The 1980s was a decade that celebrated bold fashion choices, eccentric styles, and a fearless approach to self-expression. This cultural shift was reflected in the hairstyles of the era. From vibrant neon colors to oversized accessories, everything was bigger and brighter. But nothing captured the essence of this era quite like its hairstyles. Women embraced voluminous curls, gravity-defying structures, and eye-catching accessories that made their hair the ultimate fashion statement. As we reminisce about this iconic decade, let’s take a journey through some of the most memorable and unique hairstyles that defined the 80s and continue to inspire modern trends.
The Era of Unique and Beautiful Hairstyles in the 80s
The 80s were a time of breaking the mould and redefining beauty standards. Women embraced audacious hairstyles, turning their hair into a canvas for creativity and self-expression. Whether it was crimped, teased, or adorned with colourful scrunchies, each hairstyle was a unique story of individuality and rebellion. These bold styles weren’t just about aesthetics; they symbolized a cultural shift towards embracing one’s unique identity and challenging societal norms. From the punk rock scenes to the pop culture icons, the hairstyles of the 80s were a celebration of diversity and innovation, inspiring us to embrace our own unique style.
15 Different 80s Hairstyles from Across the World
·The Perm
The perm, short for permanent wave, became synonymous with the 80s. Women everywhere embraced this voluminous, curly look, which required a chemical treatment to achieve. This hairstyle was a favourite among celebrities like Julia Roberts and Whitney Houston, becoming a symbol of the decade’s love for big, bouncy hair. The perm’s popularity even led to a boom in home perm kits, allowing women to achieve salon-quality curls in their own bathrooms.
·Big Hair
“Go big or go home” was the mantra of the 80s, and nowhere was this more evident than in the era’s hairstyles. Big hair, characterized by teased and backcombed locks, was a statement of boldness and confidence. Icons like Dolly Parton and Joan Collins epitomized this style, proving that more prominent was indeed better. Achieving this look often required a generous amount of hairspray and a commitment to maintaining its volume throughout the day.
·The Mullet
With its distinctive “business in the front, party in the back” look, the mullet was a unisex style that took the world by storm. Popularized by musicians like David Bowie and Billy Ray Cyrus, the mullet was both edgy and practical. Its unique silhouette allowed for versatility, making it a favourite among those who wanted a daring yet manageable style. The mullet has seen a resurgence in recent years, proving its timeless appeal.
·Crimped Hair
Crimping, achieved with a special hot iron, gave the hair a zigzag, wavy, playful, and chic texture. This style was trendy among younger women and teens, often paired with vibrant accessories and bold makeup. Stars like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper rocked crimped hair, making it a staple of 80s fashion. The crimping iron became a must-have tool, and the look has made a comeback in various forms over the decades.
·Feathered Hair
Feathered hair, made famous by Farrah Fawcett, featured soft, flowing layers that framed the face. This style was both glamorous and effortless, capturing the essence of 80s femininity. Achieving the perfect feather required a skilled hand with a blow dryer and round brush, creating a voluminous and natural look. Feathered hair was a versatile style that suited a variety of face shapes and hair types, making it a widespread favourite.
·Punk Mohawk
The punk movement brought the mohawk into mainstream fashion with its shaved sides and dramatic, spiked centre. This rebellious style was often dyed in bright colours, adding to its shock value. Punk icons like Sid Vicious and bands like The Ramones embraced the mohawk, cementing its place as a symbol of counterculture. The mohawk was more than just a hairstyle; it was a statement of defiance and individuality.
·Side Ponytail
The side ponytail, often tied with a colourful scrunchie, was a fun and youthful style that became a hallmark of 80s fashion. This look was playful and easy to achieve, making it a favourite for casual outings and fitness enthusiasts alike. Celebrities like Debbie Gibson and TV characters like Punky Brewster made the side ponytail iconic. The resurgence of 80s fashion has brought the side ponytail back into the limelight, celebrated for its nostalgic charm.
·High Top Fade
The high-top fade was a defining hairstyle for African American men and women in the 1980s. Characterized by a flat top and faded sides, this look was popularized by hip-hop artists like Kid ‘n Play and athletes like Grace Jones. The high-top fade was a bold statement of cultural pride and creativity, often sculpted into intricate designs. This style continues to influence modern hair trends, celebrated for its precision and flair.
·The Shag
The shag haircut, with its choppy layers and tousled look, was a versatile style that suited various hair lengths and textures. This carefree, rocker-inspired look was popularized by icons like Joan Jett and Pat Benatar. The shag was all about embracing a messy, undone aesthetic that exuded effortless cool. Its revival in recent years highlights its enduring appeal and adaptability to contemporary trends, inviting us to experiment with our own unique interpretation of this classic style.
·Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail, achieved by tying hair at intervals to create a bubble-like effect, was a quirky and creative 80s hairstyle. This look was both playful and stylish, often accented with colourful bands. The bubble ponytail allowed for a lot of personalization, with variations in the number of bubbles and the placement of ties. This hairstyle has seen a revival in recent fashion shows, celebrated for its unique and whimsical appeal.
