When I think about the 80s, the first thing that always jumps to mind is the hair—big, bold, fearless, and completely unforgettable. There was something so iconic about that era, where people weren’t afraid to go all in with volume, curls, texture, and dramatic shapes that turned heads without even trying. I love how 80s hairstyles carried this sense of confidence and personality, almost like each look had its own energy. Whether it was sky-high bangs, wild perms, or sleek rock-inspired cuts, every style made a statement. And honestly, that’s what makes revisiting these looks so fun today. They bring back the spirit of creativity and playfulness we sometimes forget in modern trends. These 80s hairstyles remind me that hair isn’t just about appearance—it’s about expression, mood, and having the courage to stand out.
Whenever I think of classic 80s hair, big voluminous curls instantly come to mind. There’s something so fun and dramatic about huge, bouncy curls that lift your whole look and make you feel instantly bold. I love how this style brings fullness, confidence, and that unmistakable 80s flair with every movement. Whether you use hot rollers, a curling iron, or even a modern perm, the goal is simple—go big. Add mousse, teasing, and a little hairspray, and suddenly your hair transforms into a full, glamorous statement. It’s the ideal choice when you want something dramatic but still soft, feminine, and wildly nostalgic.
Crimped hair is one of those 80s trends that always makes me smile because it’s playful, textured, and packed with personality. I love how crimping creates that zigzag pattern that instantly gives your hair a fun boost without needing tons of volume. It’s a great way to switch things up when you want something bold but not overly dramatic. Whether you crimp your whole head or just add sections for texture, the look always feels youthful and energetic. Pair it with a side part or a half-up style, and suddenly you’re giving full 80s flair with very little effort.
The high side ponytail is such a classic 80s favorite, and it still has this adorable, confident vibe today. I love how simple it is to create—just sweep your hair to one side, pull it high, and secure it with a scrunchie. The real magic comes from teasing the roots or curling the ends for extra bounce. This style feels fun, carefree, and totally unapologetic, which is exactly what the 80s were all about. It’s perfect for themed parties or days when you want your look to be playful, bold, and a little nostalgic without spending too much time styling.
Feathered layers were iconic in the 80s because they added movement and softness while still feeling bold. I love how this style frames the face and creates that windswept, airy effect that feels both glamorous and effortless. It works beautifully on medium or long hair, especially when styled with a round brush and a bit of volume at the crown. What makes this look so timeless is how flattering it is—it adds dimension, body, and a touch of 80s confidence without going over the top. It’s the perfect choice if you want something nostalgic but still wearable today.
The rocker shag is one of my favorite 80s looks because it captures that rebellious, edgy energy the era was known for. With choppy layers, tousled texture, and just the right amount of messiness, this style gives off cool confidence with almost no effort. I love how it works on short, medium, or long hair and looks great whether you wear it straight or slightly waved. Add a bit of mousse or texturizing spray, and suddenly your hair feels alive, gritty, and full of attitude. It’s the perfect option when you want something bold and rock-inspired without trying too hard.
Teased bangs were practically a requirement in the 80s, and honestly, they’re such a fun throwback. I love how dramatic they look, especially when paired with big curls or layered cuts. The height, the fullness, the lift—they all work together to create a look that’s bold, expressive, and full of personality. You can go subtle with a little teasing or take it all the way with sky-high bangs that steal the spotlight. A bit of hairspray is your best friend here, giving your hair structure and volume that lasts. It’s a great way to channel 80s energy while keeping your style playful.
Permed Volume
The 80s perm was all about bold, bouncy volume, and it’s still one of the most iconic looks of the decade. I love how a perm transforms even the flattest hair into something lively and full of movement. Whether you go for tight curls or loose waves, the result always feels full, fun, and instantly eye-catching. It’s the kind of hairstyle that makes you feel confident as soon as you see the incredible volume it gives. And with modern techniques, perms look softer and more natural, making it easier to enjoy that classic 80s energy without damaging your hair.
The slicked-back glam look gives you that powerful, red-carpet 80s vibe that feels bold and sophisticated. I love how sleek it looks while still carrying a dramatic edge. With gel, mousse, and a fine-tooth comb, you can create a polished, glossy finish that keeps every strand in place. It’s perfect for nights when you want your makeup or outfit to take center stage while your hair adds a clean, confident touch. This style works beautifully on short and long hair and is ideal for anyone who wants something edgy, minimal, and undeniably iconic.
Big Bouncy Blowout
A big bouncy blowout is one of the most glamorous ways to channel the 80s. I love how soft yet full it looks, especially when the layers are styled with a round brush to create volume and movement. This hairstyle feels elegant without losing that signature 80s boldness. It frames the face beautifully and gives your hair that healthy, lifted look that photographs so well. Add a bit of hairspray or mousse, and the volume lasts all day. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a classic, polished 80s style that still feels modern and wearable.
Mohawk-Inspired Updo
The mohawk-inspired updo brings out the fearless side of 80s style, and I love how creative it feels. You can tease the center section for height, pin the sides sleek, and suddenly the whole look becomes a mix of edgy and artistic. It’s the perfect hairstyle for when you want something bold, dramatic, and guaranteed to turn heads. Whether you smooth the sides completely or leave some texture, the result always feels strong and expressive. This is the kind of look that instantly gives you confidence and captures the rebellious spirit of the decade.
Feathered Layers
Feathered layers bring that soft, airy, and beautifully blended movement that made 80s hair so iconic. The layers are cut to taper outward, giving the ends a feather-like effect that frames the face and adds natural volume. I love how effortless it looks once styled, almost like the hair naturally falls into place with a light, breezy flow. With a round brush, some lift at the roots, and a soft flip at the ends, you get that signature windswept finish the 80s were famous for. It’s flattering, versatile, and still feels stylish today.
Ask for soft, blended layers that taper naturally
Blow-dry with a round brush, sweeping layers away from the face
Use mousse or root-lift spray for added volume
Flip the ends slightly outward for the classic feathered effect
FAQ
What makes 80s hairstyles so iconic? 80s hairstyles stand out because they were unapologetically bold. Big volume, dramatic curls, strong shapes, and fearless creativity defined the entire decade. The looks were expressive, fun, and full of personality—something we don’t always see in modern trends.
Are 80s hairstyles hard to recreate today? Not really. With mousse, hairspray, a curling iron, a crimper, or even a round brush, you can recreate most 80s looks pretty easily. Many styles are surprisingly simple once you know how to add volume and texture.
Can 80s hairstyles work with modern fashion? Definitely. A lot of 80s-inspired styles blend beautifully with today’s clothes. Big blowouts, crimped sections, and feathered layers adapt well to modern outfits and look nostalgic without feeling outdated.
Hi, I’m Anna Spencer, A professional hairstylist based in North Carolina and the creator of Hairstyles for Life. With over a decade of hands-on salon experience, I’ve styled everything from everyday looks to runway-ready transformations. I started this website to share my passion for hair, offer expert tips, and help you feel confident in your personal style no matter your hair type or length. Whether you’re looking for quick tutorials, timeless trends, or honest product advice, you’ll find it all here.
