80’s hairstyles are the bold and daring fashions and hairstyles trendsetters that continue to inspire today’s fashion. Known for their dramatic flair, voluminous textures, and rebellious attitudes, ’80s hairstyles were all about standing out. Whether it was big, teased hair, asymmetrical cuts, or bright, electric colors, there was nothing subtle about the 1980s look. The main goal was to be noticed and express individuality, and it required a little extra effort and a lot of products to make it work.
To achieve that signature 1980s voluminous, statement-making hairstyle, you’ll need the right tools and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recreate those iconic looks from the ’80s, from big curls to bold bangs.
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What You’ll Need:
- Lacquer
- Hair gel
- Hair foam (mousse)
- Hot rollers
- Whisk comb
- Hair dryer
- Mirror
- Hairspray
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving an 80s Hairstyle:
1. Prep the Hair
To recreate an 80’s hairstyle, start with hair that hasn’t been freshly washed. You’ll want some natural oils to help hold the style, so if your hair’s too clean, it may not hold the volume well. After a day or two of not washing, comb through your hair gently to remove tangles.
2. Add Some Water and Mousse
Lightly mist your hair with a spray bottle filled with water. Don’t soak the hair, just dampen it slightly. Then, take a golf ball-sized amount of foam (mousse) and apply it evenly through the roots. This will give your hair the volume and lift it needs to create the fullness of that 80’s hairstyle.
3. Dry the Hair
Begin drying your hair with your fingers, focusing on the roots first. Use a blow dryer to help the mousse set and create more volume, lifting at the roots as you go. Don’t worry about the shape too much—this step is all about creating texture and fullness.
4. Style the Sides
Once your hair is dry, pull the hair back away from your face. Apply a generous amount of heavy gel to the sides, working it through from the roots to the tips. Use a small-tooth comb to part the hair in sections, starting at the fringe and moving toward the crown. Separate the sections in 3-centimeter increments, creating slight volume and teasing the roots slightly to keep the height.
Next, use hairspray to lock in the volume you’ve created at the top and crown of your head. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of spray—this look thrives on big, bold, and stiff hair.
5. Create Big Curls with Hot Rollers
For the signature ’80’s hairstyle curls, use large hot rollers. Start at the front, rolling sections of hair from your forehead toward the crown of your head. Continue rolling until you’ve covered the entire top section. Once you reach the back, start rolling from the sides toward the back of the head.
It’s important to let the rollers cool down completely before removing them to ensure the curls hold their shape. The bigger the curl, the better, so don’t worry about them being perfect—this is all about volume and body.
6. Fluff and Finish the Look
Once the rollers are out, use your hands (fingers spread wide like a rake) to gently pull through the curls, giving them a more tousled, voluminous appearance. The key here is to keep the volume high and loose, so you’ll want to gently tease the hair to lift the curls at the roots.
As you go, continue to add hairspray to hold everything in place. For extra volume at the top or sides, you can also backcomb (tease) the hair slightly at the roots using a comb to add more height. Don’t forget to apply more hairspray afterward to lock in the style.
7. Perfecting the Bangs
For maximum volume and drama, the bangs were one of the most iconic features of ’80s hairstyles. To create big, bold bangs, section off the front part of your hair and tease it at the roots to create a bump. Use a small-tooth comb to lift the bangs, then apply hairspray to hold the volume in place.
You can style your bangs with a flat iron or curling iron if you want a little more curl or wave, but the key is making them as big and dramatic as possible.
Additional Tips for Creating the Perfect 80s Hairstyle:
Add Bold Colors
80’s hairstyles aren’t just about big hair—they were also about big, bold colors! Many people embraced temporary hair colors like streaks of pink, purple, green, or blue. These vibrant colors were often used to complement asymmetrical or dramatic cuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with fun, temporary hair colors to complete your ’80s look.
Don’t Forget the Makeup
To truly capture the ’80s vibe, your makeup needs to match the boldness of your hairstyle. Think dark, dramatic eye makeup with bold eyeliner, bright eyeshadow, and plenty of mascara. For your lips, go for darker shades, like deep reds or purples, to create a striking contrast. And, of course, don’t be shy with the blush—apply it generously for that quintessential ’80s flushed look.
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Protect Your Hair
Using hot rollers, blow dryers, and other heat tools repeatedly can cause damage to your hair over time. If you have fine or delicate hair, you should be extra careful when applying tension to your locks. Over-styling can lead to breakage or split ends, so make sure to deep condition your hair before and after creating these high-volume styles. Using a mild shampoo and moisturizing conditioner will also help maintain your hair’s health.
If your hair is particularly fragile, consider using a heat protectant spray before applying any heat. And if you’re unsure how to achieve these styles with minimal damage, consulting a professional stylist is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts:
Recreating an ’80s hairstyle is all about embracing volume, texture, and individuality. Whether you’re looking to channel a retro glam look or go for a more punk-inspired style, the key to achieving a perfect ’80s mane is all about big curls, bold bangs, and dramatic height. So, grab your hairspray and hot rollers, and have fun experimenting with this iconic and timeless hairstyle!
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