The great thing about trends is that they never truly go out of style. The leather fanny pack you that completes your outfit? Your mother slayed that trend back in the ’90s. The high cut bikini you can’t go to the beach without? It was inspired by the beach sirens of the ’70s.
The same is true for hair trends. While beach waves may be the most iconic hairstyle of the 2000s and 2010s, some of our favorite 1980s hairstyles are making their way back to runways and fashion magazines all over the world. Looking to jump on these blast-from-the-past hair trends? We’ve rounded up 10 iconic hairstyles we’re sure you’ll want to try this year.
Faux-hawk
Mohawks were one of the most iconic hairstyles of the ‘80s, but shaving off both sides of your hair is a serious commitment. If you’re not ready to take a pair of clippers to your precious locks, consider a faux-hawk instead.
Make a part on the left or right side of your head. Then, grab three segments of hair (beginning at the hairline of the smaller section) and create a basic French braid or cornrow. Craft another braid on the opposite style. Style the remaining hair in a voluminous pompadour to contrast the braided side of the ‘do.
If your hair is very short, all you’ll have to do is brush back your hair and set it with a hairspray to style your pompadour. If your hair is a little longer or you’re hoping to achieve more height, backcomb the hair to create volume at the roots before smoothing it back and setting it with a firm hold hair spray.
Mullet
We know what you’re thinking: Of all of the ‘80s hairstyles, why would anyone want to bring back the mullet? Hear us out. The mullet is back and it’s gotten a serious upgrade. Instead of sky-high feathered hair and unsightly rat tails, the modern mullet is all about clean lines and lots of movement.
If you’re ready to try out this daring look, ask your stylist for blunt bangs that fall straight across your forehead. He or she will use a razor to cut the hair on the back of your head, removing any bulky weight. The final result will leave you with two fabulous styles in one.
Crimped
Crimped hair is back and we can’t contain our excitement! All you need to do to achieve this look is to bust out your old crimper—if you don’t have one, they’re readily available online. Begin at the back of your head, working with 2-inch sections of clean, dry hair at a time. Spray each one with a heat protectant and slowly pass over it with the crimper.
Half Up Teased
For this look, you’ll want to start with freshly washed hair. Opt to wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo to ensure lots of volume at the roots.
Once you’ve blown out your locks, section off the hair at your crown and flip it over so that it hangs in front of your face. Then, lightly spray the sectioned off hair with a medium hold hairspray and backcomb your locks to create volume at your roots. Once you’ve backcombed the entire section of hair, flip it back over and gently comb the top so it looks smooth. Gather the backcombed section of hair at the center of the back of your head and secure it with several bobby pins. Set your look with a medium hold hairspray.
Side Ponytail
This fun and simple style is the perfect way to channel your inner ‘80s baby. Gather all of your hair at the crown of your head and position it slightly to the right or left side of your head. Secure the ponytail with a hair elastic—or better yet, a scrunchie—and let your ponytail hang to the side.
Feathered
To create this iconic style, all you’ll need is a flat iron and a heat protectant product. Begin at the back of your head, working with 1 to 2-inch sections of hair at a time. Spray each section with heat protectant before slowly passing over it with a flat iron. Flip the ends outward when you get to the bottom of each section instead of flat ironing your hair straight.Set your look with a medium hold hair spray.
Hot Roller Set
You can use one phrase to describe all of the popular hair trends in the ‘80s: The bigger, the better. Hot roller sets were one of the easiest ways to get the volume and body ‘80s ladies so desperately desired. Just as you did for crimped hair, you’ll have to dust off your old hot roller set to achieve this look.
You’ll want to begin with freshly cleaned hair. Beginning at the back of your head, work with 1 to 2-inch sections of hair. Spray each section with heat protectant before wrapping it around the hot roller and securing it with the clip. Allow the rollers to remain in your hair until they’ve completely cooled down. Once you’ve removed them, set your style with a medium hold hair spray.
Perm
It seems like no one survived the ‘80s without getting a perm. The coveted chemical treatment that promises tight ringlets and sky-high hair. Perms are still readily available, but anyone with chemically treated hair can tell you how much maintenance they require. If you want to slay a permed look for just one night, we’ve got some styling tricks for you.
There are two ways to mimic the appearance of tightly curled permed locks. The first way is to use a thin curling iron, and, beginning at the back of your head, spray sections of clean, dry hair with heat protectant before wrapping them around the iron.
If the thought of curling your entire head with a tiny curling iron makes your arms quiver, pick up perm rods and setting lotion instead. Apply setting lotion to 1-inch sections of your hair and wrap them around the perm rods, repeating until you’ve wrapped your entire head. Allow your hair to dry completely (feel free to use a blow dryer or hooded dryer to speed the process along) before removing the perm rods.
Teased Curly Bangs
Hair teasing was so important in the ‘80s that everything got teased—including bangs. Teased curly bangs look great with a simple ponytail. To create this look, use a 1-inch curling iron to curl sections of your bangs. One your entire fringe has been curled, simply backcomb small sections of your bangs until they are teased to perfection. Set your look with a medium hold hair spray.
Wet Look
This classic style looks great with a center part, side part, or slicked straight back. Once your hair is saturated (but not soaking wet), work a light hold gel through your hair to set your texture. Allow your hair to dry before walking out of the door and it’ll look chic (and shiny) all day long.
