1980s Hairstyles: 34 Iconic Looks and How To Rock Them Today
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The 1980s were a decade of bold fashion statements, and nowhere was this more evident than in the hairstyles women embraced. From voluminous curls to edgy cuts, the hair trends of the ’80s were all about making a statement.
Whether you wore crimped hair, voluminous crowns, mall bangs, or a playful high ponytail, each style reflected the vibrant and dynamic spirit of the era.
In this article, we’ll take a delightful trip down memory lane, exploring some of the most iconic 1980s hairstyles for women and sharing tips on how you can replicate them!
Get ready to be inspired by the big hair, bright colors, and creative styles that defined a generation.
34 Iconic 1980s Women’s Hairstyles
1. Big Hair With Volume
Big hair with volume at the top was a defining look of the ’80s, characterized by hair teased to achieve maximum height and fullness, often held together with strong hairspray.
Popularized by supermodels like Cindy Crawford, this style is ideal for straight or wavy hair. Use a volumizing mousse and a round brush while blow-drying to create bold, bouncy hair.
2. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair, styled with a crimping iron to create a textured, zigzag pattern, was a fun and funky look that defined the ’80s.
Seen on pop icons of the decade, this hairstyle is perfect for medium to long hair. To achieve this look, section your hair and use a crimping iron, finishing with a light hairspray to maintain the texture.
3. Jheri Curls
Jheri curls, known for their soft, shiny curls achieved through a chemical treatment, were widely popular among African-American women in the ’80s. Celebrities like Michael Jackson helped popularize this look.
Ideal for naturally curly or kinky hair, maintain this style with a curl activator to keep the curls defined and glossy, ensuring a hydrated and bouncy appearance.
4. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair, featuring layers that are feathered back from the face, was inspired by Farrah Fawcett in the past decade and continued as a symbol of elegance and chic style in the ’80s.
This hairstyle suits straight to wavy hair types. To style, use a round brush and blow dryer to gently curl the layers back, creating a soft, voluminous look that frames the face beautifully.
5. High Side Ponytail
The high side ponytail, positioned high on one side of the head and often accessorized with a colorful scrunchie, exuded a playful and energetic vibe in the ’80s and ’90s.
This look was popularized by pop stars like Madonna. Ideal for straight or wavy hair, gather your hair to one side, secure with a scrunchie, and tease the ponytail for added volume and bounce.
6. Shag Haircut
The shag haircut featured wavy choppy layers that created a messy, textured look, making it both casual and stylish.
Popularized by rock stars and actresses, this versatile style suits any hair length and type. To style, use a texturizing spray and tousle the layers with your fingers for that effortlessly cool, lived-in vibe.
7. Fluffy Blowout
The fluffy blowout, reminiscent of Cindy Crawford’s iconic style, was characterized by big, bouncy hair achieved with a blow dryer and round brush.
Ideal for straight or wavy hair, this look is perfect for glamorous occasions. To achieve it, apply a volumizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush, and finish with a light hairspray to maintain the bounce and volume.
8. Spiky Layers
Spiky layers involved short hair styled upwards into spikes, often using gel for a stiff, edgy look. This hairstyle was popular among those seeking a bold and rebellious appearance.
Suitable for straight hair, use a strong-hold gel to define the spikes and keep them in place throughout the day.
9. Wrap-Around Headband
The wrap-around headband style featured hair pulled back with a headband wrapped around the forehead, creating a sporty and chic look.
Ideal for all hair types, this versatile hairstyle was popular for casual outings and athletic activities. Simply place the headband over your hair and adjust it to keep your hair neatly pulled back and out of your face.
10. Hot Hues
Hot hues were all about brightly colored hair, making a bold fashion statement. Popularized by pop stars, bands, and fashion icons, this style is ideal for those looking to stand out.
To achieve vibrant colors, pre-lighten your hair and use semi-permanent dyes, maintaining the hue with color-protecting shampoos.
11. High Bangs
High bangs involved styling the bangs high and back, creating a dramatic and voluminous look. This hairstyle was a favorite among ’80s supermodels and actresses.
