And while perms may spring to mind when you think of 80s hairstyles, today it's all about updating retro looks by taking the volume down a touch but keeping all of the attitude. One of the key 80s hairstyles that continues to impress is the side ponytail.
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.
In 1984, sideburns made a comeback but were slightly thinner and shorter, and better groomed than those of the 1970s, lasting until the end of 1986.
The sleek ponytail is a timeless style that became particularly popular in the '90s. This polished look is perfect for both casual outings and formal events.
One of the key 80s hairstyles that continues to impress is the side ponytail. Whether you're out with the girls or on a date downtown, it definitely makes a statement.
There wasn't just one look that defined the'90s. “The short cropped bob, voluminous, bouncy blowouts, long hair with blunt ends and face-framing layers, sleek updos with face-framing pieces, and voluminous bombshell updos with face-framing pieces were all popular during this time period,” says Marjan.
We recommend adding some color to achieve the ultimate '80s look. The key with this style is to avoid cuts, parts, and anything that is seen among more plain styles. Instead, your hair needs to look puffy, curly, big, spiky, and crimped. Accessories can help your hair stand out even more if you want the wild look.
As we step into the crisp air of February 2025, the side ponytail is making a triumphant return to the fashion scene. This versatile hairstyle is not just a throwback to the 80s; it's a modern statement of elegance and playfulness that's perfect for the transition from winter to spring.
In period literature, "side whiskers" usually refers to this style, in which the whiskers hang well below the jaw line. As with beards, sideburns went quickly out of fashion in the early twentieth century.
The 1990s were all about iconic and diverse hairstyles that reflected the decade's unique fashion trends. Some of the popular hairstyles in the 90s were the bob, the pixie, the 'Rachel,' space buns, and crimped hair.
For many years, people never cared about shaving their pubic hair until the birth of bikini in 1946. Between the 1960s and 1970s, trimming took a different twist, and women were discouraged from trimming. In the 1980s, they were now encouraged on trimming and even to do a thorough shave.
Half-up, half-down styles were a top choice in the '80s. The half-up ponytail allows you to show off your length while getting hair out of your face. And like many other styles during that time, it was paired with an ultra-high ponytail and a colorful scrunchie.
JEWELRY STYLES
As the decade opened, the focus in jewelry was on gold and diamonds. Thin gold chains were worn in multiples as bracelets and, in various lengths, as necklaces, often with gold charms and small gem-set pendants.
Headbands (especially when worn with teased hair) were such a staple of the '80s—rockstars like Steven Tyler and pop queens like Madonna often wore the accessory.
Although the side ponytail started in the 1980's, it was still a favourite in the 1990's too. It's a really easy way to get your hair away from your face, and you can get really creative with this hairstyle.
Bunches (also called pigtails, bunchies, twintails or angel wings) are a hairstyle in which the hair is parted down the middle and gathered into two symmetrical bundles, like ponytails, secured near the scalp.
"A mid ponytail is ideal for square and heart-shaped faces, balancing the proportions and highlighting natural features. A low ponytail is best for long and oval faces, as it compliments the face's natural contour." Whilst each look is a ponytail, the different heights need different styling to ensure the best results.
Was crimped hair an 80s or 90s style? The 80s first popularised crimping due to the big hair trend, but it had a resurgence in 1990 after Christina Aguilera sported the look at the LA Billboard Awards.
Velour, velvet, and polyester were popular fabrics used in clothes, especially button-up and v shirts. Looser pants remained popular during this time, being fairly wide but straight, and tighter shirts were especially popular, sometimes in a cropped athletic style.
High Pony. The high ponytail is quintessential 80's. If you're feeling extra, a crimping iron can add nostalgic texture to your ends.
Revson's scrunchies were extremely popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Scrunchies initially became popular in the '80s because they were a less damaging alternative for pulling big hair up. Also, scrunchies came in many different colors and patterns, so they matched the colorful and over-the-top aesthetic of the 1980s.
The '90s was a golden era of pop culture and music. Characterized by casual outfits, bright colors, crop tops, baggy pants, graphic tees, slip dresses, and denim overalls, many '90s fashion trends are still stylish today. Athleisure and streetwear (popularized globally in the '90s) are as popular as ever.