The 1980s was a decade of big hair, bold colors, and daring styles. It was an era that embraced excess and experimentation, and this was reflected in the hair trends of the time. Let's take a journey back to the '80s and explore the iconic hair styles that defined this vibrant decade.
Big Hair: The '80s Signature Look
When you think of '80s hair, the first image that likely comes to mind is big, voluminous hair. This look was achieved through teasing, mousse, and hairspray, with the goal of creating as much height and volume as possible. The bigger the hair, the better, and this trend was embraced by both men and women.
Perms: The Curl Revolution
Perms were a huge trend in the '80s, with both men and women embracing the curl. This chemical process involved wrapping sections of hair around rods to create tight, spiral curls. The perm was a way to achieve the big hair look without the daily teasing and styling required by other methods.
Mullets: The Business in the Front, Party in the Back Cut
The mullet, with its distinctive short-in-the-front-and-long-in-the-back style, was a staple of '80s fashion. This cut was popular among both men and women, with celebrities like John Stamos and Cyndi Lauper sporting the look. The mullet was a symbol of the '80s' embrace of individuality and non-conformity.
Bold Colors and Styles
The '80s was a decade that wasn't afraid to make a statement, and this was reflected in the hair trends of the time. Bold colors, dramatic cuts, and unique styles were all the rage.
Bright Colors and Highlights
In the '80s, hair color was bold and bright. From the neon highlights of the early part of the decade to the bold, statement-making colors of the late '80s, hair color was a way to express individuality and stand out from the crowd. Celebrities like Boy George and Cyndi Lauper were known for their dramatic hair colors.
Mohawks and Fades
Dramatic cuts were also popular in the '80s. The mohawk, with its distinctive spiked top and shaved sides, was a symbol of rebellion and individuality. Fades, where the hair is gradually cut shorter as it moves down the head, were also popular, particularly among men.
Iconic '80s Hair Styles
Certain hair styles became synonymous with the '80s, and these looks continue to influence fashion today.
The Farrah Fawcett Flip
Farrah Fawcett's iconic hairstyle, with its layered cut and flipped ends, was a staple of '70s fashion, but it continued to be popular throughout the '80s. This style was achieved with the help of a round brush and a blow dryer, and it was a symbol of the '80s' embrace of glamour and femininity.
The Punk Look
The punk movement, with its roots in the '70s, continued to influence fashion in the '80s. This look was characterized by short, spiky hair, often dyed a bold color, and heavy use of hair product to create a messy, disheveled look.
The Power Bob
The power bob, a short, blunt cut that fell just below the chin, was a symbol of the '80s' embrace of female empowerment. This style was popular among working women and was seen as a practical, professional look.
Hair Care in the '80s
In the '80s, hair care was a big business, with new products and technologies being introduced all the time. Here's a look at some of the most popular hair care products and trends of the decade.
Mousse and Hairspray
Mousse and hairspray were the key products for achieving the big hair look of the '80s. Mousse was used to add volume and lift to the hair, while hairspray was used to hold the style in place. The more hairspray, the better, as far as '80s fashion was concerned.
Straighteners and Curlers
Straighteners and curlers were also popular in the '80s, as people sought to achieve the perfect wave or sleek, straight style. The introduction of new technologies, like the ionic hair brush, made it easier to achieve these looks at home.
Hair Removal
In the '80s, hair removal was a big business, with new products and technologies being introduced all the time. Waxing, tweezing, and even electrolysis were popular methods for removing unwanted body hair.
Celebrity Inspiration
Celebrities played a big role in shaping '80s hair trends. Here are a few of the most influential stars of the decade and their signature looks.
| Celebrity | Signature Look |
|---|---|
| Farrah Fawcett | The Farrah Fawcett Flip |
| John Stamos | The Mullet |
| Cyndi Lauper | Bold Colors and Unique Styles |
| Boy George | Dramatic Hair Colors and Styles |
The '80s was a decade of big hair, bold colors, and daring styles. It was an era that embraced excess and experimentation, and this was reflected in the hair trends of the time. From the big hair of the early '80s to the bold colors and dramatic cuts of the late '80s, the hair styles of this decade continue to influence fashion today.