Best suited for straight hair, use a volumizing mousse and a round brush to lift the bangs while blow-drying, securing them with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the height intact.
12. Wild Curls
Wild curls featured untamed, voluminous curls often achieved with a perm or naturally curly hair, embodying a carefree and bold look. This style was popularized by celebrities like Julia Roberts at the time.
Ideal for naturally curly hair, use a curl-enhancing mousse and a diffuser to define the curls and finish with a light hairspray to maintain the volume. If you were born with straight here, go for a perm to achieve this iconic look.
13. Micro Braids
Micro braids consisted of tiny braids that covered the entire head, often accessorized with beads for added flair. This intricate style was popular among African-American women and was seen on stars like Brandy.
This look requires patience and precision, using small sections of hair to create the braids and adding beads for a personalized touch.
14. Slicked-Back Hair
Slicked-back hair involved teasing roots for a voluminous top then using gel to create a sleek, polished appearance, offering a sophisticated and edgy look. This style is suitable for straight hair and was favored by fashion-forward women and runway models.
15. Rocker Waves
Inspired by rock and roll stars, rocker waves featured loose, tousled layers with bangs, giving off a laid-back, effortlessly cool vibe.
Ideal for wavy or straight hair, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves and finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the tousled look.
16. Headband Over Curls
This look involved taming curly hair with a headband worn over the top, creating a cute and practical style. This look was often seen on casual outings and jogs.
To achieve it, place a headband over natural curls, let a few curly tendrils frame your face, and adjust the headband for comfort and style.
17. Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down hairstyle involved pulling the top half of the hair into a bun or ponytail very high up on your head and securing it while leaving the rest down, offering a versatile and elegant look.
This style was popular for both everyday wear and special occasions. Suitable for all hair types, use a hair tie or bow clip to secure the top section and leave the bottom part flowing freely. Add wispy curled inward for that iconic ’80s look.
18. Pixie Cut
The pixie cut featured short, cropped hair often styled with a bit of volume on top, providing a chic and low-maintenance look.
This hairstyle was popularized by celebrities like Madonna and Linda Evangelista. Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair, use a lightweight mousse to add volume and a bit of texturizing spray to keep the style fresh and modern.
19. Layered Bob
The layered bob features a bob cut with layers to add texture and volume, creating a chic and modern appearance.
Suitable for straight or wavy hair, use a volumizing mousse and a round brush to blow-dry the hair into tousled layers, giving the bob a full and bouncy look.
20. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips involve bleaching the ends of the hair to create a highlighted effect, adding a fun and edgy touch to any hairstyle.
This look was popular among both men and women in the ’80s. Ideal for short to medium hair, use a highlighting kit to bleach the tips and maintain the look with a toning shampoo to prevent brassiness.
21. Double Ponytails
Double ponytails feature two high ponytails, one on each side of the head, creating a playful and youthful look.
Suitable for all hair types, this hairstyle was a favorite among ’80s pop stars and is perfect for casual outings and fun events. Part your hair down the middle, gather each section into a high ponytail, and secure with colorful scrunchies for extra flair.
22. Hair Bow
The hair bow style involves styling the hair with a bow on top of the head, making a cute and creative statement.
Popular for special occasions and fashion-forward looks, this style works best with long curled hair and wispy bangs.
23. Side Swept Bangs
Side swept bangs are styled to sweep across the forehead to one side, often with a bit of volume for added flair. This versatile look was popularized by many actresses and models in the ’80s.
Ideal for wavy hair in layers, use a round brush and blow dryer to direct the bangs to one side, finishing with a light hairspray to hold the shape.
24. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a softer version of the mohawk, featuring the center section of hair styled upward with the sides unshaved unlike the mohawk. This edgy yet wearable look gained popularity in the 1980s, often seen on rock stars.
Ideal for short to medium hair, use a strong-hold gel to lift the center section and smooth the sides back for a defined appearance.
