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Disco curls are my favorite hairstyle, only tied up in Pamela Anderson’s messy bun, and by the end of this article, we guarantee you’ll be into it. Simply put, “Disco curls are big, bouncy, voluminous curls that were popular in the ’70s,” says celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubinstein, who gave both me and Alison Brie iconic disco curls. Of course, we have the disco queens of the ’70s to thank for the look – we’re looking at you, Donna Summer.
Selected experts
What are disco curls?
Celebrity hairstylist Bradley Leake says this trend of “perfectly messy curls” is a nod to the ’70s, a decade that inspired many trends. “The ’70s disco era was all about big, bold moves and fashion statements. This signature curl was a perfect match for the bold colors and groovy fashion of the time,” he says.
Disco curls are not for the shy, but for someone who likes to be the center of attention, because the look always makes a statement. “Think big, bouncy, voluminous curls that are guaranteed to make you look twice,” says celebrity hairdresser Marc Ballance. “Think of the curls of Donna Summers, the ‘Queen of Disco’, and the idea of ’bigger is better’!”
How to get disco curls
Disco curls with naturally straight or wavy hair
Ballance recommends using volumizing shampoo and conditioner in the shower to get the full effect on big hair. Rubinstein starts with a volumizing mousse—her favorite is Nexxus Volumizing Hair Foam ($18). Then she blow-dries the hair with a large round brush. Next, she uses a 1-inch or ¾-inch curling iron to achieve tight curls. “The thinner the curling iron, the tighter the curls will be,” notes Leake.
“Once the entire head is curled, allow all the curls to cool completely and spray thoroughly with a flexible hairspray,” says Rubinstein. You don’t want a hairspray that’s too stiff, because you want the look to move and bounce, she notes. Optional, but the finishing touch can be to tease the roots of the hair with some teasing and dry texture spray, says Ballance.
Disco curls with naturally curly hair
If you have naturally curly hair, you’re already halfway there, so it’s more about honing the look. “Apply mousse and curl cream to wet hair. Apply the products from root to tip, then massage the scalp to lift the roots,” Ballance instructs. “Flip your head over and dry your hair upside down with a diffuser. This will make the shape much fuller as it dries.”
Once the hair is completely dry, “put your hands in the roots of the hair and massage to make the shape even bigger and wider. Finish this off with a very small curling iron and define a few strands all over the head to lift the look into the disco style and you’re good to go!” says Ballance.
