A pouf is a towering coiffure composed variously of wire, gauze, pomatum (a styling ointment), and often false hair mixed with the wearer’s own hair. Poufs could be inspired by contemporary events, such as when the French frigate La Junon captured the British Navy’s Fox in 1778 (top left image), and at times they took playful names, such as the hérisson (hedgehog) style (top right image).
Designer unknown, Gallerie des modes et costumes français. 6e Cahier de Modes Françaises pour les Coeffures despuis 1776. F.31, ca. 1778.
Text from: Ruffles & Ribbons: Fashion Plates from the Time of Marie Antoinette. © 2026 The Frick Collection.