The 1980s were all about making a statement, and nowhere was that more obvious than in the hairstyles. This was the decade of sky-high volume, bold textures, dramatic layers, and enough hairspray to survive almost any weather. Hair wasn’t just part of an outfit—it was often the centerpiece.
From glamorous blowouts and feathered layers to perms, mullets, mohawks, and crimped styles, the ’80s embraced individuality in every possible form. While many of these looks were considered over-the-top by later standards, they’ve become some of the most recognizable hairstyles in fashion history. Today, many of them are making a comeback with softer, more modern interpretations.
Whether you’re curious about the decade’s biggest trends, looking for inspiration for a retro hairstyle, or simply interested in the history of hair fashion, this guide covers everything you need to know about 1980s hairstyles.
Why Were 1980s Hairstyles So Big?
Fashion in the 1980s celebrated confidence, self-expression, and excess. Oversized blazers, neon colors, metallic fabrics, and bold makeup all reflected a culture that embraced standing out rather than blending in.
Hair naturally followed the same philosophy.
Several cultural influences shaped the hairstyles of the decade:
- The rise of MTV and music videos
- Pop stars becoming global fashion icons
- Popular television shows with unforgettable hairstyles
- Advances in styling products and heated tools
- The growing popularity of salon perms
People weren’t afraid to experiment. Bigger hair meant confidence, personality, and style.
Defining Characteristics of 1980s Hairstyles
Although hairstyles varied widely throughout the decade, many shared several common features.
Big Volume
Volume was everything.
Blow dryers, teasing combs, mousse, root lifters, and strong-hold hairspray became everyday essentials.
Lots of Layers
Layers helped create fullness and movement.
Many cuts featured shorter layers around the crown with longer sections underneath to maximize lift.
Texture Everywhere
The ’80s loved texture.
Popular choices included:
- Tight curls
- Loose curls
- Feathered ends
- Crimped hair
- Shaggy layers
- Soft waves
Bold Accessories
Hair accessories completed almost every look.
Popular options included:
- Scrunchies
- Banana clips
- Oversized bows
- Headbands
- Decorative barrettes
- Bandanas
- Colorful hair ties
The Most Popular 1980s Hairstyles
The Perm
No hairstyle is more closely associated with the 1980s than the perm.
Unlike today’s loose, beach-inspired perms, ’80s perms focused on creating tight curls and maximum volume.
Many people with naturally straight hair chose perms because they made styling easier while creating a fuller appearance.
Modern versions are typically softer, with larger curls and more natural movement.
Best suited for:
- Straight hair
- Fine hair
- Medium-length cuts
- Layered hairstyles
Feathered Hair
Feathered hair remained popular after emerging in the late 1970s.
This style featured layers that swept backward from the face, creating soft movement and a light, airy appearance.
Although feathering was worn by people of all ages, it became especially popular among professionals and celebrities because it balanced volume with elegance.
Today, feathered layers have returned in a much softer form.
Big Blowouts
Salon blowouts became a signature look during the decade.
The goal wasn’t sleek hair—it was fullness.
Stylists used round brushes to lift the roots while flipping the ends outward or inward for extra shape.
A typical ’80s blowout included:
- Root volume
- Large curls
- Layered movement
- Plenty of body
- Strong hold
Crimped Hair
Crimped hair became one of the decade’s most playful trends.
Special crimping irons created tiny zigzag waves that added instant texture.
Some people crimped their entire head, while others crimped only small sections for contrast.
Although full crimped styles are less common today, accent pieces continue to appear in fashion editorials and runway collections.
The Mullet
The mullet remains one of the most recognizable hairstyles of the 1980s.
Its famous formula was simple:
- Short in the front
- Short on the sides
- Long in the back
The cut appealed to athletes, musicians, actors, and everyday people because it combined practicality with personality.
Modern mullets are far more blended and textured than their original counterparts.
The Shag
The shag haircut experienced another surge in popularity during the 1980s.
Characterized by choppy layers and lots of movement, it worked well with naturally wavy or curly hair.
The shag became a favorite because it looked intentionally messy while still offering plenty of volume.
Today’s shag haircuts continue to borrow heavily from this era.
Spiky Hair
Spikes weren’t limited to punk culture.
By the mid-to-late 1980s, spiky styles became mainstream, especially among younger people.
Strong gels and mousses made it possible to shape hair upward and hold it in place throughout the day.
Modern versions tend to be shorter and more textured.
The Mohawk
The mohawk symbolized rebellion throughout much of the decade.
Although it originated within punk culture, variations eventually appeared in mainstream fashion.
Some people shaved the sides completely, while others created fauxhawks by styling the center section upward.
High Ponytails
Simple hairstyles also had their moment.
The high ponytail became one of the decade’s most practical everyday looks.
Often paired with teased roots and curled ends, it worked equally well for casual outfits and workout wear.
Scrunchies became almost inseparable from this hairstyle.
Side Ponytails
The side ponytail added a playful twist to the classic ponytail.
Often positioned high on one side of the head, it was frequently accessorized with oversized bows or colorful scrunchies.
This youthful look remains popular for themed parties and retro-inspired fashion.
Jheri Curls
The Jheri curl became one of the defining hairstyles of the decade.
