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!
Close your eyes and think of something related to the '80s. You would probably think of arcades, neon clothing, funky headbands, rockstar outfits, bright eyeshadows, and roller skating rinks—and of course, lots and lots of hairspray.
If there is one thing that this decade is known for, it's being the opposite of everything minimal. While pin-straight hair was a trend in the 2000s, hair in the 1980s was anything but pin-straight—as you would see in retro photos of celebrities from that time, such as Julia Roberts, Stevie Nicks, Heather Locklear, Madonna, and Tina Turner.
Sure, everyone loves some good volume in their hair nowadays, but let's face it: all that teasing, hairspraying, and perming was already kind of excessive in the '80s—but hey, people back then knew how to make it work, so props to them for that. Everyone was eager to show off their presence, and what better way to do it than by showing up with a big hairstyle that screams, "Look at me!"
But just imagine being late to something and still having to turn your hair upside down, spraying mounds and mounds of hairspray until you achieve the right amount of fluff. Back then, big hair was the definition of glamorous, and if you were an '80s kid or teen, you definitely gave in and wore these hairstyles.
Scroll down to see some of the popular hairstyles from the '80s and check off the ones you recall wearing at least once!
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.
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
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.
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!
