The 'Farrah Fawcett' Feathered Flip
Arguably the most requested hairstyle of the decade, Farrah Fawcett's feathered look became an international phenomenon. While not a tight curl, its signature volume and flipped-out wings defined the era's glamorous, airy aesthetic. The style relies on a heavily
layered cut, particularly around the face. To achieve the look, stylists would use a round brush and blow dryer, rolling the hair away from the face to create that iconic, wing-like effect. For extra hold and volume, hot rollers were often used to set the style. A modern take keeps the soft, face-framing layers but might use a texturizing spray for a more lived-in, less 'perfectly coiffed' finish. It’s a versatile look that adds movement and volume without committing to a full head of curls.
The 'Donna Summer' Voluminous Ringlets
As the undisputed 'Queen of Disco', Donna Summer’s powerful voice was matched only by her stunning and voluminous hair. Her look often featured a cascade of thick, lush curls and perfectly messy ringlets that exuded confidence and glamour. This style was all about celebrating texture and size; the bigger, the better was the motto. To get this look, those without naturally curly hair often turned to perms or spent hours with hot rollers. The key was creating tight ringlets and then brushing them out slightly to create a softer, fuller shape. For a modern interpretation, the focus is on definition and moisture. Using a curl cream and a diffuser can help naturally curly individuals achieve this look, while those with straighter hair can use a small-barrel curling wand, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural feel.
The 'Diana Ross' Majestic Mane
Diana Ross was a style icon whose influence spanned music, film, and fashion, and her hair was a central part of her dramatic and glamorous persona. Throughout the 70s, she embraced her natural texture, often styling her hair into a magnificent, voluminous halo of curls that was both elegant and powerful. This was more than just a hairstyle; it was a statement of identity and confidence. The look is defined by its incredible volume and rounded shape, framing the face beautifully. To achieve this, those with natural curls can use an afro pick at the roots to build height and shape, lifting the hair up and out. It’s a celebration of natural texture that remains just as impactful today. Modern versions focus on healthy, hydrated curls, using creams and oils to ensure shine and minimize frizz while maximizing volume.
The Shag and the Perm
Beyond the styles made famous by individual stars, the disco era had two other curly mainstays: the shag and the stacked perm. The shag was a unisex, heavily layered cut that created a choppy, textured look. When styled on curly hair, it resulted in a wild, rock-and-roll vibe with lots of movement and volume at the crown. The stacked perm was a salon favourite, creating a layered look with tighter curls on top and looser ones toward the bottom. This technique built incredible volume on the sides and top, resulting in a distinctive, triangular silhouette that was pure 70s. While the word 'perm' might bring to mind the crunchy styles of the 80s, the 70s version was often softer and designed to create the bouncy, full foundation needed for other disco styles.
Bringing Disco Curls into Today
The spirit of 70s disco hair is making a major comeback, but with a few modern updates. The extreme volume is still celebrated, but the finish is often softer and more touchable. Instead of stiff, hairspray-heavy styles, today’s disco curls are achieved with products that provide hold while allowing for natural movement, like mousses and flexible-hold sprays. The shag haircut has returned as a popular base for these styles, providing built-in layers that make achieving that voluminous, face-framing look much easier. You can also add modern accessories like scarves or chic hairpins to give a nod to the 70s without looking like you’re in costume. The key is to capture the fun and confidence of the era while adapting the finish for a contemporary feel.
