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Dianne selfie with sparkly backdrop© Instagram

Dianne Buswell's surprising Strictly hair transformation turned countless heads

HELLO! got behind-the-scenes insights from Strictly's hair designer

Katie Daly
Lifestyle Writer
November 9, 2024
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Dianne Buswell's ruby red locks have become her trademark during her seven years on Strictly Come Dancing but in an exclusive interview with HELLO!, the BBC show's hair designer Lisa Davey revealed that it was one of the pro dancer's most unexpected hairdos that turned the most heads.

"She was Baby from Dirty Dancing," the hair stylist tells us, remembering the hair look created for Dianne's salsa to '(I've Had) The Time of My Life' with her celebrity partner Bobby Brazier last season.

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Dianne Buswell shows off incredible hair transformation
Dianne dressed as baby from dirty dancing© Instagram
Lisa turned Dianne into Baby and fans couldn't believe their eyes

The Australian dancer was almost unrecognisable as her crimson locks were hidden under a mass of brunette chin-length curls - uber retro!

Dianne Buswell lifted up on dance floor by bobby brazier© Guy Levy/BBC

"It was the very last minute because the [original] wig wasn't very good," Lisa recalls. "I stepped in and pulled this wig out…and she looked incredible. It was so weird because obviously it's her natural colour.

Dianne dancing as Baby Houseman with bobby brazier© Guy Levy

"Her eyes really popped and the amount of comments we had on social media about her in that look, I would say that was my favourite."

Dianne's trademark look

Several dancers and celebrities© David Fisher/Shutterstock
Dianne's hair helps her to stand out

Though Dianne has rocked a number of different hairstyles and wigs in the BBC ballroom since her debut in 2017, it is the star's statement red colour, which she personally colours at home, that remains her staple - Lisa shares why. 

Aliona Vilani and Jared Murillo in strictly outfits© Getty
Aliona Vilani had red hair on Strictly in 2010

"It makes her stand out and there's not anybody else with that hair colour," the pro stylist tells us. "Back in the day, we had Aliona [Vilani]...But I think the red may have been a decision where [Dianne] came into a show where everybody had brown hair or blonde hair and she stood out, and everybody knows her for her hair."

Dianne buswell selfie with amy dowden with hair up© Instagram
Dianne rock updos as well as Hollywood waves

Though the dancer cum trained hairdresser is adventurous with her shiny tresses (both orange and pink have been in her recent repertoire), Lisa assures us that Dianne is unlikely to say goodbye to her iconic red look any time soon.

Dianne buswell with Hollywood waves© Lisa Davey
Lisa says Dianne's Hollywood waves are their favourite

So far this season, the ballroom and Latin star has rocked Hollywood waves, which Lisa says are Dianne's favourite, in the Foxtrot with her celebrity partner Chris McCausland, through to the sleekest low bun for a pro routine to mark Amy Dowden's highly-anticipated return to the ballroom.

Lisa davey doing sarah hadland's hair backstage at strictly © Lisa Davey
Lisa getting to work behind the scenes

A major confidence booster

From pro dancers with years in the game to celebrity novices, Lisa says great hair gives performers a serious boost of confidence - something she witnesses live in action during the stars' hour in the hair chair on a Saturday.

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell© Guy Levy/BBC
Great hair gives Strictly stars a boost

"Some [dancers] come in and they are ready for anything. But with other people, it takes me some time to break them down and make them feel comfortable," Lisa explains.

couple dancing waltz on stage© Guy Levy/BBC
Dianne gets into character on the dance floor with the help of the amazing hair and makeup team

DISCOVER: Dianne Buswell looks so different with incredible vintage hair transformation 

"It's a process, and it's so important because it's a safety blanket - it can make you feel super confident. I always tell people to try and remember that you're out there playing a character. If you're that character, you'll feel more confident."

What is in Lisa Davey's Strictly hair kit?

  • Heated electricals like curling tongs
  • Hairspray, and loads of it
  • Hairpins for a Tango-proof look
  • Texture spray for extra grip
  • Shine spray for a healthy sheen
  • Root powder to create a scaffold in the hair

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