Hairstyles in the 1980s included the mullet, tall
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.
How to achieve big 80s hair? Start with dirty hair. Tease the hair at the roots with a fine tooth comb. Use a brush after using a fine tooth comb. Spray hairspray all over the front of your hair. Dry the hairspray with a hair dryer. Repeat the process until hair is big and bold. Put gel in the roots.
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.
Cher. Cher in 1981 and in 2024. After becoming known for her sheaf of straight hair in the '70s, Cher went big in the '80s. These days, the "Believe" singer is something of a chameleon, perpetually changing it up, as she did with this blonde look at a pre-Grammys party in February 2024.
Aqua-net Bangs
While this option can take many shapes, one that was popular in the '80s was the aqua-net bangs. It's hard to miss anyone in the '80s forms of entertainment without this style, especially high school movies and TV shows. That makes it a good choice for those at this point in their lives today.
Feathered Layers '80s Hairstyle for Medium Hair
Gleaming, middle-parted waves molded to perfection were the hallmarks of the decade's pretty girls. A feathered hairstyle was the first-generation “Rachel,” and flattered almost all face shapes due to its democratic layers and low-maintenance length.
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.
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.
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.
“There are several key ways to get optimum volume of'80s hair. One popular way, which we are seeing lots of right now, is a perm. That built-in texture can really help to add a base to maintaining volume. Another way would be setting the hair on rollers.
Hairstyles in the 1980s included the mullet, tall mohawk hairstyles, jheri curls, flattops, and hi-top fades, which became popular styles. Amongst women, large hair-dos, puffed-up styles, permanent waves, and softer cuts typified the decade.
In the '80s, it was all the rage to wear a bandana as an accessory to keep your hair in place. One of the most popular ways to wear one was wrapped around your head, like Princess Caroline did here.
The Legacy of '80s Hair Accessories
So here's to the scrunchies, bows, and banana clips that made every '80s girl feel stylish. They weren't just accessories; they were symbols of an era when bigger was better, brighter was bolder, and every day was a chance to make a statement.
A classic 80s look, the off-shoulder top and dress were must-haves in the decade. Women's tops usually had a one-shoulder cut, while dresses were often designed with two straps that draped off the shoulders. In the '80s, women often wore off-shoulder tops with statement jewelry, making for a glamorous look.
The decade, characterized by eye-straining fabric colors and patterns, acid wash jeans, shoulder pads, massive, dramatic earrings, pearls, and big hair, had people confidently expressing themselves with their Style. Big, vibrant, and brilliant certainly capture the essence of 1980s fashion.
Video games saw a huge rise in the 1980s, with standup machines like “Centipede” and, “Pac Man” (both released in 1980) and “Street Fighter” (released in 1988) sending kids and teens to mall arcades in droves.
15 Revived '80s Hairstyles That Are Trendy Again In 2025. Big hair is making a comeback, baby. The 1980s might be long gone, but the current wave of hairstyling trends mean the celebrated decade hasn't left our collective consciousness.
Feathered hair uses layers, but with wispy and feather-light ends. Feathered hair is often styled to have a bouncy, sweeping appearance.