Disco curls are my favorite hairstyle, tied only with the Pamela Anderson messy bun, and by the end of this article, I guarantee you’ll be on board. Put simply, “Disco curls are big, bouncy, voluminous curls which were popular in the 70s,” says celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubinstein, who has given both me and Alison Brie iconic disco curls. We, of course, have the 70s disco queens to thank for the look—we're looking at you Donna Summer.
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- Clariss Rubinstein is a celebrity hairstylist
- Bradley Leake is a celebrity hairstylist
- Marc Ballance is a celebrity hairstylist
What are disco curls?
Celebrity hairstylist Bradley Leake says this trend of “perfectly messy ringlets” is a 2024 nod to the 70s, a decade we’ve seen inspire quite a few trends. “The disco era of the 70s was all about big, bold moves and fashion statements. This signature curl was a perfect fit to compliment the bold colors and groovy fashion of the time," he says.
Disco curls are not for the meek but someone who is comfortable being the center of attention, as the look will invariably make a statement. “Think big, bouncy, voluminous curly hair that is sure to make you double take,” says celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance. “Think of Donna Summers ‘the queen of disco’ curls, and the idea of bigger is better!”
How to get disco curls
Disco curls with naturally straight or wavy hair
Ballance recommends using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner in the shower to set the stage for big hair. Rubinstein begins with a volumizing mousse—her favorite is Nexxus Volumizing Hair Foam ($18). She then blows the hair out with a big round brush. Next, she uses a one-inch or ¾ inch barrel to get tight curls. “The skinnier the curl bar, the tighter the ringlets will be,” notes Leake.
“When the whole head is curled, let all the curls cool completely and spray thoroughly with a flexible hairspray,” says Rubinstein. You don’t want hairspray that's too stiff because the look is meant to move and bounce, she notes. Optional, but finishing touches can include teasing the roots with some backcombing and dry texture spray, says Ballance.
Disco curls with naturally curly hair
If you have naturally curly hair, you’re halfway there, so it's more about refining the look. “Apply a mousse and curl cream to your hair when wet. Apply the products from roots to ends and then massage the scalp to get the root lifted,” instructs Ballance. “Turn your head over and dry your hair upside down using a diffuser. This will encourage way more fullness to the shape as it dries.”
Once hair is completely dry “put your hands in at the roots and massage to make the shape even bigger and more expanded. Finish with a very small curling iron and define a few pieces throughout the head to elevate the look to ‘disco,’ and you're good to go!" says Ballance.
