How Bumpits and Big Eighties Volume Made an Unexpected Comeback
I never thought I’d say this, but Bumpits are back. Yes, those plastic inserts from the 2000s infomercials. And the big, bold volume of the 1980s? It’s sneaking into 2026 hairstyles in a way that actually looks good. I was skeptical too. But after seeing it on runways and real women, I’m convinced.
The new version isn’t crunchy or costumey. It’s soft, intentional, and surprisingly wearable. Whether you love a quiet luxury bob or romantic goth hairstyles, a little root lift can change everything. I’ve tested the tricks so you don’t have to.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly how to get modern 80s volume. We’ll talk Bumpits, teasing, tools, and how to pair volume with today’s biggest cuts like the asymmetrical lob and hime cut. Let’s make big hair feel fresh again.
Why Big 80s Volume Is Making a Comeback
I’ve been watching this trend for months. Big 80s volume is back, but not the crunchy, hairspray-heavy kind your mom warned you about. This is softer. More intentional. And honestly, it feels fresh after years of sleek, flat hair.
Part of it is nostalgia. Part of it is TikTok. But mostly, people want drama again. Even the quiet luxury bob looks better with a little lift at the crown. And romantic goth hairstyles? They beg for height.
For 2026 hairstyles, volume is the secret sauce. It makes any cut look more expensive and more alive. So yes, Bumpits and backcombing are having a moment. But we’re doing it smarter now.
What Was a Bumpit, Exactly?
If you missed the Bumpit craze, here’s the quick version. It was a plastic insert shaped like a crescent. You’d place it on your crown, cover it with your hair, and instantly get height.
They were huge in the 2000s infomercials. But they had a bad reputation. They looked fake, felt uncomfortable, and could damage your hair if you weren’t careful. Most people hid them for a reason.
But the idea was solid. Root volume changes your whole face. That’s why the Bumpit is back, just in better forms. We’ll get to that next.
The Modern Bumpit: New and Improved
Today’s Bumpits are not your 2008 plastic monstrosities. They’re made from soft mesh, flexible wire, or even velcro. Some are shaped like a wide comb. Others are tiny pads you clip in.
You can find them in colors that match your hair. That means no weird plastic showing through. They’re also lighter, so they don’t slide around.
My favorite kind is the mesh bump. It blends into your roots and gives a natural lift. You can use it for a quiet luxury bob or a full-on 80s moment. Just don’t place it too far forward.
How to Get 80s Volume Without the Crunch
The biggest fear with 80s volume is crunch. You don’t want hair that snaps when you touch it. The fix is simple: skip the heavy aerosol hairspray.
Instead, use a texture spray or dry shampoo at the roots. These add grip without stiffness. Then tease gently with a fine comb. Only tease the underlayer, not the top.
Smooth the top layer over the tease with a soft brush. Finish with a flexible hold spray. Your hair will look big and feel soft. That’s the modern 80s volume secret.
Root Lift vs. Teasing: What’s Better in 2026?
Both work, but they do different things. Root lift is gentler. You use a round brush and blow dryer to lift hair at the scalp. Or you use root clips while your hair cools. It’s great for fine hair and daily wear.
Teasing is more dramatic. You backcomb the underlayer with a comb. It gives major volume, but it can damage hair if you do it often. I save teasing for special events.
For 2026 hairstyles, I recommend root lift for everyday. It’s healthier and looks more natural. Save teasing for when you really want that 80s height. Or use a modern Bumpit instead.
The Quiet Luxury Bob with Subtle Volume
The quiet luxury bob is sleek, but it shouldn’t be flat. A little root lift at the crown makes it look expensive. Think old money hair that just happens to have body.
To get it, blow dry your roots upward with a round brush. Then set with velcro rollers for five minutes. Or use a small mesh Bumpit at the crown. Keep the rest of the hair smooth.
