The 1980s was a wild time for fashion, particularly in the realm of hairstyles. From sky-high volume to flashy colors, the trends were bold, adventurous, and, at times, questionable. Let’s take a nostalgic yet critical look at 30 ’80s hairstyle trends we are glad to leave behind.
1. The Mullet
The mullet is notorious for its ‘business in the front, party in the back’ look. This odd combination of short and long hair was a staple of the ’80s, yet it’s a trend many are happy to leave behind.
2. Teased Bangs
Teased bangs were all about height and volume. Achieved with vigorous backcombing, this style often defied gravity. Though it was all the rage, the daily teasing routine was not kind to hair health.
3. Perms
Perms transformed straight locks into tight curls using chemicals. This high-maintenance style required frequent salon visits and left hair brittle. While curls are timeless, perms of the ’80s took it to an extreme.
4. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair added zigzag texture with a heated crimper iron. Achieving this look meant subjecting hair to high temperatures. Though fun, the damage and odd texture make this a trend we don’t miss.
5. Rat Tails
The rat tail featured a single braid extending from the nape. This odd style puzzled many and was often the subject of schoolyard teasing. It’s a quirky trend best left behind.
6. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair was all about layers that framed the face like feathers. While stylish in its time, the daily blow-drying and hairspray required to maintain the look was anything but effortless.
7. Jheri Curls
Jheri curls brought glossy, curly locks that needed constant care. The hairstyle required special products to maintain its wet look, leaving hair often greasy. Despite its popularity, its upkeep was tiresome.
8. Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes defined punk style with their tall, stiff pointed spikes. Accomplished with gel or glue, these spikes were a bold statement but impractical for daily wear.
9. Big Hair
Big hair was synonymous with the ’80s, characterized by massive volume and curls. Achieved with mousse, hairspray, and teasing, maintaining such heights required effort.
10. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips were edgy, with bleached ends that contrasted natural roots. While it offered a pop of color, the upkeep and unnatural aesthetic of frosted tips didn’t age well. It’s a trend best left in the past.
11. The Shag
The shag was a layered haircut with a messy, carefree appearance. Despite its rock-and-roll vibe, the uneven layers and over-reliance on styling products made it a trend we don’t miss.
12. The Flat Top
The flat top was a boxy style with straight, flat hair on top. Achieving this geometric look required precise cuts and a lot of gel. It was trendy but ultimately impractical.
13. Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, with its even-length all around, resembled a bowl placed on the head. Simple yet unflattering, this haircut is best remembered with amusement rather than emulation.
14. Spiked Hair
Spiked hair was rebellious, held in place with copious amounts of gel. Despite its edgy appeal, the stiff texture and daily maintenance were downsides.
15. The Quiff
The quiff combined volume and height with a slicked-back finish. While undeniably stylish, it required meticulous styling and maintenance.
16. The Ducktail
The ducktail featured hair combed back to meet in the middle, resembling a duck’s tail. Popular among rockabilly fans, the meticulous styling was labor-intensive, making it a trend we don’t miss today.
17. Mohawk
The mohawk, with its shaved sides and spiked middle, was a visual proclamation of rebellion. While undeniably bold, the daily styling required to maintain its height was extreme.
18. The Bouffant
The bouffant, a voluminous updo, was a staple for formal occasions. Achieved with backcombing and hairspray, it required skill and patience.
19. Hair Metal Glam
Hair metal bands sported big, teased hair to match their larger-than-life personas. Achieved with an abundance of hairspray, the voluminous locks were both a spectacle and a hassle.
20. The Pageboy
The pageboy featured straight hair with blunt edges, often accompanied by bangs. Simple yet severe, this style lacked versatility. While it had its moments, the rigid cut is less practical for modern tastes.
21. Flip Hair
Flip hair had ends curled outward, creating a fun, flirty look. Though charming, its whimsical vibe doesn’t resonate as much today.
22. Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks, rope-like strands formed through matting, were popularized by reggae music. The ’80s saw a surge in popularity, but the style’s upkeep and cultural appropriateness remain points of consideration.
23. The Beehive
The beehive was an architectural updo that sat high on the head. While iconic, the effort and rigidity involved make it a trend best left behind.
24. The High Top Fade
The high top fade combines short sides with a tall, flat top. Popular in hip-hop communities, it required precision to maintain its distinctive shape. While iconic, the sharp angles are less favored today.
25. The Pompadour
The pompadour, with its voluminous front, was a statement look. While stylish, the effort needed makes it a hairstyle we’re content to leave behind.
26. Afro Puffs
Afro puffs, sections of hair pulled into puffy balls, were charming and playful. While adorable, the time commitment needed for maintenance makes it less appealing today.
27. The Mohawk (alternate)
This variant of the mohawk embraced color and individuality. The upkeep and boldness required are reasons many are happy to pass on this trend.
28. Permed Mullets
Permed mullets combined two bold trends, creating a unique yet baffling look. Though innovative, this double-dose style is fondly remembered but not missed.
29. The Shaved Sides
Shaved sides were bold, offering a stark contrast to the longer top. This daring style was attention-grabbing but required constant upkeep to maintain the sharp distinction.
30. Soft Waves
Soft waves were loose, romantic curls that added femininity to any look. While lovely, the time and effort involved in maintaining softness were considerable.