Crimped hair may have come on the scene in the 1980s, but it solidified its place as an iconic style in the 90s. Whether you first discovered crimped hair on Tik Tok or swore by your crimper back in the day, this iconic '90s hairstyle has definitely stood the test of time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some of the popular hairstyles in the 90s were the bob, the pixie, the 'Rachel,' space buns, and crimped hair. People loved voluminous hair and distinct styles that stood out.
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.
The 1980s were a time of excess and expression. With fashion serving as a bold statement of individuality and freedom, big, curly hair wasn't just a style; it was an attitude—a rebellion against the sleek, restrained looks of previous decades.
Barbra Streisand, an American singer,and actress, is the one who made crimping hair popular. She has been seen rocking this look ever since the 1970s. Geri Cusenza was then inspired to invent a modern crimping tool in 1975 because of Barbra.
One of the key 80s hairstyles that continues to impress is the side ponytail.
So, how do you get that '80s fluffy hair? "Eighties blowouts are all about lifting the roots," says Toth. "Use lots of volumizing products and lift the roots with a metal round brush." (A wooden round brush can stretch the elasticity out of your hair, making it too smooth and shiny for a classic '80s blowout.)
Amongst women, large hair-dos, puffed-up styles, permanent waves, and softer cuts typified the decade. Big hair that was "often permed to achieve the desired volume" is especially associated with women of the mid 1980s as well as male rockstars of that era, especially of the glam metal genre.
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.
The Mullet
This style was better suited to the 80's man, yet it still took off for women. Both straight and permed mullets were everywhere you looked -- there was no escaping it! We don't blame you if you've since destroyed all the photos showing your 80s mullet. Don't show the kids!
1920s-1930s
In 1920s bob hair was given a wave or curl around the ear and forehead. While, during the 1930s, hair was parted and given many curls all around the head. This gave the woman a very cool look and almost every female adopted this hairstyle loving the results!
The '80s and '90s, perhaps due to how recent they still feel, are particularly prevalent, with more and more stars gravitating to crimped hair. The celebrity way to wear the trend doesn't follow any sort of rulebook. Some crimps are tighter, more like mermaid waves than a funky, nearly geometric pattern.
Big hair was still on trend from the 1980s, but '90s styles were less about teased volume and more about natural frizz. Bouncy curls, feathered bangs, and crimped waves were all options when going for volume looks. More relaxed '90s hairstyles featured middle parts, straight hair with curled ends, and messy buns.
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.
The hair band rocker look is synonymous with the 1980s. Bleached and ripped jeans or black leather pants will bring back all those '80s vibes! To complete your outfit, throw on a tight t-shirt with ripped-off sleeves or a spandex tank top - then accessorize with a long-haired wig for that iconic hair metal style.
A typical outfit included leggings with an oversized v neck sweater over a turtleneck, slouch socks, and Keds, Sperrys boat shoes or Sperrys white sneakers. Also plaid or plain short dresses and skirts with pastel or white knee socks worn over the knee or folded at the top of the knee with ballet flats or boat shoes.