Bold & Iconic 80s Hairstyles with Braids

You know how sometimes you look at old photos or a retro movie clip and think, wow… why do those hairstyles still look so cool? I had that moment while scrolling late at night, half tired, half nostalgic, and suddenly I was deep into 80s Hairstyles with Braids. Big hair, bold braids, total confidence. No rules. Just vibes.

If you’ve ever struggled with your hair feeling boring or “too safe,” trust me, you’re not alone. We all hit that phase where ponytails feel repetitive and Pinterest feels overwhelming. Been there. The magic of the ’80s is that it didn’t care about perfection. Braids were messy, dramatic, playful—and somehow empowering.

In this article, I’ll walk you through styles that actually feel wearable today, not costume-y. You’ll learn how to mix braids with volume, attitude, and a little rebellion (the good kind). Ready to have fun with your hair again? Let’s do it.

80s Hairstyles with Braids

80s hairstyles with braids were all about bold volume, playful textures, and eye-catching details. From side braids to accessorized looks, these styles captured the fun and fearless spirit of the decade.

Side Braided Big Hair

Honestly, side braided big hair is where my love for 80s drama really started. I remember flipping through old magazines and thinking, “How is that hair standing so tall and still braided?” The trick, I’ve found, is not being afraid of volume. I always start by teasing the crown more than feels necessary, because once the braid goes in, some of that height disappears. A loose side braid, not too neat, keeps it feeling playful instead of stiff. In my opinion, messiness is what makes it feel truly 80s and not like a modern Pinterest version.

When I recreate this look now, I part my hair deeply to one side, tease the top, then braid just the heavier side section. I leave flyaways on purpose. To be fair, hairspray is your best friend here, but don’t drown it. I like to press the braid gently into the big hair so it blends instead of sitting flat. It’s bold, a little chaotic, and honestly that’s the whole charm.

Half-Up Braids with Volume

Half-up braids with volume always feel like the perfect “trying but not trying too hard” 80s look. I’ve worn this style so many times when I wanted something fun without committing to a full braided head. The key, in my experience, is lifting the crown before you even think about braiding. I tease first, smooth lightly over the top, and then take two small sections to braid back. If it looks too neat, I know I’ve gone wrong somewhere.

To do this yourself, grab small sections from each side, braid them loosely, and tie them together at the back. I like to puff the crown up with my fingers after tying it, almost like I’m fixing it throughout the day. Honestly, that constant adjusting is very 80s energy. Add a clip or scrunchie if you want extra flair. It’s simple, wearable, and still gives that big, confident silhouette the decade was known for.

Cornrows with 80s Flair

Cornrows in the 80s had attitude, and that’s what I always try to bring back when I write or style them. This isn’t about ultra-clean, ultra-thin rows like you see today. Back then, the vibe was bolder and more expressive. I’ve noticed that slightly thicker cornrows instantly give that throwback feel. Sometimes I even leave the ends loose or curl them just to break the rules a bit.

If you’re doing this at home, plan your parting but don’t overthink it. I usually braid straight back or slightly angled for movement. To be fair, cornrows take patience, so I always tell people to take breaks. Once done, I like adding beads or gold cuffs because, in my opinion, accessories complete the look. It’s protective, powerful, and still looks cool decades later, which is probably why I keep coming back to it.

High Braided Ponytail

A high braided ponytail is pure 80s confidence, and I say that as someone who underestimated it for years. The height is everything here. I pull the ponytail up almost uncomfortably high, tease the base a bit, and then braid the length. The first time I did this, I remember laughing at my reflection because it felt dramatic, but that’s exactly why it works.

To recreate it, flip your head forward when gathering your hair. That little trick helps with height, I’ve found. Secure it tightly, tease the ponytail if you want extra fullness, then braid loosely. I usually tug at the braid to make it thicker. Add a scrunchie, preferably something loud. Honestly, this style makes me stand taller. It’s sporty, flashy, and has that fearless 80s spirit I love so much.

