The 1980s, a time of bold fashion and even bolder hair, is certainly making a delightful return. People are finding joy in bringing back those much-loved styles, but with a modern, simpler twist. If you are someone who admires the era's unique look yet prefers something easy to manage, you are in the right spot. We are going to explore how to get that fabulous 80s vibe without a lot of fuss.
That decade ushered in an era of truly big, statement hair. It was a time when hair and makeup were quite expressive, often over the top in the very best way. Think of the queen of pop, for example; she showed off so many 80s hairstyles, and many of them featured impressive volume and playful shapes. It was a period where personal style really shone through your hair, and you could tell, too, that everyone was having a good time with it.
Now, you might think recreating these looks means hours in front of a mirror with a teasing comb and a can of hairspray. But that is not always the case. We have put together a guide to help you discover easy 80's hairstyles for women of every hair type and length. You can find your perfect retro hair look, and we will show you how to recreate these iconic 80s looks while still keeping your hair happy and healthy. It is all about getting that big hair inspiration with a little less effort, really.
Table of Contents
- Why the 80s Hair Vibe is Back
- Essential Tools for Your Easy 80s Look
- Simple 80s Hairstyles You Can Do
- Tips for Getting That 80s Volume Without the Fuss
- Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Hairstyles
- Bringing the 80s to Today
Why the 80s Hair Vibe is Back
It is almost fascinating how fashion and beauty cycles tend to come back around. The 1980s hairstyles are slowly making that unexpected comeback to society, and you see them everywhere. People seem to appreciate the playfulness and the sheer confidence these styles bring. It is a nod to the past, yet it feels fresh for today, too.
The Return of Big Hair
The 80s were an iconic decade for hair, and these styles prove their lasting appeal. Hair in the 80s was truly about being big, fluffy, and very voluminous. Whether your hair is short or long, there are many ways to get that big hair inspiration that you need. It is not just about the size, though; it is about the feeling of freedom and fun that comes with it, so it is a bit of a mood as well.
A Time for Expression
When it comes to hair and makeup, the 80s were a time of real expression. More specifically, the best 80s hairstyles saw everything from backcombing to mullets, perms, and half-up styles. People used their hair to show off their personality, and that is a powerful idea that still resonates. It is about making a statement without saying a word, really.
Essential Tools for Your Easy 80s Look
To get those easy 80's hairstyles, you do not need a salon full of equipment. Just a few key items can help you achieve that desired volume and shape. These are the things that were all the fuss for designing hair back then, and they still work wonders today, too.
Teasing Combs and Hair Spray
A good teasing comb is pretty much your best friend for adding height. You use it to gently backcomb sections of hair at the roots, creating a cushion of volume. After you tease, a strong-hold hair spray is absolutely essential. It helps to keep that volume locked in place, so your hard work lasts. Think of it as the invisible scaffolding for your hair, you know?
Curlers and Gels
For curls, whether big bouncy ones or softer waves, curlers are your go-to. You can use hot rollers for quick results or foam rollers overnight for a heat-free option. Gels and pomades were also very popular hair accessories. They helped define curls, add shine, and keep those edgy cuts looking sharp. A little bit goes a long way, especially with the stronger holding products, so you use them sparingly, as a matter of fact.
Simple 80s Hairstyles You Can Do
Now for the fun part: trying out these looks yourself! You will find that many of these styles are quite simple to achieve, making them perfect for everyday wear or a themed event. Relive the 80s with our guide to iconic hairstyles for women, and get inspired by voluminous curls and edgy cuts, too.
The Voluminous Bob
The bob is a timeless hairstyle that gained popularity in the 80s. This versatile cut works well with various hair textures, offering both elegance and easy maintenance. To give it that 80s flair, you want to add a lot of volume, especially at the crown and sides. You can achieve this with some light backcombing and a good blow-dry, maybe with a round brush. It is a simple way to get that retro shape without too much effort, actually.
Big Bangs with Headbands
This has to be our favorite look, especially when we think of the queen of pop. With voluminous, wavy bangs and a statement red headband, it is a truly striking style. To get this, you would want to curl your bangs away from your face, giving them that outward swoop. Then, gently tease the roots for height. A wide, colorful headband can then push the rest of your hair back, making those big bangs stand out. It is a pretty simple trick for a lot of impact, you know.
