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Hair trends from the 1980s have made a major comeback. A stylist breaks down how to try ‘80s-inspired perm curls without a trip to the salon.

How to Style ‘80s Halloween Hair That Looks Fit for a Pop Star

Hair trends from the 1980s have made a major comeback. A stylist breaks down how to try ‘80s-inspired perm curls without a trip to the salon.
How to Style ’80s Halloween Hair That Looks Fit for a Pop Star

A few things probably come to mind when you think of 1980s hair: crimped strands, sequin hair accessories, and voluminous curls on curls. A perm used to be the gold standard for achieving the latter look, but nowadays, the right styling products can help you fake those signature corkscrew curls without the damage.

With Halloween quickly approaching, there’s no better time to learn how to recreate ‘80s pin curls for your next costume—or just your next night out. Ahead, Redken artist Jamie McDaniel demonstrates how to get the look with the help of her favorite Redken formulas. Keep scrolling for all the details on getting big, bold ‘80s hair at home.

What You’ll Need for ‘80s Halloween Costume Hair

Plenty of ‘80s styles can look complex and difficult to replicate. However, most of the iconic looks from the decade aren’t actually difficult to achieve. To transform yourself into a 1980s icon, reach for the below.

  • Styling products, like heat protectant, hair mousse, hairspray, and oil (optional)
  • ⅜” curling iron (the size of a pencil)
  • Fine-toothed comb
  • Two hair bungees (optional)
  • A black silk headband (optional)

How To Style ‘80s Hair in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Prep your hair

For this look, you’ll want to start with clean, slightly damp hair in order to coax out the maximum amount of volume. First, apply a heat protectant like the Redken High Hold Thermal Spray: Heat Protectant Hairspray throughout your strands. This thermal setting mist provides long-lasting hold, strong definition and is ideal for use with curling irons.

Then, take a dime-sized amount of Redken Full Volume Mousse and scrunch it from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair. This medium-control conditioning foam provides all-over volume for fuller-looking and thicker-feeling hair. Plus, the lightweight formula is enriched with castor oil and contains thickening polymers and conditioning agents for added lift and moisturization.

Step 2: Create the perfect ‘80s texture

With your hair prepped and dried, it’s time to start curling. The size of your curling wand is key here—McDaniel recommends using a pencil-sized barrel (typically, ⅜”) to replicate those extremely tight, uniform curls seen in the ‘80s. Just keep in mind that this type of curling iron requires patience: The smaller barrel size forces you to work in smaller sections of hair, meaning you'll need to spend extra time wrapping each piece carefully to achieve your final look.

“Set aside one to three hours, depending on your hair’s density and length,” McDaniel suggests.

Take 1-inch sections of hair and wrap them around your curling iron until you’ve curled your entire head. As the curls cool, McDaniel recommends hitting them with a finishing spray. She’s partial to Redken Root Tease Backcombing Finishing Hairspray to help boost body, create lift, and lock in volume with a lasting matte finish. As you spray, scrunch the ends of your hair up toward your scalp.

How to Style ’80s Halloween Hair That Looks Fit for a Pop Star

Credit: @jamiemcdhair

Step 3: Break up your curls

Once your hair cools down, use your fingertips to gently separate each curl. This helps keep your curls from clumping together, giving you a fuller, more voluminous result. You can break them up as is or work a bit of hair oil through your strands to make them more pliable. After you’ve gently pulled apart your curls, flip your head upside down and give your roots a vigorous tousle with your fingers.

Step 4: Tease your hair

The '80s were all about volume, big hair, and bouncy curls, so teasing your hair is the best way to ensure you’ve captured that nostalgic vibe. Use a fine-toothed comb to gently backcomb a few sections of hair near the roots and toward the ends to give it extra oomph.

How to Style ’80s Halloween Hair That Looks Fit for a Pop Star

Step 5: Make a twisted pony (optional)

You can rock your 1980s curls all down or get even more creative by throwing it into a pop star-inspired ponytail.

Gather all of your hair at the top of your head as if you’re about to style a high ponytail. After the hair is gathered, twirl your hair at the base, forming a twist. Let the loose strands from the twist fall over one side of your face. Secure it at the crown of your head using a hair bungee, and then add a second bungee a few inches below the first for additional hold. Wrap your black silk headband around your head to top it all off, and finish with a few more spritzes of Redken Root Tease, if needed.

Now that you have ‘80s pop star hair down pat, all you have to do is pair it with the perfect outfit to make a statement this Halloween.

Next Up: How To Style Groovy '70s Disco Hair for Your Next Halloween Costume

Header photo credits: @jamiemcdhair

Use our salon locator to try a 1980s hairstyle with a pro near you.

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