The spelling of the term "big hair" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first sound in "big" is a voiced bilabial stop, /b/, followed by a tense vowel sound, /ɪ/. The second word, "hair," begins with a voiceless velar fricative, /h/, and has a diphthong vowel sound, /eə/. Together, "big hair" can be transcribed as /bɪɡ hɛər/. This term refers to a hairstyle popular in the 80s, characterized by voluminous and exaggerated hair.
Big hair refers to a hairstyle characterized by voluminous and exaggerated proportions, often achieved through the use of styling techniques and product application. This term gained popularity, particularly in the 1980s, and is commonly associated with the glam rock and pop culture of that era. The concept of big hair involves creating a hairstyle that appears larger than normal by teasing, backcombing, or backbrushing the hair to give it extra height and width.
Big hair typically features ample body, bounce, and texture, involving significant volume at the crown or root area. It often requires the use of various hair products such as hairspray, mousse, or styling gels to maintain the desired shape and hold. Popular methods to achieve big hair include teasing the roots with a fine-toothed comb, using large rollers or hot rollers to create curls and waves, or employing hair extensions and accessories for added thickness and drama.
Although big hair peaked in popularity during the 1980s, it continues to be embraced by certain subcultures and is periodically revived as a fashion statement. Big hair often epitomizes a glamorous or flamboyant aesthetic, embodying confidence and individuality. Its notability has also extended to various entertainment mediums, where it is sometimes used to characterize certain time periods, genres, or exaggerated personalities.
The term "big hair" originated in the 1980s during the era of glam rock and pop culture. It refers to hairstyles that were characterized by excessive volume, height, and elaborate styling. The adjective "big" describes the high volume and exaggerated size of the hair. The term gained popularity due to the widespread adoption of these hairstyles by both women and men in the 1980s, often achieved through various techniques such as teasing, backcombing, and the use of hairsprays and styling products. Thus, the term "big hair" generally describes hairstyles that are larger-than-life and attention-grabbing.