Hairstyles In The 1980s

Hairstyles in the 1980s were marked by bold and daring looks, reflecting the excess and glamour of the decade. From big hair to mullets and crimped styles, the 1980s were a time of experimentation and creativity, with many iconic hairstyles still celebrated and emulated today.

Historical Background

Hairstyles in the 1980s were marked by an emphasis on volume, texture, and creativity. Big hair, characterised by teasing and hair spray, was popular among women, as were mullets, which featured short hair on the top and sides and long hair in the back. Crimped hair was also a popular style, with the use of a crimping iron adding texture and interest to the hair. Popular hair accessories of the era included scrunchies, headbands, and oversized bows.

The hairstyles of the 1980s were influenced by popular culture, including music, movies, and television shows. Icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Cyndi Lauper were known for their distinctive hairstyles, which were often emulated by fans. The popularity of rock and heavy metal music also had an impact on hairstyles, with long hair and mullets being popular among male fans.

The 1980s were a time of excess and glamour, and this was reflected in the hairstyles of the era. Hair was often styled with a great deal of volume, using hairspray and other products to achieve the desired look. The emphasis on bold, daring hairstyles was also a reflection of the growing sense of independence and individuality among young people, who sought to express themselves through their hair and fashion choices.

Today, many of the iconic hairstyles of the 1980s continue to be celebrated and emulated, both as a nod to the excess and glamour of the decade and as a reflection of the enduring influence of popular culture on fashion and beauty trends.

Features of 1980s Hairstyles

Here are some of the key features of hairstyles in the 1980s −

• Volume − The hairstyles of the 1980s were all about big hair, with women using teasing and hair spray to create a voluminous, textured look.

• Texture − Hair was often crimped, curled, or permed to add interest and texture.

• Length − Mullets, which featured short hair on the top and sides and long hair in the back, were a popular hairstyle for both men and women.

• Accessories − Scrunchies, headbands, and oversized bows were popular hair accessories of the era.

• Color − Bright, bold colours were popular for both hair and fashion in the 1980s, with many people opting for vibrant hues like neon pink and electric blue.

• Influence of popular culture − Icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Cyndi Lauper were known for their distinctive hairstyles, which were often emulated by fans. The popularity of rock and heavy metal music also had an impact on hairstyles, with long hair and mullets being popular among male fans.

Overall, the hairstyles of the 1980s were marked by a sense of boldness, creativity, and individuality, reflecting the excess and glamour of the decade.

Iconic Hair Styles of the 1980s

The 1980s produced many iconic hairstyles that have become synonymous with the era. Here are a few of the most memorable −

The Mullet

The mullet, with its short hair on top and long hair in the back, was a popular hairstyle for both men and women. It was often paired with a leather jacket and denim jeans, creating a signature look for the era.

Big Hair

Big hair was all the rage in the 1980s, with women teasing and spraying their hair to create voluminous, textured looks. The bigger the hair, the better!

Crimped Hair

Crimped hair, created using a crimping iron, was a popular style in the 1980s, adding texture and interest to the hair.

The Perm

Perms were a popular hairstyle for both men and women in the 1980s, adding curl and texture to the hair. Many people opted for tight, spiral curls, creating a signature look for the era.

The Side Ponytail

The side ponytail was a popular hairstyle for women in the 1980s, often paired with brightly coloured scrunchies or oversized bows.

The Mohawk

The mohawk, a hairstyle characterized by a strip of hair down the middle of the head with shaved sides, was a popular style among punks and rockers in the 1980s.

These iconic hairstyles continue to be celebrated and emulated today, serving as a reminder of the bold and daring spirit of the 1980s.

Impact of 1980s Hairstyles on Society

The hairstyles of the 1980s had a significant impact on society, particularly in popular culture and fashion. Here are some ways in which the hairstyles of the 1980s influenced society −

Popularity of Big Hair

One of the most iconic hairstyles of the 1980s was big hair. Both men and women sought to achieve voluminous hairstyles, often using hair sprays, mousses, and other styling products. Big hair became a symbol of the excess and opulence of the time, and it was commonly seen in music videos, movies, and on the runway.

Hair Bands and Rock Stars

The 1980s saw the rise of hair bands and rock stars, who were known for their wild and outlandish hairstyles. These musicians often dyed their hair bright colors, used hair extensions and perms, and styled their hair in unique ways. Their hairstyles influenced fashion trends, and many people sought to emulate their favourite rock stars.

Perms and Mullets

Perms were a popular hairstyle for women in the 1980s, and many men sported mullets, which were short on top and long in the back. These hairstyles were seen as rebellious and nonconformist, and they became synonymous with the punk and new wave movements.

Cultural Influence

The hairstyles of the 1980s were influenced by different cultures, particularly African American and Hispanic cultures. The popularity of braids, cornrows, and other natural hairstyles increased during this time, and many people sought to incorporate these styles into their own looks.

Moreover, the hairstyles of the 1980s had a significant impact on society, both in terms of fashion trends and cultural influence. These styles were a reflection of the excess and individualism of the time, and they continue to be recognized and emulated today.

Conclusion

Many classic hairstyles from the 1980s are still admired and imitated today. This was a decade marked by experimentation and originality. Popular culture, including music, movies, and television shows, had an impact on how hair was styled and was frequently done in a very volumized way. The emphasis on daring, bold haircuts also reflected young people's rising sense of independence and uniqueness. The style included scrunchies, headbands, and big bows as hair ornaments. The decade's excess and glitz were reflected in the boldness, innovation, and individuality of the hairstyles of the 1980s.

Scrunchies, headbands, and big bows were common accessories, and hair was often crimped, curled, or permed to provide interest and texture. The mullet, huge hair, crimped hair, perms, side ponytails, and mohawks were among the iconic hairdos. Hairstyles were highly influenced by popular culture as well, with male followers favoring long hair and mullets.