The 1980s was a decade defined by boldness, excess, and a desire to break free from conventional norms. This exuberance extended beyond fashion into the realm of hairstyling. Women’s hair in the 1980s was an art form that embodied the spirit of the era: big, voluminous, and filled with attitude. From towering curls to sleek, shiny locks, the 80s saw a wave of hair trends that influenced not only fashion but popular culture as well.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the iconic hairstyles of the 1980s, exploring the key styles, techniques, and cultural influences that made them so unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to relive the 80s or simply understand the significance of this era’s hair fashion, we’ve got you covered.
The 1980s: A Decade of Bold Hair
The 1980s marked a time of major change in fashion and beauty trends. The political climate, the rise of pop culture icons, and advancements in hair technology all played a role in shaping the unique hairstyles that defined the era.
Women in the 80s embraced an over-the-top approach to their hair, much like the decade’s other trends. Hair was big — both in terms of volume and the impact it had on society. The goal was to stand out, whether it was through the wild curls of a perm or the sleek volume of a blowout. Many women chose to use their hair to make a statement, often matching it with their bold outfits and makeup.
The Signature Hairstyles of the 80s
1. The Perm: A Game Changer
One of the most iconic trends of the 1980s was the perm. This hairstyle involved using chemicals to curl the hair, creating a full, textured look that could add massive volume and height. For many women, the perm was the ultimate way to achieve the voluminous, “big hair” look that was so sought after.
Perms were often associated with the glam and excess of the 80s, appearing in almost every magazine and on the heads of celebrities like Farrah Fawcett, who popularized the trend. This curly, voluminous style made its way into the everyday beauty routine, thanks to its ability to create bounce and volume without the need for constant styling.
How to Get the Perm Look
To achieve the 80s perm, you needed to visit a professional stylist who would wrap the hair around perm rods and apply a chemical solution that would create long-lasting curls. The result was hair that was full of body and texture, making it one of the defining hairstyles of the decade.
2. The Mullet: Business in the Front, Party in the Back
The mullet is another hairstyle that made its way into the 80s, though it was arguably more divisive than the perm. Popularized by rock stars and athletes, the mullet consisted of short hair in the front and longer hair in the back. This style was worn with confidence and, in some cases, irony.
Celebrities like Billy Ray Cyrus and David Bowie helped make the mullet famous. Although this style was more popular among men, it also appeared in women’s fashion. It was all about striking a balance between rebelliousness and coolness. The mullet became a symbol of defiance against traditional beauty standards, and it was seen as the ultimate “don’t care” statement.
How to Get the Mullet Look
Getting a mullet involved cutting the hair short at the front and leaving the back longer. The key to the mullet’s success was the contrast between the short and long sections, creating an edgy, rebellious vibe. The style was often paired with scrunchies, headbands, or even teased bangs to amp up the volume.
3. The Teased Bangs: A Symbol of the 80s
Teased bangs were another hallmark of 1980s hair fashion. Women would often tease their bangs using a fine-toothed comb to create a high, voluminous look. This was usually done with a generous amount of hairspray to ensure the style held throughout the day.
This look was seen everywhere in the 80s, from high school hallways to the red carpet. Celebrities like Madonna, Cindy Lauper, and Debbie Gibson were frequently spotted with voluminous, teased bangs that added drama to their overall look.
How to Achieve Teased Bangs
To achieve teased bangs, you’d need to backcomb the hair at the roots with a fine-toothed comb. After teasing, you would smooth the top layer over the volume, securing the hair with hairspray to hold it in place. The goal was to create a voluminous, almost “pouf”-like effect that drew attention to the forehead and the eyes.
4. The Side Ponytail: A Fun and Flirty Look
The side ponytail was a fun, flirty hairstyle that gained massive popularity in the 80s. This style was characterized by pulling the hair to one side of the head, securing it with a scrunchie or an oversized bow, and allowing the hair to cascade down in waves or curls.
The side ponytail became a go-to look for both casual days and formal occasions. It was easy to achieve, versatile, and added a playful touch to any outfit. Celebrities like Britney Spears and other pop stars embraced the look in their music videos, ensuring its place in 80s pop culture.
How to Get the Side Ponytail Look
To create a side ponytail, gather all your hair to one side of your head and secure it with a scrunchie or an elastic band. For added volume, tease the roots slightly before securing the ponytail. You can also add curls or waves to the ponytail for more texture.
5. The Crimped Hair: Textured and Unique
Crimped hair was another popular trend of the 1980s that gave a distinct, textured look to the hair. This was achieved using a crimping iron, which created a zigzag pattern in the hair. Crimped hair was often paired with large, chunky accessories, like headbands and barrettes, making it a go-to style for those who wanted to embrace the funky, youthful vibe of the 80s.
The crimped look was often seen in music videos, especially in the pop and rock genres. It symbolized the carefree and experimental spirit of the 80s, where breaking norms was the norm.
How to Achieve Crimped Hair
To achieve the crimped look, you’d need a crimping iron, which works by creating tight zigzag waves in the hair. It’s important to section the hair and crimp small sections at a time. Finish the look by adding hairspray to keep the texture in place.
Cultural Influences on 1980s Hairstyles
The hairstyles of the 1980s were not just about personal expression—they were deeply intertwined with the cultural and social movements of the time. Pop culture, music, and political figures all had a role to play in the hairstyles that women embraced.
Music Icons and Pop Culture
The rise of pop culture icons like Madonna, Cindy Lauper, and Debbie Harry had a massive impact on women’s hair. These women became style icons, not only through their music but through their distinctive looks, which were often emulated by fans. Madonna’s wild curls, Lauper’s neon-colored hair, and Harry’s platinum blonde locks set the stage for women to experiment with their hair and embrace boldness.
The Influence of the “Power” Look
The 1980s also saw the rise of the “power” look, particularly in the workplace. With women entering the corporate world in greater numbers, hairstyles became a way for women to assert power and confidence. Voluminous styles, sleek blowouts, and high-maintenance haircuts reflected the ambitious, professional attitude many women embraced during this time.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 1980s Hair
The hairstyles of the 1980s were more than just a passing trend; they were a statement. Bold, expressive, and full of energy, the hair of the 80s reflected the vibrant, larger-than-life culture of the time. From perms to mullets, teased bangs to crimped waves, women’s hairstyles of the 1980s defined an era.
The legacy of 1980s hair continues to influence modern fashion and beauty trends, proving that the era’s signature looks are far from being forgotten. Whether it’s through the revival of bold volume or a nod to the iconic side ponytail, the 80s will always be remembered as a time when women took control of their hair—and, in many ways, their own destiny.
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