Disco Hair Makeup: Glam Looks & Tutorials

Readers, have you ever wondered how to achieve that iconic disco-era hair and makeup look? It's all about bold colors, glitter, and a touch of extravagance. From the voluminous afros to the sleek, straight styles, disco hair is a statement in itself. But it's the makeup that truly ties the whole look together. Think shimmering eyeshadows, dramatic eyeliner, and blush that pops.

I've been studying the art of disco hair and makeup for years, and I can tell you that creating this look is not just about following trends. It's about capturing the spirit of a time when self-expression ruled. This article will be your guide to mastering disco hair and makeup, incorporating the latest trends and tips to make you shine.

The History of Disco Hair and Makeup

Disco emerged in the 1970s, a vibrant counterculture that embraced freedom, individuality, and a love for music. The disco hair and makeup style reflected this spirit, taking inspiration from the glamour of the 1940s and 1950s and infusing it with the new era's bold energy.

For women, the key was volume and shine. Think big, teased hair, often with a dramatic side part. Hair extensions and wigs were also popular, adding to the overall extravagance. As for makeup, bold colors and glittery accents were key. Think bright eyeshadows, dramatic eyeliner, and blush that brought a healthy glow. The focus was on creating a dramatic and eye-catching look, reflecting the energy and excitement of the disco scene.

The disco era was a time of experimentation, with people trying new looks and pushing boundaries. This led to a diverse array of disco hair and makeup styles, offering something for everyone. The era also saw the rise of iconic figures like Donna Summer, Diana Ross, and Cher, whose signature looks inspired countless others. These women became symbols of the disco spirit, their hair and makeup conveying an aura of confidence, boldness, and glamour.

The Essentials for Disco Hair and Makeup

Mastering the disco hair and makeup look requires a few essential tools and products that are sure to help you create a stunning, glamorous look.

Hair Products

When creating a disco hair look, volume is key. Here are some essential hair products that you’ll need:

Hairspray: A strong-hold hairspray is essential to keeping your hair in place, especially if you're going for a big and bold look.
Volumizing Mousse: Volumizing mousse can add volume and texture to your hair, giving it lift and body.
Texturizing Spray: Texturizing spray can give your hair more grip and hold, which is ideal for backcombing and creating a textured look.
Hair Elastics: These come in handy for creating braids, buns, and other hairstyles that can be styled in a variety of ways.
Hair Brush: A good hair brush can help you distribute hair products evenly and create smooth, sleek styles.
Comb with a Tail: A comb with a tail is a great tool for creating partings and sections in your hair, making it easier to style.

Makeup Products

As for makeup, you'll need a few essentials to create the perfect disco glam:

Foundation: A foundation that matches your skin tone will help create a flawless base for your makeup. Choose a formula that provides coverage with a natural finish.
Concealer: Use concealer to hide any blemishes or imperfections and enhance your natural features.
Powder: Powder helps to set your makeup and prevent it from creasing or smudging throughout the day.
Eyeshadow Palette: The disco look thrives on bold and bright eyeshadows. Choose a palette that includes a variety of colors, shimmery tones, and shades that complement your skin tone.
Eyeliner: A black or brown eyeliner will help define your eyes and make them appear larger. Feel free to experiment with different eyeliner styles, from a thin line to a dramatic cat-eye.
Mascara: Black mascara will add volume and length to your lashes for a glamorous effect. Try a volumizing mascara for extra drama.
Blush: A blush in a peach, pink, or coral shade will add a natural flush to your cheeks and complement your eyeshadow.
Highlighter: A highlighter will add a touch of shimmer to your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow, giving you a radiant glow.
Glitter: Glitter is absolutely essential for the disco look! It adds sparkle and dimension, giving you a dazzling and festive look.

Disco Hair Styles

The disco era was all about bold hairstyles that made a statement. From voluminous afros to sleek, straight styles, there were countless options to choose from.

The Afro

The Afro was a symbol of the Black Power movement and gained popularity during the disco era, becoming a signature hairstyle for many African American women. To achieve this look, you'll need to let your natural hair grow out and then style it using a pick or comb to create volume and definition. You can also use a hair pick or comb to create a more structured and refined Afro.

The Beehive

The beehive was all about volume and height. To create this look, you'll need to backcomb your hair, creating a large, piled-up shape at the crown of your head. Use hairspray to secure the style and keep it from collapsing. This hairstyle is best suited for those with medium to long hair and can be styled in a variety of ways, including a classic beehive or a more modern take with a side part or braids.

The Sleek and Straight

If you prefer a more polished and modern look, the sleek and straight style is a great option. To achieve this look, straighten your hair using a flat iron or blow dryer with a round brush. You can also use a straightening balm or serum to help keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. This style allows for an opportunity to add hair accessories, like bows or headbands, to complement your outfit.

The Braided Styles

Braids were a staple for many disco-era women. From simple braids to elaborate styles, braids could be incorporated into almost any hairstyle. You can style your braids in various ways, such as a single braid down the center of your head, two braids on either side, or a French braid from the forehead to the nape of your neck. Braids were also often incorporated into ponytails and updos for a more sophisticated look.

Disco Makeup Looks

Disco makeup was all about bold colors, shimmery textures, and dramatic accents. It was about creating a look that was both eye-catching and glamorous.

