For some of us, the mere mention of “big hair” can produce heart-racing '80s flashbacks: Perms with bangs teased skyward. The smell of AquaNet. Banana clips. Memories of hair traumas past can make some women tremble with revulsion -- and cradle their flat irons as talismans. “Never again,” they whisper. Well, never say never.

At the "Project Runway" finale party in New York, designer Jillian Lewis shows off her curls.