Big hair
From Haircentric.com
Big hair is a term most frequently used in the punk, goth and alternative cultures and is particularly associated with alternative fashion of the 1980s, or inspired by the period. In this usage, "big hair" generally suggests an eye-catching, untidy, tangled, voluminous hairstyle, but the term can refer to hairstyles that would be considered more mainstream as well, including various bouffant women's hairstyles.
Less commonly, "big hair" can refer to any style that incorporates a lot of height and/or volume.
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Punk and gothic styles
Liberty spikes
Liberty spikes, named for their resemblance to the spikes on the crown of the Statue of Liberty, are a style that incorporates long, thick, upright spikes all over the head. All varieties of Mohawks may be styled into liberty spikes.
Mohawks
While not all Mohawks, which feature shaved or buzzed sides and a strip of longer hair in the centre of the head, are necessarily "big," the various styles of Mohawk are frequently classable as big hair. Any Mohawk of significant length, when worn up, can be considered big hair.
The deathhawk, a variation on the Mohawk , is one example of big hair. While the deathhawk is often worn quite high, it is generally thicker and looser than a traditional Mohawk, and may feature long tendrils.
The deathhawk is associated with both the deathrock and goth scenes.
Other styles
Afro
An afro, sometimes called a "natural" or shortened to "'fro", is a hairstyle in which the hair extends out from the head like a cloud which may be several times the diameter of the head. Afros gained popularity in the 1960s.
An afro requires tight curls and often, but not always, coarse hair, which typically only people of indigenous African descent naturally have, hence its name. Anyone of any ethnic background however, is capable of acquiring an afro by using curling tongs and hair gel. With naturally kinky hair, the spiralling, tightly coiled curls can be straightened out somewhat, giving the hair added volume and length, by first braiding the hair, then separating the coils using an afro pick, a narrow comb with long, widely spaced teeth.
Afros enjoyed a resurgence in the early 2000s, and have remained popular with many African Americans and by those who wear them as an edgy or retro fashion.
Similar round and voluminous hairstyles that are not worn by African Americans are sometimes referred to as white fros, or sometimes, less commonly referring to Jewish members, as Jewfros.
Beehive
The beehive is a woman's hairstyle named for its resemblance to an actual beehive!. It is also known as the B-52, for its similarity to the bulbous nose of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber.
A bouffant style, beehives originated in the USA in the 1950s. The peak of its popularity was in the 1960s, but is associated in modern times with the New Wave rock band The B-52's and with cartoon character Marge Simpson, whose usual hairdo is an extreme, two-foot high, blue beehive.
Glam Metal Hair
An 80's hairstyle popularised by bands of the Glam Metal era. It inspired the term "Hair Metal" due to its distinct appearance. It lost popularity at the end of this era and the arrival of grunge. It is mostly dyed blonde and teased extensively, with additional hairspray.
Maintenance
Big hair is generally not low maintenance. Depending on the specific style, a considerable investment in time and supplies may be required to maintain the desired effect.
Styling of punk and alternative variations generally requires backcombing (teasing), and the liberal application of styling aids such as hair spray and hair gel. Crimping irons, hair dryers and other tools may also be needed.
Styling of more mainstream styles may require similar tools, in addition to being permed or set.