Remember the days when hair was, well, really, really big? The 1980s, you know, ushered in a whole era of statement hair, and honestly, some of those styles are now making a serious comeback. It was a decade where hair wasn't just hair; it was a powerful declaration, a true reflection of the times.
From crimped and teased hair to afros and headbands, so many trendy styles made that decade truly unforgettable. It was a time when women's hairstyles drew massive inspiration from punk, rock, and metal music trends, along with a huge explosion of TV series that shaped our styling tastes, apparently. You could say it was a vibrant period for personal expression.
Whether your hair is short or long, we have the best 80s hairstyles for women to give you all the big hair inspiration you could possibly need. As a quirky stylist who lived through it all, let me take you on a little journey through some unforgettable '80s hairstyles that will make you want to crimp, tease, and rock your way to some amazing looks today. It's almost like a trip down memory lane, but with fresh ideas.
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The Reasons Behind the Big Hair Craze
The 1980s were a fascinating time for fashion and beauty, you know. Women's hairstyles were really influenced by so many different trends, including the rise of power suits, popular primetime dramas, and a truly explosive musical culture. The majority of hairstyles during this era, in fact, emphasized significant volume and a bold, often very dramatic, silhouette.
It was all about making a statement, a bit like wearing your personality on your head. From curly hair to mullets to crimped looks, whatever was big, fluffy, or loaded with hairspray was definitely in. Looking at the sheer volume here, it’s clear that subtle was not the goal, which is pretty fun, actually.
Plenty of hairspray was involved, and that's not an exaggeration, by the way. Achieving those gravity-defying styles often meant using an entire can of product, or so it seemed. This dedication to volume really defined the decade's hair aesthetic, making it incredibly memorable and, well, quite iconic.
Iconic 80s Hairstyles Making a Comeback
Get ready to turn back time and embrace the vibrant spirit of the 1980s, because these styles are enjoying a resurgence of popularity. Today, many of these iconic styles are making a comeback, and fashion enthusiasts are embracing them with open arms, which is rather exciting, isn't it?
Crimped Hair: The Ultimate Texture Statement
Crimped hair was, like, everywhere in the '80s. It gave your hair this amazing, zig-zag texture that was just so unique and playful. From crimped and teased hair to afros and headbands, this particular style really stood out and made a big impact.
Whether you had long crimped locks or just a few sections, it was a way to add instant volume and a very distinct look. It was, arguably, one of the most recognizable textures of the decade, making any hairstyle feel a bit more adventurous. You could say it was a staple for many, many women.
Today, crimped hair is back, but often with a modern and more wearable interpretation. You might see subtle crimps, or just a few strands to add interest, rather than an entire head of it. It’s a great way to explore bold and vibrant hair trends of the ’80s without going full retro, you know?
The Power of the Perm: Wild and Curly
The perm was, without a doubt, a cornerstone of 80s hairstyles for women. It was all about creating big curls or wild perms that added incredible volume and bounce. People really embraced the idea of permanent waves, which is what "perm" means, after all.
From permed hair to shag cuts, the perm offered a way to achieve that sought-after fluffy, voluminous look that was so popular. It was a commitment, for sure, but it gave you that constant, ready-to-go big hair, which was, like, super convenient for the time.
Interestingly, classics like a perm are definitely coming back in 2022, but with new techniques that make them softer and more natural-looking. You can find your perfect retro hair look with a modern perm, perhaps, giving you that wild curl without the stiffness of yesteryear. It’s a pretty cool way to get instant texture.
The Mullet: A Bold and Edgy Look
The mullet, oh, the mullet! This style was truly a statement, offering a bold and edgy look while maintaining that quintessential ‘80s style. It was business in the front, party in the back, and it was embraced by so many, from celebrities to everyday folks, apparently.
Originally seen as a bit rebellious, the mullet for women often featured shorter layers around the face and crown, with longer hair cascading down the back. It was a very distinct shape that really stood out in a crowd, you know?
