The 80s were a time of bold choices, outrageous fashion, and unforgettable hairstyles. While some might argue that not everything from that decade deserves a revival, there are a few iconic looks that absolutely should make a comeback. From voluminous curls to gravity-defying hair, the 80s were all about making a statement. Here’s a rundown of some 80s hairstyles that could use a little 21st-century love—and a few that might be best left in the past.
The Perm: Big, Bold, and Beautiful
We have to start with the perm. If you were alive in the 80s, you either had one or knew someone who did. The perm was synonymous with big, curly hair, and the bigger, the better. It didn’t matter if your natural hair was straight or wavy—the perm was the ultimate equalizer, giving everyone that signature 80s volume.
Should it make a comeback? Absolutely! The modern twist on the perm has already started to resurface, but it’s more about soft, beachy waves than tight curls. That being said, if someone is bold enough to bring back the full-on, larger-than-life 80s perm, I say go for it! We’ve spent far too long in the land of sleek and straight hair; it’s time to embrace some volume again.
But a word of caution: Make sure you go to a professional who knows how to handle your hair type. A bad perm can leave you with frizz and damage for months.
The Mullet: Business in the Front, Party in the Back
Ah, the mullet. No 80s hairstyle list would be complete without it. The mullet has long been the punchline of bad hair jokes, but in its heyday, it was seen as edgy and rebellious. Celebrities like Billy Ray Cyrus and David Bowie rocked the look unapologetically. And let’s be honest, it takes a lot of guts to wear a mullet and own it.
Should it make a comeback? Surprisingly, yes! Believe it or not, the mullet has already been creeping back into mainstream fashion, particularly in the world of men’s hairstyles. However, the modern version is often a bit more refined—less “hillbilly” and more “hipster chic.” The key is to keep it balanced; too much length in the back, and you risk looking like a walking relic. But when done right, it can give off a cool, retro vibe.
Blunt truth: The mullet is not for everyone. You need to have the confidence to pull it off, or it will wear you instead of the other way around. But if you can, why not make it a statement piece?
The Crimp: Zig-Zag Magic
Crimped hair was another 80s classic, often seen on pop stars and teen idols. It was achieved by using a special crimping iron to create zig-zagged waves in the hair. Crimping gave hair texture and volume, and it was a fun way to shake things up without going full-on curly or straight.
Should it make a comeback? Yes, but with moderation. Crimped hair can still be fun, especially for events like concerts or festivals. The key is to avoid crimping your entire head of hair unless you’re going for a full 80s vibe (which, let’s be honest, most of us aren’t). Instead, try crimping a few sections of your hair for a subtle, textured look. It’s a great way to add volume without going overboard.
Blunt truth: Crimping can be damaging to your hair if done too often, so it’s best to save this style for special occasions. Also, it’s not the most “everyday” look—unless your goal is to look like a backup dancer in a Paula Abdul music video.
Feathered Hair: The Farrah Fawcett Look
Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hairstyle became iconic in the late 70s and carried over well into the 80s. It was all about layers and volume, with the hair being blown back away from the face in soft, feathered waves. It’s a feminine, elegant look that still has a timeless quality to it.
Should it make a comeback? Absolutely. Feathered hair is flattering on almost every face shape and can be worn in a variety of lengths. The modern version of this look doesn’t need to be quite as extreme as Farrah’s, but the idea of soft, face-framing layers is always in style. This is a great way to add volume and movement to your hair without committing to the high-maintenance curls or crimping.
Blunt truth: Feathered hair can be tricky to achieve if you don’t have the right haircut. Make sure your stylist knows what you’re aiming for, or you might end up with a sad, floppy mess instead of those iconic, bouncy waves.
The Mohawk: Punk Rock Glory
The Mohawk was the go-to look for anyone trying to channel their inner punk rocker in the 80s. It was all about rebellion, with the sides of the head shaved clean and a dramatic strip of hair down the middle, often spiked up with copious amounts of gel or hairspray.
Should it make a comeback? For sure! The Mohawk is another style that has never really gone away—it’s just evolved. These days, you see softer, more wearable versions of the Mohawk, often with the sides buzzed short instead of completely shaved, and the middle section left longer for a more versatile look. This modern take keeps the rebellious spirit of the original but makes it more accessible for everyday wear.
Blunt truth: The Mohawk requires commitment. If you’re not ready to deal with the grow-out phase, this might not be the style for you. Also, it’s not a look that can easily be dressed up for more formal occasions, so keep that in mind.