·The Rat Tail
The Rat Tail was a bold and controversial 80s hairstyle. It featured a long, thin section of hair left to grow at the nape of the neck while the rest was kept short. This style was popular among men and women and embraced by those who wanted to make a statement. The rat tail was often braided or adorned with beads, adding to its distinctive look. Though polarizing, the rat tail remains a memorable symbol of 80s fashion daring.
·The Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl, made famous by Michael Jackson, was a glossy, curly style that required a special treatment to achieve its signature look. This hairstyle was particularly popular among African American women, celebrated for its soft, defined curls. The Jheri curl required maintenance to keep its shine and bounce, often involving a mix of activators and moisturizers. Despite its high upkeep, the Jheri curl remains an iconic 80s hairstyle.
·Bandana and Headbands
Headbands and bandanas were essential accessories in the 80s, often used to complement various hairstyles. From the sporty look of Jane Fonda’s workout videos to the rocker chic of Axl Rose, these accessories added flair and personality. Headbands were particularly popular with teased and crimped styles, keeping hair out of the face while adding a stylish touch. The use of bandanas and headbands continues to be a popular trend, celebrated for their versatility and vintage appeal.
·Teased Bangs
Teased bangs were a staple of 80s hairstyles, adding height and volume to the front of the hair. This look was often paired with big hair or crimped styles, creating a dramatic and glamorous effect. Celebrities like Brigitte Nielsen and Lisa Lisa made teased bangs a must-have look. Achieving the perfect teased bangs required skill and a good amount of hairspray, making it a distinctive and memorable part of 80s fashion.
·Bold Hair Colors
The 80s were a time of experimentation with bold hair colours, from neon pinks and purples to bright blues and greens. Celebrities like Cyndi Lauper and Annie Lennox embraced these vibrant hues, making them a signature part of their looks. This trend was about more than just colour; it was about expressing individuality and creativity. The legacy of bold hair colours continues, inspiring countless modern dye trends and styles.
6 Ways 80s Hairstyles are Influencing Modern Hairstyles
·Volume and Texture
The 80s obsession with big hair and textured styles has made a comeback in modern hair trends. Today, we see a resurgence of voluminous blowouts and textured waves, celebrating the beauty of full-bodied hair. Techniques like backcombing and the use of volumizing products are now common, reflecting the influence of 80s styles. This emphasis on volume and texture allows for a dynamic and glamorous look that remains timeless.
·Bold Colors
The daring hair colours of the 80s have found new life in today’s fashion scene. From pastel hues to neon shades, bold hair colours are now more popular than ever, embraced by celebrities and everyday fashionistas alike. The advancement in hair dye technology has made achieving and maintaining vibrant colours easier, allowing for even more creative expression. This trend highlights the lasting impact of 80s fashion on contemporary style.
·Retro Accessories
Headbands, scrunchies, and bandanas, iconic accessories of the 80s, have made a strong comeback in modern hairstyles. These retro accessories add a nostalgic touch to contemporary looks, offering both style and functionality. Today’s fashion-forward individuals use these accessories to complement a wide range of hairstyles, from sleek ponytails to messy buns. The revival of these accessories showcases the enduring appeal of 80s fashion.
·The Modern Mullet
The mullet has seen a surprising resurgence with a modern twist. Today’s mullet features softer lines and a more blended transition between the short front and long back. This updated version has been embraced by both men and women, proving that the mullet’s versatility and boldness still resonate. Celebrities and fashion influencers have brought the modern mullet into the spotlight, celebrating its unique and edgy appeal.
·Crimped and Wavy Textures
Crimping and wavy textures, hallmarks of 80s hairstyles, are now popular again. Modern crimping irons and wavers allow for a more subtle and refined take on these textures, suitable for a variety of occasions. These styles add a playful and dynamic element to hair, reflecting the fun and creativity of the 80s. The revival of crimped and wavy textures highlights the cyclical nature of fashion trends and the lasting influence of 80s styles.
·Feathered Layers
Inspired by the iconic looks of the 80s, feathered layers have returned to the fashion scene. This style adds movement and dimension to hair, creating a soft and elegant look. Modern interpretations of feathered layers are more tailored and versatile, suitable for both casual and formal settings. The comeback of feathered layers underscores the timeless elegance and adaptability of 80s hairstyles.
Conclusion
The hairstyles of the 80s were more than just fashion statements; they were expressions of individuality, creativity, and cultural shifts. From the boldness of big hair to the rebelliousness of the punk mohawk, each style told a story of a decade that celebrated uniqueness and defiance of norms. Today, as we see the resurgence of these iconic looks, it’s clear that the influence of the 80s continues to inspire and shape modern hairstyles. Whether through the revival of retro accessories or the adaptation of vintage styles, the spirit of the 80s lives on, reminding us that fashion is a powerful form of self-expression and a reflection of our ever-evolving cultural landscape.