25. 1980s Beehive
The beehive hairstyle involves piling hair high on top of the head in a beehive shape, creating a dramatic and voluminous look.
This iconic style, reminiscent of the 1960s, saw a resurgence in the 1980s among teens. Suitable for medium to long hair, tease the hair at the crown, smooth the outer layer over the teased section, and secure with pins and hairspray.
Quick Tip
Leave out a few framing front pieces for a flattering style.
26. Mullet
The 1980s women’s mullet hairstyle was a bold and edgy look characterized by short, layered hair on the top and sides, with longer, flowing locks at the back.
Styling involved using a round brush and blow dryer to lift the roots and add volume to the top and sides, while the back was left straight or slightly wavy. Hairspray was essential to hold the teased sections in place and maintain the overall shape.
27. High Top Fade
The 1980s high top fade hairstyle for African American women was a striking and fashionable look, popularized by the likes of Grace Jones.
It’s characterized by closely cropped sides and back, with the hair on top left significantly longer and styled upward to form a rectangle.
This iconic hairstyle not only made a bold fashion statement but also became a symbol of cultural identity and pride within the African American community.
28. Feathered Pixie
The feathered pixie cut features short, cropped hair with feathered layers for a soft, textured look. Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair, this style gained popularity in the 1980s, thanks to stars like Annie Lennox.
Use a lightweight mousse to add volume and a bit of texturizing spray to enhance the feathered layers, creating a chic, modern appearance.
29. High Side Ponytail With Headband
The 1980s headband hairstyle with a high side ponytail was a fun and energetic look that epitomized the decade’s bold fashion trends. Gather the hair into a high ponytail positioned on one side of the head, then secure it with a hair tie.
For added flair, curl the ponytail with a curling iron to create bouncy, voluminous curls. Place a wide, colorful headband around the forehead, just above the hairline, ensuring it sits comfortably and securely.
30. Banana Clip Updo
The banana clip updo gathers hair and secures it with a banana clip, creating a strikingly elegant updo. This style was popular for both casual and formal occasions in the 1980s.
Ideal for medium to long hair, gather your hair at the back, insert the banana clip to secure it, and gently pull at the sections to create volume and a polished look.
31. Permed Bob
The permed bob combines the classic bob haircut with tight, permed curls for added volume and texture. This style was a hit in the 1980s, often seen on celebrities with naturally curly or wavy hair.
Get a professional perm to achieve the curls, and maintain the style with curl-enhancing products and regular trims to keep the bob’s shape and bounce.
32. Bouffant
The bouffant features hair teased and styled into a large, rounded shape, often accessorized with a headband or ribbon for a 1960s-inspired look. This dramatic style saw a resurgence in the 1980s for formal events.
Ideal for medium to long hair, tease the crown section for volume, smooth the outer layer, gently add waves or curls if desired, and secure with pins and hairspray, adding a headband or ribbon for extra charm.
33. Spiral Perm
The spiral perm creates tight, spiral curls through a perming process, resulting in a springy and voluminous look. This style was a favorite in the 1980s, often sported by celebrities with naturally curly or wavy hair.
To maintain the curls, use a curl-defining cream and a diffuser when drying, ensuring the curls stay bouncy and well-defined, perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
34. Side Part With Volume
The side part with volume involves parting the hair to one side and adding significant volume at the roots for a dramatic effect. Ideal for straight or wavy hair, supermodels popularized this glamorous look in the 1980s.
Use a volumizing mousse and a round brush to lift the roots, and finish with a light hairspray to keep the volume intact throughout the day.
Turn Heads With These Unforgettable 1980s Hairstyles!
Whether you were a fan of the voluminous beehives, playful double ponytails, or edgy faux hawks, the hairstyles of the ’80s offered something for everyone.
These iconic looks continue to inspire modern trends and today’s style icons, proving that great style truly never goes out of fashion.
So whether you’re looking to revive a hairstyle or try something new, don’t be afraid to channel your inner ’80s diva. After all, the spirit of the 1980s is all about having fun and embracing your unique flair!