The high puff is one of the most iconic and universally beloved natural hair styles — a voluminous, rounded gathering of natural hair at the very top of the head that celebrates the fullness and texture of coily and curly hair in the most direct and joyful way. It is quick to create, requires minimal products, and works on a wide range of hair lengths and textures. Whether you are running late on a morning or want a polished look for a casual event, the high puff is the natural hair wearer’s most reliable go-to style.
What Is a High Puff?
A high puff is created by gathering all of the natural hair upward toward the crown of the head and securing it with a soft elastic or scrunchie at the very top. Unlike a bun, which involves coiling the hair around itself, a puff leaves the hair free to spring outward from the elastic in a full, rounded, afro-like shape. The result is a style that maximizes the height and volume of natural hair while showcasing the curl or coil pattern in its most natural state.
What You Will Need
Creating a high puff requires minimal tools and products. You will need a soft, fabric-covered elastic or satin scrunchie large enough to accommodate your hair’s volume, a wide-tooth comb or denman brush for gathering the hair, edge control or styling gel for smoothing the hairline if desired, and a light oil for adding shine to the puff. Some people also find a headband useful for keeping the hair gathered while they secure the elastic.
Step 1 — Prepare the Hair
The high puff works best on hair that has some definition and moisture. Apply a leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream or gel to damp hair and allow the hair to partially dry or fully dry before attempting to gather it into the puff. Attempting to create a puff on very freshly wet hair can cause the elastic to slip and the puff to lose its shape as the hair continues to dry.
Step 2 — Gather and Secure
Using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, gather the hair upward toward the crown, smoothing it gently as you bring it together. Hold the gathered hair in your non-dominant hand at the crown and use your dominant hand to loop the elastic around the base. Loop the elastic as many times as needed to secure the hair without it being excessively tight. The elastic should feel snug but not cause any tension or pulling at the hairline.
Step 3 — Shape the Puff
Once secured, use your fingers to gently shape and spread the hair around the elastic, creating a full, rounded puff shape. Fluff the hair outward from the elastic in all directions to maximize volume and symmetry. Apply a small amount of oil to your hands and smooth it lightly over the surface of the puff for shine. If desired, apply edge control to the hairline and smooth with a soft brush for a more polished finish.
Variations on the High Puff
The basic high puff can be elevated in many ways. Adding a decorative headband, scarf, or hair accessory around the base of the puff instantly elevates the style. The puff can be positioned at different heights — from the very crown to slightly lower for a different silhouette. For longer hair, the puff will be larger and can be shaped into different forms from a tight, compact globe to a wide, flat disc shape.
Final Thoughts
The high puff is a timeless natural hair style that requires minimal effort and produces maximum impact. It is the embodiment of natural hair confidence — a style that makes no apology for its volume and texture and celebrates both in the most direct and beautiful way.