As we mentioned, the '80s were all about volume and texture, so naturally, crimped waves dominated the decade. While they used to feature tiny zig-zag waves, they're now often created with a wider crimping tool for more modern, loose and (almost beach-like) waves.
Hairstyles in the 80s were perms, crimped hair, shag haircut, farrah fawcett, side pony, highlights, big hair, hairspray styles, mohawks, big volume hair and braided styles.
Yes, we're talking about crimped hair, which, to either your dismay or delight, seems to be making a major comeback from its '80s and '90s heyday. For those who somehow missed out on the decade of excess, crimping is styling straight or straightened hair so it gets a zigzag-wavy look to it using a crimping iron.
This eclectic look was made famous in the 1980s when it turned heads paired with bold colours and accessories. It had a brief revival in the early 2000s, when it was sported by celebs including Tyra Banks, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears. Now, crimping is getting a makeover for the 2020s.
Curls were a staple of 80s hairstyles, often achieved through curling irons or perms. This style allowed individuals to embrace a wavy look that was both playful and voluminous. Many opted for tight curls or loose waves, depending on their preference.
As we mentioned, the '80s were all about volume and texture, so naturally, crimped waves dominated the decade. While they used to feature tiny zig-zag waves, they're now often created with a wider crimping tool for more modern, loose and (almost beach-like) waves.
One of the key 80s hairstyles that continues to impress is the side ponytail.
80s Crimped Hair
Another style that lived in the 70s, 80s and even 90s we can't really get behind is crimped hair, as rocked by Demi Moore in the 80s classic, St. Elmo's Fire.
Beginning in the late 1980s and taking off in the following decade, hair crimping is a method of creating small, sawtooth waves in naturally straight hair. Nineties girls and women would achieve this popular look by braiding wet hair overnight or by using a crimping iron for perfectly crimped hair.
The crimping iron was actually invented over 50 years ago, in 1972, by hair stylist Geri Cusenza for Barbra Streisand's hair. But it wasn't until the late 1980s that crimping became popular due to the big hair trend, where everyone wanted voluminous locks.
The crimped hairstyle was a big one in the 80s and 90s. It's the opposite of loose waves with its zig-zag pattern and tight waves. This hairstyle adds volume and texture to the top of the hair, giving a Hollywood effect. (A typical 80s vibe).
After going wild with coloring their hair in the '80s, people started going back to more neutral colors. Light brown hair color was a popular choice to add highlights to your hair.
Vibrant eyeliners, neon eyeshadows, and coloured mascaras were used to create dramatic, larger-than-life 80s eye makeup and lipstick colours like fuchsia, plum and bubblegum pink were lacquered onto the lips to create vivid 80s pouts. Everything looked lifted and dynamic in the 80s, especially when it came to blush.
Spiked hair, teased hair, brightly colored hair, and shaved hair sections were popularized in the 1980s by the punk movement, as were the Mohawk and its twisted variant, Liberty spikes. The Mullet haircut existed in several different styles, all characterized by hair short on the sides and long in the back.
In the '80s, big hair was not only a status symbol, but also allowed women to take up space, Rachael Gibson, who runs the account The Hair Historian, told the outlet. It was a statement and, especially for artists in the limelight, “filling the screen with your hair felt like quite a power move,” she added.
In the mid-1980s and through the mid-1990s it was common to see women of all ages from girls, tweens, teens, college and beyond wearing high ponytails or high side ponytails held with a scrunchie.
Crimped Hair
Equally emblematic of the 80s hair scene was the crimped hair trend, which brought a zigzag texture that screamed fun. Achieved with a crimping iron, this style electrifies one's look, fitting perfectly with the decade's adventurous fashion sense.
But the '90s style of bandana-wearing was actually first popularized in the 1970s, donned by self-proclaimed hippie women and the likes of Dolly Parton. The style was also worn in the '80s by Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose, though that is an entirely different story.
Sequins. High-shine fabric was a showstopper in the '90s, from sequin shirts and pants to glittery hair accessories and skirts. Take a page from Michael Jackson and use the glittery fabric to stand out on a special occasion.