Big hair. Bold color. Gravity-defying styles. The 1980s wasn’t just a decade—it was a statement, and nowhere was that louder than on the heads of its trendsetters. From the music scene to the silver screen, the era brought forth some of the most unforgettable hairdos in beauty history. These styles weren’t just about looking good; they were declarations of rebellion, personality, and pure confidence. Whether you’re channeling your inner rock goddess, teen dream, or pop princess, these iconic 80s hair trends remain timeless in their fierce flair. Ready to take a nostalgic stroll through the most glam-tastic follicles of the past? Buckle up, hairspray in hand—here are 10 legendary 80s hairdos that still make hearts (and hair) soar.
1. The Feathered Farrah
This style soared into popularity thanks to none other than Farrah Fawcett. With layers that flipped away from the face, the feathered hairdo epitomized natural glamour with an effortless bounce. It was the perfect blend of volume and movement, giving wearers a breezy, angelic aura. Feathered hair required commitment—curling irons, round brushes, and a solid understanding of directional blow-drying. But when executed right, it framed the face in a cascade of soft layers that looked like you’d just stepped out of a wind machine. The look wasn’t just for women; men like Rob Lowe and John Stamos sported feathered locks too, proving its universal appeal. It became synonymous with health, youth, and good genes, often paired with sun-kissed highlights and glossy finishes. What made it iconic was its accessibility—anyone with medium to long hair could try it. The feathered style marked a shift from rigid rollers of the 70s to a more liberated, airy feel of the 80s. And let’s be honest—no retro-inspired hair list is complete without this voluminous marvel. It was both sexy and sporty, making it one of the most versatile hairdos to ever grace magazine covers, sitcoms, and high school halls alike.
2. The Mullet Madness
Business in the front, party in the back. No phrase sums up the 80s quite like this one. The mullet defied convention with its stark contrast in lengths—short and neat from the front and sides, while the back was left long, wild, and flowing. What started as a niche rock-and-roll style turned into a cultural juggernaut. From Billy Ray Cyrus to David Bowie, everyone who was anyone seemed to sport one. It was gender-fluid before the term became mainstream, embraced by both glam rockers and tough girls alike. The mullet was about attitude. It screamed rebellion and demanded attention. Maintenance was surprisingly involved: keeping the top trim while letting the back grow required regular barbershop visits or DIY attempts that often went hilariously awry. The style could be worn curly or straight, shaggy or slicked-back, making it adaptable to individual tastes. Some even added shaved sides or lightning-bolt designs to up the edge factor. Today, the mullet has seen a cheeky revival on runways and Instagram feeds, but the 80s version remains unmatched in its sheer audacity. It wasn’t just a haircut; it was an anthem. A bold, unapologetic “I do what I want” etched in strands.
3. Glam Rock Volume
Think Bon Jovi. Think Twisted Sister. Think big. Glam rock hair in the 80s was all about towering volume, dramatic texture, and unapologetic excess. Men and women alike teased, backcombed, and sprayed their locks into gravity-defying masterpieces that could rival the height of platform boots. This style was loud—just like the music that inspired it. Bands like Poison and Mötley Crüe turned hair into part of the show, creating an aesthetic where the bigger the ‘do, the closer to rock god status you were. Achieving glam rock volume was a ritual: mousse, root lifters, heat tools, and—of course—copious amounts of hairspray. Often paired with wild streaks of neon or bleached tips, this hair wasn’t just seen; it was felt. It roared with attitude and demanded stares. The glam rock look symbolized a break from the polished norms, a rebellion wrapped in Aqua Net and defiant curls. Even in today’s more subdued beauty landscape, elements of this look persist in editorial shoots and nostalgic revivals. While modern takes may tone it down, the original 80s glam rock volume remains an iconic, unmissable chapter in hair history—loud, proud, and totally electric.
4. The Crimped Queen
Crimping irons were a rite of passage in the 80s. With their zig-zagged plates, they transformed straight strands into textured waves that looked like electrified spaghetti—and it was fabulous. Crimped hair was worn by pop royalty like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Whitney Houston, turning what might’ve been a bad hair day into an artistic expression. The style gave volume without teasing, added edge to ponytails and braids, and worked on nearly every hair length. Whether crimped all over or just at the roots for lift, the effect was instant drama. It became a favorite for school dances and roller rinks, lending a punky flair without the commitment of a mohawk. To create the look, hair had to be sectioned meticulously and pressed bit by bit. It was time-consuming but worth it. Crimping embodied the experimental spirit of the decade—bold, unconventional, and a little rebellious. Today, crimping irons have been reborn in modern tools, but the OG look remains iconic. It was a conversation starter, a trendsetter, and a guaranteed head-turner. If you wanted texture that said “I’m fun and fearless,” crimping was the 80s girl’s ultimate weapon of choice.
5. The Perm Powerhouse
Perms in the 80s weren’t subtle. They were bold, bouncy, and bursting with personality. From tight ringlets to softer waves, perms turned lifeless hair into a voluminous spectacle. It wasn’t just about curl—it was about identity. Getting a perm was a commitment, involving strong chemicals and hours in a salon chair, but the result was worth every minute. Icons like Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts (yes, early 90s counts as the tail end), and Cher rocked perms that radiated confidence and flair. The appeal lay in its transformative nature; perms suited a wide variety of hair types and could morph anyone into a disco queen or rock star with just one salon session. Maintenance involved special shampoos, diffusers, and constant conditioning, but women (and brave men) endured it for that cloud-like volume. It became a staple for moms, teens, and professionals alike. No hairstyle screams 80s quite like a big, curly perm—it was almost a social marker of the times. In modern salons, soft waves have replaced the tight coils, but for those craving full retro glam, a true 80s perm is still the crown jewel of curl power.