And guess what? The mullet is making a comeback! Hairstylists share that the 80s mullet is trending now, but with a more refined and chic feel. It’s a testament to how these iconic styles can truly evolve and find new life, offering a unique blend of past and present.
Shag Cuts and Layered Looks
Shag cuts were another fantastic way to achieve that voluminous, fluffed hair with layers that moved beautifully. These cuts gave you a bold and edgy look, much like the mullet, but often with a softer, more playful feel. It was all about movement, basically.
These layered styles were incredibly versatile, working for various hair lengths and textures. They allowed for plenty of teasing and volume at the crown, which was, like, a key element of the 80s aesthetic. You could really play with the shape, too.
Today, shag cuts are super popular again, offering a modern take on that layered volume. They are a great choice for women looking to incorporate that '80s style statement without feeling too dated, perhaps with a bit less hairspray than before. They just look so effortlessly cool.
Voluminous Curls and Big Blowouts
When we talk about 80s hairstyles women, we absolutely have to talk about big hair. This meant everything from fluffed hair with voluminous curls to truly enormous blowouts. The goal was always maximum impact, you know?
Achieving these big, voluminous curls often involved rollers, hot tools, and, as we’ve mentioned, plenty of hairspray. It was a meticulous process, but the result was a head of hair that commanded attention, which was the whole point, actually.
Today, the spirit of big hair lives on, but with a softer touch. Think big, bouncy blowouts that are full of life but still feel natural. Whether your hair is short or long, we have the best 80s hairstyles for women to give you all the big hair inspiration that you need, perhaps with a modern twist.
Afros and Natural Volume
The 80s also saw the continued popularity of afros, celebrating natural volume and texture in a truly magnificent way. These styles were all about embracing the hair’s inherent beauty and creating a bold, rounded silhouette. They were, in a way, a powerful statement.
From afros to mullets, the decade was wonderfully diverse in its hair trends, showcasing a wide range of styles that emphasized self-expression. An afro, with its impressive volume, fit perfectly into the "big hair" trend of the era, you know?
For those with naturally curly or coily hair, the afro remains a timeless and incredibly stylish option, often with a more defined shape today. It’s a celebration of natural beauty and volume that echoes the bold spirit of the 80s, which is pretty fantastic.
Feathered Hair: Soft and Sweeping
Feathered hair was another key look, offering a softer, more windswept approach to volume. This style involved layers that were cut and styled to sweep back from the face, creating a light, airy, and very flattering frame. It was, in some respects, quite elegant.
Explore the bold and vibrant hair trends of the ’80s, from big hair to crimped hair, and feathered hair definitely fits right in. It was less about wild curls and more about smooth, outward-flicked layers that gave a sense of movement and grace, you know?
While perhaps not as overtly "big" as some other styles, feathered hair still contributed to the overall voluminous aesthetic of the decade. It’s a classic that can be easily adapted today for a touch of retro charm, perhaps with a modern blow dryer technique.
Shorter Styles with an 80s Twist
Not all 80s hairstyles for women were about extreme length, by the way. The decade also embraced shorter, edgier cuts that still packed a punch when it came to style and attitude. These looks proved that you didn't need long hair to make a statement, which is pretty cool.
The Pixie Cut: Bold and Chic
The pixie cut, while not exclusive to the 80s, certainly found its place with an edgy, often voluminous interpretation. From mullets to pixies, the decade showed a real appreciation for diverse hair lengths and styles. It was about making a bold statement, even with short hair, you know?
An 80s pixie might feature more layers, a bit of teasing for height, or even some spiky bits for an extra dose of punk-rock attitude. It was a way to be bold and chic, showcasing your facial features while still having that unmistakable 80s flair. It really was quite versatile.
Today, the pixie cut remains a popular choice, and you can easily give it an 80s twist with some added texture or a slightly more dramatic fringe. It’s a timeless cut that can always be updated to reflect different eras, which is pretty neat, actually.
