When I first dove into the realm of 80s hairstyles for women, I realized just how diverse and vibrant the options were. From big curls to wild perms, every look had its own charm and nostalgia. It opened up a world for me where I could explore my style freely without sticking to modern trends. I found it incredible how hairstyles could transport someone back in time, giving a sense of confidence and uniqueness.
My journey didn’t stop at just admiring these styles; I experimented with a few on my own hair. Trying out the high ponytails, the crimped hair, and even the bold mullet taught me a lot about what works for my hair type and length. It was a fun and eye-opening experience that led me to appreciate the creativity behind 80s hairstyles even more. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that there’s always a way to tweak these iconic looks to make them your own.
Let’s take a trip back to the iconic era of the 80s and discover the most alluring hairstyles I’ve shared below that have stood the test of time. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, these glam and edgy look are waiting for you to try! Let’s find your hair look now:
1. The Perm
The perm was the hallmark of ’80s hairstyles, giving women voluminous curls that exuded confidence and style. This look was all about embracing big, bold hair.
2. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair brought a playful texture to the ’80s fashion scene, offering a fun and edgy alternative with its zigzag waves that danced with every movement.
3. The Mullet
Discover easy 80’s hairstyles that you can recreate for a nostalgic look. While often associated with men, women rocked the mullet too, blending business in the front with party in the back for a daring, androgynous style.
4. High Ponytail
The high ponytail, often secured with a scrunchie, was the epitome of ’80s cheerfulness and ease. It was both a casual day and a glamorous night-out choice.
5. Side Ponytail
The side ponytail added a whimsical twist to the classic pony, worn high or low on the side, it epitomized the playful side of ’80s fashion.
6. The Shag
The shag was all about layered volume and texture, offering a rock ‘n’ roll vibe that was effortlessly cool and slightly edgy.
7. Bangs and Layers
Bangs and layers were quintessential to the ’80s, offering a face-framing style that was both flattering and versatile, suitable for various lengths and textures.
8. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair was a softer take on the decade’s voluminous styles, with layers swept back for a fluid, dynamic look that exuded elegance and movement.
9. Mohawk and Fauxhawk
Explore iconic 80s hairstyles that defined a colorful and eccentric decade. The mohawk and fauxhawk pushed the boundaries of ’80s hairstyles, offering an audacious punk statement that was as bold as it was rebellious.
10. Pixie Cut
The pixie cut offered a minimalist counterpoint to the era’s excess, with short, chic layers that highlighted the face’s natural beauty.
11. Bubble Hair
Bubble hair featured multiple ponytails or buns stacked vertically, creating a playful, sculptural look that was uniquely ’80s.
12. Rat Tail
The rat tail was a quirky and controversial style, with a long, thin strand of hair at the nape, offering a punk-inspired edge to an otherwise conventional look.
13. Headband Hairstyles
Headbands were a staple accessory, elevating everything from curls to straight styles with a touch of ’80s flair, often in vibrant colors or patterns.
14. Asymmetrical Cuts
Looking for 80’s hairstyles female inspirations? Revive the decade’s top trends today. Asymmetrical cuts played with balance and contrast, featuring uneven lengths and angles that made a bold, artistic statement.
15. Big Hair with Volume
’80s big hair was all about maximum volume, achieved through teasing and hairspray, symbolizing the decade’s “go big or go home” attitude.
16. Half-Up, Half-Down
This versatile style combined the elegance of an updo with the carefree vibe of loose hair, embodying the balanced aesthetics of the ’80s.
17. Aqua Net Bangs
Aqua Net bangs were a testament to the era’s love for sky-high hair, with bangs stiffly sprayed into towering formations that defied gravity.
18. The Bi-Level
The bi-level cut featured a distinct division between short upper layers and longer back layers, offering a unique twist on traditional hairstyles of the time.
19. Jheri Curl
Master long hair 80s hairstyles with our guide to recreating these classic looks. The Jheri curl gave a glossy, loosely curled look that was embraced for its moisture-rich appearance, adding a touch of glamour to everyday styles.
20. The Wedge
Inspired by figure skater Dorothy Hamill, the wedge was a sporty, angular cut that offered a chic, low-maintenance style with plenty of volume and movement.
21. Spiral Curls
Spiral curls were achieved through perms or curling irons, resulting in tight, defined curls that added drama and texture to the hair’s silhouette.
22. Bouffant Updo
The bouffant updo was a nod to earlier styles, revamped for the ’80s with added volume and height, often complemented with elegant accessories.
23. Sleek Bob
The sleek bob was a smoother, more refined hairstyle, offering a polished and sophisticated look amidst the decade’s voluminous trends.
