Achieving Farrah Fawcett Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
Farrah Fawcett’s iconic hairstyle, with its voluminous waves and feathered layers, remains a timeless classic. Achieving this look might seem daunting, but with the right tools, products, and techniques, you can recreate this legendary ‘do at home. This comprehensive guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, ensuring you can rock the Farrah Fawcett hair with confidence.
## Understanding the Farrah Fawcett Hairstyle
Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the key characteristics of the Farrah Fawcett hairstyle. These include:
* **Volume:** The style is all about volume, especially at the crown and around the face.
* **Feathered Layers:** Layers are crucial for achieving the signature flicked-out effect. These layers are typically longer around the face and gradually shorten towards the back.
* **Soft Waves:** The hair isn’t tightly curled but rather features soft, flowing waves.
* **Directional Styling:** The layers are styled away from the face, creating a windswept, glamorous look.
## What You’ll Need
To successfully recreate Farrah Fawcett’s hair, gather the following tools and products:
* **Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner:** These will provide a foundation for volume and lift.
* **Volumizing Mousse:** This product will add body and hold to your hair.
* **Heat Protectant Spray:** Essential for protecting your hair from heat damage.
* **Round Brush (Various Sizes):** A collection of round brushes will allow you to create different levels of curl and volume.
* **Velcro Rollers (Large):** These rollers help set the waves and add extra volume, particularly at the crown.
* **Hair Dryer with Concentrator Nozzle:** The concentrator nozzle directs airflow for focused styling.
* **Curling Iron (1-1.25 inch barrel):** A curling iron can be used to refine the waves or create more defined curls if desired.
* **Hairspray (Medium Hold):** Hairspray will keep your style in place without making it stiff or crunchy.
* **Hair Clips:** To section your hair.
* **Optional: Root Lifting Spray:** Adds extra volume at the roots.
* **Optional: Shine Serum:** For added shine and to tame frizz.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Farrah Fawcett Hair
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process:
**Step 1: Prepare Your Hair**
1. **Wash and Condition:** Start by washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Rinse thoroughly.
2. **Towel Dry:** Gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can cause frizz.
**Step 2: Apply Products**
1. **Apply Heat Protectant:** Spray a generous amount of heat protectant spray evenly throughout your hair. This is crucial to prevent heat damage from the hairdryer and curling iron (if using).
2. **Apply Volumizing Mousse:** Apply a generous amount of volumizing mousse to your roots and work it through the lengths of your hair. The amount will depend on your hair’s thickness and length. Start with a golf ball-sized amount for medium-length hair and adjust as needed.
3. **Optional: Apply Root Lifting Spray:** If you want extra volume at the roots, apply a root-lifting spray directly to the roots, focusing on the crown area.
**Step 3: Blow Drying with a Round Brush**
This is the most crucial step for achieving the Farrah Fawcett look. The technique is key to creating the volume and feathered layers.
1. **Section Your Hair:** Divide your hair into manageable sections. Start with the bottom layer and clip the rest of your hair out of the way.
2. **Blow Dry the Bottom Layer:**
* Take a section of hair about 1-2 inches wide.
* Place the round brush at the roots of the section, underneath the hair.
* Direct the hairdryer (with the concentrator nozzle attached) at the roots, lifting the hair upwards and outwards away from your face.
* As you blow-dry, rotate the round brush outwards, following the hair down the length of the section. Keep tension on the hair as you rotate the brush.
* When you reach the ends, curl the ends of the hair around the brush for a few seconds to create the signature flicked-out effect. You may need to slightly over-exaggerate the flick at this stage as the hair will relax a little.
* Release the hair from the brush and repeat on the next section.
3. **Continue with Subsequent Layers:** Repeat the process on all the bottom layers of your hair, always directing the hair away from your face.
4. **Blow Dry the Top Layers:**
* When you reach the top layers of your hair, focus on creating even more volume at the roots. You can use a larger round brush for these sections.
* Over-direct the hair upwards and outwards as you blow-dry, lifting the roots as high as possible. The goal is to create height and fullness at the crown.
* Pay close attention to the layers around your face. These should be styled to frame your face and flick outwards. Experiment with different angles to find what looks best on you.
**Tips for Round Brush Blow Drying:**
* **Use a high heat setting for the roots:** This will help to set the volume. Reduce the heat setting for the mid-lengths and ends to prevent damage.
* **Keep the hairdryer moving:** Don’t hold the hairdryer in one spot for too long, as this can cause damage.
* **Practice makes perfect:** It may take a few tries to master the round brush blow-drying technique. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it perfect the first time.
* **Choose the right brush:** Experiment with different sizes of round brushes to see what works best for your hair type and length. Smaller brushes create tighter curls, while larger brushes create looser waves and more volume.
**Step 4: Setting the Hair with Velcro Rollers (Optional but Recommended)**
Using Velcro rollers can help to enhance the volume and set the waves, especially if your hair tends to fall flat.
1. **Section Your Hair:** Divide your hair into sections similar to the blow-drying process.
2. **Roll the Top Sections:** Focus on the top sections of your hair, particularly around the crown. Take a section of hair and roll it upwards and backwards towards your head, securing the roller at the roots.
3. **Secure the Sides:** Roll the side sections away from your face, following the direction of the blow-dried layers.
