The 1980s were known for their bold, dramatic, and often oversized hairstyles. While many of these styles seemed larger than life, they’ve made a major comeback, with modern tweaks making them fresh and wearable for 2024. If you’re looking to channel some retro vibes with a contemporary twist, these 20 popular ‘80s hairstyles are the perfect way to do it. From voluminous curls to the iconic mullet, these styles offer something for everyone.
Popular ’80s Hairstyles
The ’80s were a time of big hair, bold accessories, and playful styles. As fashion continues to revive trends from the past, these ’80s hairstyles are making a stylish comeback in 2024. Whether you love short cuts, long layers, or fun accessories, these looks will add an exciting retro flair to your hair routine.
Common ’80s Hairstyles with Long Hair
In the ’80s, long hair was all about volume, texture, and wild curls. Big hair was a status symbol, and long locks were teased, permed, and layered to achieve maximum volume. If you’ve got long hair and want to bring some ’80s glam into your style, here are a few common long hairstyles to try.
1. Long Messy Hair
Long messy hair was a signature look in the ‘80s, with volume, layers, and lots of texture creating that effortlessly cool vibe. The messier, the better, as this style embraced an undone and rebellious aesthetic.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long, thick hair.
- How to Style: Tease your roots to add volume, then use a texturizing spray to enhance the tousled, messy look.
- Extra Tip: For added volume, use a crimping iron on the lower layers of your hair.
2. Half-Up, High, and Mighty
The half-up, high, and mighty style is a perfect blend of casual and glam. It was a staple for both casual outings and more formal events in the ‘80s, often paired with teased volume and bold hair accessories.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long or medium-length hair.
- How to Style: Tease the crown to create height, then pull the top section into a high ponytail or bun.
- Extra Tip: Add a scrunchie or bow for that authentic ‘80s look.
Common ’80s Hairstyles with Short Hair
Short hair in the ‘80s was equally bold and daring, often featuring structured cuts, lots of layers, and even shaved sides. These looks were edgy and rebellious, perfect for anyone looking to make a statement.
3. 80s Pixie
The ’80s pixie cut was bold, choppy, and full of personality. This short hairstyle was often paired with bright colors or accessories to give it an even edgier look.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Oval or heart-shaped faces.
- How to Style: Add texture with a styling wax to give the pixie definition, and play with side-swept bangs or layers.
- Extra Tip: A bold hair color, like platinum blonde or neon pink, can elevate this look even more.
4. Low-to-High Beautiful Bobs
Bobs in the ’80s were versatile and trendy, often featuring dramatic layers or asymmetric cuts. The low-to-high bob, where the back is shorter than the front, became a fashion-forward choice for many women during this time.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Thick hair that holds shape well.
- How to Style: Use a flat iron to create sleek, straight lines or a curling iron to add waves for extra volume.
- Extra Tip: Tease the crown slightly for added ’80s-inspired height.
H2: ’80s Hairstyles for Women
The ’80s brought an exciting array of hairstyles for women, ranging from structured cuts to wild curls. Women embraced everything from perms to mullets, with a heavy focus on individuality and self-expression. Below are some iconic women’s hairstyles to revive in 2024.
5. Mullet
The mullet is possibly one of the most iconic and polarizing hairstyles of the ’80s, featuring short hair in the front and long hair in the back. Today, it has made a fashionable comeback, blending both retro charm and modern edginess.
Tips:
- Ideal for: All hair types.
- How to Style: Keep the front sleek and straight, and add curls or texture to the back for added volume.
- Extra Tip: A modern twist on the mullet includes softer layers to make the look more wearable.
6. Curly Bangs
Curly bangs were a massive trend in the ‘80s, adding both volume and texture to any hairstyle. Whether paired with long waves or short cuts, curly bangs made a bold statement.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Curly or wavy hair.
- How to Style: Use a curling wand or a diffuser to enhance your natural curls, and set the bangs with a light-hold hairspray.
- Extra Tip: Keep the bangs slightly longer to soften the look for a more modern feel.
7. Shag Haircut
The shag haircut was a layered, textured style that created movement and volume. This messy, rockstar-inspired look was a favorite among musicians and fashionistas alike.
Tips:
- Ideal for: All hair lengths, especially medium to long hair.
- How to Style: Use a texturizing spray and finger comb through the layers to achieve that messy, carefree style.
- Extra Tip: For added volume, blow-dry the layers upward with a round brush.
Retro-Inspired ’80s Accessories
Accessories were a major part of ’80s hairstyles, with everything from banana clips to bows helping to elevate each look. Here are some iconic ’80s accessories you can incorporate into your hairstyles for a touch of retro flair.
8. Banana Clips
Banana clips were a fun and functional way to create volume and hold hair in place. These clips allowed women to gather their hair at the back, creating a mohawk-like effect without cutting the hair.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long or medium-length hair.
- How to Style: Pull your hair back into a half-up or full-up style and secure it with the banana clip for that instantly retro look.
- Extra Tip: Tease the crown before securing the clip for added volume.
9. Bow Headbands
Bow headbands were an essential accessory for achieving that cute yet bold ’80s style. They added a fun, playful touch to any hairstyle, from sleek ponytails to voluminous curls.
Tips:
- Ideal for: All hair types.
- How to Style: Wear the bow headband over your hair with curls or waves, or use it to accent a high ponytail.
- Extra Tip: Opt for bold, oversized bows to capture that true ’80s spirit.
Updos and High Hair
’80s updos were all about volume, with high buns and teased roots creating a dramatic, larger-than-life effect. These styles are perfect for formal events or parties where you want to make a bold statement.
10. High Bun with a Hair Bow
The high bun with a hair bow was a polished yet playful look that defined ’80s formal styles. This high-volume bun was typically paired with oversized bows, making it perfect for any special occasion.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to long hair.
- How to Style: Gather your hair into a high bun and secure it with pins. Add an oversized bow for the perfect finishing touch.
- Extra Tip: Tease the base of the hair before securing the bun to give it more volume.
11. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail adds a fun twist to the classic ponytail by creating several “bubbles” along the length of the ponytail. This look is playful and modern but has roots in ’80s creativity.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long hair.
- How to Style: Create a high ponytail, and then use small elastics to section off the ponytail at regular intervals, gently pulling each section outward to create the bubble effect.
- Extra Tip: Add some texture spray to the sections for a messier, more voluminous look.
Modern Takes on Classic ’80s Styles
While many of the ’80s hairstyles are bold, adding a modern twist can make them more wearable for today’s trends. Here are some updated versions of classic ’80s looks.
12. Sleek Bob with Bangs
The sleek bob with bangs was a polished and refined ’80s style, often paired with straight hair and blunt bangs. In 2024, this look is just as chic, with modern styling techniques giving it a more minimalist feel.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Straight or wavy hair.
- How to Style: Use a flat iron to keep the bob sleek and polished, and add a shine serum for that glossy, high-fashion finish.
- Extra Tip: For a modern twist, try a side part instead of the classic middle part.
Conclusion
’80s were a decade of bold, exciting hairstyles, and in 2024, many of these iconic looks are making a major comeback. From voluminous curls and shaggy layers to daring mullets and pixie cuts, these 20 popular ’80s hairstyles offer plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to add some retro flair to their look. Whether you want to try a classic style or a modern twist on an old favorite, these hairstyles will have you party-ready in no time!