24. Tousled Waves
Tousled waves offered a softer, more natural look, perfect for a laid-back vibe while still keeping with the ’80s trend of texture and movement.
25. Undercut
The undercut brought an edge to ’80s hairstyles, with closely shaved sides and a longer top, blending punk influences with mainstream style.
26. The Poodle Cut
Named for its resemblance to a poodle’s curly fur, this playful, tightly permed style was all about embracing fun and distinctive textures.
27. Braided Styles
Braided styles, from simple plaits to intricate designs, added a touch of whimsy and craft, showcasing the era’s experimental approach to hair.
28. The Flipped Out Bob
Uncover the most popular 80’s hairstyles that are making a huge comeback. This variation of the bob had the ends styled outward for a dynamic, flirty look that played with shape and movement.
29. Long Straight Hair with Bangs
Long, straight hair paired with thick, full bangs offered a sleek counterbalance to the era’s voluminous styles, providing a timeless elegance.
30. High-Top Fade
Though more common in men’s fashion, the high-top fade also appeared in women’s styles, emphasizing vertical volume and geometric shapes in hair design.
31. The Gibson Girl
Revisited in the ’80s with a modern twist, the Gibson Girl hairstyle featured voluminous updos that exuded a romantic, vintage charm, reflecting a nod to the past.
32. The Farrah Fawcett
Inspired by the iconic actress, this style featured feathered layers that framed the face, blending ’70s glamour with ’80s volume for a timeless look.
33. Punk Spikes
Punk spikes took the rebellious spirit of the ’80s to new heights, with gel or hairspray sculpted spikes for an unmistakably bold statement.
34. Madonna-Inspired Looks
Madonna’s ever-changing hairstyles, including her messy chic updos and bold highlights, set trends and defined ’80s pop culture glamour.
35. Braided Headbands
Natural hair braided into headbands offered a bohemian twist, elegantly pulling hair back while showcasing intricate braiding skills.
36. The Princess Diana
Characterized by short, layered cuts that softly framed the face, this style brought elegance and class to ’80s hair fashion, inspired by royalty.
37. The Side-Swept Bang
Side-swept bangs added a soft, romantic touch to any hairstyle, offering a subtle yet impactful change that complemented the decade’s bolder trends.
38. The Bubble Cut
Reviving the ’60s bubble cut with an ’80s flair, this style featured rounded, voluminous shapes that mirrored a sophisticated yet playful look.
39. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips added a cool, edgy contrast to hair, with lighter ends creating a sun-kissed effect that was particularly popular in the latter part of the decade.
40. The Tail
A long single braid or unbraided piece of hair at the back, often decorated, brought a unique, personal touch to the wearer’s style.
41. Finger Waves
Reviving a glamorous ’20s technique, finger waves in short hair showcased precision styling, adding sophistication to the ’80s party looks.
42. The Hime Cut
Influenced by Japanese fashion, the hime cut featured straight, cheek-length sidelocks and a blunt fringe, offering a striking, anime-inspired look.
43. The Whale Spout
Celebrate bold and daring 80s hairstyles female looks that defined a generation. Nicknamed for its shape, the whale spout ponytail stood high on the head, letting the hair cascade around the base like a fountain, capturing the essence of ’80s exuberance.
44. Cornrows
Cornrows made a strong statement of cultural identity and style, woven tightly to the scalp in various patterns for both aesthetic and practical appeal.
45. The Chignon
In the ’80s, the chignon was not just a bun but an art form, often embellished with accessories for a refined, elegant look suitable for formal events.
46. The French Twist
An elegant updo that transcended time, the French Twist became especially popular in the ’80s for its sleek sophistication, perfect for formal occasions and everyday elegance.
47. The Half Shaved Head
Embracing the punk rock influence, the half shaved head showcased the era’s daring side, with one half of the head closely cropped and the other left long or styled.
48. Acid Wash Hair
Reflecting the ’80s fashion for acid wash jeans, this hair trend featured bleached or dyed strands that created a bold, high-contrast look reminiscent of the denim it was named after.
49. The New Wave Bangs
Inspired by the new wave music scene, these bangs were all about asymmetry and edge, often paired with bold hair colors and geometric cuts to match the avant-garde fashion of the time.
50. The Bouffant Ponytail
Elevating the classic ponytail, the bouffant ponytail added volume at the crown, creating a glamorous, retro-inspired silhouette that was both playful and chic.
Bottom Line
In wrapping up, going through this adventure of 80s hairstyles has been really exciting for me. It helped me see how playing around with different looks can truly refresh your style. I believe diving into this could be just as thrilling for anyone interested in mixing up their look. Remember, it’s all about having fun and finding what makes you feel your best. I hope my experiences can be a stepping stone for others to explore these 80s hairstyles for women and enjoy them.
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