Recreating the iconic silhouettes of the 1980s is easier than you might think, provided you have the right guidance. The decade was defined by big hair, sharp angles, and a sense of drama that translated into styles that were as bold as the fashion choices of the era. To master an 80s hairstyle, you need to understand the specific textures and tools that made these looks legendary, from the gravity-defying volume of the perm to the sleek perfection of the side part.
At the heart of most famous 80s hairstyles is volume, and achieving this usually starts with a chemical process or a meticulous blow-dry routine. If you want the authentic, high-impact look of a classic perm, you are essentially creating an S-shaped wave pattern that adds incredible lift to fine or limp hair. For those who prefer a less permanent route, the modern equivalent is a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray, followed by a thorough blowout with a round brush to create lift at the crown without the frizz.
Essential Tools for Authenticity
You cannot achieve a true 80s style without the proper arsenal of tools, which are largely defined by the heat and hold technology of the time. While the large, crimping irons of the early part of the decade are synonymous with the look, you will rely heavily on a few key items to build the foundation. Investing in a quality hair dryer with a concentrator nozzle and a round ceramic brush is essential for creating the smooth, voluminous base that characterized the era.
- Hairdryer with a diffuser or concentrator nozzle
- Round paddle brush
- Fine-toothed comb
- Setting spray or strong-hold hairspray
- Texturizing spray or sea salt spray
The Iconic Side Part
Few hairstyles are as recognizable as the sharp side part that was ubiquitous in the 80s, often paired with a sleek blowout or a cascade of curls. To create this look, you must start with clean, dry hair and use a fine-toothed comb to carve out a deep, defined part line along one eyebrow or further back towards the crown. The goal is to create a stark contrast between the sleek top section and the voluminous blowout at the back, which requires brushing the hair almost completely in one direction before securing it with intense heat.
Mastering the Blowout
The foundation of many 80s updos and half-up styles is the flawless blowout, a technique that demands patience and the correct tension. You should begin by applying a heat protectant to damp hair and rough-drying until about 80% dry. Then, section the hair into manageable parts, taking small portions and wrapping them tightly around the round brush while aiming the dryer directly at the bristles. This process forces the hair to follow the brush's direction, resulting in a smooth, bouncy shape that holds its form for hours.
Embracing the Crimp
For the ultimate 80s texture, crimping is non-negotiable, whether you are aiming for the "Mullet" or the "Rachel." The key to avoiding a muddy, indisciplined look is to work in small, consistent sections and to crimp only the mid-lengths to the ends, leaving the roots relatively smooth to maintain an element of sophistication. Once the crimping iron has done its job, a quick run through with a bristle brush will soften the edges slightly, integrating the texture into the overall volume rather than letting it look like a separate, pasted-on element.
Finishing an 80s hairstyle is about locking in the shape and ensuring that every strand respects the silhouette you have created. This is the step where hairspray becomes your best friend, and it should be applied in a fine, even mist while holding the can at least eight inches away from your head. To achieve the legendary height of a beehive or the sharpness of a Marcel wave, you may need to tease the root area gently before smoothing the outer layer, ensuring the structure remains intact long after you leave the mirror.
