Top 5 80s Hairstyles That Every Woman Should Try

The 80s were a decade known for its bold fashion and beauty trends, and hairstyles were no exception. From big hair to perms and everything in between, the 80s offered a wide range of styles that have become iconic today. Many women still draw inspiration from these styles and incorporate them into their modern-day looks. In this blog post, we'll be exploring the top five 80s hairstyles that every woman should try.

5 Popular 80s Hairstyles to Try

Whether you're looking for a fun and flirty style or something bold and daring, we've got you covered. So, let's take a trip back in time and discover some of the most iconic hairstyles of the 80s!

Big, voluminous hair: This was the era of big hair, and women would often tease their hair to create volume and height. This look was often achieved using a lot of hairspray, a blow dryer, and a round brush.
Perms: Perms were very popular in the 80s, and many women opted for tight, curly perms. This style could be worn long or short and was often paired with bangs.
The side ponytail: This was a fun and flirty style that involved pulling the hair to one side and securing it with a scrunchie. This look was often paired with a headband or a scrunchie in a bright color.
The mullet: Although the mullet is often associated with men, it was also a popular hairstyle for women in the 80s. This style involved short hair in the front and longer hair in the back, and could be worn curly or straight.
The layered shag: This hairstyle was all about layers and texture. Women would often have their hair cut into lots of layers to create a shaggy, tousled look. This style was often worn with lots of volume and a side-swept bang.

Big, Voluminous Hair

Big, voluminous hair was one of the most popular hairstyles of the 80s, and it's still a look that many women love today. This style involved teasing the hair to create volume and height, and it was often achieved using a lot of hairspray, a blow dryer, and a round brush. Dolly Parton is a perfect example of this style, with her signature big, blonde hair that she's been rocking for decades.

Here are some tips for achieving this look:

Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add thickness and body to your hair.
Blow dry your hair upside down to create more volume at the roots.
Use a round brush to tease your hair at the crown, working in small sections.
Spray your hair with a strong hold hairspray to hold the volume in place.
For extra height, you can backcomb the hair at the crown using a teasing comb.

Remember, big, voluminous hair is all about creating volume and texture, so don't be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques to achieve the perfect look. With a little practice, you'll be able to rock this 80s-inspired style just like Dolly Parton!

Perms

Perms were a hugely popular hairstyle in the 80s, and many women opted for tight, curly perms. This look involved using chemicals to create curls or waves that would last for several months. Julia Roberts is a perfect example of this style, with her iconic curly locks in the hit movie, "Pretty Woman".

If you're looking to recreate this 80s-inspired look, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Consult with a professional hairstylist to determine the best type of perm for your hair type and desired look.
Make sure to condition your hair regularly to keep it healthy and prevent damage from the perm chemicals.
After getting a perm, avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours to give the curls time to set.
Use a diffuser when blow drying your hair to maintain the curl pattern and prevent frizz.
Apply a curl-enhancing product, such as mousse or gel, to help define and hold the curls.

Remember that perms can be a drastic change to your hair, so be sure to do your research and consult with a professional hairstylist before taking the plunge. With the right care and styling, you can rock this 80s-inspired look just like Julia Roberts!

The Side Ponytail

The side ponytail was a fun and flirty hairstyle that was popular in the 80s, and it's still a great option for a casual or formal look today. This style involves pulling the hair to one side and securing it with an elastic or hair tie, leaving some strands loose for a tousled, effortless look. Sarah Jessica Parker is a perfect example of this style, with her iconic side ponytail in the hit TV show, "Sex and the City".

Here are some tips for recreating this 80s-inspired look:

Start with clean, dry hair and create a deep side part.
Pull your hair to the side opposite of the part and gather it at the nape of your neck.
Secure the hair with an elastic or hair tie, leaving some strands loose to frame your face.
Use a curling iron or flat iron to add some texture and waves to the loose strands.
Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold the style in place.

Remember that the side ponytail is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. You can add accessories, such as a ribbon or scarf, to give it a fun, retro vibe. With a little experimentation, you can rock this 80s-inspired look just like Sarah Jessica Parker!

The Mullet

The mullet was a popular hairstyle in the 80s that is characterized by short hair on the top and sides and longer hair in the back. Joan Jett is a perfect example of this style, with her signature rock-and-roll mullet that she's been rocking for decades.

Here are some tips for recreating this 80s-inspired look:

Start by cutting the hair short on the top and sides, leaving the back longer.
Use a razor or scissors to add texture and layers to the back of the hair.
Style the top of the hair with a pomade or wax to create a spiky or messy look.
Use a blow dryer and a round brush to add volume to the top of the hair.
Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold the style in place.

Remember that the mullet is a bold and edgy look that is not for everyone. It's important to consult with a professional hairstylist before attempting to recreate this style, as it can be difficult to get the proportions and layers just right. With the right styling and attitude, you can rock this 80s-inspired look just like Joan Jett!

The Layered Shag

The layered shag was a popular hairstyle in the 80s that is characterized by layered and feathered ends. Farrah Fawcett is a perfect example of this style, with her iconic layered shag in the hit TV show, "Charlie's Angels".

Here are some tips for recreating this 80s-inspired look:

Start by getting a layered haircut with feathered ends. The layers should start around the chin and go all the way down to the bottom of the hair.
Use a round brush and a blow dryer to add volume and texture to the hair.
Use a curling iron to add loose waves to the ends of the hair.
Use a texturizing spray to add definition and hold to the layers.
Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold the style in place.

Remember that the layered shag is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. You can add bangs or highlights to give it a more modern twist. With the right styling and attitude, you can rock this 80s-inspired look just like Farrah Fawcett!

ALSO READ: 5 Best Shag Haircuts, From Short to Long

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 80s were a decade of bold fashion statements and unique hairstyles, and many of these iconic looks still inspire hair trends today. From big hair to punk styles, the 80s offered a wide range of choices for women who wanted to express their personality through their hair. Whether you want to try a classic perm, experiment with colorful highlights, or rock a fierce mullet, the 80s has a hairstyle for every taste. So why not take a trip back in time and try out one of these top 5 80s hairstyles to add some fun and flair to your look?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some popular 80s hairstyles for women include big hair, crimped hair, perms, mullets, and punk rock styles.

Yes, men also wore big hair in the 80s, particularly in the heavy metal and glam rock scenes.

Perm hairstyles work best on hair that is naturally straight or wavy, and is in good condition. Hair that is overly damaged or processed may not hold a perm well.

Madonna was a major fashion icon in the 80s, and her ever-changing hairstyles were a major influence on 80s hairstyle trends. Her signature looks included the "Like a Virgin" wedding dress and lace gloves, as well as the short blonde crop she sported in her "True Blue" music video.

Yes, some 80s hairstyle trends have made a comeback in recent years, such as crimped hair, perms, and the mullet. However, modern versions of these styles are often more subtle and wearable than their 80s counterparts.