Big Hair, Bold Choices
The 1980s were a high-volume decade for hair, which makes it all the more fun to revisit. Texture, height, and playful accessories showed up everywhere, from music videos to sitcoms to red carpets. You don’t have to commit to a dramatic cut to get the vibe, either, because a lot of it comes down to styling. Here are just a few ways you can really sow your nostalgia oats.
1. Teased Crown
With a little backcombing at the roots, complete with a smoothed-over top layer, you’ll have hair that stands proud and tall all on its own. This was a go-to move on stars like Dolly Parton, who made volume part of her signature. Just be sure to use a strong-hold hairspray.
2. Permed Curls
Tight, springy curls were a staple, especially when they had plenty of fullness. If you don’t want a perm, small-barrel curling tools can get you close enough for a tempor-hairy situation. Whitney Houston wore big, lively curls in the 80s that still look great today.
3. Big Blowout
A blowout with extra lift looks polished but still very 80s, especially when you lean into the bounce. Focus on the roots first, then work the ends with a round brush to create your desired shape. Cindy Crawford made this kind of glossy volume feel effortless during her early modeling years.
4. Feathered Layers
Feathered layers give you that blown-back, face-framing movement that defined so many 80s looks. Ask for layers that start around the cheekbones, then style with a round brush away from your face. Princess Diana wore softer feathering at different points, especially with her shorter cuts.
5. High Side Ponytail
Pull your ponytail up and over to one side, then let the ends bounce. A bright scrunchie or ribbon helps sell what decade you’re trying to replicate without having to do too much extra styling. If you curl the ponytail slightly, it’ll look more playful and less sporty.
6. Scrunchie Pony
Scrunchies were everywhere in the late 20th-century, and they’re still one of the easiest ways to bring back the 80s. Try a velvet scrunchie for a dressier feel, or a bold color if you want more personality. Madonna wore scrunchies and high ponytails often, especially in her early pop era.
7. Banana Clip Updo
A banana clip is a fast way to get height without pinning a full updo. Gather your hair, clip it up the back, and let the ends fan out for that classic shape. It works best with a bit of texture, so don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth.
8. Crimped Hair
Crimping adds instant texture and gives hair that zigzag pattern people recognize right away. You can crimp everything or just a few sections underneath for a toned-down version. You may recognize this funky style as a Cyndi Lauper staple.
9. Half-Up Volume
Pull the top half back, tease the crown, and secure it with a clip or barrette. This style keeps hair off your face while still showing length, which is why it was so popular. Finish with a little curl through the ends if you want some extra bounce.
10. Power Bob
Go for a bob that has structure, body, and a strong outline around the jaw. You can wear it smooth, or add volume at the roots to keep it in 80s territory. Joan Collins often wore bold, shaped hair that matched the decade’s confident styling.
11. Curly Shag
A curly shag is layered, full, and built for movement. Use mousse or curl cream, then scrunch and diffuse to keep the shape lively. This is a popular androgynous look for folks who want something they can style in several different ways.
12. Mullet Cut
The mullet is one of the decade’s most famous cuts, with shorter layers up top and length in the back. Modern versions can be softer, but the contrast is still the point. Mullets have definitely returned in a big way in the past few years, so it’s certainly still en vogue.
13. Spiky Pixie
Short hair went edgy in the 80s, and a spiky pixie is a great example. Work a small amount of styling paste through the ends to create piecey texture and lift. Annie Lennox wore sharp, cropped styles that helped define the era’s bold beauty choices.
14. Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs can give you a throwback look without changing your whole haircut. Blow-dry them with a round brush so they curve and hold their shape. They pair well with long layers, bobs, and even updos.
Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash
15. Voluminous Updo
A bigger updo was common for parties and events, especially when it had height and softness. Pin hair up loosely, tease a few sections, and let some pieces fall around your face. Strong-hold spray helps, but you can still keep the finish touchable.
16. Hot Roller Curls
Hot rollers create bouncy curls with volume that lasts longer than many quick-curl methods. Let them cool fully before you take them out, then decide whether you want defined curls or a brushed-out body. This style feels extra authentic when you add a bit of lift at the crown.
17. Wide Headband Style
A wide headband brings the sporty side of the 80s into your look fast. Add a little volume behind it, then smooth the front so it sits neatly. If you’re thinking of Jane Fonda right now, we wouldn’t be surprised.
Karolina Grabowska www.kaboompics.com on Pexels
18. Barrettes and Clips
Clips weren’t subtle in the 80s, and that’s part of the charm. You can stack barrettes on one side, pin back a bang section, or use a bright clip to hold a half-up style. This is a fun option when you want a clear 80s nod without heat styling.
19. Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl was a defining texture trend and showed up everywhere in the decade. It’s glossy, defined, and full, and it requires the right products to keep it moisturized. Michael Jackson wore a well-known version of it during the early 80s, and it became instantly recognizable.
20. Slicked-Back Top
Slicking back the front while keeping the rest of the hair full gives you a strong 80s contrast. Use gel or mousse to smooth the hairline, then let the lengths stay curly, wavy, or teased. Pair it with hoop earrings if you want the look to feel a little more dressed up.