This works for any bob length. It adds polish without looking like you tried too hard. Pair it with a neutral outfit and you’re set. It’s my go-to for client meetings.
Old Money Hair: Polished and Voluminous
Old money hair is all about health and effortlessness. It’s bouncy, shiny, and has natural volume. Not stiff. Not crunchy. Just good hair.
To get the look, use large velcro rollers on dry hair. Let them sit while you do your makeup. Then brush out gently. You can also use a Bumpit for extra crown lift, but keep it subtle.
This pairs beautifully with the asymmetric lob or a classic blowout. The key is movement. Your hair should look like it belongs on a yacht, even if you’re just running errands.
Romantic Goth Hairstyles with a Tall Crown
Romantic goth hairstyles are dark, moody, and soft. They often feature loose waves, braids, or half-up styles. But the one thing that takes them to the next level? Volume at the crown.
A tall crown adds drama and elegance. It makes you look like a Victorian ghost in the best way. Use a Bumpit or tease gently, then pin the sides back.
Pair it with a vampire haircut for a sharper edge. Or keep it soft with face-framing pieces. This look works for concerts, dates, or anytime you want to feel mysterious.
Glitchy Glam Hair: Volume Meets Digital Edge
Glitchy glam hair is a 2026 trend that mixes futuristic textures with bold volume. Think asymmetrical, sculpted, and a little weird. It’s not for the faint of heart.
To get it, create volume on one side of your head. Leave the other side sleek. Use gel or wax to sculpt pieces. You can use a Bumpit on the voluminous side for extra height.
This look loves the asymmetrical lob and the vampire haircut. Add neon hair clips or metallic bobby pins. It’s edgy, fun, and perfect for a night out. Just don’t be afraid to experiment.
The Asymmetrical Lob with Major Root Lift
The asymmetrical lob is one of my favorite 2026 hairstyles. It’s longer on one side, shorter on the other. But without volume, it can fall flat. Root lift is the answer.
Lift the roots on the shorter side. That balances the cut and adds interest. Use a round brush or a small Bumpit. Keep the longer side smooth and sleek.
This creates a dynamic, modern shape. It works for straight, wavy, or curly hair. Pair it with a middle part or a deep side part. Either way, you’ll look effortlessly cool.
Vampire Haircut and 80s Height: A Match?
The vampire haircut is sharp and angular. It often has long face-framing pieces and a shorter back. Think dramatic, gothic, and a little dangerous. Can it work with 80s height? Absolutely.
Adding volume at the crown makes the vampire haircut look more regal. It lifts the face and adds drama. Use a Bumpit or tease the crown gently.
Keep the sides smooth and the ends pointed. This contrast between height and sharp lines is stunning. It’s perfect for romantic goth hairstyles too. Just embrace the dark side.
Hime Cut with Modern Volume
The hime cut is a Japanese style with straight, blunt bangs and side pieces. It’s often worn flat and sleek. But in 2026, we’re adding subtle volume at the crown.
Why? Because flat hair can look heavy. A little root lift makes the hime cut feel fresh and modern. Use a root clip or a small mesh Bumpit.
Keep the side pieces sharp and the back smooth. The volume should be soft, not spiky. This works for straight hair best, but wavy hair can work with extra styling. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition and trend.
2026 Hairstyles: The Volume Edition
Let’s recap the 2026 hairstyles that love volume. The quiet luxury bob, old money hair, romantic goth hairstyles, glitchy glam hair, asymmetrical lob, vampire haircut, and hime cut. All of them look better with a little lift.
Volume is the common thread. It makes hair look healthier, more dynamic, and more expensive. Whether you use a Bumpit, root clips, or teasing, the goal is the same: lift at the crown.
So don’t be afraid to go big. Just keep it soft and intentional. That’s the modern way to do 80s volume.
Best Tools for Effortless 80s Volume
You don’t need a million tools. Here are my essentials:
- Round brush: for lifting roots while blow drying.