Soft, Wavy Curls
While some 80s curls were very tight, many were softer and more flowing, yet still had plenty of body. You can achieve these easy 80's hairstyles with larger barrel curling irons or even by braiding damp hair overnight for heatless waves. Once your curls are set, gently brush them out to create a softer, more voluminous look. A little hairspray will help hold the shape without making it stiff. It is a very natural way to get that 80s bounce, honestly.
The Side Pony with a Twist
The side ponytail was a classic 80s look, often worn high on the head. To make it easy and add that retro touch, first create some volume at the crown of your head with light teasing. Then, gather all your hair to one side, securing it with a scrunchie or a bright hair tie. For an extra twist, you could wrap a section of hair around the hair tie to hide it, or add a decorative clip. It is a playful style that is surprisingly quick to do, basically.
Effortless Perm-Inspired Waves
Perms were a huge part of the 80s, giving people those tight, springy curls. You do not need a chemical perm to get a similar vibe, though. You can use smaller curlers or even a crimping iron for a more textured, wavy look. For a simpler approach, try scrunching a curl-enhancing mousse into damp hair and letting it air dry. This creates a natural, voluminous wave that echoes the perm without the commitment. It is a really good option for those who want that look without a lot of fuss, at the end of the day.
Tips for Getting That 80s Volume Without the Fuss
Getting big hair does not have to mean damaging your hair or spending hours on it. With a few smart moves, you can achieve that sought-after 80s volume with ease. We want to help you recreate these iconic 80s looks and avoid harming your tresses, too.
Backcombing Basics
When you backcomb, take small sections of hair, hold them straight up, and push the comb down towards the scalp in short, gentle strokes. Do not pull too hard. The idea is to create a nest of hair at the roots, not to tangle everything. Once you have teased a section, smooth the top layer over for a polished finish. This technique is key for creating lasting height, so it is worth practicing, you know.
Product Picks for Hold
For that true 80s hold, hair accessories like teasing combs, hair sprays, pomade, gels, and curlers were all the fuss. Today, look for lightweight volumizing mousses to apply to damp hair before blow-drying. A good texturizing spray can also add grip and body to your hair, especially for softer waves. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray that allows for movement but still keeps your style in place. It is pretty important to choose products that work for your hair type, obviously.
Protecting Your Tresses
While the 80s were about big hair, we also want to keep our hair healthy. Always use a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools like curling irons or blow dryers. Try to give your hair breaks from heat styling when you can. Deep conditioning treatments once a week can also help keep your hair strong and shiny. Taking good care of your hair means you can enjoy these fun styles without worry, seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Hairstyles
People often ask about the return of these fun looks. Here are some common questions.
What hairstyles were popular in the 80s?
The 80s were famous for big, bold hair. This included perms, mullets, voluminous bobs, high side ponytails, and big, feathered bangs. Hair was often backcombed for maximum volume, and accessories like scrunchies and headbands were very popular. It was a time of real hair experimentation, you know.
How do I make my hair look 80s?
To get an 80s look, focus on volume and height. Use a volumizing mousse and blow-dry your hair upside down for lift. Backcomb sections at the crown for extra body. For curls, use rollers or a curling iron, then brush them out for a softer, fuller look. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray. Adding a bright scrunchie or headband can also complete the look, too.
Are 80s hairstyles coming back?
Yes, 80s hairstyles are definitely making a comeback! You see elements of the decade's hair trends appearing in modern fashion, like voluminous bangs, textured bobs, and even softer, updated versions of the perm. People are enjoying the playful and expressive nature of these styles, bringing them back with a fresh twist. It is a pretty clear trend, actually.
Bringing the 80s to Today
It is pretty clear that the 1980s ushered in an era of big, statement hair, and some of those styles are now making a comeback. Whether your hair is short or long, we have the best 80s hairstyles for women to give you all the big hair inspiration that you need. Discover the 50 popular 80s hairstyles for women of every hair type and length, from perms to mullets, and find your perfect retro hair look!
The 80s were an iconic decade for hair, and these styles prove their lasting appeal. You can find and save ideas about easy 80s hairstyles on Pinterest, for example, which shows just how much interest there is. For more inspiration on how to make real retro 1980s hairstyles, you can check out this helpful guide on All Things Hair. Learn more about hair styling tips on our site, and for even more retro looks, link to this page Retro Hair Ideas.
