Leia with the hairstyle
The moniker Star Puffs designated a particular hairdo that originated from Naboo. This style, characterized by dual hair buns, saw usage in various forms by Padmé Amidala and her offspring, Princess Leia Organa. Furthermore, Liana Merian, an aide to an Alderaanian senator, also sported versions of it.
For Leia, this hairdo evolved into an iconic visual identifier. She frequently showcased it around the era of the Battle of Yavin. However, during her childhood, the princess harbored a dislike for this intricate style, which was imposed upon her due to her family's wishes and the demands of Alderaanian royal obligations.
The fame of Princess Leia's distinctive hairstyle skyrocketed following its appearance in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. The character consistently displayed this style in all early supplementary materials, including Marvel Comics' Star Wars comic book series and the Star Wars Holiday Special. The label "Star Puffs" originated from the packaging and instructions accompanying Kenner's oversized Leia action figure. This toy included a brush and comb, encouraging children to experiment with different hairstyles. Four additional styles were mentioned: Star Burst, Star Swirl, Lunar Loops, and Sun Sweep.
Initially, this hairstyle was absent from the preliminary costume designs for Leia. Instead, it was conceived by the film's hair and makeup department. Carrie Fisher, the actress portraying Leia, revealed that hairdresser Pat McDermott created the style after numerous attempts. George Lucas gave his approval in April of 1976, during Fisher's visit to the Mos Eisley cantina set.
In a 2002 interview with Time magazine, Lucas shared his thoughts on Leia's "cinnamon bun" hairstyle: "For the 1977 movie, I was really trying to come up with something unique that wasn't just another fashion statement. So, I opted for a sort of Southwestern Pancho Villa-esque woman revolutionary look. That's essentially what it is. The buns are inspired by early 20th-century Mexico." In 2017, the Smithsonian's touring exhibition, "Star Wars and the Power of Costume," showcased a photograph of Clara de la Rocha, a Mexican revolutionary colonel, as one of the influences behind the hairstyle. The exhibition also included images of women from the Native American Hopi tribe sporting a similar "squash blossom" hairstyle.