Bold and the Beautiful 1980s 80s Hairstyles

I still remember digging through my mom’s old photo albums and laughing at those big, bold 1980s 80s Hairstyles — the teased bangs, the sky-high volume, and those curls that seemed to defy gravity. Funny thing is, the more I looked, the more I kinda loved them. Maybe you’ve had that moment too, where you see an old style and think, “Wait… why does this actually look good?” The ’80s were wild, messy, fun, and honestly, a lot more expressive than most trends today. And if you’ve been feeling stuck with your current hair routine (we’ve all been there), revisiting these vintage looks might be exactly the spark you need.

So stick with me — I’ll walk you through the most iconic styles, how they worked, why they mattered, and how you can rock them today without looking like you’re heading to an ’80s costume party. Let’s jump in.

1980s 80s Hairstyles

The 1980s were all about big volume, bold textures, and loud, fearless hairstyles. From crimped waves to teased bangs, 80s hair made every look dramatic and unforgettable.

Big Voluminous Curls

Honestly, whenever I think of the 80s, those huge, fluffy curls are the first thing that pop into my mind. I’ve styled these on so many models, and every single time I end up laughing because the bigger the hair gets, the bigger their confidence gets too. Back in the day, women weren’t shy about volume at all—they practically lived inside their hairspray clouds. Sometimes I tell my models, “Just let the hair be loud,” and it always works.
To be fair, this look is surprisingly easy to recreate today. I usually wrap small sections around a tight barrel and tease the roots just a tiny bit—nothing crazy, unless you want that crazy. A strong hairspray is your best friend here, and trust me, I’ve tried them all. When the curls fall just right, it gives that unapologetically glam 80s vibe that still feels iconic.

Crimped Hair

Crimped hair always makes me smile because it reminds me of my first ever fashion show job. I had this tiny pink crimper that overheated like it had personal issues, but somehow it created the most perfect zig-zag texture. Every time I use a crimper now on my models, part of me feels like that excited beginner again. The texture just screams “fun,” and I love that about it.
In my opinion, anyone can rock crimped hair if they commit to the look. You don’t need to crimp every single strand—sometimes I crimp just a few pieces around the face to give it that 80s punch without going full blast. But if you want the true retro moment, go all the way. Add a bold outfit, maybe some shiny earrings, and you’re practically time-traveling. It’s nostalgic in the best way possible.

The Mullet

 

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Ah, the mullet—business in the front, party at the back. I’ve always had a soft spot for this one because the reactions are hilarious. Some clients walk in terrified and leave obsessed. I remember one model who swore she’d never suit a mullet, and the second we finished, she spent the next hour taking selfies like a rockstar. That’s the magic of this style.
To be fair, the mullet isn’t as scary as people think. It’s all about getting the balance right. I like keeping the top textured and the back just long enough to show movement. If you want to try this at home, start slow—trim the front and crown first, then soften the length. Add a bit of matte wax, and boom, you’re in 1985. It’s rebellious, unexpected, and honestly a lot cooler than people give it credit for.

Feathered Layers

Feathered layers always give me those Farrah Fawcett flashbacks, and I’m not complaining. Every time I blow-dry this style on a model, I feel like I should be standing in front of a wind machine. The soft flicks make the hair look effortless, even though I know how much wrist work actually goes into it. But the result? Totally worth the arm workout.
I’ve found that this look comes alive with a round brush and a good mousse. You roll the hair away from the face, hit it with some heat, and suddenly you’re living in a shampoo commercial. If you’re trying this yourself, don’t aim for perfection—feathered layers are supposed to look breezy. And honestly, the slightly messy versions often look even better. It’s one of those 80s trends that never really feels outdated to me.

Side Ponytail

The side ponytail is one of those styles that instantly makes me feel playful. I’ve done it for retro shoots, dance shows, even a costume party where a model asked me to “make it as 80s as humanly possible.” And trust me, nothing screams 80s like a high, tight pony sitting way off to one side with a neon scrunchie. It’s goofy but in a cute way.
Whenever someone wants to recreate this, I tell them not to overthink it. Grab the hair, pull it to your favorite side, and secure it high enough that it almost makes you giggle. Add some waves or crimp it beforehand if you want more drama. The beauty of this style is that it’s intentionally imperfect. In my opinion, the messier and higher, the better. It’s youthful, nostalgic, and honestly just pure fun.

