26 Iconic 1980s Hairstyles to Rock a Retro Look

The 1980s were an unforgettable time of fearless fashion, bold choices, and self-expression that turned heads everywhere.

And at the heart of it all? Hair. Big, textured, colorful, and creative hairstyles in the ’80s became iconic statements of personality and style.

In this article, we’ll take you on a nostalgic trip through 26 iconic 1980s hairstyles.

Each look tells its own story, from playful braids to rebellious punk colors styles that continue to inspire even today.

1980s Hairstyles

1. Feathered Layers

Feathered layers brought a touch of elegance in the 1980s, with their soft, cascading look that framed the face beautifully.

Achieving this style meant cutting long layers that could be blow-dried to sweep back, creating a light, feather-like effect.

This hairstyle works best on medium to long hair and blends well with subtle highlights, giving you a timeless and graceful retro look.

2. Big Hair with Teased Volume

Big hair isn’t just a style it’s a statement. With teased roots and plenty of hairspray, this look added stunning height and bold fullness.

Layers helped amplify the volume, making it perfect for medium to long hair. You could wear it loose, half-up, or accessorize with bows or headbands for personality.

3. Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs were the soft touch that balanced the bold hairstyles of the ’80s. Styled to gracefully brush across the forehead, they framed the face while adding extra dimension to any haircut.

To recreate this, you’ll need a round brush and blow-dryer to shape the perfect curve, locking it in with hairspray.

4. High Ponytail with Scrunchie

Nothing screams playful nostalgia like the high ponytail with a scrunchie! Gather your hair high on the crown, secure it with a bright, colorful scrunchie, and let the ends flow freely.

Add texture by teasing roots or crimping strands the choice is yours. This style, ideal for medium to long hair, radiates energy and fun.

Popular for workouts, parties, or casual outings, it’s a carefree look that captures everything vibrant about the ‘80s while staying easy to recreate today.

5. Permed Curls

Get the bold, bouncy curls that defined the ‘80s with this unforgettable hairstyle! Start by transforming straight or wavy hair into tight, springy ringlets using a chemical perm.

These curls stay full of life for months, offering a high-volume, playful look. Boost their shape by scrunching with mousse to enhance the texture and bounce.

Whether on short or long hair, permed curls create a head-turning style. Add confident makeup, and you’ve got the ultimate glamorous ‘80s vibe.

6. Crimped Hair

Channel your edgy side with crimped hair, a bold trend from the 1980s! Use a crimping iron to create a fun zigzag texture that adds instant height and character.

Experiment with different styles leave it loose for a wild look or try a clean half-updo. Pair it with accessories like headbands or colorful clips for extra flair.

This hairstyle brings out your playful side and is perfect for celebrating in style or even on casual days.

7. Half-Up, Half-Down Hairdo

The half-up, half-down hairstyle blended elegance with effortless charm. Start by teasing the crown for extra volume, then pin it back, letting the rest of your hair flow freely.

This look paired beautifully with both straight and curly hair, and adding crimped or permed textures made it even more dramatic.

Don’t forget accessories like bows or barrettes to complete the style. Perfect for school dances or special events, this hairstyle is timeless and easy to achieve.

8. Mullet

The mullet was bold, rebellious, and one-of-a-kind. It featured short, voluminous hair at the front and sides, while the back was left long and flowing.

To style, tease the shorter sections for height and leave the back loose or lightly curled. Adding bright highlights or color streaks turned heads and amplified the edgy vibe.

Unisex and unapologetically daring, the mullet was an emblem of individuality, making it perfect for anyone ready to break style rules.

9. Fluffy Bangs

Fluffy bangs brought a soft, romantic vibe to the ’80s, adding drama and elegance to any hairstyle. To achieve this look, teasing and curling were key techniques for creating volume that framed the face beautifully.

These bangs paired effortlessly with long layers, sleek bobs, or even high ponytails, offering endless versatility.

Keep the bangs fluffy throughout the day with a spritz of hairspray. Perfect for both casual meetups and special events, this style embraced vintage charm with a modern, feminine edge.

10. Rockstar Shag

The rockstar shag gave hair an edgy, free-spirited vibe that oozed confidence and individuality. This style flaunted choppy layers and textured ends, often paired with bold bangs or asymmetrical cuts for added flair.

Medium to short hair worked best to nail this look. Use mousse or gel for a tousled finish and tease for extra volume.

This hairstyle captured a rebellious energy, making it a favorite for anyone wanting to channel their inner rockstar and stand out in a crowd.

11. Headband Styles

Headbands were the ultimate accessory for creating chic, playful hairstyles in the ’80s. Pair a wide, bold headband with teased or crimped hair for a standout retro look, or opt for thin bands for a more subtle touch.

They work great with loose or tied-up hair, offering versatility for workouts, casual outings, or parties.

Worn across the forehead or traditionally, headbands made any look feel fresh and vibrant. With so many colors and styles to pick from, they were a fun way to accessorize.

12. Bouffant Bob

The bouffant bob transformed a simple bob into a chic, dramatic hairstyle.

Hair was cut to chin length or slightly longer, while the crown was teased to create impressive volume.

Perfect for formal occasions or professional settings, this polished style exuded sophistication and boldness.

13. Voluminous Side Ponytail

The voluminous side ponytail celebrated youth and energy during the ‘80s.

To recreate this playful look, position your ponytail high or low to one side and tease the roots for volume.

Style your hair with loose curls or crimping to add texture, then secure it with a bright scrunchie or bow for a pop of color.

