The 1980s were an era of bold fashion, and hairstyles were not left behind, as they provided a breakthrough to the less daring styles of earlier decades. The emergence of daring, cool, and voluminous haircuts put hair fashion under a sweeping change in which individuals adopted bold hair fashions that were also expressive. Hairstyles in general, especially, became popular during this period, with people opting to have cuts that were fun and fierce. Layers, volume, and texture with the flashy colors or perms were the features of these styles as they represented the active and defiant spirit of the time. Being a tribute to pop stars or rock icons, the short hairstyles of the 80s gave an unlimited opportunity to express oneself and experiment with style.
80s Short Hairstyles
Hairstyles of the 80s were very bold and full-bodied, and made up of edgy cuts and plenty of texture. Layers, curls, and spiky fashions were popularized by such icons as Madonna and Joan Jett. The short hairstyles of the decade are still the fashion symbol of fun and rebelliousness.
The Lob (Long Bob)
The lob or long bob is a popular short hairstyle that has been trending in the 80s among those who desire a less dramatic version of shorter hairstyles. The hair was usually of a length somewhat above the shoulder, and with soft, layered edges. The lob was very versatile, with lots of opportunity to be dressed up or down, and had a certain amount of curl or wave. It has since become one of the clothing items that women can resort to when they aspire to appear stylish but not overly put together, with celebrities like Kim Basinger being seen on screen in the cut.
The Boy Cut
The boy cut was a fashionable 80s short hairstyle, which provided a smock, clean, and androgynous appearance. It also had a short, cropped form that could be turned flat to the head or with volume added to it to have a more dramatic effect. The boy cut was popular with straight or slightly combed hair and was commonly used due to its simplicity and easy care. This appearance was adopted by many celebrities and was given a new, young twist that appealed to the spirit of the then-popular trends in fashion.
The Shag Cut
The shag cut was popular in the 80s, and it has a textured and layered look. This hairstyle had disheveled strands which gave it a dishearten appearance, but a fashionable one. It was a great fit with the bold fashion trends of the day, as the shag was usually cut into curls or waves to add volume and depth. It was a flexible hairstyle that could be worn in a relaxed or a stylish outfit, and it was a hit among rock musicians and celebrities who wanted to have a carefree and edgy attitude.
The Pixie Cut
Pixie cut re-emerged in the 80s, but it was more dynamic and edgy in a modern twist. There were short, t-stumpy layers and heavy volumes to provide this classic cut with an energetic touch of boldness and playfulness. Even the pixie was given some gel or mousse in order to make it more textured and add more definition. This appearance became a lastin’80s0s fashion symbol thanks to the efforts of celebrities such as Mia Farrow and Winona Ryder.
The Mullet Haircut
The slogan of the mul, which had become the most daring 80s short hairstyles, became business in the front, party in the back. In this cut, the front hair was layered in short and tapered cuts, and the hair at the back was long and flowing. The mullet was a popular garment worn both by men and women and was particularly popular in the rock and country music scenes. The mullet was an unconventional cut of hair; its rock-and-roll nature and its defiant look made it one of the hairstyles of the 1980s.
The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut was a goofy and geometric type of hairstyle, which became popular in the 80s. It was commonly worn with straight hair that framed the face and was characterized by its bowl-like shape, which was round. This cut was frequently made in a low-profile style and a clean and sharp appearance that was popular among both children and adults. Bowl cut found its way to the punk culture and the preppy culture, indicating its cutting across various fashion factions.
The Curly Crop
Curly crop was an easy-going and playful short hairstyle that was full of natural curls, layers, and volume. Perms were in the 80s, and this cut was doing well with the trend at that time since it gave the hair a full and voluminous look. The twisted hair was not difficult to care for; only some mousse or curl cream was needed to ensure the texture. It was a dependable haircut among the people who wished to have a low-maintenance haircut that would match their natural curly hairstyle.
The Flat Top Cut
The hairstyle was the flat top that was characteristic of the 80s, especially among African Americans. This hair was cut in a short style on the sides of the head and long on the top of the head, and was used in a flat style. The top was frequently made in the shape of a rectangle or bows, and it was very bold and fashionable. The flat top gained fame among hip-hop artists and sportsmen as a symbol of the 80s street style and urban fashion.
The Afro Puff
The afro puff was a fun, full-bodied style that embraced the natural texture but used more volume as the focal point. Although the all-around afro was a style to follow, some people wanted to have a more manageable one, and it was to bring all the hair together at the top of the head in the form of a puff. This fashion placed special emphasis on the natural beauty of hair with texture and made a strong impression. The afro puff was a symbol of empowerment and individuality in the 80s, as worn by such stars as Diana Ross and Janet Jackson.
The Finger Waves
The finger wave was a fashionable short hairstyle that gained popularity in the late 80s, and was based on 1920s fashion with a new touch. The hair was designed in smooth and S-shaped waves, which were usually implemented with a comb and setting lotion to enhance. It was a night style or more sophisticated style of hairstyle, which provided a retroish and sophisticated appeal. Shorter cuts were commonly teamed with the finger wave, which appeared timeless and classy, with an 80s twist.
How to Style 80s Short Hairstyles?
The aesthetic of 80s short hairstyles is that of tall-encompassing volume and texture, and not being shy. The period was characterized by large hair, and to have such styles, several tools, products, and techniques are essential to have the perfect 80s look. The spiky pixie iconic depiction can be transformed into the full-bodied sha, and there are different ways to make that 80s look iconic and with a contemporary touch. You want to sport with curls or spikes, but wherever you are, this is how you can do it on your short hairstyle of the 80s.