Teased Bangs

 

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Teased bangs remind me of the 80s girls who could probably survive a tornado because their hair wouldn’t move an inch. I’ve recreated these dramatic, sky-high bangs for shoots, and every time I do it, I end up inhaling way too much hairspray—but that’s the price of art, right? They’re bold, unapologetic, and very much the spirit of the decade.
If you want this look, grab a fine-tooth comb and start teasing small sections from the back to the front. I usually shape the bangs like a mini cloud—round, fluffy, and slightly rebellious. Finish with a strong-hold spray, and don’t touch them again. In my experience, the less you fuss, the better they stay. It’s dramatic, over-the-top, and honestly, that’s why I love it so much.

Permed Hair

Perms are such a core memory for so many people, and as a stylist, I’ve heard countless stories about disastrous home perms. Luckily, mine have all been professional ones, but I’ve definitely seen clients walk in with… let’s say “interesting” results from experimenting. Still, I love the commitment behind perms—they’re like saying, “I want curls and I want them every day.”
When I give my models a soft, modern take on an 80s perm, I stick to flexible rods and gentle solutions. The goal is bouncy, defined curls that don’t look crunchy. If you’re considering trying it, talk to a stylist who understands texture well—it’s not something I’d recommend doing alone. But once it’s done, it’s honestly such a vibe. There’s something empowering about waking up with ready-to-go curls.

Mohawk Style

The Mohawk is that one 80s hairstyle that still feels rebellious, even now. I remember my first time styling one for a photo shoot—I was so nervous because it had to stand tall and stay put. But once it was up, my model looked unstoppable. The attitude that comes with this style is half the hairstyle, to be honest.
Creating it is always a fun challenge. I section out the middle stripe, tease it, spray it, and sculpt it until it looks like a piece of art. The sides can be slicked down or braided depending on the vibe. If you’re brave enough to try it yourself, start with a strong gel and work in layers upward. It’s edgy, dramatic, and in my opinion, the most fearless 80s look of them all.

Shaggy Rocker Hair

Shaggy rocker hair is basically the spirit of 80s music videos—messy, wild, and a little chaotic, but in the best way. I love doing this look because there’s zero pressure to make it neat. In fact, the more unruly it gets, the more authentic it feels. I always picture electric guitars and smoky stages while styling it.
I’ve found that using a razor instead of scissors gives the perfect choppy texture. After that, I scrunch in some mousse or salt spray and let the hair do its thing. If you’re trying this at home, don’t fight the natural texture—embrace it. Just shake the hair out, add some product, and let it fall however it wants. It’s one of those styles that makes you feel instantly cool without even trying.

High Top Fade

The high top fade is easily one of the most iconic silhouettes of the 80s. The shape alone makes such a statement. I’ve always admired the precision barbers put into it—it’s almost like sculpting. Whenever I work with models who want this look, I always prepare myself mentally because getting those lines clean is serious business. But when it’s perfect, it’s perfect.
To be fair, this style needs maintenance, but that’s what makes it look so sharp. Clipper control, steady hands, and good edging tools—those are key. If you’re going for it, visit someone who specializes in fades. I’ve seen people try cutting their own, and let’s just say… the results were “creative.” A good high top fade gives that 80s swagger instantly, and honestly, it never gets old.

Haircare Tips for 80s-Inspired Styles

80s hairstyles look bold and fun, but they often need a lot of styling. These simple haircare tips will help you keep your hair healthy while still getting that classic 80s volume and texture.

• Protecting hair from heat damage: Always use a heat protectant spray before using crimpers, curling irons, or blow dryers.

• Avoiding excessive teasing: Teasing gives volume, but too much can break your hair, so do it gently and not every day.

• Moisturizing after heavy styling: Apply a nourishing conditioner or hair mask weekly to restore softness.

• Using lightweight oils: Light oils like argan or jojoba help add shine without making your hair flat.

• Washing out styling products properly: Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove hairspray and mousse buildup.

FAQ

How do I get that classic 80s volume?

Use volumizing mousse, blow-dry your hair upside down, and lightly tease the roots for extra lift.

Can I create 80s hairstyles on short hair?

Yes, styles like the pixie mullet, mini curls, and teased bangs work easily on short hair.

What tools do I need for an 80s look?

Crimpers, curling irons, round brushes, and lots of hairspray are the main tools for authentic 80s styling.

Are 80s hairstyles still trendy today?

Yes, modern versions of mullets, crimped waves, and big curls are popular again in fashion and pop culture.