Ultimate Guide to 80s Hair Styles: Transform Your Look!

The 80s was a decade of bold fashion choices and even bolder hairstyles.

From voluminous curls to gravity-defying spikes, 80s hair was about making a statement. If you want retro flair in your look, you're in the right place. Get ready to explore a variety of iconic 80s hairstyles and discover how to achieve these timeless looks.

Big Hair, Don’t Care

When we think of 80s hair, the first thing that comes to mind is volume. Big hair was a defining characteristic of the decade, with everyone from rock stars to everyday fashionistas sporting sky-high styles.

The Power of Perms

Perms were incredibly popular in the 1980s, giving hair an enviable bounce and volume. Achieving the perfect perm involves a professional treatment where hair is curled and chemically set into waves or curls. To maintain the look, use curl-enhancing products and avoid overbrushing.

Teasing and Hairspray

Teasing, or backcombing, is another hallmark of 80s hair. This technique involves combing the hair towards the scalp to create a fuller look. Paired with generous hairspray, teasing helps maintain the daily volume. Remember to use a fine-toothed comb and a firm-hold hairspray for the best results.

The Ultimate Texture

Crimped hair is a fun and playful style that adds texture and flair to any look. A crimping iron creates a zigzag pattern, giving hair a unique, wavy appearance.

Steps to Crimp Your Hair

1. Wash and Dry: Start with clean, dry hair.
2. Heat Protection: Apply a heat protectant to prevent damage.
3. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections for easier crimping.
4. Crimp Away: Use a crimping iron on each section, holding for a few seconds.
5. Set with Spray: Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves intact.

Crimping works best on medium to long hair and can be combined with other styles, like ponytails or half-up, half-down looks, for added versatility.

5 Iconic 80s Hairstyles to Try

Ready to rock some 80s hair? Here are five iconic styles to inspire your next look.

1. The Mullet

The mullet is perhaps the most quintessential 80s hairstyle. This "business in the front, party in the back" look combines short hair at the front and sides with longer locks at the back. To achieve the perfect mullet, ask your stylist for a layered cut and style with a bit of mousse for added volume.

How to Rock a Mullet:

1. Get a Layered Cut: Visit a stylist for the right shape.
2. Use Mousse: Apply mousse to damp hair for volume.
3. Blow-Dry: Blow-dry with a round brush for a smooth finish.
4. Tease the Crown: Add extra height with teasing.
5. Finish with Hairspray: Use hairspray to hold the style in place.

2. The Side Ponytail

The side ponytail is a playful and easy-to-achieve style. It involves gathering the hair to one side of the head and securing it with a scrunchie. It’s perfect for adding 80s fun to your daily routine.

How to Achieve a Side Ponytail:

1. Brush Your Hair: Ensure it’s tangle-free.
2. Gather to One Side: Pull your hair to your preferred side.
3. Secure with a Scrunchie: Use a colorful scrunchie for an authentic 80s vibe.
4. Add Volume: Tease the ponytail for extra flair.
5. Spray to Hold: Finish with a light-hold hairspray.

3. Feathered Bangs

Feathered bangs were all the rage in the 1980s, giving hair a soft, airy look. This style involves cutting bangs to frame the face and using a blow-dryer and round brush to create a feathered effect.

Steps to Feathered Bangs:

1. Trim Bangs: Have a stylist cut them to frame your face.
2. Blow-Dry with a Round Brush: Create a feathered look.
3. Use Light-Hold Spray: Keep the bangs in place without stiffness.
4. Style Daily: Maintain the look with regular styling.
5. Touch-Up Ends: Trim as needed to keep the shape.

4. The High-Top Fade

The high-top fade is a sharp and edgy style popularized by hip-hop culture. This look features short sides and a tall, flat top, creating a striking silhouette. It’s best achieved with the help of a skilled barber.

How to Get a High-Top Fade:

1. Visit a Barber: Ensure precise cutting.
2. Keep Sides Short: Trim regularly to maintain the fade.
3. Shape the Top: Use clippers to define the flat top.
4. Moisturize: Use hair products to keep hair healthy.
5. Style Daily: Maintain with regular touch-ups.

5. The Shag

The shag haircut is a layered style that adds movement and texture. It’s versatile and can be tailored to suit different lengths and face shapes, making it a timeless choice.

How to Achieve a Shag:

1. Layered Cut: Ask for lots of layers.
2. Blow-Dry for Texture: Use a blow-dryer and fingers for a tousled look.
3. Use Texturizing Spray: Add definition to layers.
4. Regular Trims: Maintain the shape with frequent trims.
5. Style Flexibly: Experiment with different looks.

Conclusion: Bring the 80s to Your Style Routine

Revamping your hairstyle with an 80s flair can be a fun and exciting way to express your personality. There are countless ways to embrace this iconic decade, from big hair and perms to crimped styles and mullets.

For those who prefer professional help, MOBILESTYLES offers on-demand beauty services from experienced beauty experts. Whether you're looking for a chic new cut, vibrant color, or perfect perm, our app connects you with top beauty professionals who can bring your 80s hair dreams to life. Download the MOBILESTYLES app today and start your journey to fabulous 80s hair!