Step into the neon-lit, synth-pop world of the 1980s and master the iconic blowout hairstyle that defined the decade. This voluminous, bouncy look was a staple on the red carpet and in music videos, and it's making a comeback today. Here's your ultimate guide to achieving the perfect 80s blowout at home.
Before we dive into the steps, let's talk tools. You'll need a round brush, a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle, heat protectant spray, hair clips, and some styling products like mousse or volumizing spray. Now, let's get started!
Preparation and Wash
Start with clean hair. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to give your hair some extra body. After washing, gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess moisture.
Apply a heat protectant spray to damp hair. This will shield your strands from heat damage and help maintain your hair's natural moisture. Next, apply a generous amount of mousse or volumizing spray to your roots for added lift.
Sectioning and Blow-Drying
Sectioning
Divide your hair into four sections: two at the top (crown area) and two at the bottom (sides and back). Clip each section away using hair clips to keep them separate and manageable.
Start with the bottom section. Unclip one side and take a small subsection of hair, about an inch wide. Clip the rest of that section away temporarily.
Blow-Drying
Take your round brush and place it at the root of the subsection you've chosen. Pull the brush downwards towards the ends of your hair, following the direction of the hair growth. This will help smooth the cuticle and create shine. Use the blow dryer with the concentrator nozzle to direct heat onto the brush, not directly onto your hair.
Once that subsection is dry, unclip the rest of the section and repeat the process until the entire bottom half of your hair is dry. Then, move on to the top sections, using the same technique. Remember to keep your hair with the direction of the hair growth for maximum volume.
Styling and Finishing
Styling
Now that your hair is completely dry, it's time to style. Take your round brush and wrap sections of hair around it, starting from the roots. Lift each section up towards the ceiling and blast it with heat from your blow dryer. This will create lift and volume at the roots.
Once you've gone through all sections, use your fingers or a comb to gently tease the roots for even more volume. Then, use your hands or a comb to create your desired part and shape. For a true 80s look, consider a deep side part or a middle part with lots of height.
Finishing
To set your style and add some hold, apply a small amount of hairspray to your roots and mid-lengths. Avoid using too much, as this can weigh down your hair and make it feel stiff. For an extra touch of 80s glamour, you can also use a can of dry shampoo to add some texture and lift at the roots.
Finally, give your hair a gentle tousle with your fingers to break up any stiffness and create a more natural, tousled look. And there you have it - the perfect 80s blowout!
Now that you've mastered the art of the 80s blowout, it's time to show it off. Whether you're heading to a themed party, a retro concert, or just want to add some volume and glamour to your everyday look, this iconic style is sure to turn heads. So go ahead, channel your inner Cyndi Lauper or Madonna, and embrace the power of big hair!