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Embrace The Volume: Iconic 80s Hairstyles For Women Making A Comeback

80's, When Everybody Wanted to Rule the World!

Jul 16, 2025
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80's, When Everybody Wanted to Rule the World!
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The 1980s, what a time for self-expression, for bold choices, and, well, for truly big hair. That decade brought us some truly unforgettable looks, particularly when we talk about 80s hairstyles for women. It was a period where hair was meant to stand out, to make a statement, and to defy gravity in the most wonderful ways. You know, that whole vibe of confidence and a little bit of playful rebellion.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself humming an 80s pop anthem and wishing your hair had that extra oomph, you’re definitely not alone. The spirit of the 80s, from its chart-topping tunes to its distinct fashion, continues to inspire. Think about it, the music that defined that era, the kind of tunes you’d hear on 80s80s NDW, or the classic hits Peter Illmann shared, they all had a certain energy. That energy, it really showed up in the hair too, more or less.

It’s a fun thought, isn’t it, bringing back some of that incredible style? With 80s stars even announcing tours for 2025 on German stages, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit these iconic looks. We’re talking about styles that were as loud and memorable as the biggest hits from Madonna, Phil Collins, and Tina Turner. This article will help you get a handle on those amazing 80s hairstyles for women, and how you might just bring them into your own look today.

Table of Contents

The Big Hair Era: Why the 80s Ruled Hair

The 1980s was a decade of extravagance, of going big or going home, in a way. This attitude poured into everything, especially hair. Hair wasn't just hair; it was a statement, a reflection of the era's optimism and its desire for something new. Think about the music, the fashion, the movies – everything seemed to have an amplified quality. So, too it's almost natural that hair would follow suit, reaching for the sky with plenty of volume and dramatic shapes.

People were looking for ways to show their individuality, and hair offered a fantastic canvas. From the early days of New German Wave (NDW) being underground, as heard on 80s80s NDW radio, right through to the mid-80s when it became pop, music played a huge role. The artists themselves, like those featured in the ultimate selection of 80s songs, often sported these larger-than-life styles. It was a time when pop classics, rockers, and even early rappers had their moment, and their hairstyles were just as diverse and attention-grabbing, you know?

A Look Back at the Sound of the 80s

The sounds of the 80s, they truly set the tone for the decade’s style. Imagine listening to the important hits and their stories, told by someone like Peter Illmann. That music, whether it was the early NDW or the pop hits from artists like Madonna and Tina Turner, provided the perfect soundtrack for the era’s unique way of living. It was a time when everyone wanted to feel that energy, that zest for life, and their hair often showed it.

We’re talking about a decade that gave us the 200 best songs of the eighties, truly music’s most insane period. From deep cuts to fan favorites, it was a mix tape of sounds, and each genre had its own hair identity. Even later in the decade, when more polished stars like Soulsister, Tanita Tikaram, Lisa Stansfield, and Vanessa Paradis graced the charts, their hair, while sometimes softer, still carried that distinct 80s silhouette. You can still hear these tracks on 80s mixed, an online internet radio station playing all the biggest top 40 hits, extended and remixed to savor the memories. This means the music and the hairstyles are still very much alive, actually.

Iconic 80s Hairstyles for Women You'll Want to Try

When you think about 80s hairstyles for women, a few key looks probably pop into your head right away. These styles weren't just passing fads; they became symbols of the decade. They were about volume, about texture, and about making a bold statement with every single strand. Let’s explore some of the most memorable ones, the ones that really defined the hair scene of that time, pretty much.

The Mighty Perm: Curls, Curls, Curls

The perm, or permanent wave, was arguably the defining hairstyle of the 80s. It was a chemical process that gave hair a lasting curl, and women everywhere embraced it for its incredible volume and bouncy texture. You could get anything from tight, corkscrew curls to looser, more flowing waves, depending on the rod size used. It was a popular way to get that big hair look without daily effort, you know, for that effortless volume.

This look was often paired with teased roots to maximize the height. Many pop stars and everyday women alike sported a perm, making it a truly universal style. It was a way to achieve that full, wild hair that seemed to defy gravity, giving a sense of freedom and fun. The perm truly captured the spirit of the time, making hair feel larger than life, sometimes even literally.

The Power of the Mullet: A Bold Statement

While often associated with men, the mullet was also a surprisingly popular choice for 80s hairstyles for women. It was a daring cut, with shorter hair on top and at the sides, often teased for volume, and longer hair at the back. This style allowed for a lot of versatility; you could keep the back somewhat contained or let it flow freely, giving off a bit of a wild vibe.

The female mullet often had softer edges than its male counterpart, perhaps with feathered layers or a bit more curl, but it still maintained that distinct "business in the front, party in the back" silhouette. It was a style that really showed a confident attitude, a willingness to stand out from the crowd. For some, it was a way to express a punk edge, even as NDW became more mainstream, so it was a style with a bit of a rebellious spirit.

Crimped Hair: Texture for Days

Crimped hair was another fantastic way to add a ton of texture and volume. This look was created using a special crimping iron that created zig-zag waves throughout the hair. It could be done on all the hair for a truly wild look, or just on sections to add interesting visual appeal. It was a playful style, often seen at parties and concerts, like those 80s dance parties where you’d hear all the biggest throwback songs.

The beauty of crimped hair was its ability to make fine hair appear much thicker and fuller. It was relatively easy to do at home, making it accessible to many. This style really added a unique dimension to the overall hair landscape of the 80s, giving hair a sort of crinkled, almost electric feel. It was a fun way to play with hair, to give it a lot of personality, that's for sure.

