10 Memorable ‘80s Hairstyles That Are Trending Again Now

These styles have no sell-by date.

When people think about hair in the 80’s, they tend to picture big ‘dos. And there were certainly plenty of big ‘dos back then. But the truth is, the hair looks of the 80’s were far more nuanced than that, featuring myriad textures, layers, colors and oh so many accessories. In fact, due to the wealth and diversity of trendy hair styles from the 80’s, many people could (and still can) pull them off.

But why would you want to? Well, sporting some version of an 80’s style might just add a more modern edge to your look.

“I truly believe that beauty and fashion are cyclical. We just make subtle changes to update the looks and keep them fresh,” says Ric Pipino, a celebrity hair stylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in New York. And Pipino should know, he styled the tresses of some of the biggest 80’s hair icons, including Christie Brinkley, Brooke Shields, and Rosanna Arquette, whose storied styles are still being emulated today.

But it’s not just big hair and bangs that are making the rounds again, says David Lopez, a celebrity stylist who works with Ashley Graham and Chrissy Teigen. “What stands out most to me is some of the haircut shapes, like mullets and shags, that we’re now seeing a lot of again. I also think that with the Barbie movie coming out, we’re seeing new interpretations of many signature 80’s hairstyles. What I think people are liking most about 80’s hair now is how expressive it is.”

Ready to express yourself? Consider trying one of the following 10 styles.

Best '80s Hairstyles

Side Pony

This ‘do works on hair of almost any length and texture. Simply “use a hair tie to pull up the front portion of your hair,” Pipino says. To make the ponytail stand more upright, slip a bobby pin into the base of the hair tie to anchor it in place.

Related: 8 Volumizing Updos for Thin Hair That Stylists Swear By

Big Waves

For a look like this, prepping your hair with the proper styling products is essential, says Lopez. “You’re looking at mousse, hairspray, and really anything that gives your hair body.” Start by working mousse into damp hair, then dry hair with a diffuser (if it’s naturally curly); or use a curling wand to twist curls into dry locks (if they’re straight). Last, spritz roots with hairspray. (Try: Kenra Professional Volume Mousse Extra 17 and Kenra Professional Volume Mist 2.)

Related: 7 Best Hairstyles for Wavy Hair, According to Stylists

Wrap-Around Headband

Forget those temple-crushing headbands and get yourself a bandana if you really want to do it up 80’s style! Start by folding the bandana in half into a triangle shape. Then, roll up the bandana, from the point of the triangle to the base so that it forms a thick rope. Last, flip hair over and slide in the bandana, securing the ends at the top of your head.

Spiky Layers

Adding “point cut” layers throughout a short style is an easy way to create fullness, especially in fine or thin hair. This type of layering adds texture to your ends. Finish by creating punk-inspired, piece-y spikes with a paste, pomade, or putty, such as Aveda Control Paste.

Hot Hues

“Because punk was so big in the 80’s, a lot of those very expressive lime green, neon orange, pinks, and yellows ended up being popular hair colors,” Lopez says. Admittedly, brightly toned hair may be more of a look you experiment with using a wig, but hidden streaks of color or tamer hues are also always options.

Related: 10 Top Hair Colors for Spring 2024, According to Hairstylists

High Bangs

This look is quick and easy to achieve on all hair textures and lengths (unless you have baby bangs, which are too short to wear upswept). All it takes is a big round brush, a hair dryer with an airflow directing nozzle, and copious amount of touchable-hold hairspray (such as Kerasilk Multi-Purpose Hairspray). Wrap damp bangs around the barrel of the brush and blow dry, working from roots to tips. Tousle gently with fingers then set with spray.

Shaved Sides

See also: Faux hawk. This ultra-cool style, popularized by Cyndi Lauper back in the day, can look as mild or wild as you want it to be depending on how much volume you add to the top of your hair and how close-cropped you wear the sides. Tip: In terms of styling tools, obviously a blow dryer is going to be important, but another popular tool from the 80’s, the blow dry brush, can also get the job done. (Try the T3 Airebrush Duo that has a round brush attachment.)

High Pony

The high ponytail is quintessential 80’s. If you’re feeling extra, a crimping iron can add nostalgic texture to your ends. Fingerless gloves are optional.

Modern Bowl Cut

“Round, bowl cuts were really popular in the 80’s,” Lopez says. And they’re baaaack. Those with naturally straight hair will find them easiest to style — air-dry for a softer effect, or blow dry and mist with shine spray (such as Garnier Fructis Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray) for a more dramatic finish.

Related: The 'Bubble Bob' Adds Volume for Thicker-Looking Hair—Here's How to Style It

Natural Texture

If there was one expression that truly captured the essence of 80’s hair, it was if you’ve got it, flaunt it. The bigger and more textured, the better. Smoothing a headband into the front portion of hair this voluminous only helps to accentuate its height.

Disco Curls

In the Taylor Swift of it all, Blake Lively's Super Bowl style stood out on its own, especially her brushed out corkscrew curls. The deep side part and soft texture (hot tip: go easy on the hairspray) made the 80's throwback feel modern and wearable. The more brushed out, the better so you get the curly texture but in a softer, more imperfect way. And there's no need to tease the top; a little volume lets the va-va-voom of the curls speak for themselves.

Gravity-Defining Mullet

Mullets and high hair dominated the 80s and here, Florence Pugh is marrying them together. The always changing hair queen rocked a root-lifted, piecey look that flicked out on the ends. This is great in between style to rock while growing out your hair. Just opt for a styling cream over gel or spray to keep strands moveable and modern.

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