80s hairstyles were all about volume: big curls, teased bangs, crimped waves and scrunchies. They're back, but softer. Today's version keeps the shape and the fun while losing the crunchy hairspray, so the hair still moves and looks touchable.
Below are eight 80s hairstyles and how to wear each one now, with exactly what to ask your stylist for. For more retro volume, see our butterfly haircut ideas, and for party hair, our New Year's hairstyles.
What were the most popular 80s hairstyles?
The most popular 80s hairstyles were big permed curls, side ponytails with scrunchies, crimped hair, teased bangs, feathered layers, high ponytails, the rocker mullet and voluminous blowouts with headbands. To wear them today, keep the volume but use soft texture spray instead of stiff hairspray, and add one 80s detail rather than all of them.
80s hairstyles to try now
Save the one closest to what you want. That's the photo to show your stylist.
1. Big voluminous curls
Big, bouncy curls with lots of root lift, like an 80s perm. Today's version is softer, with looser curls that are brushed out a little.
Ask for:long layers, big loose curls set with large rollers, brushed out for volume.
2. Side ponytail with a scrunchie
A high ponytail pulled to one side and tied with a scrunchie. Leave it a little messy with some face-framing pieces so it looks fresh.
Ask for:high side ponytail, textured lengths, a velvet scrunchie, face-framing pieces left out.
3. Crimped waves
Tight zigzag crimped texture from mid-lengths to ends. Crimping just the lengths, or a few sections, looks modern.
Ask for:crimped texture through the mid-lengths and ends, smooth at the roots.
4. Teased curtain bangs
Big, fluffy bangs with lift at the root that sweep away from the face. It's the easiest way to add an 80s feel to any cut.
Ask for:long curtain bangs, round-brushed up and back for lift.
5. Teased high ponytail
A high ponytail with a teased crown and lots of volume in the tail. It's sporty and bold, like an 80s workout video.
Ask for:high ponytail, teased crown, voluminous crimped or waved tail.
6. Feathered layers
Soft layers that flick out and back away from the face. It has lots of movement and suits most hair types.
Ask for:long feathered layers, ends blown out and flicked back.
7. Soft rocker mullet
Shorter, choppy layers on top and longer pieces at the back. The modern mullet is softer and blended, not a hard line.
Ask for:soft blended mullet, choppy layers on top, longer at the nape.
8. Big blowout with a headband
A big, glossy, volumized blowout pushed back with a wide padded headband. It's polished and very 80s.
Ask for:big round-brush blowout with root volume, a wide padded headband.
How to make 80s hair look modern
Pick one detail. Big curls or a scrunchie or crimping, not all three.
Keep it touchable. Use texture spray and dry shampoo instead of stiff hairspray.
Brush curls out. Softened curls look current; tight, crunchy ones look like a costume.
Choose updated accessories. Velvet scrunchies, satin headbands and claw clips feel fresh.
FAQ
What is the most iconic 80s hairstyle?
Big permed curls with lots of volume, followed by the side ponytail with a scrunchie.
How do you get 80s volume without a perm?
Set dry hair in large hot rollers, let them cool, then brush the curls out and add texture spray at the roots.
Are 80s hairstyles in style?
Yes. Big blowouts, curtain bangs, soft mullets and scrunchies are all popular again, just in softer versions.
What is an easy 80s hairstyle for a party?
A side ponytail with a scrunchie or crimped waves. Both take under 20 minutes.
The bottom line
For a modern take on 80s hairstyles, choose big brushed-out curls or a side ponytail, and keep the texture soft. Save the look you like and browse more hair ideas.
