Sabrina Carpenter has brought back big hair - here’s how to recreate it at home
Sabrina Carpenter poses in the press room with the award for best pop solo performance, and best pop vocal album during the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Bouffant is back on the menu, with models wearing back-combed beehives, lofty curls, and supermodel blowouts on catwalks all across Fashion Month.
For those who lived through the 1980s, fear not. This iteration is all about the soft bouffant. Think Sabrina Carpenter, not Dynasty. Moschino, not electric shock therapy perms.
Firstly it’s all about the cut. If your hair is fine, shorter or more layered haircuts are your friend: The shorter the hair, the more volume it will achieve. Your next step? Prep.
“The foundation of voluminous hair begins with proper cleansing,” says Stephanie Maher, founder of SOCO by The Sober Colourist. “Start your haircare routine by using a good volumising shampoo.
“Look for products that are specifically designed to add body to your locks. When it comes to conditioner, be strategic: Use a small amount and focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Applying too much conditioner near the roots can make your hair flat, so less is often more.”
When washing, be sure to really scrub every inch of the scalp in preparation for this look.
Any debris or oil left on the scalp will weigh the hair down. Avoid that with a good clean and double shampoo.
This is particularly useful for those with tight curls; product build-up is a surefire way to kill volume. Either a clarifying shampoo or something like Joico JoiFull Volumizing Shampoo (€19.96, cloud10beauty.com) is great here.
“A good styling product can work wonders,” Maher continues. “One of my top picks is Raise the Root by Color Wow ( lookfantastic.com, €19.95).
“This root lift spray is fantastic for enhancing volume right from the base. Apply it to towel-dried hair, concentrating on the roots, and ensure it’s evenly distributed. This will lay the groundwork for a fuller look.”
A thickening spray like R+Co’s Dallas (€28.25, cultbeauty.ie) or Semi di Lino Style&Care Flexible Mousse (€13.90, millies.ie) is also great for creating body beyond the root.
Then, when it’s time to blow-dry “turn things upside down,” Maher advises.
“Drying your hair with your head flipped over is a game changer for adding volume. Not only does this position encourage your roots to lift away from the scalp, but it also allows the natural shape and body to emerge.
"As you dry, brush your hair in the opposite direction to how it typically falls. This technique helps to lock in your mousse or root lifter while the heat sets everything in place. Trust me, the combination of heat and gravity will work in your favour to create a fabulous lift.”
“If you want to elevate your volume game, consider incorporating heated rollers into your routine,” Maher concludes.
“After drying your hair, pop in the heated rollers and let them set while you go about your makeup routine, about 20 minutes should do the trick. Once you’re finished, carefully remove the rollers and tousle your hair for that effortless, voluminous look.”
Spray lightly with hairspray — R+Co Backbend Workable Hold Hairspray is a great alternative for travel or those who want to avoid aerosols (€32.77, Cult Beauty) — and leave to set. When set, get a soft bristle brush and skim over the top and edges, making things nice and fluffy.
Sound like too much faff? Opt for the old-fashioned way and sleep in jumbo overnight rollers, like the root lift ones from Irish brand Voduz (€18.95, voduzhair.com). That and a quick spray of dry shampoo should do it.
Want the ultimate lazy girl hack? Spritz some texturising spray — I love Australian brand Nak’s High Volume Styling Spray (€20.90, millies.ie) — and pull your hair into a bun.
Add height by changing your parting from one side to another, or whip your hair into two French braids for a quick flat hair fix.
If all else fails, extensions should be your next target. Thankfully, Cascata Hair has managed to take the fuss out of extensions with its high-quality clip-in range (from €125, cascatahair.ie). Simply lift a section of hair, clip in a strand and style as needed. Easy.
