The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned on 18 October, and while recent years have seen slick-back styles take to the runway, this year saw the return of the bouncy, voluminous blowout. From lifted roots to glossy, cascading waves, the signature VS Angel hairstyle put ‘bombshell’ hair firmly in the spotlight once again.
Here, professional hairstylists share their expert tips for recreating the look in the salon, from building volume to creating long-lasting bounce and movement.
Tom Rowley-Clifford, Creative Stylist
“For that signature Victoria’s Secret bounce, prep damp hair with mousse to give it body and hold, then blow-dry in sections, lifting at the roots.
“Velcro rollers are key: roll each section while it’s still warm and allow the hair to cool completely before removing. That cooling time helps set the shape, giving you lasting volume and a soft, bouncy finish.”
Tim Scott-Wright, Schwarzkopf Professional Blondme Ambassador & Educator, and owner of The Hair Surgery, Stourbridge
“I loved the hair at the Victoria’s Secret show – it felt like a real full-circle moment, with that 90s glam back on the runway.
“We’ve already noticed in salon that the bouncy blow-out has made a comeback, thanks to stars like Sabrina Carpenter. This full-on 90s glam trend is really popular at the moment and I’m here for it. It’s one of my favourite looks to do in salon and it always puts the biggest smiles on clients’ faces.
“To achieve the look, reach for your brushes and get your velcro rollers out. Layering products like Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Grip and Session Label The Thickener will give you the best prep before you start.”
Peter Mellon, owner of Medusa Stockbridge & Elm Row
“I think we can safely say that big, sexy blowouts are back – and not just on the Victoria’s Secret Runway. In my two Edinburgh salons, I’ve definitely seen more and more clients asking for this. They want to feel more luxurious and sexy, and that’s what a bouncy blowout gives.
“Firstly, I would always prep the hair. Shampoo and condition with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, then use a mousse, like Volumpt Foam from Sebastian.
“Using a flat brush and hairdryer I would blow-dry hair up, going away from the root to give the ultimate volume. Once dried, work sections with a barrel tong and set the hair – but be sure to let it cool.
“Once set and cooled, drop the curls with a wide-tooth comb and some shine spray. Start combing the curls, which will expand them to create the luxury, sexy feel.”
Sarah Ethel, Hair Stylist and Davines Pro International Colour Genius
“I’m delighted to see the bouncy blowout making a comeback. For me, Velcro rollers and heated rollers are the ultimate tools for achieving that big, voluminous finish without spending hours styling.
“My top tip is to allow the hair to cool completely in the rollers before taking them out. This helps the shape and volume set, giving you that beautiful, bouncy finish that lasts. It’s such a simple and effective way to recreate that glamorous, supermodel blowout at home. Finish off with Davines’ This Is A Shimmer Mist, and your clients will shine brighter than an Angel!”
Rianna Henry, Blow-Dry and Textured Hair Expert
For volume, I’m really loving the OLAPLEX Shape Set hairspray, applied at the roots before blow-drying. Overdirecting the hair at the root is key to creating that lovely lift, even when the finished look is quite smooth with just a little bend.
“For curtain bangs, take the hair from either side of the parting and lift it together as one section as you blow-dry to create lift at the root. Then blow-dry the front sections back so they fall beautifully around the face.
“I also love a blow-dry with width. With looks like Gigi Hadid and Abby Champion’s, overdirecting the hair out to the sides creates that gorgeous fullness. It’s a slightly different approach to building height at the crown.
“It’s lovely to see natural texture in the mix too – Luna’s diffused curls are stunning. As we head into autumn, with the rain and wind, I’d also use an anti-humidity product like Color Wow Dream Coat to help keep the hair smooth and protect the finish of your blow-dry.”
Jaye MacDonald, co-founder of Linton + Mac
“When thinking about the hair at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the key word is expensive. Hair that looks luxurious, healthy and shines from every angle.
“To get the look, start with the prep. On damp hair, work ELEVEN Australia I Want Body Volume Foam through the roots and mid-lengths, then add a small amount of oil through the lengths and ends to smooth and protect. Rough dry until the hair is almost there, then blow dry in sections with a round brush, lifting at the root for body.
“While each section is still warm, set it in extra-large thermal rollers. These are a game changer for creating smooth, lasting volume while keeping the hair glossy and frizz free. Leave them in for as long as possible.
“Once the rollers are out, gently brush the hair out to keep it soft and fluid rather than structured. Mist with a flexible hairspray so the hair keeps its shape but still moves naturally. To finish, a gloss spray is the final step for that ultimate high-shine, runway-worthy result.”