Modern Bowl Cuts: A Quirky Update
Yes, even the bowl cut got an 80s makeover, often appearing with softer edges or more pronounced layers to give it that signature volume. Hairstylists share that the modern bowl cut is trending now, which is a bit surprising, but also kind of fun, you know?
The 80s version might have been styled with a lot of product to keep its shape, giving it a somewhat architectural feel. It was a quirky choice, perhaps, but it definitely stood out and contributed to the diverse range of styles seen during that time.
Today’s modern bowl cut is usually softer, with more movement and less rigidity. It’s a great example of how 1980s hairstyles are back but with a modern and more wearable interpretation, making them accessible for today's fashion enthusiasts. It's almost like a gentle nod to the past.
Accessories and Details That Made the Look
Beyond the cuts and perms, the 80s was also a decade of fantastic hair accessories and styling details that truly completed the look. These small touches, you know, often made a big difference in how a style was perceived.
Curly Bangs and Fringe
Curly bangs were a huge trend, especially with permed or naturally curly hair. They added a playful, voluminous frame to the face, often styled to be quite full and bouncy. Discover the best 80s hairstyles for women, and curly bangs definitely make the list, for sure.
Whether it was a full, curly fringe or just a few wispy tendrils around the forehead, these bangs contributed to the overall soft yet voluminous aesthetic. They really highlighted the eyes and added a youthful touch, which was pretty charming.
Today, curly bangs are having a moment again, often paired with longer, layered hair for a softer, more romantic vibe. They’re a great way to incorporate a touch of 80s flair without committing to a full perm, perhaps. It’s a simple change that makes a big impact.
Headbands and Scrunchies
Accessories were absolutely essential in the 80s, and headbands and scrunchies were at the top of the list. Headbands, often wide and colorful, were used to push back big hair, or to add a sporty touch, as seen in many fitness videos of the time, you know?
Scrunchies, on the other hand, were revolutionary for ponytails and updos. Learn how to recreate the most iconic '80s hairstyles, from scrunchies and perms to crimps and big blowouts, and you’ll see how central these fabric hair ties were. They were so practical, and also stylish, in a way.
Both headbands and scrunchies have made a huge comeback in recent years, proving that 80s fashion truly has staying power. They’re an easy and fun way to add a retro touch to your current look, perhaps in a more subtle fabric or color. You can find them almost everywhere now.
Hot Hues and Bold Colors
The 80s weren't just about volume; they were also about color! From big, voluminous curls to edgy pixie cuts and colorful highlights, 80s hairstyles were all about self-expression through vibrant hues. Think bright reds, electric blues, and even shocking pinks, you know?
These hot hues were often applied as streaks, chunky highlights, or even full-head dyes, reflecting the punk and new wave influences of the time. It was a bold way to personalize your look and stand out from the crowd, which was very much the spirit of the decade.
While today’s color trends might lean towards pastels or more natural balayage, the spirit of bold color from the 80s still inspires. You might see a pop of bright color in an unexpected place, or a more vibrant take on a classic shade, perhaps. It’s a fun way to experiment.
The High Ponytail: Sporty and Stylish
The high ponytail was a quintessential 80s look, often worn to the side and secured with a scrunchie. It was sporty, chic, and perfectly captured the energetic vibe of the decade, you know? Hairstylists share that the high ponytail is trending now, which is pretty cool.
This style was all about showing off your big hair, pulling it up high on the crown to emphasize volume and length. It was simple, yet incredibly effective for creating a dynamic and playful look, perfect for aerobics classes or just hanging out, actually.
Today’s high ponytail often features a bit more polish, perhaps with wrapped hair around the base instead of a scrunchie, but the spirit of that elevated, voluminous pony remains. It’s a timeless way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking stylish, you know?
How to Recreate and Update 80s Hairstyles Today
The good news is that you don't need a time machine to rock these awesome 80s hairstyles for women. Many of
