How to Get the Hottest Hair Looks of the '80s
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“The most popular hairstyles in the 80s had two things in common,” says celebrity hairstylist and vintage devotee Gregory Russell. “Layers and volume.”
That feels like a bit of an understatement. Almost every single celebrity—from a baby-faced Heather Locklear about to hit it big on the soap opera Dynasty to singers whose legendary looks lives on (hello, Cher, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston)—all had big, beautiful hair. And the look of big, messy ’80s hair is even easier to achieve more than 40 (yes, f-o-r-t-y) years later.
“One popular way, which we are seeing lots of right now, is a perm,” says Russell, whose clients include Anya Taylor-Joy and Jennifer Lawerence. That built-in texture can really help to add a base to maintaining volume. Another way would be setting the hair on rollers.” Whichever way you choose to go, start with an inspirational photo first. Lucky for you, we’ve collected the best looks below.
A Super-Shaggy (and Iconic) Mullet
The late Tina Turner was known for many things—that voice! those legs!—and the mullet. Little known fact: Her iconic '80s hairdo, seen at her performance at Wembley Arena in 1985, was actually a wig.
Daisy Duke's Barrel Curls
Best known as the original Daisy Duke on the television show The Dukes of Hazzard, Catherine Bach flaunted these '70s barrel curls both off and on the silver screen. To recreate at home, try large rollers.
Lisa Bonet's Embellished Locks
Her role as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show established actress Lisa Bonet as an '80s It Girl. Her hair is styled in thin locks adorned with beads. Clearly, cool girl runs in her genes since daughter Zoe Kravitz embodies the same energy.
A Sleek Flipped Out Long Bob
Actress Jodie Foster’s cool-girl’80s ensemble (worn to see a Eurythmics concert at the Roxy) is identical to one you’d see at a concert today. The hair isn’t fussy—blown out straight with a bit of a flip at the end.
Stevie Nicks’ Wolf Cut
Fleetwood Mac lead singer Stevie Nicks may not have inspired The Eagles’ “Witchy Woman,” but she definitely embodies the vibe. Her shaggy haircut is an ’80s version of the wolf cut (a grown-out mullet).
Jessica Lange’s Curled Bob
Actress Jessica Lange was rocking the Italian bob before it was known by that name. This shot from 1981 is actually a promotional photo for a Head & Shoulders campaign (hello!!)
Southern Charm Curls on Charlene Tilton
Charlene Tilton starred as Lucy Ewing on the hit show “Dallas”—and her giant barrel curls definitely fit the role.
Molly Ringwald’s Signature Look
Molly Ringwald is the iconic 1980s girl. Her signature red hair (dyed! She was born a brunette.) and natural texture were all the rage during her run of John Hughs films.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Voluminous Curls
The three stars of 1987’s The Witches of Eastwick—Michelle Pfeiffer (left), Cher, and Susan Sarandon—curls grew larger and larger as the movie’s main character wove his magic.
A Breezy Bob on Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder’s ’80s hits don’t quit— including Heathers, Beetlejuice, and Mermaids. She was also a never-ending beauty inspiration for the decade with her cool-girl haircuts and minimalist beauty.
An Oscars-Worth Updo
The year is 1989 and acting queen Meryl Streep is nominated for Best Actress for A Cry in The Dark. She loses to Jodie Foster but wins with this sophisticated updo—the side-parted hair is swept into a low ponytail, and bangs have just a bit of volume.
Bodied Curls Made with Hot Rollers
Big, soft curls (like you’d get from hot rollers) were actress Brooke Shields’ signature hairstyle through the era. Learn more about hot rollers (and the brush out to get this level of curls) here.
Courtney Cox’s Soft Blowout
This is Courtney Cox in a world before Friends. Her choppy bangs and breezy blowout are similar to the cut she sported in season 1 of the hit show.
Jane Fonda’s Teased Hair
In the 70s, actress Jane Fonda’s hair was styled in a radical mullet. For the 80s, she grew it out, tossed it in this teased updo, and added exercise entrepreneur to her resume.
