For both genders, big hair became popular in the 1980s. The term is also used in the glam, hair metal, goth and alternative cultures and is particularly associated with fashion of the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, or inspired by the period.
Big hair was the name of the game in the '70s and this look Keke Palmer wore to the 2021 Met Gala screams Diana Ross. The texture, the volume, the deep side part, the layers that fall a few inches below Palmer's shoulders—it's retro perfection.
The 1980s saw the onset of huge, voluminous locks on men and women, often in the form of long, curly hair. Inspired by heavy metal and appropriately-named "Hair Bands," huge hair was everywhere.
From Cindy Crawford's big hair to Princess Diana's feathered bob – we loved them all. Chunky highlights, mohawks, high and severe ponytails, straight hair with bangs, and razor-sharp cuts are just a few of the most unforgettable 90s hairstyles.
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. Television shows such as Dynasty helped popularize the high volume bouffant and glamorous image associated with it.
After gaining traction in the late '70s and peaking in the '80s, the mullet became one of the most iconic hairstyles of all time.
One of the most common hairstyles during the '80s was curly bangs. A go-to style for natural and curly-haired people, this hairstyle brings volume front and center (literally), and makes for effortless movement.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, curly, teased bangs were in fashion, often held very big or high in place with copious amounts of hair spray. This style was called "mall bangs".
Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s — and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your closet).
Types of '90s looks
This look included darker colored plaid flannel shirts, stonewashed or ripped jeans, Doc Martens, combat boots, Birkenstocks, and high top sneakers. Movies like Singles and Reality Bites and the TV show My So-Called Life are good examples of grunge style.
This decade (group of ten years) is sometimes called the "Greed decade" in English speaking countries. Unlike the 1960s and 1970s, this is when the word yuppie was used to describe "young urban professionals" – young adults who lived in cities and started to get good jobs.
Sexuality became increasingly embraced, especially in the realm of film and cinema. This was reflected with bigger, sexier hair. Actresses such as Raquel Welch, Jane Fonda and Brigitte Bardot began wearing long, flowing, voluminous hairstyles that soon became synonymous with beauty and sensuality.
The 1970s were not all about long hair, of course. There were many shorter styles for those who didn't want long hair. Some haircuts were sleek and combed smooth – others were for those with thicker or wavier hair. Whatever the style, they still had a little fullness or length.
Long and Fringed. Long hair really reigned supreme throughout the '70s, and fringed styles were all the rage. Keep lengths blunt and the fringe slightly tapered. To ensure long strands stay long, strong, healthy and glossy, apply this foridying oil to mid-lengths and ends after washing.
Flicks could go all the way around the bottom of shorter hair, creating a circle of volume. The crown and top of the hair were left straight. Flicks and wings were created with the new breed of heated styling tools, as well as rollers and tongs. Some women opted for a perm to create a curl, which was easy to flick out.
While personal memory drives a love for '90s fashion among Millennials, for Gen Z, it's more an appeal of aesthetic tastes. The '90s represents a far-off fashionable fantasy depicted in film photos and polaroids for the younger generation, whereas the 2000s are a distant but recognizable reality.
The 1990s is often remembered as a decade of relative peace and prosperity: The Soviet Union fell, ending the decades-long Cold War, and the rise of the Internet ushered in a radical new era of communication, business and entertainment.
Crimped Hairstyle
Beginning in the late 1980's 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.
Bubble Braids
This 90s-inspired hairstyle is perfect for ladies who don't know how to braid their own hair or are looking for a quick hairstyle. If you're wondering what a bubble braid is, read on. You basically put your hair in a ponytail or pigtails and then get your hairbands.
something, but it undoubtedly gave rise to a resurgence of the style. Of course, this time around, the updated '80s hairstyle is way chicer. While still maintaining the rounded elements of the classic bowl cut, there's a bit more edge to it.
Big hair was popular in the 80′s, because it looked stunning, when styled correctly. In the late 70′s and most of the 80′s, men rivaled their female counterparts in hair aesthetics. Not anymore in this day of buzz cuts and bald heads.
A new survey has revealed the 1980s are officially the most iconic decade for hair. The survey asked 2,000 American women about their hairstyle journeys throughout the years and found the 1980s to be the best decade for 'dos. After the 1980s, respondents crowned the runner ups as the 1990s and 1970s, respectively.