Big hair: some curls are bigger than others – in pictures

Elle Macpherson’s 1970s Farrah Fawcett homage bounces as if on a hair trampoline.
Lacquer rating: mousse, a diffuser, then lacquer Photograph: Martin Karius/Rex Features

Some thought Tracey Emin had red-carpeted the wrong hair for the Baftas, but she was ahead of the curve.
Lacquer rating: A lot Photograph: Ian Gavan/Getty Images

Someone clearly told Cheryl Cole (a friend at L’Oréal?) the best way to conquer America was big hair.
Lacquer rating: Two cans plus extensions and an entourage Photograph: RD/Orchon/Retna Ltd./Corbis

Sarah Jessica Parker’s height no longer relies solely on heels with this wild back-combed do.
Lacquer rating: Keep going till it sticks [This caption was amended on 24 June 2011. The original punchline, "Ozone layer disaster" suggested that hairspray contains CFCs. This has been deleted as hairspray propellants no longer feature ozone-affecting CFCs.]
Photograph: Frank Micelotta/EMPICS Entertainment