The 1980s were all about bigger, bolder, and more fun hairstyles.
From voluminous big hair to rebellious punk mohawks, teens were never shy about making a statement with their hair.
Whether it was the playful side ponytail, soft feathered hair, or glossy Jheri curls, each style had its own unique flair.
Let’s take a look back at some of the best and most memorable 80s hairstyles that defined a generation.
1. Big Hair: The 80s Signature Look
80s big hair was a defining trend.
Volume was the goal, achieved through teasing and hairspray.
Whether in 80s curly hair styles or wavy hairstyles, the bigger, the better.
Add accessories like 80s-style headbands or scrunchies to complete the look.
2. Feathered Hair
A nod to the 70s, feathered hair was one of the more delicate hairstyles.
Soft layers framed the face for a light, airy effect—perfect for 1980s prom hairstyles.
3. The Mullet
A quintessential 80s rock hairstyle, the mullet featured short hair on top and longer locks in the back.
It symbolized rebellion and was loved by rock stars and teens alike.
4. The Perm
1980s perm hairstyles were synonymous with curls and volume.
Teens who didn’t have naturally curly hair flocked to salons for tight, bouncy curls.
Paired with dramatic 80s makeup looks, it was the ultimate glam look.
5. Crimped Hair
For a funky, textured look, crimped hair was a must.
Using a crimping iron, teens created zigzag patterns that added volume.
Paired with bold 80s party hairstyles and neon clothes,
it was a quintessential 80s blowout hair look.
6. The Side Ponytail
A favorite for 80s hairstyles for long hair, the side ponytail was high, fun, and youthful.
Add a scrunchie or ribbon, and pair it with 80s side-swept hairstyles for a playful, voluminous vibe.
7. Jheri Curl
Known for its glossy, shiny finish, the Jheri curl became one of the most popular 80s curly hairstyles.
It was a smooth, defined style that transcended cultural boundaries in the 1980s.
8. The Shag: Edgy and Layered
The 80s shag hairstyle featured choppy, layered cuts, perfect for those who loved an edgier, laid-back look.
It was an ideal match for 80s edgy hairstyles.
9. The Flat Top
An iconic 80s hairstyle for men, the flat top featured short sides and a tall, flat top.
Popular with hip-hop icons, it was also embraced by teens wanting sharp, defined style.
10. Punk Mohawk
For the rebellious teen, the punk Mohawk was a statement.
Shaved sides with a strip of longer hair down the middle, often styled in spikes or bright colors, made it a quintessential 1980s punk rock hairstyle.
11. Curly Hair for Women
80s curly hairstyles were all about big, voluminous curls.
Paired with 80s glam hair makeup, the blowout hair look became iconic, especially for events like school dances.
12. The Rat Tail
A quirky and bold statement, the rat tail was a daring style where a small section of hair at the nape of the neck was left long while the rest was short.
It was a rebellious addition to 80s edgy hairstyles.
13. The Pompadour
Popular in 80s glam hairstyles, the pompadour involved teasing the hair at the crown for height and volume, often paired with soft curls or waves for an elegant look.
14. Half-Up Half-Down Hair
One of the most versatile 80s haircuts for prom, this style balanced fun and chic, pulling half of the hair back while leaving the rest flowing freely.
15. The Flock of Seagulls
Named after the band, the flock of seagulls hairstyle featured asymmetry, with one side shorter and the other longer, often styled with volume for a dramatic effect.
It was a staple new wave hairstyle.
16. The High Puff
The high puff was a staple in 80s hairstyles for curly hair.
Hair was gathered at the crown and teased to create volume, paired with 80s mascara and makeup for a bold look.
17. Wavy Hairstyles
Loose, textured waves were a 1980s hairstyle choice for those looking for something more relaxed but still fashionable.
80s retro hairstyles often featured these waves, paired with bold makeup trends.
18. Hairstyles with Headbands
80s style headbands were a playful way to add flair to any look.
From simple fabric bands to more decorative styles, headbands complemented everything from short 80s haircuts to long hairstyles.
19. The Crimped Bob
The crimped bob was a short 80s hairstyle that combined the texture of crimped hair with a chic, shorter cut.
This style was a perfect balance of fun and fashionable.
20. Bad Perm Hairstyles
While perms were all the rage, not every 80s perm turned out perfectly.
Bad perm hairstyles became a part of the 80s culture—sometimes too tight or frizzy, but always memorable.
21. The Wolf Cut
A precursor to today’s trendy wolf cut, this 80s shag hairstyle featured layered, messy textures.
It was perfect for those wanting an edgier look.
22. Side-Swept Hairstyles
The side-swept hairstyle was feminine and flattering.
Side-swept 80s bangs or curls added romance to the overall look, especially when paired with bold makeup.
23. Rock Star Hair
Inspired by the glam rock scene, 80s rock star hair was long, voluminous, and often messy.
Perfect for teens channeling their inner rock star, this look was bold and full of attitude.
24. Colorful Highlights
80s colorful highlights were the perfect way to add fun pops of color to any hairstyle.
Neon pink, blue, or purple streaks were common in 80s rock hairstyles and punk haircuts.
25. Punk Haircuts
80s punk haircuts were all about rebellion and creativity.
From spiked hair to brightly colored styles, this was the ultimate expression of punk culture.