The 1980s, you know, was a time when everything felt a bit bigger, a bit bolder, and certainly more colorful. It was a decade that truly expressed itself, especially when it came to how women wore their hair. From pop stars to everyday ladies, hair was a canvas for creativity and, well, volume. People really embraced looks that made a statement, and that's what we're going to explore here, you know.
If you're looking to bring some of that amazing retro flair into your own style, or perhaps just want to remember some of those truly memorable looks, you've come to the right place. We're going to uncover classic 1980s hairstyles for women, showing you what made them so popular and why they still capture our imagination today. It's almost like stepping back in time, isn't it?
Get ready to feel inspired by the decade's most talked-about hair trends. These looks, in a way, defined an era. They were about fun, freedom, and making sure you stood out in a crowd. So, let’s break it down and get a closer look at the styles that rocked the eighties.
Table of Contents
- Side Ponytail Perfection: A Playful Twist
- The Charm of Curly Bangs: Frame Your Face with Flair
- Big Hair, Don't Care: The Volume Revolution
- The Mullet for Her: Business in Front, Party in Back
- Permed Perfection: The Permanent Wave
- Accessories Make the Outfit (and the Hair!)
- Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Hair Styles Woman
- Bringing 80s Flair to Today's Look
Side Ponytail Perfection: A Playful Twist
One of the most popular 80s hairstyles for women, in some respects, was the side ponytail. It wasn't just any ponytail, though. The placement of this style is what made it so distinctive and, you know, quite popular. It had a certain playful charm that really fit the era's vibe.
Getting the Look: How to Create an 80s Side Ponytail
To get this look, you typically start with a high ponytail. It's secured very close to the hairline, not at the back of the head, but off to the side. This creates a sort of cascade effect over one shoulder. The hair often had a good deal of volume at the crown before gathering into the ponytail, too.
The magic of this style often came from the contrast in textures. Apparently, the perfectly swirled curls of the ponytail itself would contrast nicely with the straightened bottom half of the hair, or perhaps even a crimped section. This mix made the style visually interesting, you know.
The Scrunchie Effect: More Than Just a Tie
What truly made this side ponytail an 80s icon was the accessory used to hold it. A bright pink scrunchie, or one in another bold color, was the common choice. This wasn't just a functional item; it was a fashion statement in itself. The scrunchie added a pop of color and a soft, fabric texture to the look. It really completed the picture, in a way.
The scrunchie, you see, was a simple yet effective way to add personality. It spoke to the fun and expressive nature of the decade. People weren't afraid to use bright, eye-catching accessories, and the scrunchie was a prime example of that trend.
The Charm of Curly Bangs: Frame Your Face with Flair
The 80s was one of the most fun and expressive decades when it came to clothing, hair, and beauty. Among the once popular looks, curly bangs really stood out. They framed the face with a soft yet voluminous touch, giving a playful and approachable feel to many hairstyles. It was a very distinct look, you know.
Achieving the Right Curl for Your Bangs
Getting those signature 80s curly bangs often involved a bit of effort. People might use small rollers or a curling iron to create tight, bouncy curls right at the front. Sometimes, they'd even get a perm just for their bangs. The goal was usually to have them stand out, giving a bit of height and fullness.
The curls weren't always uniform; sometimes, they were more like a soft wave, while other times they were quite tight and defined. The key was that they had body and, you know, a clear presence. They weren't meant to lie flat.
Pairing Curly Bangs with Other Styles
Curly bangs were incredibly versatile. They worked well with a variety of lengths and styles. You could see them with short, choppy cuts, or long, flowing hair. They often accompanied big, teased hair, adding another layer of volume and texture. It was, arguably, a very popular addition to many looks.
They also paired well with updos, like the high side ponytail we just talked about. The curly bangs would frame the face, while the rest of the hair was pulled back. This combination created a very balanced and, you know, very memorable look.
Big Hair, Don't Care: The Volume Revolution
When you think of 80s hair styles for women, the first thing that comes to mind for many is probably volume. The bigger, the better, that was sort of the unspoken rule. This wasn't just about having full hair; it was about achieving impressive height and width, making a true statement. It was, basically, a hair revolution.
Teasing for Texture: Building That Iconic Height
To get that signature 80s height, teasing was a go-to technique. This involved backcombing sections of hair, usually near the roots, to create a tangled base that would hold volume. It was a bit of an art form, really, to get it just right without making it look messy. People would use fine-tooth combs for this.
After teasing, the outer layer of hair would be smoothed over to hide the backcombed parts, leaving a soft, voluminous surface. This method allowed for incredible height at the crown and sides, giving that famous "big hair" silhouette. It truly made a difference, you know.
Product Power: Hairspray Was Your Best Friend
Achieving and maintaining such impressive volume required a lot of help from hair products. Hairspray, in particular, was an absolutely essential tool. People used it generously to lock in the teased volume and keep every strand in place, even in windy conditions. It was a very strong hold, typically.
Mousse was another key product, applied to damp hair before blow-drying to add body and hold. These products, combined with strategic blow-drying and teasing, allowed women to create gravity-defying styles that lasted all day, or even all night. They really made a difference, you know.