The Shimmering Eyeshadow Look

Shimmery eyeshadow was a mainstay of the disco era. You can create a shimmering eyeshadow look by applying a light, shimmering color to the entire eyelid and then adding a darker shimmery color to the crease to add dimension. You can also use a shimmery eyeliner to line your eyes and a highlighter to accentuate your brow bones and the inner corners of your eyes. This look adds sparkle and definition to the eyes, creating a dramatic effect that complements a bold hairstyle.

The Dramatic Eyeliner Look

Dramatic eyeliner was another popular trend in the disco era. You can create this look by applying a thick line of black or brown eyeliner along your upper lash line. You can also try a winged eyeliner for a more dramatic flair. To make your eyes pop, add a few coats of mascara to your lashes. The combination of bold eyeliner and volumized lashes will draw attention to your eyes, giving your makeup a glamorous edge.

The Bold Lipstick

Bold lipstick was another essential element of the disco makeup look. You can use a variety of colors, from bright reds and oranges to deep plums and browns. Some popular colors include:

Red: A classic red lipstick is timeless and perfect for a night out. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and adds a touch of drama to your look.
Orange: For a more vibrant and playful look, try a bright orange lipstick. This color is perfect for those with warm skin tones and can add a touch of fun and excitement to your look.
Plum: A deep plum lipstick is a great option for a more sophisticated and edgy look. This color is perfect for those with cooler skin tones and can add a touch of mystery and allure to your look.
Brown: A brown lipstick can be a great alternative to red or orange. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and adds a touch of warmth to your look.

Disco Makeup Tutorial

Ready to unleash your inner disco queen? Follow this step-by-step tutorial to achieve a dazzling look that'll turn heads:

1. Start with a clean canvas.

Cleanse and moisturize your face to create a smooth base for your makeup.

2. Prime your face.

Prime your face to help your makeup last longer and look its best. Apply a thin layer of primer to your entire face. Look for a primer that helps to minimize pores and smooth out any uneven texture.

3. Apply foundation.

Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and use a makeup brush or sponge to blend it evenly across your face. You can use a foundation that provides light coverage, or you can go for a full-coverage foundation depending on your preference.

4. Conceal any imperfections.

Use concealer to hide any blemishes or dark circles. Apply concealer directly to the areas you want to conceal and blend it carefully with your fingers or a sponge.

5. Set your makeup.

Apply a translucent powder to set your makeup and prevent it from creasing or smudging. Use a large powder brush to dust the powder lightly across your entire face.

6. Go for a dramatic eye look.

Apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the entire eyelid, using a blending brush to create a smooth transition. Then, add a darker shimmery color to the crease to add some definition. You can also play with different shades of shimmery eyeshadows to create a more elaborate look.

7. Line your eyes for a dramatic effect.

Use a black or brown eyeliner to line your upper lash line. For a more dramatic look, you can also try a winged eyeliner.

8. Add volume to your lashes.

Apply a few coats of mascara to your lashes to make your eyes pop. Use a volumizing mascara if you want to create a dramatic look.

9. Contour and highlight for dimension.

Use a contouring powder or cream to define your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your brow bones, cheekbones, and cupid's bow, to create a radiant glow.

10. Add a pop of color to your cheeks.

Apply a blush to your cheeks in a peach, pink, or coral shade.

11. Seal the deal with glitter.

Apply a little bit of glitter to the inner corners of your eyes, on your cheekbones, or even on your lips for a touch of sparkle.

12. Finish with a bold lipstick.

Apply a bold lipstick in a color that complements your eyeshadow and overall look.

Disco Hair and Makeup Tips

Here are some extra tips for creating a stunning disco look:

Don't be afraid to experiment! The disco look is all about having fun and expressing yourself. Try different styles, colors, and textures to discover what works best for you.
Pay attention to your skin tone. Choose colors and shades that complement your skin tone and enhance your natural features.
Use glitter sparingly. While glitter is a key part of the disco look, it's important to use it sparingly to avoid looking overdone.
Embrace the bold and the bright. The disco look is all about making a statement. Don't be afraid to go for bold colors and dramatic accents.
Have fun! The disco look is all about letting loose and having a good time. So put on your best dancing shoes and get ready to party!

FAQ

What are some iconic disco hairstyles?

Some iconic disco hairstyles include the afro, the beehive, the sleek and straight style, and braided styles.

What are some essential disco makeup products?

Some essential disco makeup products include shimmery eyeshadow, dramatic eyeliner, bold lipstick, and glitter.

What are some tips for creating disco makeup?

Some tips for creating disco makeup include choosing colors and shades that complement your skin tone, using glitter sparingly, and embracing the bold and the bright.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Disco hair and makeup is a timeless look that continues to inspire. Whether you're headed to a retro party, a night out with friends, or just want to feel confident and glamorous, this guide has provided all the tools and tips to help you achieve the perfect disco-era vibe. Remember, the disco era was all about self-expression and celebrating individuality. So, embrace your inner disco queen, go bold, and have fun! And for more tips and tricks on achieving the ultimate disco look, check out our other articles on hair and makeup styles.

Video Historically Accurate: 1970s DISCO Makeup Tutorial