The 80s were a golden age for hair. Bold, dramatic, and daring, the hairstyles of this era were as much about self-expression as they were about sheer volume (and let's be honest, a lot of hairspray). These iconic looks didn’t just make a statement; they screamed confidence. And isn’t that exactly what we all could use more of in our style routines today? It’s no wonder 80s fashion keeps making its way back onto runways, and we’re here to argue that the hairstyles deserve to return too. Whether you lived through the decade or just admire it from afar, there’s something undeniably electric about those high-energy hair moments.
What made 80s hairstyles so special is how unapologetically fun they were. They embraced texture, rebellion, and creativity, proving that good hair isn’t just about following the rules. And with modern trends leaning into individuality, there’s no better time to take a page out of the 80s style book. Trust us, these looks will have you itching to tease your hair and crank up some Madonna.
Big Hair, Don’t Care
If there’s one hairstyle that defined the 80s, it’s big hair. Think sky-high volume, teased roots, and an overload of personality. The idea was simple: the bigger, the better. It wasn’t just about making your hair look good; it was about making it unforgettable. Achieving this look often involved copious backcombing, mousse, and a finish layer of hairspray strong enough to withstand a hurricane. But what made it iconic was the confidence it exuded. Big hair was practically a crown.
Today, we can take cues from this maximalist style without going too over the top. Modern big hair is all about creating controlled volume with soft waves or curls and just the right bit of texture spray. It’s still glamorous but now with a more relaxed, wearable edge.
Crimping All Over
Crimped hair was the ultimate cool-girl trend of the 80s. Those zig-zag waves were playful, unique, and added an instant dose of fun to any look. Whether it was an all-over crimp or just a few sections for contrast, crimping turned simple hairstyles into statement pieces. And while it might sound like something out of a throwback yearbook, crimped hair is having a quiet revival today.
To bring crimping into the modern day, think subtle rather than extreme. Small crimped sections woven into loose, beachy waves can add texture and dimension without feeling like a total time warp. The key is letting it feel undone and effortlessly chic.
Business in the Front, Party in the Back
Ah, the mullet. Few hairstyles are as divisive, yet somehow it remains one of the most talked-about trends to come out of the 80s. Love it or hate it, the mullet had undeniable swagger. This bold look—with short, cropped layers on top and longer lengths in the back—embraced an “I don’t care what you think” attitude. It perfectly mirrored the rebellious culture of the time.
Surprisingly, the mullet has made a daring comeback in recent years. Celebrities and fashion-forward folks alike are reinventing it with modern textures and edgier cuts. A sleek, sophisticated mullet can add serious cool-girl vibes to any outfit while riffing on its retro roots. And hey, isn’t it time we gave the mullet the love it deserves?
Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs were the pinnacle of softness and sophistication. Made famous by stars like Farrah Fawcett, this style featured perfectly flicked, face-framing layers designed to highlight natural beauty. It was the kind of hairstyle that felt effortlessly glamorous, with all the movement and bounce you’d want from a star-worthy look. The texture added depth, while the shape gave the hair that enviable feather-light quality.
For 2025, it’s easy to imagine this look coming back but with a looser, less polished approach. Think soft layers that fall naturally, paired with curtain bangs for a modern touch. It’s still got that 80s charm but updated for today’s breezier, low-maintenance vibe.
Perms with Personality
Perms were everywhere in the 80s, and for good reason. Those tight, bouncy curls added texture and dimension, making any hairstyle look fuller and more dynamic. While today’s beauty norms favor natural textures, there’s a case for bringing back the perm—with a twist.
Modern perms are softer, looser, and designed to look like natural, lived-in waves. They’re perfect for adding movement to straight or flat hair, minus the crispy curls of decades past. Best of all, they’re low maintenance, proving that the best trends never really fade; they evolve.
Why Not Give It a Try?
What’s special about 80s hairstyles is their fearlessness. These looks didn’t hold back; they celebrated individuality, joy, and audacity. And honestly, isn’t that what fashion and beauty are all about? Whether you’re rocking big hair at your next party or experimenting with crimped strands on a Saturday, 80s styles remind us to have fun and take risks.
Fashion might be cyclical, but there’s a reason we keep coming back to the 80s. It wasn’t just about the trends; it was about the attitude. Bringing back these hairstyles doesn’t just mean revisiting the past; it’s about owning your style in the present. Dust off those combs, grab your hairspray, and show the world your 80s-inspired confidence. After all, these iconic hairstyles are ready for their big comeback.