The Mullet for Her: Business in Front, Party in Back
While often associated with men, the mullet was also a notable 80s hairstyle for women. It was a bold choice, to be honest, that perfectly captured the decade's spirit of individuality and breaking norms. It was a statement, in a way, that you weren't afraid to be different.
Understanding the Female Mullet Cut
The female mullet typically featured shorter hair on top and at the sides, often layered or feathered around the face. The back, however, was left much longer, sometimes reaching the shoulders or even further. This contrast created a unique silhouette that was both edgy and, you know, somewhat rebellious.
It wasn't always as extreme as some male mullets, but the principle remained the same: a distinct difference in length from front to back. This cut allowed for versatility, offering a more structured look around the face while still having length to play with at the back.
Styling Your Mullet for Maximum Impact
Styling a female mullet often involved emphasizing the different lengths. The shorter top and side sections might be teased for volume or swept back. The longer back section could be left straight, curled, or even permed for added texture. It was all about creating that contrast.
Hairspray and gel were, naturally, important for holding the shape and adding shine. Some women would also add bangs to their mullet, either straight or curly, to further frame the face. It was a look that, honestly, required a bit of commitment.
Permed Perfection: The Permanent Wave
If you wanted consistent curls and volume in the 80s, a perm was often the answer. The permanent wave was, you know, incredibly popular, offering a way for women to achieve bouncy, full curls that lasted for months. It was a real game-changer for many.
The Appeal of Perms in the 80s
Perms offered a way to have big, voluminous hair without daily styling. Whether you wanted tight ringlets or softer waves, a perm could deliver. This was especially appealing given the decade's love for dramatic hair. It saved a lot of time, too, arguably.
Many women embraced the perm to get that "big hair" look that was so fashionable. It provided a foundation of texture and body that could then be further styled with teasing or scrunching. It was, in some respects, the ultimate low-maintenance, high-impact style.
Maintaining Your Permed Hair
While perms reduced daily styling time, they did require specific care. Special shampoos and conditioners for permed hair were important to maintain the curl pattern and prevent dryness. Regular trims were also needed to keep the ends healthy. It was a bit of an investment, you know.
Using a diffuser when blow-drying helped to enhance the curls without causing frizz. For many, the perm was a convenient way to always have that desired 80s volume and curl, ready for any occasion. It really made life easier for some, actually.
Accessories Make the Outfit (and the Hair!)
In the 80s, accessories weren't just an afterthought; they were a crucial part of the overall look, especially for hair. They added personality, color, and sometimes even more volume. It was a time when, you know, more was definitely more.
Headbands and Scarves: Adding a Pop of Color
Wide, brightly colored headbands were a common sight. They could be worn over teased hair, holding back bangs, or simply as a decorative element. Scarves, too, were popular, often tied around ponytails or used as head wraps, adding a bohemian touch to some styles. They really stood out, you know.
These accessories were a simple way to add a pop of color or pattern to an outfit, coordinating with clothing or making a deliberate contrast. They also helped to keep those voluminous styles in place, which was, you know, quite practical.
Clips and Bows: Finishing Touches
Large, decorative clips and bows were also very popular. You'd see them used to pull back sections of hair, often on one side, or to adorn a ponytail. Bows, especially oversized ones, added a feminine and playful touch to many looks. They were, arguably, very charming.
These finishing touches helped to complete the 80s hair styles for women, adding that extra layer of detail and personality. They were another way to express individuality and embrace the decade's bold fashion sense.
Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Hair Styles Woman
What was the most popular hairstyle in the 80s for women?
That's a tough one, because so many styles were popular, you know. But if we had to pick, the "big hair" look, often achieved with perms, teasing, and lots of hairspray, was extremely widespread. The side ponytail with a scrunchie was also, you know, very iconic.
How do you do 80s big hair?
To get that big 80s hair, you'll need to tease your hair, especially at the roots, using a fine-tooth comb. Lift sections of hair and backcomb towards the scalp. Then, smooth the top layer over the teased sections. Lots of strong-hold hairspray is, basically, essential to keep it all in place. A good blow-dry with a round brush also helps build volume from the start.
Are 80s hairstyles coming back?
While not exactly the same, elements of 80s hairstyles are definitely inspiring current trends. You see modern takes on big curls, textured bangs, and, you know, even the occasional scrunchie. It's more about bringing a retro flair rather than a direct copy, so it's a bit of a comeback, in a way.
Bringing 80s Flair to Today's Look
The 1980s was a decade of incredible expression, and its hairstyles for women truly reflect that spirit. From the playful side ponytail with its bright pink scrunchie, to the bold statement of big, permed hair and, you know, even the distinct curly bangs, these looks were about confidence and fun. They weren't shy, that's for sure.
These styles continue to inspire us today, offering a unique way to add some retro flair to your personal look. Whether you go all out for a themed party or just incorporate a subtle nod with a scrunchie or some added volume, the spirit of the 80s lives on in hair fashion. Get inspired here by the decade's most memorable looks and bring some retro flair to your style! Learn more about hair trends on our site, and for more retro inspiration, link to this page about 80s fashion.
