The 1980s were a strange and interesting decade for fashion. Day-glo colors, plenty of makeup, plastic jewelry and leather pants, poofy skirts and fishnet stockings were dominant. But what was just as iconic (if not more so) than the screaming-loud clothing, was the hair. Over-the-top 80s hairstyles were a mark of the 80s, and you only have to browse a yearbook from that decade to find evidence.
In those photos shot for posterity, there will be no shortage of perms, “mcsqueeb” cuts, teased do’s, devil locks, and big, big hair. But whether you look back and cringe or yearn for an era long gone, one thing is for sure: some 80s hairstyles were definitely unique to their era
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OK, now put down that giant 1500W hairdryer for just a second, and let’s take a look at some common questions about 80s hairstyles.
An 80s hairstyle is simply a hairstyle that was at its peak of popularity during the 1980s. They can differ significantly in size, shape, and color, but one defining factor stays the same: they stand out.
Many of the most outrageous and iconic 80s hairstyles came from popular music culture. MTV had its advent in the early 80s, and its popularity inspired a whole generation of American youth that was glued to their television screens, transfixed by what they saw and heard. Bands like A Flock of Seagulls, Mötley Crüe, and The Cure not only produced gnarly, memorable tunes, but they sported amazing hair. And as they sometimes say: “Monkey see, monkey do.”
You sure can. Teenagers and adults all over America would style their do’s in their bathrooms and bedrooms back in the day. You may have to invest in a hefty number of hairspray cans, but you can definitely do it.
This one’s hard to predict. Certain 80s styles (e.g., the mullet and whale spout) have done just that in certain social sectors, but we can only guess which others will and which won’t.
For starters, because the 1980s had a totally cool and unique style. It was fun; it could be sexy, and this era was completely different than anything that had come before (or after, for that matter). And while we can’t climb into a Delorean and travel back to ’85, we can still totally look the part.
Also, it’s a good way to express yourself, stand out and be unique. If you see social media and other influences creating trends that become a bit too widespread and common for your taste these days, it’s nice to reflect a time that was more genuine and reflective of individuality.
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The answer to this question is as varied as people are unique. It all comes down to your individual tastes and preferences. If you hate punk rock, you probably should not get a multi-colored mohawk. If you want to look like a cheerleader from 1985, on the other hand, you really can’t go wrong with the side high ponytail. Also, it’s important to take into account your specific hair type. If you have long, straight hair, then a high-top fade will not be a fit, but some other 80s style will probably fit your needs.
Good question. In true 80s fashion, we highly recommend watching music videos. Let’s check out a few bands of the era that rocked classic 80s hairstyles.
- Mötley Crüe: Known for their long, permed hair, skin-tight pants, and off-stage antics (we won’t go into details here), Mötley Crüe captivated teenagers all across America with their high-octane glam rock.
- The Cure: Lead vocalist Robert Smith’s hair was truly something to behold in each new incarnation, and those locks are considered by some largely responsible for the look of the Goth counterculture worldwide.
- A Flock of Seagulls: Before Emo kids had fringes rendering sight in one eye non-existent, there was the mcsqueeb: a hairstyle that involved a side fringe similar to the ones prominent for some mascara-wearing teen males in the early 2000s. No one rocked this look more distinctively and visibly than the lead singer of this once-hot new wave band.
- Siouxsie and the Banshees: If you’re looking for an 80s hairstyle that is dark and edgy, then you must find some photos or video of Siouxsie Sioux from Siouxsie and the Banshees. Her hair was killer, for sure.
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We’ve put together a little shopping list for those of you looking to try out some favorite 80s hairstyles. You may want to add these items to your styling arsenal:
- Hairspray. This will help hold that crazy hair in place. Without it, you’re going to run into trouble. That’s especially true if you decide on a mohawk.
- A big, stiff comb. This is the perfect tool for back-combing and teasing, methods that ensure that your hair will ultimately loom as large as it possibly can.
- Hair dye and bleach. For that truly authentic look, you’re going to want to add at least a little color to your hair.
- A hairdryer. Perfect for setting your hairstyle in place, adding more volume, and just general styling, a hair dryer is an invaluable tool when it comes to achieving authentic 80s hairstyles.
- A perming kit. This one is going to ensure your authenticity. Nothing screams 1980s like a home job perm.
- A crimping iron. This is a tool that goes somewhat overlooked when it comes to replicating 1980s styles. People often get distracted by the bright colors or the sheer volume of 80s hair itself. Once you look past those features, you’ll notice the subtleties that play such a huge part in 80s do’s. Crimped hair is one of those subtleties.
