The decade of excess left behind more than hairspray cans. Many of its signature looks are back, refined with better tools and softer finishes. This roundup covers thirty of them, split between cuts, styling techniques and accessories: a bouncy boss-lady blowout, a shag with blonde underneath, a whale spout pony tied with a black bow, a modern perm with curly bangs, big messy curls, feathered layers with red peekaboo streaks, a textured pixie, stacked and asymmetrical bobs, a magenta-lowlighted mullet, crimped hair in a crown braid and a purple rocker mohawk, plus scrunchies, banana clips, bow barrettes, headbands and floral pieces.
The trick to wearing ’80s references now is choosing one statement at a time. Pair big volume with a sleek outfit, or a playful scrunchie with otherwise simple hair. Fine hair can get the look with a shag or round-brush blowout, while thick and curly hair carries perms, crimps and big curls naturally. Perms and crimping both stress the hair, so strong, healthy lengths will give the best results.
1. Boss-Lady Blowout
A fresh blowout always feels empowering, and blow-dryer brushes have made that bouncy salon finish easy to create at home. Volume and curl were the essence of ’80s hair, and this blonde Hollywood-wave version delivers both with a polished edge.
Inspiration: @natalieannehair
2. Shag Cut
A modern shag works at any length and always brings an edgy flair. On fine hair it boosts volume and controls frizz; on thick hair it creates plenty of layers. Blonde underneath the brown adds a hidden flash of color.
Inspiration: @rachelwstylist
3. Half Up-Half Down Ponytail
The half-up, half-down pony has become a modern classic, closely associated with Ariana Grande. It is quick to do with a flat iron, curling iron, wand or hot brush. Make the top section as voluminous as possible for maximum impact.
Inspiration: @natalieannehair
4. Big Messy Hair
Big, messy curls defined the ’80s and remain a favorite today. They look fun, youthful and playful, and they are not complicated or time-consuming to create. Scrunch in mousse and diffuse for maximum volume. Finish with a light mist of spray.
Inspiration: @hollygirldoeshair
5. 80s Pixie
Pixie cuts made popular in the ’80s still feel cool and current. They suit all hair types and textures and are easy to manage. Wear one with bangs, waves or a faux hawk, or try an undercut version for extra edge.
Inspiration: @giboazhair
6. Headband
Headbands can transform a simple style, elevating casual hair or adding a special embellishment. They were popularized on Gossip Girl by Blair Waldorf, and singers like Lana Del Rey and festival culture made flower crowns popular as well.
Inspiration: @kymmullem
7. Feathered Hair
Feathered cuts showcase layers for an elegant, sophisticated finish. The look rose to fame in the ’70s and ’80s thanks to Farrah Fawcett of Charlie's Angels, and remains popular with stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez. Red peekaboo highlights add drama.
Inspiration: @__mariramos____
8. Whale Spout Pony
A whale spout pony, tied with a black bow, is one of the decade's best-known looks. Crimping, teasing and big volume are all returning. Use a three-barrel iron for waves, or sleep in braids and unravel them in the morning.
Inspiration: @zhanna_syniavska
9. Permed Hair
Perms were central to ’80s culture, but modern versions are personalized by curl size, texture and tightness. Changing your part or adding layers creates different looks. Curly bangs give this permed style a playful, retro finish.
Inspiration: @jess_opentequetepenteia
10. Slicked Back
Sleek, slicked-back hair never really goes away. Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence and Charlize Theron have all updated this ’80s trend, and the wet-look version is a popular modern take. A strong gel and fine comb create the effect.
Inspiration: @chrisweberhair
11. High Powered Ponytails
High ponytails look elegant and offer endless styling options, from big curls and beach waves to braided crowns and bubble ponies. They show off color and layers while keeping hair off the face. Framing layers soften the look.
Inspiration: @styledby_kayla
12. Marvelous Mohawks
A mohawk or faux hawk is a bold way to try something new. Traditional versions shave the sides, but modern styles can use updos or braids to create the shape without cutting. This undercut pixie is styled upward for height.
Inspiration: @ophelia_hairandstyle
13. Low-to-High Beautiful Bobs
Bobs became popular in the ’80s and remain a common salon request. The low-to-high version is shorter in back with longer front pieces framing the face. Blonde highlights on this stacked bob add dimension and depth.
Inspiration: @bleachedandblown
14. Bow Barrettes
Barrettes are making a big return. Bow, pearl and jeweled clips can transform a look, holding a half-up style in place or decorating a ponytail or braid. They were a fad in the ’80s and are just as popular today.
Inspiration: @viola_pyak
15. Hair Bows
Tying ribbons into long hair instantly softens it. Bows suit ponies worn high or low, plaits and mermaid-tail braids alike. Try spacing several small ones down a bubble pony, where they double as the dividers between each puff, for a sweet, dreamy finish.