Micro Braids with Teased Crown

Micro braids with a teased crown are such an underrated 80s moment. I remember seeing this look and being fascinated by the contrast between tiny braids and massive volume on top. In my opinion, that contrast is what makes it special. I like starting with micro braids all over or just in sections, then going wild with teasing at the crown.

When styling this now, I gently tease only the top layers so the braids underneath stay visible. I smooth lightly without flattening the volume. To be fair, it takes time, but the result feels intentional and bold. Sometimes I pin one side back just to show more texture. It’s a great way to mix structure and chaos, and honestly, that balance feels very true to the decade.

Braided Crown with Curls

The braided crown with curls always feels a bit romantic to me, even though it’s rooted in big 80s hair. I’ve worn this when I wanted something softer but still dramatic. I usually braid along the hairline, almost like a halo, and leave the rest curly and full. The curls don’t need to be perfect. In fact, I prefer them slightly frizzy.

To do it yourself, braid two sections from either side and pin them across the top of your head. Then focus on volume. I scrunch, tease, and let the curls do their thing. Honestly, this style photographs beautifully and feels special without being too serious. It’s one of those looks where people always ask, “How did you do that?” which secretly makes all the effort worth it.

Crimped Hair with Side Braids

Crimped hair with side braids screams 80s fun, and I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for crimpers. The texture alone already sets the mood. I usually crimp my hair first, then take a small section on one side and braid it loosely. It’s such a small detail, but it changes the whole look.

If you’re trying this, don’t over-style the braid. I’ve found that a simple three-strand braid works best against the busy texture. Let the rest of the hair stay big and wild. To be fair, this look isn’t subtle, but that’s the point. It’s playful, nostalgic, and honestly makes me feel like dancing the moment it’s done.

Braids with Feathered Bangs

Braids with feathered bangs feel very personal to me because bangs were such a big deal back then. I love keeping the bangs soft and layered while adding braids through the rest of the hair. It creates movement and frames the face beautifully. In my experience, feathered bangs stop braids from looking too severe.

To recreate this, style your bangs first. I blow-dry them with a round brush, flipping them back slightly. Then add braids wherever you like, sides or even a small crown braid. I usually pull at the braids to loosen them. Honestly, this style feels wearable even today, which is probably why I recommend it so often to readers who want 80s vibes without going full costume.

Braided Mohawk Style

The braided mohawk style is bold, rebellious, and not for shy days. The first time I tried it, I felt a bit nervous, but once it was done, I loved the edge it gave me. The idea is to keep the sides tighter and focus all the drama down the center with braids and volume.

To do this, section off the middle of your head and braid it in one or multiple braids. The sides can be slicked back or cornrowed. I like teasing the braided section slightly for height. In my opinion, this look works best when you fully commit. Add hairspray, add attitude, and don’t second-guess it. It’s strong, expressive, and very 80s.

Double Braids with Scrunchies

Double braids with scrunchies might be the most fun on this list, honestly. It instantly takes me back to carefree, colorful 80s style. I part my hair down the middle, braid each side, and finish with bright scrunchies. The key is not making the braids too tight.

When doing this yourself, keep the braids a bit loose and tug them wider once they’re done. I’ve found that fabric scrunchies add volume at the ends, which helps balance the look. To be fair, this style feels youthful, but that’s part of its charm. It’s easy, nostalgic, and always puts me in a good mood the moment I look in the mirror.

Styling Tips to Achieve the 80s Look

The 80s hair trend was all about big volume, bold texture, and dramatic finishes. When styling braids with an 80s vibe, focus on creating height, texture, and playful details that make the hairstyle stand out.

• How to add volume and height:
  Start by blow-drying your hair upside down to lift the roots. Gently tease the crown area before adding braids to get that signature 80s fullness.

• Using teasing and crimping tools:
  Use a teasing comb to backcomb sections near the scalp. Crimping tools help add texture and give braids a more authentic 80s look.

• Choosing the right hair accessories:
  Go for scrunchies, colorful elastics, ribbons, beads, or clips. These accessories were a big part of 80s hairstyles and instantly add a retro touch.

• Hairspray and hold techniques:
  Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to lock in volume and keep the style in place. Lightly spray after teasing and again once the braids are set for long-lasting hold.