4. **Leave the Rollers In:** Leave the rollers in for at least 20-30 minutes, or longer if you have thick or coarse hair. You can even leave them in while you do your makeup.
5. **Remove the Rollers:** Carefully remove the rollers, unwinding them gently to avoid pulling or tangling your hair.
**Step 5: Refining the Style (Optional)**
If you want to further define the waves or add more curl, you can use a curling iron.
1. **Heat the Curling Iron:** Heat a 1-1.25 inch curling iron to a medium heat setting.
2. **Curl Small Sections:** Take small sections of hair (about 1 inch wide) and wrap them around the curling iron, holding for a few seconds. Direct the curls away from your face.
3. **Vary the Curl:** To create a more natural look, vary the direction and tightness of the curls. Some sections can be curled closer to the roots, while others can be curled only at the ends.
4. **Brush Out the Curls (Optional):** For a softer, wavier look, gently brush out the curls with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
**Step 6: Finishing Touches**
1. **Tease the Roots (Optional):** For extra volume at the crown, gently tease the roots with a fine-tooth comb. Hold the section of hair upwards and comb downwards towards the roots in short, gentle strokes. Smooth the top layer of hair over the teased area to conceal it.
2. **Flip Your Head Over:** Flip your head upside down and gently shake your hair to loosen the waves and add volume.
3. **Hairspray:** Lightly mist your hair with a medium-hold hairspray to set the style and prevent frizz. Hold the hairspray can about 12 inches away from your head and spray evenly.
4. **Shine Serum (Optional):** If your hair is prone to frizz or lacks shine, apply a small amount of shine serum to your palms and smooth it over the surface of your hair, focusing on the ends.
## Tips and Tricks for Perfecting the Farrah Fawcett Look
* **Start with a Good Haircut:** The Farrah Fawcett hairstyle relies on layered hair. A haircut with face-framing layers and shorter layers around the crown is essential for achieving the look.
* **Experiment with Different Products:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different volumizing mousses, hairsprays, and serums to find what works best for your hair type.
* **Adjust the Technique:** Adjust the blow-drying technique to suit your hair length and texture. If you have short hair, you may need to use smaller round brushes and focus on creating more defined curls. If you have long hair, you may need to use larger round brushes and focus on creating looser waves.
* **Don’t Overdo It:** Avoid using too much product, as this can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
* **Practice, Practice, Practice:** As with any new hairstyle, it takes practice to perfect the Farrah Fawcett look. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master the technique.
* **Consider Your Face Shape:** The Farrah Fawcett hairstyle looks best on oval, heart-shaped, and square-shaped faces. If you have a round face, you may want to add more height at the crown to elongate your face.
* **Embrace the Imperfection:** The Farrah Fawcett hairstyle is not about perfection. It’s about effortless, tousled waves. Don’t worry if your hair isn’t perfectly symmetrical or if some sections are curlier than others. Embrace the imperfection and have fun with it.
* **Use a Diffuser (with caution):** If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you can use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to enhance your natural texture. However, be careful not to over-dry your hair, as this can cause frizz. Use the diffuser on a low heat and low speed setting and focus on lifting the roots.
* **Protect Your Hair Overnight:** To preserve your style overnight, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf. This will help to prevent frizz and breakage.
* **Refresh Your Style:** To refresh your style the next day, spritz your hair with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo and use a curling iron to touch up any areas that have fallen flat.
## Modern Interpretations of the Farrah Fawcett Hair
The classic Farrah Fawcett hairstyle has been reinterpreted in many modern ways. Here are a few ideas:
* **Soft Waves:** Instead of defined curls, opt for soft, flowing waves.
* **Loose Layers:** Keep the layers long and loose for a more relaxed look.
* **Balayage Highlights:** Add balayage highlights to enhance the dimension and movement of the hair.
* **Slightly Messy Texture:** Embrace a slightly messy texture for a more modern, effortless vibe.
* **Accessorize:** Add a headband, scarf, or other hair accessory to personalize your style.
## Adapting the Style to Different Hair Types and Lengths
* **Fine Hair:** Use volumizing products and focus on creating lift at the roots. Consider adding layers to create the illusion of thickness.
* **Thick Hair:** Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place. Thin out the layers to reduce bulk.
* **Curly Hair:** Blow dry the hair straight before styling. Use a curling iron to create soft waves.
* **Short Hair:** Focus on creating volume at the crown and flicking out the ends. Consider a shorter, more modern version of the feathered layers.
* **Long Hair:** Maintain the length while incorporating the signature layers. Ensure the layers frame the face nicely.
## Maintaining Your Farrah Fawcett Hairstyle
* **Regular Trims:** Get regular trims (every 6-8 weeks) to maintain the shape of your layers.
* **Deep Conditioning:** Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
* **Avoid Over-Styling:** Limit the use of heat styling tools to prevent damage.
* **Use a Heat Protectant:** Always use a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools.
* **Protect Your Hair from the Sun:** Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time in the sun.
## Conclusion
Recreating the iconic Farrah Fawcett hairstyle is achievable with the right techniques and products. By following this step-by-step guide and adapting it to your hair type and length, you can rock this timeless look with confidence. Remember to practice, experiment, and have fun with it! Embrace the volume, the feathered layers, and the glamorous vibes of this legendary ‘do.