The 1980s, often referred to as the “decade of excess,” saw a dramatic shift in fashion, and this boldness was reflected in the 80s hairstyles. These hairstyles were defined by exaggerated volume, texture, and eye-catching shapes, embracing a sense of freedom and individuality. The 1980s 80s Hairstyles became iconic, with big, bold looks like the voluminous curls, mullets, and perms taking center stage. Pop culture, music, and celebrities played a massive role in shaping these trends, with stars like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie influencing how people styled their hair. The era marked the rise of vibrant and expressive hairstyles, making hair an essential part of personal identity and self-expression during this time.
1980s 80s Hairstyles
1980s hairstyles were all about boldness, volume, and texture, with big, dramatic styles defining the era. From the iconic perm to the rebellious mullet, these hairstyles were influenced by pop culture, music, and celebrities. The decade embraced creativity, making hair a key part of self-expression and individuality.
Big Voluminous Curls
One of the most iconic 80s hairstyles for women was big, voluminous curls. This look was all about creating maximum volume, often achieved with a combination of curling irons, hot rollers, and lots of hairspray. The curls were bouncy and full, creating a dramatic, almost gravity-defying effect. This hairstyle was a staple for women who wanted to make a bold fashion statement, and it was embraced by celebrities like Whitney Houston and Diana Ross.
The Mullet Cut
The mullet, often dubbed “business in the front, party in the back,” was a daring and rebellious hairstyle of the 80s. With short layers in the front and long hair flowing in the back, this style quickly became associated with rock stars and counter-culture movements. Popularized by musicians and icons like Joan Jett and Billy Ray Cyrus, the mullet was a bold choice that defined the 80s as an era of individualism and boundary-pushing fashion.
The Perm
A hallmark of 80s women’s hairstyles, the perm created tight, long-lasting curls that added fullness and texture to hair. This chemical treatment became incredibly popular for giving hair that much-needed volume and a bit of bounce. Women of all hair types embraced the perm, often combining it with other trendy styles like the voluminous curls or feathered bangs. The perm became a symbol of 80s hair excess and was seen in both casual and formal settings, from everyday life to glamorous red carpet events.
Feathered Hair
Feathered hair was a soft, layered hairstyle that became iconic thanks to stars like Farrah Fawcett. This style featured layers that framed the face with gentle waves, giving the hair a light and airy look. While it was often worn with a more natural texture, the 80s version of feathered hair was larger and more voluminous. This style was perfect for those looking for a glamorous yet easy-to-maintain look that could be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Crimped Hair
Crimped hair became a fun and textured trend that captured the bold spirit of the 80s. Crimping irons were used to create zig-zag patterns in the hair, resulting in a unique, textured look that was both playful and edgy. The style was often combined with other 80s looks, such as teased and voluminous curls or worn with vibrant accessories for added flair. Crimped hair was popular for everything from casual hangouts to club nights, reflecting the carefree and experimental vibe of the decade.
High Ponytail with Teased Volume
The high ponytail with teased volume was another favorite 80s hairstyle, known for its bold, energetic look. The ponytail was often set high on the head, with teased hair adding fullness and height, creating a dramatic silhouette. This hairstyle was frequently paired with bangs or side-swept hair and was often worn with casual or sporty outfits, embodying the youthful, carefree spirit of the 80s. Celebrities like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper made this style iconic with their unique takes on the high ponytail.
Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs were a key feature in many 80s hairstyles, helping to frame the face and add drama to an otherwise simple cut. These bangs were often styled to the side, with volume and height added through teasing or curling. Whether worn with long hair or short bobs, side-swept bangs became a classic look, adding a touch of softness and femininity to the bold, structured hairstyles of the time. This style was frequently worn by stars like Brooke Shields and Debbie Gibson.
The Bob
The bob cut underwent a dramatic transformation in the 80s, becoming more angular and structured. Unlike the sleek and straight bobs of earlier decades, the 80s bob was all about volume, often styled with curls or waves to add texture. This style could be worn with bangs or without, and it was perfect for women looking for a chic, manageable cut with a bit of flair. Celebrities like Meg Ryan and Victoria Beckham embraced this style, making it one of the most enduring trends of the decade.
Shag Haircut
The shag haircut was another popular 80s style, known for its layers and messy, carefree vibe. With hair cut in layers of varying lengths, the shag added volume and texture, creating a “lived-in” look that was both edgy and effortless. The shag cut was perfect for women who wanted a low-maintenance style that still looked fashionable. Stars like Jane Fonda and Chrissie Hynde helped popularize the shag, making it a go-to cut for women seeking something unconventional and fun.
The Flat Top
The flat top was a defining hairstyle of the 80s, particularly popular in African American culture. This high, flat style was often worn with faded sides, creating a sharp contrast between the top and the rest of the hair. The flat top was achieved through careful styling and cutting, often with the help of hair gel or mousse to keep the hair in place. This bold look became synonymous with the growing hip-hop and street culture of the time and was frequently worn by celebrities like Will Smith in his “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” days.