Tools and Products Essential for 80s-Inspired Looks
To achieve a perfect recreation of 80s short hairstyles, you will need proper tools and products to add texture, hold, and volume:
- Curling Iron: This is necessary for creating curls and waves. A curling iron will assist you in creating that bouncy look that was synonymous with 80s fashion because of big and voluminous curls.
- Mousse: A root volume mousse is a product to add some volume at the roots to make your hair look big and bold, just as it did in the 80s. Apply it to the wet strands of hair and then use it to style it so that it has maximum volume.
- Gel: Gel is needed to smooth and create spiky textures. It can be used to hold hair and also to give your short hairstyle a shiny, cut appearance.
- Hairspray: Hairspray helps to secure your style. The best way to keep the volume and hold of your 80s-inspired cut is to spray heavily to keep everything in place throughout the day.
- Round Brush: A Round brush is added to add volume, especially at the roots. It works well to produce that lifted and rounded feeling of the 80s short fashion.
- Diffuser: This type of blow dryer is used in conjunction with a diffuser and is specifically effective in the case of curly/wavy hair of the 80s, to add volume and texture.
Step-by-Step Styling Tips for Creating Volume
- Start with Clean, Damp Hair – Start by washing and styling your hair using volumizing gel. Blot your hair with a towel to dry off all the water.
- Apply Volumizing Mousse- As soon as your hair is wet, place a lot of mousse on the roots as well as the length of your hair. This will add volume and volume to bring the big volume that was the main focus of 80s hair styles.
- Use a Round Brush to Dry- Blow-dry the hair with a round brush. Also, concentrate on the uplifting of the roots as they dry up, a little bit of curling of the ends of your hair to create volume and form. To add volume, tilt your head in an upside-down position during drying to help create volume.
- Curl or Wave the Hair- After you have dried your hair, take a curling iron and add some waves or curls to your ends. To make it look even bolder in the 80s, you can make some small spirals of hair that you can loosen with your fingers to make it look more voluminous.
- Add Gel or Mousse to add texture.- To make it more texturized, rub a little gel on the ends of your hair. To achieve a sharper, more defined set of textures, you can smear the gel between your fingers and pull clumps of your hair upwards to form spikes or a messy appearance.
- Finish with Hairspray- To fix the style, sprinkle your hair with a lot of strong-hold hairspray. This will make your 80s-inspired look voluminous and groomed all day long.
Ideas for Adding Texture and Defining Curls
- Tousle to a Sloppy Appeal: To get a more care-free, rockstar feel, you can use your fingers when messing up your hair after applying mousse. This makes it an untidy, big-bodied appearance with the spirit of the rebellious 80s.
- Define Curls: To have defined curls, curl your hair with a curling iron or a flat iron in small pieces. After curling, spray the curls with a texturizing spray or mousse to give them separation and definition. A diffuser may also be applied to your blow dryer in order to add more natural curls.
- Spiky Texture: To make a punk-style 80s short hairstyle, rub some gel on wet hair and use your fingers to add textures of spikes and edginess. A hairspray that is made by a strong-hold will hold the spikes there and provide you with that fierce, rebellious look.
- Feathered Texture: This style is a more traditional 80s style where you feather your hair by curling the ends outward using a curling iron. This was a trend in most of the short styles of the 80s, including the pixie or the shag, and gives the hair a soft and flowing effect.
FAQ
1. What were the short hairstyles that were famous in the 80s?
A. The boy cut, the pixie cut, the mullet, the shag, and the flat top were also some of the popular short hairstyles of the 80s. The features of these styles included the use of boldness of volume, texture, and unusual forms that were usually accompanied by layers and curls.
2. What do I do to make my short 80s hairstyle have more volume?
A. To add volume, begin with a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray on damp hair. Blow-dry, using a round brush, curling up roots to provide a fuller effect. A curling iron or a diffuser will also help you to curl your hair or provide a natural texture.
3. What is the way to wear a pixie cut 80s?
A. To create a pixie cut 80s style, apply mousse or gel to add texture. You may use spikes to make it look more edgy, and you can also curl the hair to look voluminous. Use hairspray to fix the style, and be shiny.
4. What are the tools that I require to style the 80s short hairstyles?
A. The most important accessories in the short hairstyles of the 80s are a curling iron, a blow dryer with a diffuser, a round brush, and a strong-hold hairspray. Mousse and gel are also necessary in terms of volume and texture.
5. How might I get specified curls with a brief 80s hairstyle?
A. Defining curls: the curling iron or flat iron will be used to curl small pieces of hair that are small. Once curled, use fingers and part the curls and put a texturizing product or mousse. Natural curls can also be enhanced and volume added with a diffuser attachment.

Hi, I’m Kortnee Vancleave, a hairstylist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I’ve always had a passion for hair, which led me to pursue my education at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology, where I trained in cosmetology, barbering, styling, and nail instruction. As the proud owner of Top Knot Stylist, I’ve spent years perfecting my craft and sharing my love for hair with clients.
I created my website as a resource to inspire both women and men with fresh, creative hairstyle ideas. Whether you’re looking for classic cuts or bold transformations, I’m here to help you find your next look!











