| Hair Quiffs From The 50s - Pile It On |
| Karen Marie Shelton |
| Revised Date: 09/06/07 - Original
Publication Date: 09/06/2004 |
Introduction
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Kaley Cuoco on
July 22, 2004 Jimmy Kimmel |
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All rights
reserved - ABC/BYRON COHEN |
Blame
the return of the hair "quiff" on Patrick Robinson who's the
sizzling new designer at Perry Ellis. Robinson showcased a
fun, yet fresh, fashion collection at The Olympus Fashion Week
in New York.
Not only did Robinson's spectacular designs showcase the
50s-inspired clothing styles that are currently flooding the fashion
scene, he had many of his models coiffed in the hot new quiff-like
hairdos.
Famous for being upbeat, optimistic and edgy, Robinson matched his
fun fashion designs with the retro hairstyles that are a combination of a
heavily backcombed pouffy crowns with a mid-head
straight tail.
There is some controversy over whether the quiff (pronounced so it
sounds like wiff with a Q in front) is a 40s, 50s or 60s hairstyle.
Some fashionistas claim the quiff first appeared in the mid 1940s around the
time that World War II ended. Others link it back to the era
of the 50s or the 60s.
In
reality, the quiff doesn't fade very far from the catwalks.
The edgy style
emerges every few years in a variety of incarnations from a partial
to a full blown hair design.
Imagine my excitement when I spotted gorgeous blonde Kaley Cuoco
of ABC's 8 Simple Rules (now defunct) on Jimmy Kimmel with a low key example of the hot new
hairstyle.
Ironically, the Paris haute couture fashion show season which
followed The Olympus Fashion Week in New York by several months demonstrated that Robinson is truly a
trend setter. Designer Yohi Yamamoto edged up his hot 50s
fashion trends revolving around pastel cardigans and pretty skirts.
Yamamoto folded in some oversized suits on rail thin models with
industrial-strength lacquered sky high quiffs.
Following Robinson's early lead, Yamamoto took the quiff hairstyle
and supersized it.
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|
Image from
Clairol |
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All rights
reserved |
In some cases the front quiffs were combined with back hair knots
and twists to trigger memories of a merged version of the the 50s
bouffant/beehive.
Whether
you wear it in a low key way with a ponytail like Kaley or a big
style like the current Paris catwalks, the beauty of the quiff is
that you don't have to have long hair to wear the 2004 version.
Even
short
haired folks can wear the quiff. They simply pop a pin-on
pony at the back of their heads for the straight bottom flow.
The quiff, like all super finished styles, works best on day-old
hair that has time to accumulate some natural hair oils. When
possible, create your quiff on hair that is not super soft or
slippery.
There is some question about when the quiff first made its
appearance. Some say that it was in the mid 1940s around the
time that World War II ended. Others link it back to the era
of the 50s.
The
2004 version of the Quiff is sleeker and isolated to just the front portion of the
head. It is usually combined with the long sleek pony that either
cascades to one side or straight down the back.
Step By Step Instructions
Follow the instructions below to steal Kaley's catwalk quiff.
 |
|
Image from
Clairol |
|
All rights
reserved |
Depending on whether you want a soft, low, ponytail version or a
high "tail free" style, adjust the amount of teasing and backcombing
you perform.
1. Start with aged hair (day old) that is either naturally straight or
has been blown out stick straight.
If you prefer to start with newly washed hair, be sure to prep with
lots of styling products to help hold the quiff hairstyle in place.
2. Using a comb, a pick, or the tail of either, create a
vertical part that runs completely across the top of your head from
ear to ear.
The goal is to create two different sections of hair. This
should include a front and back
section. Depending on the desired height of the quiff, add more or less hair to the front section.
3. Clip off the front section of hair from the back section.
4. Separate the top section of hair into 1" sections. Working on
each section at a time, tease or backcomb the target section of hair to the
desired height.
Note: For the most lift
and fullness it's important to separate strands into smaller
individual sections.
5. Smooth each teased section carefully with your fingers or a
comb. Layer each section on top of the previous one to create a firm
foundation.
6. Use a firm hold hairspray after you backcomb each
section for strong hold.
7. Pin the top section so that it has height
and lift.
For a more dramatic quiff as showcased on the Paris runways, pull all
of your tresses off your forehead. If you prefer a softer
look, combine your quiff with a forehead fringe.
8. Unclip the back section of hair. Gather remaining
strands into a ponytail. Arrange the pony so
the base rests at the middle of the back of your
head. Tie off the tail with a Blax or bungee that matches
your current hair color.
For a more finished look, select approximately 1 inch of hair from
the side of the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the Blax or
Bungee to camouflage the bangs.
For a more formal look, skip the ponytail and form the remaining
hair in the back into a hair bun or twist. Pin the newly
formed bun up off the neck.
Summary
The hairstyle known as the quiff is considered by many hair experts
to be a classic hairstyle. Whether worn sky high at the crown
or more like a sleek frontal hair bump, the quiff never really goes
out of style.
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