How to Style 1980s Hair Today?
The bold and daring hairstyles of the 1980s have made a major comeback, but with a modern twist. Today, many people are embracing the big hair, voluminous curls, and textured looks that defined the 80s, giving them a contemporary and updated feel. With the help of modern products, tools, and techniques, you can easily recreate iconic 80s styles while adding your own personal flair. Here’s how to achieve a retro 80s look with a modern edge:
- Modern Twists on 80s Volume and Texture
While the 80s were all about maximum volume, today’s approach to volume embraces controlled, yet still voluminous looks. For example, modern versions of the voluminous curls can be created with less frizz and more definition using a curling iron or wand. Adding texture through soft beachy waves or slightly tousled hair is a more refined take on the crimped and layered textures that dominated the 80s. - Use of Lightweight Styling Products
To achieve the 80s volume without it feeling too heavy or sticky, opt for lightweight, modern-day products. Mousse can be used to add volume without weighing the hair down, while texturizing sprays give a lived-in, tousled look. To avoid the heavy hairspray finish of the 80s, finish your style with a light-hold hairspray for flexibility and bounce. This allows you to recreate the bold volume of the era without the stiff, crunchy feel. - Teasing for Height with Modern Tools
Teasing was essential in the 80s to get that big, sky-high hair. Today, you can still tease your hair for added height, but with more precision and less damage. Use a fine-tooth comb or a teasing brush to backcomb your roots, focusing on the crown for maximum lift. A volumizing powder can also help create texture and fullness at the roots, offering a softer alternative to the excessive teasing of the past. - Modernized Mullet with a Chic Twist
The mullet, once a symbol of rebellion, has seen a return with a more polished and fashionable edge. For a modern mullet, keep the front and sides of the hair shorter, with the back longer but softer. This style can be paired with a sleek finish or textured layers, and it works well with both straight and wavy hair. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus have made the modern mullet a statement of high fashion, balancing edgy and chic. - Sleek Perms with Defined Curls
While the 80s perm was all about tight, frizzy curls, today’s perms focus on softer, more natural-looking waves and curls. Modern perms are designed to add volume and body without the harsh, overly-processed look of the past. With the use of digital perm technology, curls can be made smoother and more manageable, creating a bouncy, voluminous look that’s easier to maintain. - Embrace the Power of Accessories
Accessories were a major part of 80s hairstyles, and they’re still relevant today. Headbands, scrunchies, and barrettes are making a comeback, but with a more sophisticated twist. A velvet headband or a metal clip can add an elegant touch to a voluminous ponytail or sleek curls. You can even experiment with brightly colored or patterned accessories to make a statement, just like in the 80s, but with a modern, stylish approach. - Inspiration from Modern Celebrities
Many modern celebrities have drawn inspiration from 80s hairstyles, incorporating them into their signature looks. For example, Zendaya and Dua Lipa have been seen rocking voluminous curls or sleek, geometric bobs inspired by the 80s. Additionally, stars like Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus have embraced the mullet or choppy, textured layers, bringing the boldness of 80s hair into the present day with a more fashion-forward and polished finish.
By blending the bold volume and texture of 1980s 80s Hairstyles with modern styling techniques and products, you can achieve a fun, retro-inspired look that feels fresh and current. Whether you’re going for dramatic curls, a sleek perm, or a chic mullet, the possibilities are endless when it comes to styling 80s hair today.
FAQ
What were the most popular 1980s 80s Hairstyles for women?
The 1980s featured a variety of bold hairstyles, with some of the most popular being big voluminous curls, the perm, mullets, feathered hair, and the high ponytail. Women also embraced textured looks such as crimped hair and shag haircuts, often using teasing, curling irons, and lots of hairspray to achieve these bold styles.
How did pop culture influence 1980s 80s Hairstyles?
Pop culture played a major role in shaping 80s hairstyles. Celebrities like Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Princess Diana set the tone for fashion and hair trends. Music icons such as Michael Jackson and David Bowie also heavily influenced the dramatic looks, with musicians in hair metal bands sporting voluminous and rebellious styles that inspired fans worldwide.
How did people achieve the big, voluminous hairstyles of the 80s?
Achieving the iconic 80s volume involved a lot of teasing, curling, and the liberal use of hairspray. Teasing the hair at the roots added lift, while curling irons, hot rollers, and perms created bouncy, voluminous curls. The final touch was generous layers of hairspray to lock the style in place and keep it full throughout the day.
Why was the perm so popular in the 1980s?
The perm became a popular hairstyle in the 80s because it created long-lasting curls and volume without requiring daily styling. It was the perfect solution for women who wanted voluminous, textured hair that would last for weeks. The perm’s ability to add bounce and body made it an essential part of 80s hairstyles.
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!