6 Larger-Than-Life Hairdos Inspired By The Great Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton will forever be the queen of big hair. Throughout her storied career, the late country icon became known for her elaborate blond wigs (a fact that she was very proud of). Dolly Parton's hair transformation through the decades saw her go from ultra voluminous curls in varying lengths at the beginning of her career, to choppy layers teased to high heaven and modern updos (emphasis on "up") during her later years. Just as Dolly Parton's flashy manicures secured her spot as the queen of acrylics, her over-the-top hair cemented her legacy as a style icon.

While Parton's iconic big blond hair was the result of talented hair stylists and expensive wigs, you can recreate some of her looks at home. It may seem daunting, given just how revered Parton's hair is, but the techniques for achieving voluminous locks are straightforward: Heat, teasing and backcombing, as well as volumizing hair products in powder or mousse are all necessary for an at-home Parton-inspired look. If you want to take style inspiration from the most universally beloved figure in American pop culture, look no further than these larger-than-life Parton-inspired hair looks. 

Curly updos are an easy way to elevate your hair for everyday life. It was a style Dolly Parton often rocked in 1984, which was hands down her best hair year. The timeless look was made iconic with Parton's patented teased-up volume and perfectly shaped ringlets. In 2026, you can take inspiration from the late country music legend and throw your curls into a messy updo (leaving some locks out to frame your face) for your next outing. 

Big hair has certainly had its moment recently, as over-the-top blowouts continue to take the extreme volume trend to the next level. Perhaps best known for her bold wigs, Dolly Parton wore ultra voluminous, perfectly sculpted curls for the greater part of the 1970s. If you want to look just as fabulous as the "9 to 5" singer, look no further than a bouncy blowout. With a heated round brush, hairspray, and lots of patience, you can craft sky-high curls that would make Parton proud. 

One of Dolly Parton's favored hairstyles throughout the 2000s and 2010s was a teased-up, feathered mullet. The dramatic style of wig suited the country legend just as well as her beloved curly hairstyles, as it provided the rock and roll vibe that Parton began to embrace in her later years. Feathered mullets are more versatile than you'd think — you can tease it up like Parton, or opt for a shaggier vibe with the shullet, a trendy haircut to try if you're not ready to commit to a mullet.

Dolly Parton wasn't afraid to switch up her look. While the country star is best known for her big hair and bold outfits, Dolly Parton's iconic style evolution over the years shows that she embraced an edgier vibe throughout the 2010s and 2020s. While attending a conference for her album "Rockstar" in 2023, Parton rocked a straight wig styled into a half up, half down look. This hairstyle is easy to achieve at home and works on a variety of hair texture. Extra points if you add in some wispy bangs. 

Dolly Parton's biggest hair moments weren't limited to wigs with length. She achieved amazing volume even with hair that just barely grazed her shoulders. If you have short hair, don't think that a Parton-inspired look is off the table. Like Parton's wig stylists likely did in the 1970s, you can tease the hair at the root for more volume, utilize texturizing powder or mousse for more lift, and use Velcro rollers to create defined ringlets. 

Some of Dolly Parton's best hair moments from the 1980s featured tight ringlets teased sky-high. Even if the look seems daunting to create at home, you can mimic Parton's signature glamour with a little patience (and plenty of rollers with a small diameter). However, a true '80s-inspired Parton hairstyle wouldn't be complete without a bouffant, a hairstyle that provides timeless volume. Tease and backcomb your hair at the crown of your head to create Parton-esque lift and structure.