Inspiration: @hair.and.nina
16. Blowout Bangs
Big bangs and big hair were ’80s hallmarks. Blown-out curtain bangs with pink highlights add bouncy volume and look elegant yet effortless. Use a round brush, a large-barrel curling iron or a hot brush to create them.
Inspiration: @amberhendersonhair
17. Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights remain a salon staple, and Jennifer Aniston's Rachel Green from Friends made them iconic. A bright blonde streak against black hair is a bold modern take. Highlights, ombre and balayage all add depth and texture.
Inspiration: @hirohair
18. Asymmetrical Hairstyle
An asymmetrical precision cut grabs attention and helps shape the face. It works on short, medium and long hair. Keep the longer side sleek with a flat iron to emphasize the angle of the bob.
Inspiration: @alex.tanase_
19. Banana Clip Hairstyles
Banana clips were everywhere in ’80s films and magazines and have returned as a versatile accessory. Available in several sizes, they create dreamy buns, ponytails and half-up styles that hold well all day. Try one with a ponytail on busy mornings.
Inspiration: @iidentitysalon
20. Floral Accessories
Floral accessories add a whimsical, magical touch to any style. Festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza helped make flower crowns mainstream. Tuck small blooms into an updo for a pretty pop of color. Secure them with small pins.
Inspiration: @braidedblondelocks
21. Scrunchies
Scrunchies were trendy in the ’80s and ’90s thanks to icons like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, and Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez have worn them more recently. They come in many fabrics and colors and are gentle on hair.
Inspiration: @kisslovehair
22. Mullet
Mullets are one of the most recognizable ’80s hairstyles, now worn again by women and men. Millennials have embraced the edgy look. Modern mullets come in many lengths and colors, like this blonde version with magenta lowlights.
Inspiration: @bleachedandblown
23. Keep It Wavy, Baby
Gentle waves flatter a mid-length cut with face-framing bangs. Any of a medium-barrel iron, flat iron, wand or hot brush will create them. Curl a little tighter than you want at first, since the bends relax over the hours, and mist with a shine or texture spray.
Inspiration: @giboazhair
24. Curly Bangs
Curly bangs are cute and charming, whether you have curly hair or curl the fringe on straight or wavy styles. Despite their reputation, they are not hard to style. Finger coils with a deep side part show how versatile they can be.
Inspiration: @radicallycurly
25. 80s Bob Style
A bob can look very high fashion, as Victoria Beckham showed in her Posh Spice days. Style it shaggy, layered, wavy or straight, short or long. This sleek, center-parted version adds a distinctly ’80s flair.
Inspiration: @pelokera_
26. Long Messy Hair
Long, messy hair keeps its appeal thanks to its free-spirited, effortless feel. Supermodels like Kate Moss and Alessandra Ambrosio and stars like Blake Lively and Jessica Alba have made it famous. It looks great without trying too hard.
Inspiration: @oksana_sergeeva_stilist
27. Rocker Hairstyle
The ’80s saw the rise of hard rock bands like Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe and AC/DC, along with rocker hairstyles. This bold purple mohawk with a shaved design shows how edgy cuts and vivid color still make a statement.
Inspiration: @samisueluvsyourhair
28. Layered Cuts & Bangs
Layers and bangs flatter the face and highlight the features. They also save time in the morning and keep hair out of the eyes. Layers stand out beautifully when you change your hairstyle, adding movement to any look.
Inspiration: @coiffeurstory
29. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair is back and works in braids, updos, ponytails or loose styles. Use a crimping iron with a heat protectant for the best results. Here, crimped lengths are woven into a crown braid for a fun, feminine finish.
Inspiration: @harriakerberg
30. Big Hair
Big hair remains one of the most memorable ’80s looks. Brigitte Bardot, Jane Fonda and Debbie Harry made it iconic, and runway models have popularized bouncy, voluminous curls. Use large rollers and a teasing comb for lift.
Inspiration: @amberhendersonhair
Getting ’80s volume without the damage
- Swap heavy teasing for a root-lifting mousse and a round-brush or hot-air-brush blowout.
- When you do backcomb, tease only the underside of each section and smooth the top layer over it.
- Always use a heat protectant before crimping or curling, and keep crimpers on a moderate setting.
- Brush teased hair out gently from the ends up, ideally after conditioner in the shower.
What to ask for if you want a modern perm
Today’s perms are far more customizable than the tight, uniform curls many people remember. Tell your stylist the curl size you want (a photo helps), whether you want the curl from the root or only through the lengths, and how much volume suits your face. Larger rods give loose, beachy bends; smaller rods give springy ringlets. Expect to skip washing for a couple of days afterwards, and plan to use sulfate-free shampoo, rich conditioner and a curl cream to keep the result soft and defined.