Cher’s Perfect Curls
Singer, actress, and overall goddess Cher conquered the decade’s biggest trend—voluminous hair—like she invented the look.
Madonna's Blonde Vintage Curls
Madonna came to fame in the ’80s, continually reinventing herself. During her Marilyn Monroe-inspired era in 1986, her hair was bright golden blonde and styled in vintage curls.
Charo’s High Ponytail
Spanish-American actress Charo brought her signature hairstyle—a teased-up top knot—for her appearance on the 1980 American Music Awards.
Barbra Streisand's Brushed-Back Curls
Barbra Streisand’s brushed-back blowout at the start of the decade is decidedly old-school. You’ll need curlers (and lots of hairspray) to recreate the look at home.
Dolly Parton's Hair that's Close to God
Country singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton has always known the power of big hair—even in the’80s. She’s admittedly worn wigs since the 1960s, joking, “People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know; I’m never there.”
Dianna Ross’s Curls in the Wind
A patron saint of curly hair, Dianna Ross’s signature look of gorgeous, natural curls has been enviable for decades. Her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross, was blessed with a similar crown.
Linda Gray's Smooth Blow Out
Known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on “Dallas,” Linda Gray rocked a smooth-but-shaggy cut for the ’80s. You can get the same pretty blowout at home with a blowout brush.
Sigourney Weaver Tightly Curled Bob
Actress Sigourney Weaver’s short bob with long layers was curled to perfection at the 1989 Academy Awards.
Lori Laughlin's Brushed Blowout
Almost a decade before her full house days, actress Lori Laughlin was a soap opera actress on “The Edge of Night.” However, her brunette tresses have always contained just the right amount of volume.
Tight Curls on Bernadette Peters
Broadway actress Bernadette Peters combines two of the era's biggest trends into one red carpet worthy look—her tight spiral curls and upward volume.
Whitney Houston's Curly Long Bob
Throughout the ’80s, singer Whitney Houston rocked different iterations of gorgeous curly hair while giving us hits like “How Will I Know” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
Cindy Crawford's Model Off-Duty Hair
For volumized hair and lifted roots like Cindy Crawford's ’do in 1989, start at the shampoo.
Iman's Teased Runway Hair
Walking in Calvin Klein’s 1980’s presentation, model Iman’s brushed out curls are perfection.
Linda Evangelista, 1989
By the end of the ’80s, supermodel Linda Evangelista had turned into a hair chameleon. This angled pixie in her natural brunette highlights her sharp cheekbones.
Naomi Campbell, 1980
Supermodel Naomi is our Barbie. This sleek bob doesn’t feel of-the-era, but that’s because the super model was trendsetting, not following.
Heather Locklear's Round Brushed Hair
Taken before she hit it big in Dynasty, Heather Locklear’s big blowout with side bangs feels so ’80s. To do it at home, you’ll need a large round brush.
Meet the Expert
Gregory Russell is a Lost Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist who loves vintage style and clothing. His clients include Anya Taylor-Joy, Lily Collins, Hari Nef, and Jennifer Lawerence.
What was the most popular hairstyle in the '80s?
“The most popular hairstyles in the’80s had two things in common: layers and volume,” Russell says.
How do you get big and messy '80s hair?
“There are several key ways to get optimum volume of’80s hair. One popular way, which we are seeing lots of right now, is a perm. That built-in texture can really help to add a base to maintaining volume. Another way would be setting the hair on rollers. Several companies, like T3, are making hot rollers which can also add tons of volume and bounce to your lengths. The other is using the right product, like hairspray, volume mists, mousses, or root lifters. It’s important to use a dry buildable hairspray like Pureology Soft Finish Hairspray to prep the hair before fastening that hot roller.”
Is '80s hair coming back?
Yes! “Some of my favorite references are from the’80s; there are chic looks and more wild looks. Depending on your personality and style, find some references that speak to you and give it a go!
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