Dolly Parton's Iconic 1970s Hair: A Style Guide

Dolly Parton, the queen of country music, is as famous for her larger-than-life personality and incredible voice as she is for her signature blonde hair. When we think about Dolly's hair, we almost always picture that voluminous, teased, and perfectly coiffed style that became her trademark. Let's dive into what made her 1970s hair so unforgettable and how you can capture a bit of that Dolly flair for yourself.

The Anatomy of Dolly's 70s Hair

Dolly Parton's 1970s hair was more than just a hairstyle; it was a statement. It embodied the glamour, the boldness, and the unapologetic femininity that Dolly herself represented. Several key elements contributed to this iconic look:

Volume, Volume, Volume

The bigger, the better! That was the motto when it came to Dolly's hair. Achieving this gravity-defying volume required serious teasing, backcombing, and a whole lot of hairspray. The goal was to create a cloud of blonde that framed her face and added to her overall larger-than-life persona. Dolly's voluminous locks weren't just about aesthetics; they were about making a statement, commanding attention, and owning her space.

To recreate this volume, start with clean, dry hair. Use a volumizing mousse or spray at the roots before blow-drying your hair upside down. Once dry, section your hair and begin teasing at the roots with a fine-toothed comb. Focus on the crown of your head and the areas around your face. After teasing, gently smooth the top layer of your hair to conceal the teased sections and create a polished look. Finally, lock everything in place with a strong-hold hairspray. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to achieve the desired volume.

The Perfect Blonde

Dolly's hair was a very specific shade of blonde—a bright, almost artificial-looking blonde that was both striking and memorable. This wasn't a subtle, natural blonde; it was a bold, unapologetic color that complemented her equally bold personality. The key to achieving Dolly's signature blonde is to find a shade that suits your skin tone while still capturing that vibrant, almost ethereal quality. Consulting with a professional colorist is highly recommended to ensure you get the perfect shade and avoid any damage to your hair.

Maintaining this level of blonde requires regular touch-ups and proper care. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prevent fading and keep your hair looking vibrant. Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine to combat dryness and breakage, which can be common with heavily processed hair. Additionally, consider using a purple shampoo once a week to neutralize any yellow or brassy tones and keep your blonde looking fresh and bright. Remember, healthy hair is the foundation for any great hairstyle, so prioritize the health and integrity of your locks.

Soft Curls and Waves

While volume was key, Dolly's hair also featured soft curls and waves that added movement and dimension. These weren't tight, defined curls; they were loose, romantic waves that cascaded around her face and shoulders. Achieving this look required a combination of rollers, curling irons, and a generous amount of hairspray.

To recreate Dolly's soft curls and waves, start by dividing your hair into manageable sections. Use a large-barrel curling iron or hot rollers to create loose waves, curling away from your face. Once you've curled all of your hair, gently brush through the curls to soften them and create a more natural look. If you prefer a more relaxed wave, try braiding your hair while it's damp and letting it air dry. Once your hair is dry, remove the braids and tousle your hair with your fingers. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep your waves in place without making them stiff or crunchy.

The Teased Crown

A signature element of Dolly's 70s hairstyle was the teased crown. This gave height and lift at the top of her head, creating a glamorous and sophisticated silhouette. The teased crown helped to balance the volume of the rest of her hair and draw attention to her face.

To achieve the perfect teased crown, start by sectioning off the hair at the crown of your head. Hold each section taut and use a fine-toothed comb to gently backcomb the hair, working your way from the roots to the ends. Be careful not to over-tease, as this can damage your hair. Once you've teased the crown, gently smooth the top layer of your hair to conceal the teased sections and create a smooth, polished look. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the crown in place without making it stiff or unnatural. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment until you achieve the desired height and volume.

Recreating the Look Today

While a full-on 1970s Dolly Parton hairstyle might be a bit much for everyday wear, you can definitely incorporate elements of her iconic look into your modern style. Here’s how:

Modern Volume

Instead of going for extreme volume, try a more subtle approach. Use volumizing products and techniques to create lift at the roots without making your hair look too overdone. A root-lifting spray or mousse can work wonders, and strategic teasing can add volume where you need it most.

Updated Blonde

Opt for a blonde shade that complements your skin tone and personal style. You don't have to go for a super-bright, artificial blonde to capture the essence of Dolly's hair. Consider a warm, golden blonde or a honey blonde for a more natural look. Balayage and highlights can add dimension and movement to your hair, creating a more modern and sophisticated blonde.

Soft Waves for Today

Instead of tight curls, go for loose, beachy waves. These are easy to achieve with a curling wand or a flat iron. Simply wrap sections of your hair around the wand or iron, leaving the ends out for a more relaxed look. Once you've curled all of your hair, run your fingers through the waves to soften them and create a more natural texture. Finish with a texturizing spray or sea salt spray for added definition and hold.

The Teased Crown - Subtly

A little bit of teasing at the crown can add height and lift without looking dated. Just be sure to tease gently and smooth the top layer of your hair to conceal the teased sections. A light-hold hairspray will keep the crown in place without making it stiff or unnatural. Experiment with different levels of teasing to find the perfect balance for your hair and face shape.

Products to Help You Achieve the Look

To get Dolly-worthy hair, you'll need the right products. Here are a few essentials:

• Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner: These will help to cleanse your hair without weighing it down, creating a foundation for volume.
• Root Lifting Spray or Mousse: Apply this to your roots before blow-drying to create lift and volume.
• Fine-Toothed Comb: Essential for teasing and backcombing.
• Curling Iron or Hot Rollers: Choose a barrel size that will create the curls or waves you desire.
• Strong-Hold Hairspray: This will lock your style in place and keep it looking fabulous all day long.
• Heat Protectant Spray: Protect your hair from heat damage when using styling tools.
• Purple Shampoo: To keep your blonde bright and prevent brassiness.

Dolly's Hair Through the Years

While Dolly's 1970s hair is perhaps her most iconic, she has experimented with different styles and variations over the years. In the 1980s, her hair became even bigger and bolder, with more defined curls and waves. In the 1990s, she toned down the volume slightly, opting for a more relaxed and natural look. Today, Dolly still rocks her signature blonde hair, but she often incorporates modern trends and techniques to keep her style fresh and updated.

Why Dolly's Hair Matters

Dolly Parton's hair is more than just a hairstyle; it's a symbol of her personality, her brand, and her enduring appeal. It represents her confidence, her glamour, and her unapologetic embrace of femininity. Dolly's hair has inspired countless women to embrace their own unique style and to never be afraid to stand out from the crowd. It's a reminder that hair can be a powerful form of self-expression and that you should always feel free to experiment and have fun with your look.

Dolly Parton's iconic 1970s hair remains a timeless source of inspiration for anyone looking to add a touch of glamour and volume to their style. By understanding the key elements of her look and adapting them to your own personal style, you can capture a bit of that Dolly flair for yourself. So go ahead, tease your hair, embrace your inner blonde, and let your own unique beauty shine!