17 of the Most Iconic Hairstyles of the 1980s | 80s baby (2024)

The 1980s were a time of cool fashion trends, from bold clothing styles to statement-making makeup looks. Whether worn short or long, sleek or textured, tousled or teased, the 1980s were defined by an endless array of eye-catching and unforgettable hair trends. Perhaps no other style element was as notorious during this decade as the many iconic hairstyles that emerged during this period. Let’s learn about some of the most iconic 80s hairstyles.

1. The Perm:

One of the most popular hairstyles of the 1980s, the perm involved chemically treating the hair to achieve long-lasting curls or waves. This style was often worn with bangs and could be styled in various ways, making it a versatile option for those looking to change their look.

2. The Mullet:

This now-infamous hairstyle was characterized by short hair on the sides and back, with long hair in the front. Often considered a asymmetrical cut of the 1980s, the mullet could be styled in many different ways and was worn by both men and women.

3. Big Hair:

Big hair was all the rage in the 1980s, with women pulling out all the stops to achieve voluminous styles with plenty of teased layers. This style was often paired with bold makeup looks and bright clothing, making it a true 1980s fashion staple.

4. The Bowl Cut:

Another popular 1980s hairstyle, the bowl cut, involved cutting short bangs that framed the face and then progressively shortening the hair in length towards the back. This look was typically worn by both men and women, though it is perhaps best remembered for its association with 1980s-era pop icon Madonna.

5. The Side Ponytail:

A fun and flirty 1980s hairstyle option, the side pony involves gathering all of your hair to one side and securing it into a high or low ponytail. You could wear this style with various accessories, ranging from scrunchies to ribbons and bows, making it a versatile choice for 1980s fashion lovers.

6. Crimped Hair:

Crimped hair was achieved by using a special crimping iron to create small, tight waves all over the head. This 1980s hairstyle was a popular choice for casual and formal occasions and could be worn loose or in a high ponytail.

7. Fluffy Hair:

Another iconic 1980s hairstyle, fluffy hair, involved teasing the hair to create a voluminous and textured look. This style could be worn straight or curled and was often paired with bright makeup looks and colorful clothing for an instantly recognizable 1980s aesthetic. Whether you were a fan of big hair or prefer more understated styles, there is no denying that the 1980s were a decade of unforgettable and trendsetting hairstyles.

8. Teased Bangs:

This 1980s hairstyle involved teasing the hair on the top of the head to create a voluminous, puffy look. Bangs were often worn short and straight or long and side-swept, and worn could wear this style with or without glasses for a variety of different looks.

9. The Jheri Curl:

This 1980s hairstyle was achieved using a special chemical treatment to create long-lasting curls. The Jheri curl was a popular choice for African American men and women and could be worn in various styles.

10. The Farrah Fawcett:

This 1980s hairstyle featured long, feathered layers that framed the face. The Farrah Fawcett was a popular choice for casual and formal occasions and could be worn with or without bangs. And it was huge thanks to this actress Farrah Fawcett wearing it in many of her movies.

11. Ducktail Hairstyle:

Men often wore this 1980s hairstyle and involved combing the hair back and sides to create a “ducktail” shape. This look could be achieved with or without product, making it a versatile choice for those looking to change up their style.

12. Poodle Curls:

This 1980s hairstyle was curling the hair into tight, small ringlets. Poodle curls were often worn with bangs and could be styled in various ways, making them popular for those looking to change their look.

13. The Rat Tail:

This 1980s hairstyle involved growing the hair on the back of the head and then braiding it or combing it into a long, thin tail. The rat tail was often considered a rebellious hairstyle choice and worn by punk rockers and metalheads.

14. 1980s Mohawk:

This 1980s hairstyle was often associated with the punk rock subculture and involved shaving the sides of the head while leaving a strip of longer hair down the middle. This 1980s hairstyle could be worn in different ways for various looks and was one of the decade’s most popular trends. Whether you were a fan of big hair or prefer more understated styles, there is no denying that the 1980s were a decade of unforgettable and trendsetting hairstyles.

15. long hair with bangs:

This 1980s hairstyle involved girls growing the hair long and then curling it or straightening it for a sleek look.

16. Hair bands hair:

Hairbands were a popular trend in the 1980s and often featured men with long, teased hair paired with heavy metal makeup. This 1980s hairstyle was closely associated with the 1980s hard rock music scene and remains iconic today.

17. Hair spray hair:

Hairspray was a 1980s hairstyling staple and was often used to achieve big volume and voluminous hair. This 1980s hairstyle could be worn in various styles and was often paired with bright makeup and colorful clothing for an instantly recognizable 1980s look.