Known for its glossy, loose curls, it required regular moisturizing products to maintain its distinctive appearance.
The style became widely recognized through musicians, actors, and entertainers.
Flat Tops
The flat top became an iconic haircut during the 1980s.
Hair was cut and styled so the top appeared perfectly level while the sides remained short.
It became especially popular in hip-hop culture and among athletes.
Today, it remains a classic barbershop style.
Finger Waves
Although finger waves first became popular decades earlier, they returned during the 1980s in glamorous evening styling.
They added elegance while complementing formal occasions.
Modern stylists continue using finger waves for weddings, red carpet events, and vintage-inspired fashion.
Long Curly Layers
Natural curls also thrived during the decade.
Rather than reducing volume, many embraced it.
Long layers allowed curls to expand naturally while maintaining movement and shape.
Teased Bangs
Few trends say “1980s” quite like teased bangs.
Bangs were lifted upward, curled, sprayed, and often teased into dramatic shapes.
Combined with voluminous sides, they created one of the decade’s signature silhouettes.
Popular Haircuts of the 1980s
Beyond styling, several haircut shapes defined the decade.
Popular choices included:
- Layered cuts
- Shag haircuts
- Mullets
- Feathered cuts
- Bob haircuts with volume
- Pixie cuts
- Short textured cuts
- Long layered hair
- Curly cuts
- Flat tops
Hair Accessories That Defined the Decade
Accessories played an important role in completing an ’80s hairstyle.
Some of the most recognizable included:
- Velvet scrunchies
- Neon scrunchies
- Banana clips
- Satin bows
- Decorative combs
- Plastic barrettes
- Elastic headbands
- Bandanas
- Hair scarves
- Metal clips
These accessories added personality while helping maintain high-volume styles throughout the day.
Hair Products Everyone Used
Achieving an authentic 1980s hairstyle required plenty of products.
Popular essentials included:
- Strong-hold hairspray
- Volumizing mousse
- Hair gel
- Styling cream
- Hair spray wax
- Curl activators
- Heat protectants
- Root-lifting sprays
Many people layered multiple products together to maximize hold.
Celebrity Hairstyles That Defined the 1980s
Celebrities had a major influence on hair trends throughout the decade.
Some of the most recognizable styles came from:
- Pop musicians
- Rock bands
- Television actors
- Movie stars
- Professional athletes
- Fashion models
Music videos introduced millions of viewers to dramatic new hairstyles, helping trends spread faster than ever before.
How 1980s Hairstyles Influenced Modern Hair Trends
Although today’s hairstyles are generally softer and more natural, many current trends can be traced back to the 1980s.
Examples include:
- Modern wolf cuts inspired by shag haircuts
- Contemporary mullets with blended layers
- Voluminous blowouts
- Curtain-style feathered layers
- Natural curls with added volume
- Layered long hair
- Textured pixie cuts
Rather than recreating the decade exactly, today’s stylists usually borrow its defining elements while making them easier to wear.
How to Get an 1980s-Inspired Hairstyle Today
If you’d like to capture the spirit of the decade without looking like you’re wearing a costume, focus on the overall shape instead of copying every detail.
Here are a few tips:
- Ask for layered hair with movement.
- Use a volumizing mousse before blow-drying.
- Lift the roots using a round brush.
- Add loose curls with a curling iron.
- Finish with a flexible hairspray.
- Keep the volume concentrated at the crown.
- Add a scrunchie or headband for a subtle retro touch.
This creates a hairstyle that feels inspired by the 1980s while remaining modern and wearable.
Are 1980s Hairstyles Back in Style?
Yes. Many 1980s hairstyles have returned, although they’ve been updated for modern tastes.
Today’s versions typically feature:
- Softer volume
- Less teasing
- More natural texture
- Healthier-looking shine
- Lighter styling products
- More blended layers
Instead of recreating the dramatic shapes exactly, hairstylists now use the decade as inspiration for fresh, contemporary looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hairstyle was most popular in the 1980s?
The perm is often considered the signature hairstyle of the decade, followed closely by feathered layers, big blowouts, and mullets.
Why did people tease their hair in the 1980s?
Teasing created dramatic volume, which was one of the defining beauty trends of the era.
Did everyone have a perm in the 1980s?
Not everyone, but perms became incredibly popular because they made it easier to achieve the full, curly hairstyles that defined the decade.
Are mullets still popular?
Yes. Modern mullets have evolved into softer, more textured cuts that are far more wearable than many original 1980s versions.
Can you wear an 1980s hairstyle today?
Absolutely. Many current hairstyles borrow inspiration from the 1980s while using softer layers, healthier styling techniques, and more natural finishes.
Final Thoughts
The hairstyles of the 1980s remain some of the most memorable in fashion history. They reflected a decade that celebrated confidence, creativity, and individuality through bold shapes, dramatic volume, and fearless experimentation.
While few people wear classic ’80s hairstyles exactly as they appeared decades ago, their influence is still visible in today’s layered cuts, voluminous blowouts, textured shags, modern mullets, and statement-making curls.
Whether you’re embracing a full retro makeover or simply adding a touch of vintage inspiration to your everyday look, 1980s hairstyles continue to prove that great hair never truly goes out of style.