6. Punk Mohawk Rebellion
For the boldest of the bold, the punk mohawk reigned supreme. This wasn’t just a hairstyle—it was a lifestyle. Shaved sides with a towering strip of upright hair running down the center, the mohawk was adopted by punk subculture to challenge norms and authority. It was aggressive, unapologetic, and raw. Bands like The Exploited and Dead Kennedys made the mohawk a symbol of anarchic pride. The process of creating one involved shaving, backcombing, and the use of industrial-grade gel or sugar water to keep it vertical. Some went the extra mile, dying their mohawks in shocking colors—fluorescent pinks, deep blues, or checkerboard patterns. It wasn’t a style you wore lightly; it invited attention, judgment, admiration, and sometimes trouble. But that was the point. It rejected conformity. The mohawk wasn’t just edgy—it was explosive. In an era that often celebrated excess and glamour, this look carved out a space for raw, DIY rebellion. Today’s iterations are often watered down for fashion week or editorial flair, but the original punk mohawk was pure 80s grit. If there was ever a style that said, “Don’t mess with me,” this was it—in spiked, soaring glory.
7. Pop Princess Ponytail
Before Ariana made the high pony iconic, there was Debbie Gibson, Janet Jackson, and Paula Abdul. The 80s pop princess ponytail was all about height, bounce, and that perfectly scrunched texture. Teased at the crown for volume and secured with neon scrunchies, it framed the face with tendrils or dramatic bangs. It could be worn high and proud or to the side for a playful twist. Accessorized with ribbons, bows, and lace, the ponytail became a go-to look for schoolgirls and pop fans alike. It wasn’t just practical—it was powerful, giving off energetic, approachable vibes that matched the dance moves of MTV’s finest. Creating this style involved a bit of muscle: heavy teasing, curling, and re-curling to get those scrunchy waves just right. But it lasted all day and photographed like a dream. The high ponytail said, “I’m on the go, but make it fashion.” Whether performing choreography or walking through the mall, this hairdo exuded 80s charm with every swish. It’s a style that never truly left, just evolved. But in its 80s form, it was pure sugar-pop confidence—a pony with pizzazz.
8. Teased Bangs Explosion
No 80s hair journey is complete without the legendary teased bangs. These sky-high front fringes required patience, backcombing, and a love for height. Styled with curling irons, rat-tail combs, and industrial-strength hairspray, teased bangs became a symbol of adolescent rebellion and fashion-forward risk. They were often paired with side parts, mullets, or long waves, but the bangs stole the show every time. Think Kelly Kapowski, Heather Locklear, or any high school yearbook photo from 1987. Teased bangs weren’t just a trend—they were a rite of passage. The more dramatic, the better. Some girls even added ribbons or barrettes to draw attention to their hair masterpieces. They defied gravity, logic, and sometimes decency—but they looked amazing. It wasn’t uncommon to go through a can of Aqua Net in a week just to maintain that perfect poof. These bangs made statements without saying a word. And while today’s styles lean more natural, the teased bangs of the 80s still hold a special place in hair history. Big, bold, and just a little chaotic, they were the exclamation point to every outfit and every teenage dream.
9. The New Wave Geometric Cut
Edgy. Asymmetrical. Precision-perfect. The geometric haircut of the New Wave era was like wearable art. Pioneered by icons like Annie Lennox and influenced by designers like Vidal Sassoon, this look was all sharp angles, bold lines, and punk-adjacent style. It wasn’t about softness or flow—it was structure, pure and striking. Often dyed platinum blonde, jet black, or fiery red, the haircut drew attention instantly. It required major skill from stylists and daring from wearers. Short on one side, longer on the other, it flipped beauty conventions on their heads. The style was unisex, embraced by both genders in underground music and fashion circles. Its appeal lay in its futuristic vibe; it looked like something from a sci-fi dream. Perfect for those who thrived on standing out, the geometric cut matched the synth beats and neon hues of the New Wave scene. Maintenance meant frequent trims to keep lines clean and angles sharp. Even today, geometric styles are used in fashion shows to make bold statements. But no era owned it quite like the 80s. This look didn’t whisper; it shouted—sleek, severe, and stunning.
10. The Side-Swept Waterfall
Romantic, glossy, and cascading with soft curls—the side-swept waterfall was the 80s answer to elegance. Worn by red carpet sirens and prom queens alike, it involved voluminous curls brushed to one side, often secured with jeweled clips or sprayed into sculpted waves. Think Brooke Shields, Priscilla Presley, or any soap opera star from the era. This hairdo was glam with a capital G. The curls were big but not wild, shaped to follow the contours of the face and neck. It paired beautifully with shoulder pads, sequins, and silk—making it a go-to for formal occasions. Creating this look involved hot rollers, careful sectioning, and a touch of patience, but the result was worth every minute. The side-swept style framed the face like a soft halo and moved with a graceful bounce that looked effortless but wasn’t. It became synonymous with the height of 80s glamour—a perfect balance between poise and personality. Modern takes are sleeker, but if you want to go full retro, nothing beats the original waterfall. It’s a timeless reminder that sometimes, all you need is a side part and a whole lot of curl.
So there you have it—10 unforgettable 80s hairdos that defined a decade and continue to influence style today. These weren’t just haircuts; they were cultural landmarks. Whether you’re reminiscing, recreating, or reinventing, let these icons guide your next glam moment. Retro is more than a trend—it’s an attitude. And in the world of hair, the 80s still reign supreme.
