17 1970s Disco Updo Styles with Maximum Volume
The 1970s disco era wasn’t just about the music, the fashion, or the dazzling dance floors—it was a full-sensory explosion of glamour. And at the very pinnacle of that glamour sat hair: big, bold, and breathtakingly voluminous. Disco updos were architectural marvels, defying gravity with teasing, hairspray, and an unapologetic desire to be seen from across the room.
The Foundation: Teasing for That Sky-High Volume
Before we dive into the styles, we must acknowledge the secret weapon: backcombing, or teasing. This is the non-negotiable foundation of any authentic disco updo. The technique involves gently combing small sections of hair towards the scalp to create a cushion of volume at the roots. Done correctly and followed by a smooth top layer, it creates incredible height and body without looking messy. Arm yourself with a fine-tooth comb, a can of strong-hold hairspray, and patience—your hair will thank you with magnificent lift.
1. The Classic Beehive
The undisputed queen of 70s volume. The beehive, or “Bouffant,” is characterized by its smooth, conical shape that rises high above the forehead and is often paired with a flipped or rolled base at the nape. It’s sleek, powerful, and the ultimate symbol of retro hair authority. Modern versions can be softened, but for true disco drama, go as high as your hair and courage allow.
2. The Voluminous French Twist
A timeless style gets the disco treatment. The 70s French twist was less about sleekness and more about abundant, cascading volume. Instead of a flat fold, hair was heavily teased before being twisted upwards, creating a wide, lush roll that often spilled over with soft tendrils. Adorn the base with a sparkling clip or a fresh flower for that Studio 54 vibe.
3. The Dramatic Bubble Updo
Playful and geometric, the bubble updo involved sectioning the ponytail or bun and pinning it into a series of “bubbles” or puffs along its length. Each section was teased to perfection, creating a look that was both structured and fun. This style perfectly captures the experimental, joyful spirit of the decade.
4. The High-Rise Ponytail with Wrap
Never underestimate a ponytail. The disco version was secured exceptionally high on the crown, with the base heavily teased for lift. The pièce de résistance was wrapping a section of hair or a decorative scarf around the base to conceal the band, creating a polished yet voluminous silhouette perfect for dancing all night.
5. The Gibson Tuck Gone Glam
This vintage style was revived with 70s volume. Hair is rolled under at the sides and tucked into a soft, voluminous roll at the back of the head, but with significant teasing at the crown for a lifted front. The result is a sophisticated, wide, and incredibly romantic updo that feels both Edwardian and utterly disco.
6. The Braided Crown with Volume
For the bohemian disco queen. Two large, face-framing braids are created from heavily teased side sections, then wrapped over the crown like a tiara and pinned. The remaining hair at the back is styled into a full, messy bun or left in loose, voluminous waves. It’s earthy and extravagant all at once.
7. The Flipped Bouffant Bob
Short hair could get in on the volume game, too. The flipped bouffant involved setting shorter hair in large rollers to create maximum body and a dramatic, outward flip at the ends. The top and sides were teased to impressive heights, creating a helmet of sleek, bouncy volume that framed the face beautifully.
8. The Top Knot with Fountain Tendrils
This style features a high, voluminous bun or top knot positioned right on the crown. The key disco element is the tendrils—not just a few, but a cascade of curled, face-framing pieces and pieces left loose at the nape, all heavily styled for separate, bouncy volume. It’s controlled chaos at its most glamorous.
9. The Half-Up, Half-Down Monument
The 70s took the half-up style and built it into a monument. The top section was teased and rolled into a voluminous puff or mini beehive, while the bottom half was left down in big, cascading curls or waves. This style offered the best of both worlds: dramatic height and the allure of long, flowing hair.
10. The Sculptural Chignon
Move over, sleek bun. The disco chignon was all about texture, width, and sculptural shape. Hair was twisted, folded, and pinned not to lie flat, but to create a wide, artful knot at the nape or side, with plenty of teasing for body. It often incorporated hair accessories like large, decorative combs.
11. The Waterfall of Curls Updo
This style focused on showcasing an abundance of large, defined curls. All hair was gathered up, but instead of being tightly confined, the curls were artfully piled and pinned to create a cascading, voluminous effect that looked like a waterfall of ringlets. The higher the pile, the better.
12. The Side-Swept Voluminous Roll
Asymmetry was a key disco trend. This style involved sweeping all the hair to one side, teasing it for immense volume, and then rolling it into a large, soft roll that rested on the shoulder or collarbone. The opposite side was often slicked back or adorned with a dramatic accessory.
13. The Afro Puff Updo
A celebration of natural texture and majestic volume. The Afro puff, often high on the head, was a powerful and beautiful statement. It could be accessorized with headbands, scarves, or picks featuring bold, geometric designs. This style embodied pride, fashion, and unparalleled volume.
14. The Braided Volume Bun
This style starts with a large, voluminous braid—either a single thick one or multiple—that is then wrapped and coiled into a substantial bun. The braiding adds texture and interest, while the teasing beforehand ensures the bun has impressive width and height. It’s intricate yet bold.
15. The Retro Updo with Headband
A wide, statement headband was a quintessential 70s accessory. This look involves creating a full, voluminous updo—be it a bun, twist, or puff—behind a wide fabric or embellished headband. The headband helps create the illusion of even more height and volume at the crown while adding a pop of color or pattern.
16. The Multi-Roll Updo
Think of this as the layered cake of disco hairstyles. Hair is sectioned horizontally and each section is rolled under or over into a distinct, voluminous roll, stacked vertically from the nape to the crown. It’s a highly structured, dramatic look that showcases technical skill and a love for big hair.
17. The Messy-Textured Updo with Accent Pieces
This final style embraces a more “undone” volume. Hair is heavily teased for a full, messy texture, then loosely pinned up in a seemingly effortless style. The disco accent comes in with bold additions like feathered clips, sparkling bobby pins, or even small, decorative disco balls pinned throughout the creation.
Bringing Disco Volume to Modern Hair
Recreating these styles today is easier with modern tools. Use a volumizing mousse and a root-lifting spray on damp hair before blow-drying. Hot rollers or large-barrel curling irons are your best friends for creating the big waves and curls that form the basis of these updos. And remember: hairspray is your final, non-negotiable sealant. Don’t be shy—the 70s weren’t!
The 1970s disco updo is more than a hairstyle; it’s an attitude. It’s about confidence, joy, and a willingness to take up space—literally. So, whether you choose the architectural beehive, the playful bubbles, or the majestic Afro puff, embrace the volume. Tease it, spray it, and own it. Your inner disco diva is waiting to shine.