14. High-Volume Mohawk

The high-volume mohawk was for those who wanted to stand out and show confidence.

To achieve this bold hairstyle, tease the hair on top for height and spike it upward down the center of your head.

Shave or slick back the sides to complete the look. Many added flair by dyeing the middle section in neon or pastel colors.

15. Flipped-Up Ends

Add charisma to your look with flipped-up ends, a fun twist for shoulder-length or shorter hair. Use a curling iron or round brush to flick the ends of your hair outward, creating a bouncy, flirty effect.

Layered haircuts enhance this style, especially if you tease the roots for a bit of lift. The flipped-up ends suit both casual hangouts and semi-formal events.

16. Wet-Look Curls

Wet-look curls brought a glamorous, glossy vibe to the hairstyles of the ‘80s. To achieve this polished look, start by defining your curls using mousse or gel, giving them a shiny, fresh finish.

This style works beautifully on short, medium, or long hair and pairs well with bold makeup like red lips or metallic eyeshadow.

It’s versatile enough for both formal events and lively parties. With its chic, high-fashion allure, wet-look curls truly make a statement wherever you go.

17. Poodle Perm

The poodle perm was an unforgettable 1980s hairstyle featuring tight, bouncy curls that mimicked a poodle’s fur. Achieved through a chemical perm process, it created small, springy ringlets with incredible volume and texture.

To nail this look, start with medium to long hair, then style with mousse or gel for added shine and definition.

Ideal for anyone craving a lively, playful vibe, the poodle perm was bold, fun, and full of energy a perfect nod to the spirit of the ’80s.

18. Bold Layered Pixie

The bold layered pixie brought flair to short hair with its textured, choppy layers and daring style.

To achieve this striking look, layers were cut short to add volume and movement, paired with spiky bangs or a tousled finish. It’s an easy-to-maintain option that works with any hair color, natural or dyed.

This bold haircut was all about showcasing individuality and confidence, especially when matched with bold makeup, making it a go-to for those seeking practicality with a rebellious edge.

19. Over-the-Top Accessories

The ’80s were about big statements, and hair accessories were no exception! From oversized bows to colorful barrettes and sparkly clips, these fun additions took simple hairstyles to the next level.

Pair accessories with teased hair, ponytails, or half-updos to create a dramatic, playful effect. Whether for everyday wear or parties, these bold accents made any hairstyle shine.

If you love creativity and over-the-top flair, this trend is your chance to bring out your vibrant, adventurous personality.

20. Spiral Curls

Spiral curls were a glamorous nod to elegance and sophistication. Achieved using a curling wand or small rollers, this style featured tight, defined curls perfect for medium to long hair.

Style your curls with a center or side part for a polished look, then apply hairspray or mousse for added shine and hold.

Perfect for formal events, these cascading curls created a timeless, flowing silhouette that celebrated the glitz and glamor of the 1980s.

21. High-Top Fade

The high-top fade is a striking style that screams confidence. This bold look features closely shaved sides paired with a perfectly flat, high top, giving it a sharp, geometric shape.

To achieve this iconic ’80s look, you’ll need a precise cut and regular trims to maintain the clean, angular lines.

It’s a style that stands out and commands attention, making it a symbol of 1980s street style and hip-hop culture.

22. Asymmetrical Bob

The asymmetrical bob radiates modern chic with its dramatic difference in length one side is shorter, while the other flows longer.

It’s typically worn sleek and straight, showcasing a look that’s both fashion-forward and effortlessly confident. This daring cut works well for anyone wanting to turn heads, whether at work or a party.

Pair it with statement earrings and bold makeup, and you’ll have a style that’s both versatile and fearless. A true classic with a rebellious twist.

23. Curly Bangs with a Bob

For a playful but polished hairstyle, go for curly bangs with a bob. This look blends youthful energy with chic sophistication.

The chin-length bob, paired with tightly curled bangs, frames the face beautifully while adding texture and dimension. Perfect for curly hair or perms, it only takes a touch of hairspray to keep those curls in place.

Whether you’re heading to brunch or a formal event, this hairstyle delivers a fun yet elegant vibe every time.

24. Teased Crown with Waves

The teased crown with waves is pure elegance with a touch of glamour. To get this look, tease the crown to create volume, then style the rest of your medium to long hair into soft, flowing waves.

Add a barrette, bow, or sparkling accessory to elevate the style’s sophistication.

This hairstyle is ideal for special occasions, creating a feminine, polished vibe that’s hard to forget. It’s a timeless choice that embodies the opulent beauty of the ’80s.

25. Braided Headband

The braided headband added a playful, romantic flair to any 1980s look. To achieve this, braid a small section of hair and wrap it across your head like a headband.

It works beautifully with loose, teased, or crimped hair, adding a delicate touch of detail. For extra charm, accessorize with flowers or decorative clips.

This style is perfect for casual events or bohemian-inspired gatherings, showcasing the creativity and fun spirit of the decade with its unique and feminine vibe.

26. Punk-Inspired Colors

Punk-inspired colors brought a bold, rebellious edge to ’80s hair. Add drama with neon shades, pastel tones, or vibrant streaks paired with big hair, mohawks, or edgy cuts.

Use temporary dyes or spray-on colors to experiment easily and switch up your look. These bold colors were all about self-expression and individuality, turning heads and making a statement.

Perfect for concerts, parties, or just standing out, this fearless trend captured the daring energy of the punk movement in the 1980s.