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At the Oscars last night we saw Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie and Marisa Tomei with Hollywood goddess hair - set off by a simple pair of killer earrings.
But then Big Hair is this year's Olympic sport. Hardly surprising in a recession. Just as hemlines ascend, hair gets bouncier and much, much higher.
At the Brits last week, Girls Aloud and Duffy were seriously bouffant, while at January's Golden Globes, Drew Barrymore was busy channelling Marilyn Monroe's roller-set waves, and even demure Renee Zellweger had an updo of corkscrew curls.
According to New York stylist Paul Labrecque, who does Hilary Swank and Anne Hathaway: "It is cool at the moment because a lot of people are toning it down with jewels and accessories. Big hair gives a girl on the red carpet that old Hollywood glamour and needs little accessorising. What makes it cool is a newer, uncontrived messiness."
We first saw BH on the 2008 Christian Dior catwalk - Galliano sent out models in backcombed beehives wearing exquisite couture. It's a good historical precedent. Women started to embrace elaborate powdered wigs in the 18th century, often carrying miniature constructions such as jewelled boats and castles in their "dos". Think Keira Knightley in The Duchess who can hardly get through the door with her galleon-style tresses.
The new Power Do, sported by Girls Aloud, has a Sixties vibe - with more than a hint of Eighties Dynasty. It's a look that says "I'm in control", sending out a message of unapologetic power. Just look at Madonna on the cover of W magazine this month.
Big hair is sexy and feral. In the words of Sloane Street hairdresser Hari: "It's reminiscent of Julie Christie and Brigitte Bardot. At Hari's, we are calling it the Power Hive. It's groomed and shiny with height, but textured and teased. The key is two things - condition and volume products."
So how do you get Big Hair? Especially if, like me, you have woefully thin hair? The secret, says Hari, is to add hair extensions to maximise volume. "We recommend that you buy a clip-in weave and take it to be cut by your stylist. Add volume with products and make sure these are applied to the roots and the first couple of inches."
Don't be too prissy. The finished effect has to look a bit destroyed to be modern, and never ever touch your hair or run your fingers through it. Just ask the man with the biggest Oscars hair, comeback king Mickey Rourke himself.
