Dive Into These Rockin' Hairstyles That Were The Raddest Fads Back In The 1980s (13 Pics)
If you were an '80s kid or teen, you're definitely guilty of wearing these!
Few decades did bigger hair better than the 1980s, when volume, teasing, perms, and plenty of hairspray turned everyday styles into full-on statements. From mall days to school dances, hair was part of the outfit, and subtlety was not really invited.
This roundup looks back at some of the most recognizable 1980s hairstyles, from feathered layers and side ponies to crimped strands and sky-high bangs. The photos capture just how committed people were to making their hair as bold as possible, and how those looks became part of the decade's identity.
Scroll through the styles and see which ones still feel familiar today.
1. The Classic Madonna Wrap-Up
Everyone admired Madonna in the '80s, especially the styles she showcased—including a teased chignon finished with a thick fabric worn as a headband with a loose bow. This was definitely the people's favorite way to add a touch of sexy appeal to their appearance!
Getty Images2. The Permed Mullet
If you think this looks like something that Prince would wear, then you're definitely right because it was inspired by him!
NBC via Getty Images3. Bows Were a Favorite
Little kids definitely sported this hairstyle, and there were many mini Cyndi Laupers back then rocking this look.
NBC via Getty Images
4. Ribbon Barrettes Bonanza
Barrettes were a staple for tweens back then—every middle and high schooler wore them with every outfit they had, and they never failed to provide that final polishing touch.
Some of these looks were pure 1980s confidence.
5. The Whale Spout
This one's still pretty popular today, minus the crazy fringe and turning the spout or tail into a bun.
The LIFE Picture Collection/Gett
6. Feathered Hair
This one is definitely a classic—and props to Farrah Fawcett for rocking this look and making it iconic! This was also sported by Jenilee Harrison in Three's Company, so it was definitely at the top of women's choices back then.
ABC via Getty Images
7. The Sorority Sisters' Favorite
Dyson airwraps are to the 2020s what Conair hot rollers were to the 1980s. Women used big rollers on their heads, rolling back every hair part except the ones at the base—which were rolled under instead.
This was the favorite of sorority girls, and for all the right reasons.
WireImage
8. Bouncy Half-Up
Glam up your half-up hairdos with an '80s twist—make the upper part as bouncy as you can! Kidding, this might not look good in today's culture, but hey, let's just appreciate how Samantha Micelli from Who's the Boss owned this look!
ABC via Getty Images
The bigger the hair, the bigger the attitude.
Speaking of wild style choices, this feels like grandparents who ignored safety and still looked “built different”.
9. Curl-Crazed Hair
If there's one thing you could do to make a big hairstyle look even better in the '80s, it's to make it even bigger by curling every strand!
hqcity
10. Crimped Like There's No Tomorrow
We now have a much more diluted version of crimped hair, courtesy of Hailey Bieber, but back then, crimping meant literally frying your hair to make it look dry and give you an electrocuted appearance. We're absolutely sure this is one hairstyle no one is keen on looking back to!
?Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
11. The Side Pony
Ponytails will always be a classic, but side ponies are the ones that truly add character. They remained popular until the early 2000s—as you can see on Tom-Tom in 13 Going On 30.
By the end of the decade, the styling tools were working overtime.
12. The Flashdance
Honestly, who didn't want to be Jennifer Beals back then? But let's face it, she was one of the few who totally rocked this hairstyle.
?Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
13. Permed, Teased, Permed, and Did We Mention Permed?
Back then, the wider, the curlier, the messier, the better. Gel and hairspray were definitely two things that girls could not live without back then!
Getty Images
The '80s were undeniably one of the craziest times, whether in a good way or a bad way. But one thing's for sure: people had fun and didn't care that their hair looked so blown up and wild!
Which one of these was your favorite hairstyle back then? Comment with your thoughts, or share this article with all your family and friends to see!
That decade never did anything halfway.
Want more hair-and-fashion chaos, check out parents’ failed salon dreams caught in family photo albums.
