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Between those pencil-thin brows, the classic ’90s smudged liner, and the iconic “Baywatch” suit, it’s impossible to choose just one look that defines Pamela Anderson. But, if we had to choose, we’d go with that sexy updo. You know the one: Messy curls piled high on her crown, tendrils tumbling down, piece-y bangs perfectly undone.
It’s equal parts glam and grunge, undone and effortless. She’s even confessed to using a G-string to tie back her iconic locks. Whether she was serious or not, the point is that this hairdo is just dripping with sex appeal—and begging to be recreated. For tips on how to get “The Pam,” we tapped pro hairstylists Gina Rivera and Clayton Hawkins. Plus, we’ve included some of our favorite modern interpretations of the look for inspiration.
Keep scrolling to learn the secrets of achieving the Pamela Anderson hair of your dreams.
What It Is
Anderson’s signature messy updo is so iconic, she resurrected it for the premiere of her Netflix documentary “Pamela: A Love Story.”
Axelle/Bauer/Griffin/Getty Images
The hairstyle itself is nothing too complicated: a messy, piled-on bun with sweeping side bangs and face-framing pieces—emphasis on the word messy. “After a decade dominated by beach waves and snatched ponytails, her voluminous brushed-out updo is a breath of fresh air,” Hawkins says. “I would describe this look as sexy and effortless. The kind of updo that could be let down—in slow motion, of course—with one pin.”
Our Favorite Pamela Anderson-Inspired Styles
Looking for inspiration for your own Pamela-inspired ‘do? We’ve got you covered. Scroll on for nine of our favorite takes on the look.
How to Get Pamela Anderson Hair
Rivera calls the hairstyle fun, edgy, and easy to replicate without a whole lot of effort. “Any hair type can create this style,” she says. “The trick is to not overthink it. The messier, the better.”
Volume is the key here—so slippery, clean hair is not your friend with this style. If you can, opt for second or third-day hair. Either way, don’t be afraid to overload on the texturing spray, Hawkins says. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to get the look:
- Apply a generous amount of volumizing spray or mousse to the roots to give the hair some body. Hawkins suggests using the SexyHair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse. Pro tip: Rivera suggests mixing some gel with the mousse to add some more grit and texture to the hair. Apply a heat protectant of your choice.
- Begin to blow-dry the hair, focusing on the bangs and any face-framing pieces you plan to leave out. Rivera suggests using a round brush to create some real volume. Roughly blow-dry the rest of your hair.
- Next, it’s time to “bake” the hair, as Hawkins says. “I would invest in a classic hot roller set,” he shares. Trust me: [It’s] the era of hot rollers.” If you don’t have any, he suggests using a curling iron with a larger barrel.
- Once the hair in the rollers is cool to the touch, remove the rollers and gently use your fingers to rake through the curls.
- Grab your texturizing spray and get to work. Rivera is a fan of Moroccanoil’s Texture Spray. You want to add a very generous amount to really get some grit in the hair—this isn’t a smooth, neat style, Hawkins says.
- Now, there are two ways to approach the bun itself. Hawkins suggests twisting the back of the hair up from the bottom, throwing it into a loose and messy French twist, and setting it with a few jumbo hairpins coated with hairspray. Meanwhile, Rivera’s go-to method is pulling hair back into a ponytail, wrapping it around into a loose bun with the ends left out, and setting it into place with a hair tie. Both options work effectively; it’s simply down to personal preference.
- Zhush your hair a bit—you can pull out a few more choice pieces or use a curling iron to curl the ends. Remember: The more effortless-looking, the better.
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