Why were curls so popular in the 80s?

Author: Miss Odie Osinski II  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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.

Why was curly hair popular in the 80s?

Cultural Trends: The 1970s and 1980s saw a shift towards more expressive and individualistic styles. The counterculture movements of the 1960s influenced the embrace of natural textures, including curls, as a form of self-expression.

Why was 80s hair so crazy?

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.

Why were perms so popular in the 80s?

Although straight hair was the norm at the beginning of the decade, as many late 1970s styles were still relevant, by around 1982 the perm had come into fashion. This was in large part due to many movies released at the time, as well as possibly being a rebellious movement against the 1970s.

In what decade was curly hair popular?

It wasn't until the 1980s, that curly hair had once again been considered “in vogue.” The 80's gave us the poofy, extreme hair,the “jheri curl” and even that high side pony with the crimped or curly hair. Today, it's okay to have those stylized curls and waves.

80s Fluffy Curls | Helen Anderson

What was the 80s curly hair called?

Iconic hairstyles from the 80s, like the Jheri curl, wanton crimping, and the mullet, along with the box cut, feathered and voluminous, hair sprayed curls made bold statements. The era was defined by its loud and rebellious hair trends, which were all about expressing individuality and making a statement.

What country has the most people with curly hair?

Which country has the most curly hair? Brazil is often noted for having a high percentage of people with curly and wavy hair due to its diverse ethnic background and climate conditions that influence hair texture.

How did people in the 80s get their hair so big?

“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.

Why do perms damage your hair?

The chemicals used in perms can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased frizz. Without proper hydration and care, the hair can become more difficult to manage, losing its natural shine and suppleness.

How much did perms cost in the 80s?

Unless you were of the echelon of Robin Leach's Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, a salon perm was a costly and likely unfeasible luxury; such a style could set you back as much as $50, the equivalent of a new car payment at the time.

What was the most common hairstyle in the 80s?

Read on to see 10 of the most popular hairstyles of the 1980s!
  • Big Hair. Big hair sported by a hair band. ...
  • The Mullet. George Clooney sporting a mullet. ...
  • Crimps, Curls and Perms. Whitney Houston wearing a perm. ...
  • Punk. ...
  • Ponytails with Scrunchies. ...
  • Aqua-net Bangs. ...
  • The Hi-Top Fade. ...
  • The Princess Diana.

Is 80s hair coming back in 2025?

Hair trends of the '70s, '80s and '90s are back with a modern twist: From shixie shag to wolf cuts and the modern-day mullet, look out for these 2025 hairstyles.

Why is it called a Jheri curl?

Invented by the hairdresser Jheri Redding, the Jheri curl gives the wearer a glossy, loosely curled look. It was touted as a "wash and wear" style that was easier to care for than the other popular chemical treatment of the day, the relaxer.

Why did everyone used to have curly hair?

Tightly curled scalp hair protected early humans from the sun's radiative heat, allowing their brains to grow to sizes comparable to those of modern humans.

What are 1940s curls called?

Victory rolls are a women's hairstyle that was popular from 1940 to 1945, with a recent rise during the 21st century, characterized by voluminous curls of hair that are either on top of the head or frame the face.

What hair cannot be permed?

Tip 1 - Bleached/Pre Lightened hair cannot be permed

Thus before each color, always be sure to ask your stylist what goes into your hair. Inform your stylist that you intend to perm your hair in the near future, thus your hair cannot be bleached or pre lightened.

Is my hair permanently damaged after a perm?

Hair perming involves breaking the cysteine bonds in your hair using this thioglycolic acid. The cysteine bond is what gives your hair its structure. It therefore needs to be undone in order to achieve the new shape. “If the product is left on for too long it can cause these bonds to break permanently.

Do perms cause hair thinning?

Using too much of the perm solution, or applying it in the wrong areas could cause excessive damage to your hair and scalp with may ultimately result in hair loss, breakage, or thinning.

What decade had the biggest hair?

Everything about rock and pop music got big in the '80s. Big sounds, big bands, big clothes, and — perhaps biggest of all — big hair! The decade that introduced Hair Metal saw newly minted rock stars doubling down on the glam and teasing their hair till it was sky-high.

What kind of perm was popular in the 80s?

Perms fell into obscurity during most of the early 1900s as women opted for short or straight hair. However, when the 80s began, people started embracing exaggerated styles, including big, curly hair. Tight, spiral curls that could be teased into huge coifs remained popular throughout the entire decade.

Will 80s hair ever come back?

Absolutely! 80s hairstyles are making waves today. From big curls and feathered bangs to shag cuts and messy hair, some looks are finding new interpretations, and fashionistas are embracing the nostalgia of the 80s – but with a fresh twist.

What race has the thickest hair?

Asian hair is the thickest, with a larger diameter of about 70 µm. Caucasian hair has an average diameter of 65 µm, and African hair is the finest, with a diameter of 55 µm. The cross-section of Asian hair is the most round and uniform, Caucasian hair has an elliptical shape, and African hair has a flattened shape.

What is the rarest hair type?

Type 1A: The rarest hair type, this one is very straight and fine with a “wispy” appearance. It's very difficult to get it to hold a curl. Type 1B: Though still straight, this type has a medium (rather than fine) texture and a little more volume.

What state is best for curly hair?

West Palm Beach, FL, ranks as the worst city for curly hair as its high humidity levels and average rainfall per year proves disastrous for anyone wanting to avoid poofy, frizzy curls. The top three states that offer the best weather conditions for curly hair are California, North Carolina, and Louisiana.

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