Let us tell you. It was a lot of fun. We spent countless hours watching 80s movies and music videos, browsing fashion magazines and yearbooks, talking to men and women who grew up in the 80s, and shuffling through boxes of old photographs.
- Whale Spout
- Extremely Big Hair
- Side High Ponytail
- High-Top Fade
- Permed and Teased
- Mullet
- Multi-Colored Mohawk
- Updo with a Bow
- Farrah Fawcett-Style Feathering
- Power Pixie
About This Style
The whale spout is a ponytail situated on top of the head, as opposed to being positioned at the back or side. The position of this ponytail causes the hair to spill over the tie, giving it the appearance of a whale blowing water.
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The whale spout ponytail is very much like the marine mammal itself. It’s an endangered species, but you may see attempts at this style or close imitations even today when you meet brave and adventurous people who don’t mind making a visual splash.
The name says it all. It’s extremely big hair. Often teased and totally gigantic in its visual impact, big hair can be as dynamic as you choose.
Although it was an ultra-common, frequently sported 80s hairstyle, this fashion statement probably isn’t going to make a widespread comeback any time soon.
One of the most iconic 80s hairstyles, the side high ponytail is one of the most adorable ways to wear a ponytail. It’s similar in position to the whale spout but situated just to the side of the top of the head, letting the ponytail fall down to either the left or the right.
This one is destined to make a major comeback. In fact, the side high ponytail is already popping up here and there. It’s only a matter of time, in our view.
Certain African-American celebrities sported this the best, but far from exclusively. This 80s hairstyle is short on the sides and high on the top, with sharp edges. If you don’t have tight, dense hair, then sadly, you may not be able to pull this baby off.
The chances are as high as this haircut that it’s going to come back in style. You may have already seen it around lately. It’s just that eternally fresh!
Well, it’s permed and it’s teased. Similar in style to extremely big hair, but not necessarily THAT big, this is one of the 80s hairstyles that many millennials’ moms rocked back in high school.
We don’t see that happening any time soon, primarily due to the work and maintenance involved.
Anyone who has seen the MTV movie Joe Dirt has seen a major mullet. Well, this is that haircut. Short everywhere aside from the back, which is grown out in a major way (the longer and fuller the better), this look is popular with some brave, independent men (and nearly all squirrels) even today.
For some, this haircut never went out of style. Even more unfortunate in some fashion-forward people’s views, is the fact that it stands ready to make a big comeback in the wider world.
We all know what a mohawk is. This is essentially a parrot-inspired version, with bright colors and even clashing colors encouraged.
Devoted “punks” never stopped rocking it, anyway. Who really knows?
One of the cutest and most darling of all 80s hairstyles, the updo with a bow is an adorably messy cut with a bow (or similar item) tying it up tight at the top.
The updo with a bow is likely to come in and out of fashion. It’s definitely not one of the more far-out styles of the period so, while it won’t be used for shock value, it still makes a fun party choice.
This one was popular with millions of hip mothers and adult entertainment actresses. It was timelessly popularized by Farrah Fawcett of Charlie’s Angels fame.
Prospects of a major comeback for this high-maintenance ‘do are pretty slim at this point in time. Sorry, Farrah fans.
This 80’s hairstyle is essentially a pixie cut with added oomph. In typically 80s fashion, it’s bigger, spunkier, and messier than a true pixie.
One of the more timeless 80s hairstyles, the power pixie will pop its mischievously cute head up from time to time. However, it probably will never become the flavor of the month again.
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Our personal favorite included on this best 80s hairstyles list is the side high ponytail. It’s totally classic. It’s cute yet sexy. It’s simply a ton of fun and, equally important, it’s super-easy to create and maintain. Just brush your hair, pull it up and to the side, and put a tie on it. That’s all there is to it. Permed and teased, on the other hand… well, that one’s a whole different ballgame when it comes to ease of styling. On the other end of the spectrum, our review team’s least favorite 80s style is definitely the mullet.
While the cuts on this list will never be forgotten, some are memorable for the wrong reasons. The power pixie and updo with a bow are pretty timeless, and the side high ponytail and high-top fade could very well become trendy yet again.
If getting noticed and making a fashion statement are priorities for you, then you can use 80s hairstyles to your advantage. There’s no way that you’ll go unnoticed if you are rocking extremely big hair or multi-colored mohawk. Right? Above all, reviving the 80s style of your choice should be big fun.
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