpendicular to the scalp with the fingers.
       The main benefit of the 'Root Lift' technique is that it leaves the hair looking
fuller and thicker. Other than the blow-dry with fingers method for creating 'root lift',
wrapping the hair in rollers using 'on-base' placement (where the roller ends up resting
on top of the section of the scalp from which the hair being wrapped grows).
Curling irons and flat iron tools can also be used to create 'root lift'.
       While hairspray, mousse and gels are all good products for creating 'root lift' in a
hairstyle, there are brand new products now available specifically for adding root lift to
the hair.

       Body (describing hair): When used to describe the hair, the term body refers to
the springiness of the wave pattern of the hair, and is a measure of its ability to hold
a curl or style. Often, permanent waves are used to add body to the hair (typically being
rolled on the largest available perm rod), and many shampoos and conditioners are
formulated to add body.

       Depilatory: These are chemical formulations (usually creams or lotions) designed
to remove unwanted body or facial hair. Most depilatories work by dissolving the hair.
Some depilatories use formulas that are stronger than others and should be used with
caution as they can irritate sensitive skin.

Hairstyle & Hairstyling Terms & Definitions