By Alison McGill
Flippy, layered butterfly cuts and voluminous blowouts are all the buzz this spring—we love a big hair moment! We also love a strong hair styling moment because after years of casual air dried looks it’s time hair returned to a premium level of gloss and polish.
This season, the best hair styles are inspired by the ‘90s which was one of the most defining eras of hair, particularly gloriously volumized, healthy shiny locks. “Iconic celebrities of the era including supermodels Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and actor Pamela Anderson are a huge point of reference,” says Tammie Axworthy, Goldwell North American Artist. “Big bouncy hair with tons of soft layers and volume is the look we are loving now. Current starlets we are seeing wearing a beautiful, updated version of the retro look with expensive looking, expertly crafted shiny blowouts include Zendaya, and Cindy’s own supermodel daughter Kaia Gerber.”
Read on as Axworthy details the cut, products, and styling tools you need to rock this season’s essential vintage supermodel-inspired hair vibe.
What is the best hair cut for achieving ‘90s-inspired volume?
“Any hairstylist will tell you the foundation for every great style is a gorgeous cut,” Axworthy explains. “The c-shape haircut is a long, layered cut that frames the face and sits around chin length and is perfect for styling amped up looks. A shag cut also gives great support for a fantastic, bigged up blowout. If longer lengths are your thing, try adding butterfly layers which are wispy, long-layers which fall onto and below the shoulder.”
How has the ‘90s volume trend been modernized?
“It’s all about using modern tools,” Axworthy shares. “Today we use a blowout brush instead of hot rollers to get the volume. Look for brushes made of nylon which are very lightweight and easy to use. Many also have hydroionic crystals infused in the barrel and bristles that provide hair with added shine and moisture. You might want to pick up a few brushes in a few sizes to mix up your look—different barrel sizes will create a different intensity of flip in your hair. I also love Velcro rollers which have gotten an update with the addition of an aluminum core which holds heat much longer than the original design.”
What are the pro secrets for building hair volume that lasts?
“When drying a section of hair, let it set on the brush for a few seconds and give the barrel a twist before removing it,” Axworthy details. “This will smooth and give added movement to your hair. I also suggest after you finish with each section, set it on a Velcro roller and clip in place. Do this with your entire head let the hair set and cool down on the rollers; do not remove them and shake out hair until you are dressed and ready to head out the door. The right products are also key for building a lasting style. Apply mousse to damp hair before heat styling—a nice bonus is it adds a layer of heat protection to hair. For the finishing hair tousle, turn your hair upside down and use a dry texture spray at the roots, then flip up smooth and set your look and lock in place with a mist of flexible hold hairspray.”
5 Hair Styling Essentials
Pump up with these must-have products!
Goldwell Stylesign Ultra Volume Top Whip Mousse
$24, chatters.ca
This mousse provides superior hold, shape and smoothing. Apply to roots and work through to ends to create a style that lasts all day (and looks just as fresh on day two!).
KMS Thermashape Quick Blow Dry
$26, chatters.ca
Consider this a miracle elixir because it significantly speeds up hair drying time by encouraging evaporation of water. Mist this conditioning formula on clean, damp hair and prepare to marvel at how quickly you complete your blowout.
Mela & Kera Balayage Exceptional Exquisite Blowout Crème
$46, melaandkera.com
This haircare line created by Toronto super-stylist Jason Lee features a standout lineup of cleansing and styling products, with this luxurious blow out crème being one of the brand’s most iconic. Delivers incredible hold, shine, and did we mention the intoxicating Rose of Jericho-infused aroma? Divine!
R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray
$37, etiket.ca
Inflate hair to new heights with this ultra-light texture spray that doesn’t dull hair or weigh it down. Spray directly at roots and work into hair to create mega lift.
Elnett Volume Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
$13, shoppersdrugmart.ca
This hairspray was created in the 1960s and has been the choice of red carpet, runway, and fashion shoot stylists because not just because it provides incredible hold, but because it’s brushed through hair to create a softer texture. This one is literally a haircare product icon!
