Hairstyling Extravaganza: ’80s Hair Trends That Still Inspire Today’s Looks

The ’80s – a time of audacious style, rule-breaking experimentation, and revolutionary fashion trends. Amidst all the sartorial excitement, a distinct revolution was taking place above the shoulders: the hair. Here we delve into the exuberant, eclectic world of ’80s hairstyles, tracing their enduring influence on today’s looks.

Big Bang of ‘80s Hair: An Unforgettable Era

The ’80s heralded an era of boldness, particularly when it came to hair. It was the decade when hair dared to defy gravity, crimps became cool, and perms were the talk of the town¹. This love for flamboyance, volume, and originality has found its way into the 21st century, shaping contemporary hairstyles in unexpected ways.

Volume’s Lasting Legacy: From Sky-High Styles to Modern Echoes

The ’80s mantra of ‘the bigger, the better’ certainly applied to hair. From Joan Jett’s sky-high shag to Whitney Houston’s full-bodied curls, voluminous hair became synonymous with style². Today, we see the love for volume rekindled, with celebrities and influencers alike teasing their hair to nostalgic heights³

Crimp Crazy: Wave Hello to New Wave Styles

The crimped hair trend, championed by icons like Madonna in the ’80s, has made an unexpected comeback. The current generation, craving originality and texture, has embraced this throwback trend with enthusiasm, integrating crimps into everything from boho waves to edgy updos⁴.

Defying the Odds: The Resurgence of Mullets and Shags

The mullet and the shag, hairstyles that once embodied the spirit of the ’80s counterculture, are back and buzzier than ever. Stars like Miley Cyrus and Zendaya have revived these haircuts, infusing them with contemporary twists and turning them into the go-to looks of the moment.

Perm Fever: From Curly Chronicles to Curl Command

The perm, once the emblem of ’80s hair fashion, has made a compelling return. Contemporary interpretations, however, favour a more subtle and natural look over the tightly wound curls of the past.

Accessorize to Mesmerize: The Return of ’80s Hair Accessories

The ’80s love for flamboyant hair accessories – from glittery headbands to oversized scrunchies – is back in vogue⁷. Modern runways and Instagram feeds abound with styles that incorporate these retro adornments, adding a touch of nostalgic charm to today’s hair trends.

Colorful Expressions: Neon Narrative in Today’s Palette

Neon hair colors that rocked the ’80s – think Cyndi Lauper’s fiery red and Billy Idol’s platinum blonde – have found a place in today’s color palette. From bold, single-color processes to rainbow hues, today’s hair color trends pay homage to the boldness of the ’80s⁸.