My top four 1980s styles

17 of the Most Iconic Hairstyles of the 1980s | 80s baby (2024)

FAQs

What was the most popular hairstyle in the 1980s? ›

Hairstyles in the 1980s included the mullet, tall mohawk hairstyles, jheri curls, flattops, and hi-top fades, which became popular styles. Amongst women, large hair-dos, puffed-up styles, permanent waves, and softer cuts typified the decade.

How did girls in the 80s curl their hair? ›

They also used a lot of hot rollers with the u shaped metal hair clips. Back in the 80s you couldn't really find super large hot rollers, which was a common problem. There were also steam hair rollers which worked a lot like hot electric rollers, but created a softer curl.

Why was 80s hair so big? ›

The era of big hair wasn't just a cosmetic trend; it symbolized a cultural shift. It challenged traditional beauty standards, promoting the idea that beauty could come in various forms. The confidence and audacity associated with big hair became part of a broader movement toward self-expression in fashion.

Who wore big hair in the 80s? ›

In the mid-1980s, rising pop star Madonna sported big hair when photographed by Francesco Scavullo for Time. Soon, many women emulated her look, making her one of the most iconic celebrities in 1980s fashion.

What were 80s female hairstyles called? ›

Shag Haircut

One of the most notable haircuts of the '80s, the shag cut, features choppy ends and layers for a style that offers tons of body and movement. The best part about this style's renaissance is that it can be worn on almost every hair texture and length for a super flattering look.

Who had the best hair in the 80s? ›

Big, fluffy, bouncy hair is so '80s. Think Farrah Fawcett with her famous feathered flips, Cindy Crawford's big, bouncy curls, and Pamela Anderson's signature bombshell blowout. Their hair was the envy of, well, everyone. And, honestly, still is.

How do I get 80s volume in my hair? ›

Getting great 80s curls involves boosting volume, which you can do by blow-drying your roots with a diffuser and teasing your hair. The style works best on hair that is at least shoulder-length. To create bouncy, lasting curls, start with clean hair and allow the curls to set properly.

Were side ponytails in in the 80s? ›

One of the key 80s hairstyles that continues to impress is the side ponytail.

Is 80s hair coming back 2024? ›

A trend I see continuing into 2024 that borrows inspiration from the '80s is embracing natural texture and going big with your hair.

What color lipstick did they wear in the 80's? ›

The '80s makeup trends were all about color; bright pink lipstick, blue eyeshadow and colored mascara in electric shades like purple, blue and green.

Were headbands popular in the 80s? ›

The 80s were all about big accessories and volume hair, of course! And the headband was one of the most trendy ways for women to keep their hair out of their faces. Headbands were either worn on the forehead or around the head and can be paired up with any outfit.

Did girls in the 80s shave? ›

For many years, people never cared about shaving their pubic hair until the birth of bikini in 1946. Between the 1960s and 1970s, trimming took a different twist, and women were discouraged from trimming. In the 1980s, they were now encouraged on trimming and even to do a thorough shave.

Is crimped hair 80s? ›

Crimping your style

This style ran well into the 90's. Hair crimping was a long, tedious procedure where we would take a crimping iron (resembling and mixture of a hair straightener and a George Foreman grill) to create zigzag patterns in our hair. Love it or hate it, crimping was a big one!

Will 80s hair ever come back? ›

But with no fewer than four major celebrities stepping out with hair unmistakably inspired by the decade of excess in recent days, we're calling it: '80s hair is well and truly back. Notable for its volume and fluffy finish, '80s hair is big and brushed-out.

What does the 80s hair look like? ›

Notable for its volume and fluffy finish, '80s hair is big and brushed-out. Back then, hairspray was an essential, with many misting their manes into rigid shapes that felt crispy and stiff due to the old-school formulations.

What is a typical 80s outfit? ›

Just think about it: The '80s brought us fishnets and leg warmers, served up electric colorways and the naked dress, made a case for leggings-as-pants, and inserted shoulder pads into any blazer and blouse that designers would allow.

What is the most famous hairstyle ever? ›

Check out history's most famous hairstyles:
  • Cleopatra's Gilded Braids. Alamy. ...
  • Angela Davis' Afro. ...
  • Queen Elizabeth I's Crimson Curls. ...
  • Mary Todd Lincoln's Flower Crown. ...
  • Marilyn Monroe's Cropped Glamour Waves. ...
  • Princess Diana's Cropped Feathered 'Do. ...
  • Buddha's Spiral Curls. ...
  • Frieda Kahlo's Milkmaid Braids And Flower Crown.
Oct 31, 2014

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