The High Side Ponytail: Pop Princess Perfection
The high side ponytail, often tied with a scrunchie, was a staple of 80s pop culture. From Madonna to Cyndi Lauper, every pop princess worth her weight in bangles had this look at some point. It was playful, carefree, and easy to achieve, making it a go-to for casual outings or dance parties.
Should it make a comeback? Absolutely! The side ponytail has already seen a bit of a resurgence, but it could definitely stand to be more prominent. It’s a fun, youthful look that works well for a night out or even a workout. Plus, with the return of scrunchies (yes, they’re back), the 80s side pony is easier than ever to recreate.
Blunt truth: This is not a “mature” look. If you’re over the age of 30, you might want to save this hairstyle for costume parties or nostalgic nights. But hey, if you love it, rock it! Age is just a number, after all.
The Jheri Curl: Wet and Wild
The Jheri curl was a signature hairstyle for African Americans in the 80s, with stars like Michael Jackson making it famous. It was all about glossy, wet-looking curls that were soft to the touch. The Jheri curl was high maintenance, requiring special products to maintain that signature sheen, but it was undeniably iconic.
Should it make a comeback? Yes, but with some updates. The Jheri curl of the 80s was notorious for being messy—those products could leave your hair feeling greasy and could stain your clothes and pillows. However, with modern advancements in hair care, there’s no reason why the Jheri curl can’t come back in a more refined form. Think of it as a polished, hydrated curl rather than the dripping wet look of yesteryear.
Blunt truth: The original Jheri curl look is probably best left in the past, but a more modern take on it could be a fantastic option for those with naturally curly hair who want to embrace their texture.
The Rat Tail: A Fringe for the Brave
The rat tail was a small strip of hair left long at the nape of the neck while the rest of the hair was kept short. Often seen on boys and young men, it was a bit of an oddity even in the 80s, but somehow it caught on.
Should it make a comeback? No. Just… no. The rat tail is one of those hairstyles that should stay firmly locked away in the annals of bad hair history. It’s hard to make this look appealing or modern in any way. Let’s not bring this one back, please.
Blunt truth: The rat tail was never cool, and it still isn’t. Move on.
The Flock of Seagulls: Avant-Garde Gone Wrong
Inspired by the band of the same name, the Flock of Seagulls hairstyle was all about asymmetry, with hair styled in dramatic, swooping waves that defied gravity. It was avant-garde and edgy at the time, but looking back, it seems a bit ridiculous.
Should it make a comeback? Probably not. While we can appreciate the artistry behind the style, it’s not exactly practical for everyday life. That being said, if you’re going for a high-fashion, editorial look, you could take inspiration from this hairstyle for a photoshoot or runway show.
Blunt truth: Unless you’re walking the runway or starring in a music video, there’s really no reason to bring back the Flock of Seagulls hairstyle. It’s just too over-the-top for modern sensibilities.
The Bowl Cut: A Childhood Trauma
The bowl cut was a staple for many kids in the 80s, and for some, it was the result of a DIY haircut from a well-meaning parent. It was exactly what it sounds like—a haircut that looked like a bowl was placed on your head and trimmed around.
Should it make a comeback? Hard pass. The bowl cut is universally unflattering and difficult to pull off. While some edgy fashionistas have tried to revive it in recent years, it’s still more likely to conjure up memories of awkward school photos than inspire a new hair trend.
Blunt truth: If you want to look like your 8-year-old self again, go ahead. But for most of us, the bowl cut is a style we’d rather forget.
The Scrunchie: An Accessory That Deserves a Second Chance
While not technically a hairstyle, the scrunchie was an essential hair accessory in the 80s. It came in all colors, fabrics, and sizes, and no side ponytail or updo was complete without one.
Should it make a comeback? It already has! The scrunchie is back in a big way, and it’s easy to see why. It’s gentle on the hair, easy to use, and adds a fun pop of color to any look. Plus, it’s much kinder to your hair than the elastic bands that have dominated in recent years.
Blunt truth: Embrace the scrunchie! There’s no shame in using this 80s staple, and your hair will thank you for it.
Which 80s Hairstyles Would You Bring Back?
In conclusion, 80s hairstyles were all about making a statement, and while some of those statements may have been questionable, there are definitely a few gems that deserve a revival. Whether you’re going for big volume, fun texture, or a bold cut, the 80s can offer plenty of inspiration. Just be sure to leave the rat tails and bowl cuts where they belong—firmly in the past. But which would you bring back? Leave a comment below!