- Velcro rollers: for soft, bouncy volume.
- Root clips: for cooling hair in a lifted position.
- Modern Bumpit: for instant crown height.
- Texture spray: for grip without crunch.
I also keep a fine-tooth comb for gentle teasing. And a flexible hold hairspray to finish. That’s it. These tools cover every volume need, from quiet luxury bob to full 80s glam.
How to Place a Bumpit So It Looks Natural
Placement is everything. Here’s my simple method:
- Section the top of your hair and clip it aside.
- Lightly tease the roots underneath.
- Place the Bumpit on the crown, not too far forward.
- Cover it with the sectioned hair.
- Blend with a brush and pin if needed.
Use a Bumpit that matches your hair color. And don’t use too big of a bump. A subtle lift looks more natural. Practice a few times before wearing it out.
Flexible Hairsprays for Big Hair
Old-school hairspray is the enemy of modern volume. It makes hair stiff and crunchy. Instead, look for flexible hold hairsprays. They keep your style in place but allow movement.
You want a spray that brushes out easily. Aerosol is fine if it’s light. Or try a non-aerosol mist. Spritz from a distance, about 10 inches away.
Focus on the roots and mid-lengths. Don’t soak your whole head. A light mist is all you need. Your big hair will feel touchable and look effortless. That’s the 2026 way.
Volume Tricks for Fine, Thin Hair
Fine hair can still have big volume. You just need the right tricks. Start with dry shampoo at the roots. It adds texture and absorbs oil.
Blow dry your hair upside down. Then use root clips while it cools. This lifts the hair from the scalp. A small Bumpit can also work, but keep it light.
Avoid heavy creams or oils near the roots. They weigh hair down. Use a volumizing mousse instead. And don’t over-tease. Gentle root lift is your friend. You can absolutely get 80s volume without damage.
Volume for Curly and Coily Hair
Curly and coily hair already has natural volume. But you can enhance it at the crown. Use a pick or afro comb to lift roots gently.
Diffuse upside down for maximum lift. Then flip your head back and style. Don’t manipulate too much or you’ll create frizz. A Bumpit can work if you match it to your hair color and use it carefully.
Focus on the crown area. You want a rounded, soft shape. Pair with romantic goth hairstyles or glitchy glam hair. Your natural texture is a superpower. Just add a little lift.
Avoiding the Costume Look: Modern 80s Volume
The biggest mistake with 80s volume is going too literal. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a costume. Keep the rest of your look modern.
Wear simple clothes. Soft makeup. Maybe a sleek gold hoop. Let your hair be the statement. The volume should look effortless, not stiff.
Also, don’t tease the top layer. Only the underlayer. Smooth the top so it looks soft. And use flexible hold products. If your hair moves when you walk, you’re doing it right. That’s the key to modern 80s volume.
Day-to-Night Volume: From Work to Party
You don’t need two different hairstyles. Just adjust the volume. For day, keep it subtle. A little root lift at the crown works for the quiet luxury bob or old money hair.
For night, amp it up. Add a Bumpit. Tease a little more. Use a stronger hold spray. Switch your part or add a hair accessory.
I love doing this with an asymmetrical lob. Daytime: smooth with a small bump. Nighttime: big crown, textured ends. It takes five minutes to transform. And it always gets compliments.
My Final Take
I never thought I’d be here, telling you to embrace Bumpits and big 80s volume. But here we are. The key is to make it modern. Keep it soft. Keep it intentional. And don’t be afraid to add a little lift to your favorite 2026 hairstyles.
Whether you love a quiet luxury bob, romantic goth hairstyles, or a sharp vampire haircut, volume can take it to the next level. Start small. Try a root clip or a mesh Bumpit. See how it changes your whole look. I promise it’s worth it.
Save this post to Pinterest so you can find it next time you want to try big volume. And tell me in the comments: would you wear a modern Bumpit? I read every single one.