Side Ponytails and Scrunchies: Playful Touches

For a simpler, yet still very 80s, look, the side ponytail was a common choice. This wasn't just any ponytail; it was usually positioned high on the head, often to one side, and held in place with a colorful scrunchie. The scrunchie, a fabric-covered elastic band, was an essential accessory, adding a pop of color and a touch of softness to the often voluminous hair. It was a casual yet distinct look.

The side ponytail allowed for a bit of playful asymmetry, and it was a popular style for everything from workouts to casual outings. It showed a youthful, carefree attitude. Paired with big bangs or teased hair, it truly captured a relaxed yet styled vibe. These accessories were everywhere, truly defining the everyday hair choices for many women, like your favorite fun & lite adult contemporary hits, they just fit.

Voluminous Bangs: The Ultimate Frame

No discussion of 80s hairstyles for women would be complete without talking about bangs, or fringes. These weren't subtle wisps; they were big, often feathered, and frequently teased to incredible heights. Whether swept to the side, styled straight up, or parted in the middle, they framed the face with dramatic flair. They were a key component of almost every popular 80s look, really.

The "mall bangs" or "curtain bangs" of the era were typically curled under or flipped out, then sprayed stiff to hold their shape. They added an extra layer of volume and drama to any hairstyle, from short bobs to long, permed locks. These bangs were a statement in themselves, giving a sense of boldness and confidence to the wearer. They were, in a way, the crowning glory of many 80s looks, pretty much.

Getting the 80s Look Today: Tips and Tricks

So, you’re thinking about bringing some of that fantastic 80s hair energy into your present-day style? It’s completely doable, and you don’t need a time machine. The key is understanding the basic principles of 80s hair: volume, texture, and a bit of playful attitude. Here are some practical ways to get that retro flair, even for 2025, when those 80s stars are hitting the stages again.

Products to Pump Up the Volume

To achieve that signature 80s volume, products are your best friends. Think about hair mousse, volumizing sprays, and, of course, plenty of strong-hold hairspray. Mousse applied to damp hair before blow-drying can give incredible lift at the roots. Volumizing powders are also a neat trick for instant fullness, especially on second-day hair. You want products that will give you hold without making your hair feel too heavy, you know, just that right amount of grip.

Hairspray was, and still is, essential for locking in those gravity-defying styles. Look for a strong-hold or extra-hold formula. You can layer it for more control, especially after teasing. The goal is to create a sturdy foundation that will keep your hair looking big and bold all day long, much like how the ultimate selection of songs from the eighties kept people dancing through the night, actually.

Styling Tools for that Retro Flair

Beyond products, certain tools are a must for creating authentic 80s hairstyles for women. A good round brush is key for blow-drying hair with lift at the roots. Backcombing, or teasing, is a fundamental technique for creating volume; a fine-tooth comb works best for this. For crimped looks, a crimping iron is, naturally, essential. For curls, hot rollers or a curling iron can help you get that bouncy perm-like effect without the chemicals.

Don't forget the blow dryer itself. Using it with your head upside down can add a lot of initial volume. And for that iconic side ponytail, a colorful scrunchie is a simple yet effective accessory. These tools, used with a bit of practice, will help you capture the true essence of 80s hair, allowing you to experiment with different looks, like those diverse artists from the 80s, from Sandi Patti to Madonna, each with their own distinct style.

Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Hairstyles

People often have questions about these big, bold styles. Here are a few common ones that might help you better understand the world of 80s hair.

What kind of hair was popular in the 80s?

The 80s were all about volume and texture. Popular styles for women included big, bouncy perms, teased hair with lots of height at the crown, crimped sections, and dramatic, often feathered bangs. Side ponytails and mullets also made appearances, showing a range of bold looks, you know, truly a mix.

How do you do 80s hair?

Achieving 80s hair usually involves a combination of techniques. Start with volumizing products like mousse or spray. Blow-dry your hair with a round brush, lifting at the roots. Teasing, or backcombing, is essential for adding height, especially at the crown and for bangs. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. For specific looks like crimping, use the appropriate hot tool. It takes a bit of work, but the results are pretty striking, actually.

Is big hair coming back?

Yes, in a way, elements of big hair are definitely making a comeback! While not exactly the same as the full-on 80s looks, there's a growing appreciation for volume, texture, and statement-making styles. Modern takes often involve softer teasing, more natural-looking curls, and less rigid hairspray. You see influences in runway shows and on social media, showing that the spirit of big hair is still very much alive, more or less.

Your 80s Hair Adventure Awaits

The appeal of 80s hairstyles for women is still very strong, isn't it? It’s a reminder of a time when hair was truly an expression of personality, a way to stand out and embrace a lively, optimistic feeling. From the wild perms to the sky-high bangs, these looks were as memorable as the greatest hits from the decade, like those you can listen to on Pandora, finding new music you'll love, or hear on 80s mixed.

Whether you choose to go all-out with a full retro style or just borrow a few elements, like a voluminous side ponytail or some textured crimps, there’s something truly fun about playing with these looks. They offer a chance to experiment, to add a bit of playful drama to your everyday. So, why not give one of these iconic 80s hairstyles a try? You might just discover a new favorite way to express yourself, like your favorite 80s Christian artists found their voice. You can learn more about retro fashion on our site, and for more styling ideas, you might like to check out this page on our site too. For more on the history of these styles, you could look at resources like Allure's take on 80s hair trends. Go on, embrace the volume!

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