How To Do 80’s Hairstyles - Hair Style Inspirations

So, you want to rock an 80’s hairstyle? Bold move, my friend literally. The 80s weren’t about subtlety. They were about volume, attitude, and unapologetic flair. Hair back then had a job to do: take up space and demand attention. And trust me, it did both… with style and hairspray. LOTS of hairspray.

If you’ve ever looked at an old photo and thought, “How is her hair that high?” well, buckle up. We’re going to recreate the wild, teased, scrunched, crimped glory of the 80s. You in? Good. Let’s make your hair louder than your music taste.

Start With the Right Mindset (and Hair Products)

Before you even touch a brush, you’ve got to commit. Doing an 80’s hairstyle isn’t just styling—it’s a vibe. You’re not going for sleek or effortless. You’re aiming for extra in the best possible way.

Essentials You’ll Need:

Volumizing Mousse: Your new best friend. Slather it on like your rent depends on it.
Hairspray (Extra Hold): Aquanet if you’re feeling authentic, or any mega-hold formula will do.
Teasing Comb or Brush: The weapon of choice for 80s warriors.
Hot Rollers or Curling Iron: For big, bouncy curls.
Crimper (Optional but iconic): FYI, this screams 80s.
Hair Dryer with Diffuser: Adds volume, especially if you’re working with curls or waves.
Bold Tip: More is more. If your hair feels “too much,” you’re probably doing it right.

The Classic Teased Look (Aka, Mall Bangs Galore)

Ah yes, mall bangs. The higher, the better. I spent an entire semester in high school trying to get mine to stand up like a Pepsi commercial. No shame.

Steps to Nail It:

Start with dry hair. Apply mousse to your roots.
Blow dry your hair upside down. This adds insane volume.
Separate the crown section. Clip the rest of your hair away.
Tease like you mean it. Use a comb to backcomb small sections at the roots.
Spray each section. Hold that beast in place.
Smooth just the top layer. You want it sky-high but not a rat’s nest (unless that’s your look, no judgment).

Still wondering why this works? Teasing fluffs the cuticle, creating lift. Science. And hairspray glues your masterpiece in place. Art.

Go Big With Curls (Seriously, Don’t Be Shy)

If you’re more of a “curl it and rule it” kind of person, the 80s had you covered. Think Madonna’s early years or literally anyone in a hair band.

How To Do It:

Apply mousse to damp hair. Again, don’t hold back.
Blow dry with a diffuser to get that frizzy texture going.
Use hot rollers or a curling iron. Go for medium to large curls.
Tease the roots for extra oomph.
Scrunch in hairspray like you’re getting ready for prom.

Bonus Move: Flip your head over, spray it, then flip it back. Boom. Volume magic.

The Crimped Craze

This style screams “I just raided my cool cousin’s room and I’m about to roller skate to Duran Duran.” If you don’t own a crimper—first of all, how dare you—but second, no worries. You can braid damp hair, sleep on it, then unravel for that zig-zag texture.

Crimp It Like It’s Hot:

Start with dry, flat-ironed hair. You want a clean base.
Section your hair. The smaller the sections, the better the definition.
Crimp from root to tip. Hold each section for 5–8 seconds.
Let it cool. No touching until it sets.
Finish with you guessed it hairspray.

FYI: Crimped hair looks epic in a high ponytail or half-up style. Very “Valley Girl,” very rad.

Accessorize Like You Mean It

Okay, hair is one thing. But accessories take your look from “cute” to “certified 80s.” You can’t skip this part.

What You’ll Need:

Scrunchies (velvet = bonus points)
Headbands (especially plastic or wrapped in fabric)
Barrettes and banana clips (Google it if you’re under 30)
Ribbon bows (Yes. Big ones.)

Toss a scrunchie on top of a side ponytail and suddenly, you’re ready to challenge Cyndi Lauper to a style-off.

The Side Ponytail (Because… Obviously)

This one’s so iconic it should come with its own soundtrack.

Here’s how to own it:

Part your hair deep to one side.
Tease the top and crown like you’re trying to talk to aliens.
Pull the ponytail up and off-center. Think diagonal and dramatic.
Secure with a scrunchie. Make it neon. Trust me.

Optional: Curl or crimp the ponytail for that “I just danced to Whitney Houston all night” vibe.

Final Tips: Own It Like It’s 1985

Let’s be real 80s hairstyles aren’t subtle. And that’s the point. These looks aren’t for hiding. They’re for celebrating boldness and bringing back a decade that basically shouted, “Go big or go home!”

Here’s a quick recap:

Tease until your arms hurt.
Use enough hairspray to stop a hurricane.
Don’t just accept frizz embrace it.
Accessorize like a backup dancer for Paula Abdul.

And most importantly: have fun. If someone looks at you like your hair’s “too much,” congrats! You nailed it.

So, What’s Next?

Ever thought about pairing your 80s hair with an outfit to match? Or maybe you’re planning an 80s-themed party and just needed a head start? Whatever your reason you’re now fully equipped to slay the 80s hair game.

Go forth, tease high, and spray often. And if someone says, “Is that a mullet?” just smile and say, “Business in the front, party in the back.”