Remember the days of big hair, vibrant colors, and gravity-defying styles? The 1980s were a wild time for hair, and those iconic looks are making a major comeback! From the feathered finesse of the “Farrah Fawcett flip” to the towering heights of the “big hair” trend, 80s haircuts were all about making a statement. But let’s be honest, recreating those looks today can feel tricky. Which style fits your face shape? How do you get that volume without looking like you’re wearing a helmet?
Navigating the world of retro trends can be tough, especially when you want that awesome throwback vibe without looking stuck in a time warp. You want the cool factor, not the costume party look. We get it! That’s why we dove deep into the most memorable hairstyles of the decade.
This post cuts through the confusion. We break down the eight most essential 80s haircuts, explaining exactly who they looked best on and how to modernize them for today’s style scene. Get ready to discover your next show-stopping look!
Top 80S Haircuts Recommendations
- 【Hair Raw Material】The pixie cut wig is made of high quality 100% real human hair, soft and comfortable, easy to comb.
- 【Fashion Style】 Designed by professional hair stylists, more professional, more comfortable and more stylish!
- 【Cap Size】Full machine made wig ,fit for all skin, medium size cap, average size cap fit most head by combs and adjustable straps.Circumference: 22.5 inch front to nape: 14.5 inch ) comfortable to wear.
- Audio CD – Audiobook
- 03/15/1994 (Publication Date) - Rhino (Publisher)
- 【Material & Quality】 The Pixie Cut Wig use 100% Virgin Brazilian Human Hair, incredibly soft and shiny. It can be styled with heat tools and even dyed, offering high heat resistance.
- 【Craftsmanship & Comfort】 Features a hand-tied wefting technique for a natural hairline and undetectable part. Circumference: 22.5 inch front to nape: 14.5 inch ) comfortable to wear. The wig cap is ultra-thin and breathable for a comfortable, weightless feel.
- 【Style & Design】 A trendy pixie cut that is chic and sharp. This style is masterfully designed to flatter all face shapes and instantly elevate your look.
- Lori Majewski (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 04/15/2014 (Publication Date) - Abrams Image (Publisher)
- Audio CD – Audiobook
- Rhino (Publisher)
- The Greatest Hits of Nick Heyward & Haircut One Hundred CD
- Audio CD – Audiobook
- EMI Import (Publisher)
- Audio CD – Audiobook
- 03/16/2026 (Publication Date) - Time Life (Publisher)
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Rocking That ’80s Vibe
Thinking about bringing back the big hair of the 1980s? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you want a subtle nod to the decade or a full-on glam-rock look, choosing the right ’80s haircut style requires a little planning. This guide helps you find the perfect look.
Key Features to Look For in an ’80s Hairstyle
When you decide on an ’80s cut, certain features really define the era. Think volume, texture, and movement. These are the main things you should focus on:
- Maximum Volume: The ’80s was all about height. Look for styles that promise lift at the roots, like mullets, big bangs, or heavily layered cuts.
- Texture and Perms: Many classic ’80s styles relied on waves or curls. If you have naturally straight hair, consider cuts that work well with temporary curling methods or gentle perms (if you want a long-term commitment!).
- Layering: Heavy, choppy layering is essential. Layers create that messy, gravity-defying shape famous in rock and pop styles.
- Asymmetry (Optional): Some popular cuts featured one side longer than the other, adding an edgy flair.
Important Materials (Products You Need)
The haircut itself is only half the battle. The right styling products make or break an authentic ’80s look. You need products that fight gravity!
- Hairspray (Maximum Hold): This is non-negotiable. You need industrial-strength hairspray to lock that volume in place. Look for sprays labeled “ultra-hold” or “maximum control.”
- Mousse or Root Lifter: These products prepare the hair before drying. They add necessary body right where you need it—at the roots.
- Teasing Brush (Backcombing): A fine-toothed brush helps you gently push hair toward the scalp to build that essential height and “poof.”
- Gel or Pomade (For Spikes/Definition): If you are going for a New Wave or early metal look, strong gels define those sharp edges and spikes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all ’80s looks age well, or rather, not all stylists know how to execute them perfectly today. Keep these quality factors in mind:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Your Natural Hair Texture: Fine, straight hair might struggle to hold the big volume unless you use a lot of product. Thicker, wavy hair often achieves the desired shape more easily.
- Skilled Stylist: Find a stylist who understands layering techniques. Poor layering results in a triangular or helmet-like shape instead of the desired flow.
- Maintenance Plan: Big hair requires frequent touch-ups. A high-quality cut will look good even when it starts to fall flat a few hours later.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Too Much Weight: If the stylist leaves too much weight at the ends, the hair will drag down the volume you tried to create.
- Weak Products: Using light-hold products will result in a sad, flat version of the ’80s look by lunchtime.
- Over-Processing (For Perms): If you perm your hair, overly harsh chemicals can fry your locks, making them brittle and dull.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to wear your ’80s hair matters. Different styles suit different activities.
- Concerts and Theme Parties: This is the ideal use case! You want the biggest, boldest version of the style—think high bangs and massive sideswept hair.
- Casual Wear: If you want a subtle ’80s nod for everyday life, choose a modern interpretation, like soft, face-framing layers that have more height than standard contemporary cuts.
- Work Environment: Extreme mullets or neon colors might not work in every office. Consider softer, voluminous shag cuts that borrow height without the extreme length differences.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ’80s Haircuts
Q: Do I need a perm to get an ’80s haircut?
A: Not always. Many styles, like the classic shag or feathered look, rely on heavy blow-drying and teasing. Perms help if you want tight, lasting curls or waves.
Q: Are mullets still considered cool?
A: Mullets are definitely back in style, but modern versions are usually softer and better blended than the harsh cuts from the 1980s. They can look very fashionable today!
Q: How long does it take to style big ’80s hair?
A: Expect to spend 20 to 45 minutes styling, especially if you are blow-drying upside down or teasing heavily. It takes time to build that height!
Q: What is the difference between New Wave and Glam Rock hair?
A: Glam Rock hair (like Bon Jovi) is very big, long, and often curled. New Wave hair (like A Flock of Seagulls) is usually more angular, spiky, and often uses asymmetrical shapes.
Q: Will this style damage my hair?
A: Heavy teasing and constant use of strong hairspray can dry out your hair. Always use a heat protectant when blow-drying and deep condition regularly.
Q: Can men wear ’80s styles?
A: Absolutely! Men wore big hair too, often in the form of big bangs, feathered looks, or shorter, highly textured mullets.
Q: What color should I choose?
A: While natural colors work, the ’80s loved highlights and bold color statements. Think chunky highlights or vibrant colors like red or platinum blonde.
Q: How do I get the hair to stay up all day?
A: You must use a strong foundation product like mousse, dry thoroughly, and then lock the shape with a generous layer of high-hold hairspray. Apply the spray in short bursts.
Q: What if I have very short hair?
A: Short ’80s styles focus on texture and volume on top, often achieved through heavy layering and spiking the hair up with gel. Think of short punk or New Wave cuts.
Q: How do I convince my stylist to do this look?
A: Bring clear pictures! Show them photos of the specific ’80s style you want (e.g., “I want volume like this,” not just “I want an ’80s cut”).
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!