Iconic Men’s Hairstyles In The 80s

Mullet

I swear the 80s mullet is one of those looks that just refuses to die—and honestly, I kind of love that for it. Whenever I recreate it on my models, I always think about how my dad still proudly shows old photos of himself rocking the “business in the front, party in the back” vibe. To be fair, the charm of a mullet lies exactly in how unbothered it is. I’ve found that when I’m shaping it, the trick is letting the layers feel a bit rebellious instead of too neat because the whole style is basically a personality.
And if you’re trying it yourself, don’t stress too much—just keep the crown lighter and the back longer. A touch of texture spray helps it look like you just walked out of an 80s rock concert (which, in my opinion, is the only correct way a mullet should make you feel).

Feathered Hair

Feathered hair will always remind me of those dreamy 80s posters with guys who had the softest, most perfect wings sweeping back from their faces. When I do this look, I always catch myself smiling because it instantly softens the whole vibe of a model. It has this gentle, effortless charm that looks like you just woke up fabulous. Honestly, the first time I tried feathering, I kept brushing the hair backward until it naturally fanned out—it took me right back to flipping through my mom’s old magazines.
If you want to recreate it, all you really need is medium layers and a round brush. Blow-dry backward and let the hair curve away from the face. Add a little mousse if you want that signature 80s lift. In my opinion, the more movement you let the hair have, the more authentic it looks.

Jheri Curl

The Jheri curl is one of those 80s styles that practically glows with nostalgia. The first time I did it for a photoshoot, I remember laughing because the shine was so intense the studio lights bounced off it like a mirror. But that’s exactly what gives it that iconic vibe—soft, glossy, and full of personality. I’ve found that working with curls like these is almost therapeutic because you’re shaping something that’s already alive with texture.
If you’re going for this look yourself, moisture is everything. And I mean everything. Keep the curls juicy, defined, and bouncy. A good curl cream or activator can help bring that authentic 80s sheen. It’s messy, it’s bold, and, in my opinion, it’s one of the most expressive hairstyles of the decade.

High Top Fade

The high top fade always feels like sculpting art—literally. Every time I do one, I get flashbacks to old hip-hop videos with that perfectly squared silhouette that made everyone stop and stare. Honestly, it’s a style that demands attention in the best way. I love how clean the lines look when the fade melts down the sides, and how the top stands tall like a little skyscraper of personality.
If you ever feel like trying it, precision is the secret. Don’t rush it. Work upward, keep the edges crisp, and let the height be the star. In my opinion, the high top fade isn’t just a haircut—it’s a full vibe, a kind of confidence that says, “Yeah, I know I look good.”

Big Curly Hair

I always joke that 80s big curls had their own gravitational pull because they were just that huge. When I style it on my models, I get this mix of excitement and fear—excitement because the volume is iconic, fear because once the curls expand, they EXPAND. I’ve found that the key is embracing the chaos instead of fighting it. The 80s were loud, and so was the hair.
If you want those wild curls for yourself, don’t be shy with the diffuser and volumizing mousse. Scrunch like your life depends on it. Let the curls go free. In my opinion, big curls are like a personality trait—bold, joyful, and a little unruly, which is exactly what makes them unforgettable.

Punk Spikes

Punk spikes always make me laugh because they bring out the rebellious teenager in me—even though I wasn’t alive in the 80s, the energy is just infectious. When I spike up a model’s hair, it feels like I’m crafting tiny attitude-filled towers. Honestly, the messier the spikes, the more authentic the look feels.
You can totally try it yourself: grab strong gel, pinch the hair upward, and let the spikes lean wherever they want. Punk isn’t about perfection. In my opinion, the best spikes look slightly dangerous—like if the wind blows too hard, someone might lose an eye. That’s the real 80s spirit.

Slick Back Hair

Slicked-back 80s hair has this smooth, polished charm that always reminds me of old movie villains who looked suspiciously good. Whenever I create it on my models, I get this feeling of power—it’s clean, sharp, and honestly a little intimidating. I’ve found that getting the right sleekness is all about commitment.
If you’re giving it a shot, go heavy with gel or pomade—don’t be shy. Comb everything back in clean lines and let the shine do the talking. In my opinion, nothing beats that glossy, movie-scene finish. It’s the easiest way to look like you have your entire life together, even if you really don’t.

Rocker Long Hair

 

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Rocker long hair is one of my personal favorites because it’s messy in the most beautiful way. Every time I style it, I feel like I’m channeling that wild 80s stage energy—fans blowing, guitars screaming, hair flying everywhere. And to be fair, it’s the kind of hairstyle that makes even a simple walk look dramatic.
If you want the look, go for long layers and lots of texture. Shake it out, fluff it up, maybe even rough it up a bit. In my opinion, rocker hair should look lived-in, not perfect. That’s what makes it so addictive.

Bowl Cut

The bowl cut is one of those hairstyles that I didn’t expect to love, but here we are. Every time I recreate it, I think about how many childhood photos people have tried to hide because of this one haircut. But honestly, if you shape it right, it’s actually adorable in a quirky 80s way. I’ve found that the charm lies in its neat roundness.
If you’re brave enough to try it, just keep the edges clean and the top smooth. A little styling cream can help keep everything in place. In my opinion, the bowl cut has unfairly been made the punchline of too many jokes—it’s way better than people remember.

Flat Top

 

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The flat top is like the architectural masterpiece of 80s hairstyles. Every time I do it, I feel like an engineer checking the “roof” to make sure it’s perfectly level. It’s precise, bold, and honestly one of the most satisfying cuts to shape. The straight edges and crisp height never fail to impress me.
If you’re thinking of trying it, patience is key. Keep the sides tight and the top structured. Use a firm product to maintain the shape. In my opinion, a well-done flat top turns heads instantly—it’s sharp, confident, and unmistakably 80s.