The 80s had the best hair ever. Big curls. Bold bangs. Lots of hairspray. Today, 80s hairstyles for women are back in style again.
It does not matter if your hair is curly, straight, short, or long. There is an 80s style for you. Here are 50 fun and easy hair ideas. Let’s get started.
1. The Perm
The perm was huge in the 80s. It gave hair tight, bouncy curls. The curls lasted for weeks.
Want to try it? Ask for a soft perm, not a tight one. It is easier to style. Try a middle part too. This look works best on medium or long hair. It adds volume fast.
2. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was everywhere back then. It made hair look thick and full. Girls used a crimping iron to make small zig-zag waves.
You can still buy crimping irons today. Just clamp small sections of hair. Hold for a few seconds. Crimped hair looks great by itself. It also looks fun mixed with straight hair. This style is great for parties.
3. The Mullet
The mullet is short in the front. It is long in the back. It looks strange, but it was very popular in the 80s.
Today, mullets are softer. Ask your stylist for soft layers, not sharp lines. This style works on straight or wavy hair. It looks best on round or oval faces. It is bold, but people love it.
Want more ideas? Tease your hair at the roots for height. Add a bright headband. Use shine spray for a glossy look. Small things like this make a big difference.
4. High Ponytail
The high ponytail was a fast, easy style. It kept hair off the face. Scrunchies made it even more fun.
To try it, pull your hair up high. Tie it tight at the top of your head. Tease the top a little for lift. Add a colorful scrunchie. This works on almost any hair length. It only takes a few minutes.
5. Side Ponytail
The side ponytail was a fun twist on a normal ponytail. It sat above one ear, not in the middle.
This look works best on medium or long hair. Pull your hair to one side. Tie it with an elastic. Leave it smooth, or add loose curls. It is an easy way to add 80s style to any day.
6. The Shag
The shag cut has layers all over. It looks a little messy on purpose. It works well on almost any hair type.
If you want a low effort style, try the shag. Ask for choppy layers around your face. Add layers through the ends too. This cut looks great with bangs. It is a good pick for fine hair, since layers add volume.
Read: 50 Quick & Easy Half Up Half Down Hairstyles to Try Now
7. Bangs and Layers
Bangs and layers were a classic 80s combo. This style framed the face. It also added movement to the hair.
Full bangs with soft layers give the best 80s look. If your hair is thick, this cut helps a lot. Use a round brush to style your bangs. This look works on both curly and straight hair.
Try a bold color streak. Use a wide headband to hold back layers. Spray strong hairspray for hold. Small touches like this help you get the real 80s look.
8. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair swept back and away from the face. It looked like soft wings. Farrah Fawcett made this style famous.
To get feathered hair, use a round brush and a blow dryer. Curl the ends outward, near your face. This works best on medium or long hair with some natural body. It looks neat, but still has movement.
9. Mohawk and Fauxhawk
The mohawk had shaved sides. It left a strip of hair standing tall in the middle. The fauxhawk gave the same look, without shaving.
For a fauxhawk, use gel. Push the center of your hair up. Keep the sides smooth and flat. This works on short or medium hair. It is a bold style for anyone who wants to stand out.
10. Pixie Cut
The pixie cut was short and full of attitude. Many bold women wore this cut in the 80s.
This cut works on most face shapes. Ask for longer hair on top. Keep the sides short. You can style it smooth or messy. It is also easy to take care of, which is great for busy days.
11. Bubble Hair
Bubble hair used small hair ties down a ponytail. This made round, bubble shapes in the hair. It looked fun and playful.
To try this, put your hair in a ponytail. Add small hair ties every few inches. Gently pull the hair between each tie. This works great on long, straight hair. Kids and adults both love this style.
Add ribbons between the bubbles. Try glitter hair clips. Use a two-color hair tie. These small changes make the style extra fun.
12. Rat Tail
The rat tail was one thin piece of long hair. It hung down the back of the neck. The rest of the hair stayed short.
This style was bold and different. You can braid the tail. You can also add a small bead at the end. It is not for everyone. But it is a fun piece of 80s hair history.
13. Headband Hairstyles
Headbands were a big part of 80s hair. They held bangs back. They added color too. Fabric and elastic headbands were both popular.
Wide, colorful headbands worked great with curly or crimped hair. Just push the headband back on your head. Let your hair fall around it. This is a very easy way to add 80s style to any hairstyle.
14. Asymmetrical Cuts
Asymmetrical cuts are uneven on purpose. One side is shorter than the other. This felt very bold and new in the 80s.
For a big change, ask for a cut that is shorter on one side. This works well on straight hair. The lines show up clearly. Style it smooth for a neat look. Or leave it messy for something more relaxed.
15. Big Hair with Volume
Big hair was the heart of 80s style. Bigger was always better. Teasing and hairspray made hair look huge and full.
To get big hair, dry your roots upside down. This adds lift. Then tease the top gently with a comb. Finish with strong hairspray. This works on all hair lengths. It gives a fun, dramatic 80s look.
Try mousse before you blow dry. Sleep in big rollers overnight. Tease just the top layer for a natural lift. These tricks add height without hurting your hair.
16. Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down style keeps hair off your face. The rest of your hair flows free. It is simple and pretty.
Pull the top of your hair up. Tie it with an elastic or clip. Curl the rest for more volume. This style works on long or medium hair. It looks great with bangs too.
17. Aqua Net Bangs
Aqua Net was a famous hairspray brand. Its name became linked to tall, stiff bangs. Many women wore these bangs in the 80s.
To try this look, tease your bangs at the root. Spray a lot as you shape them up. It takes some practice. This is a fun look for a themed party. For every day, use a lighter hairspray.
18. The Bi-Level
The bi-level cut had short layers on top. It had much longer layers underneath. This made a bold contrast.
This cut is great if you want two looks in one. The top layers add fullness. The bottom layers keep length. It works well on thick hair. It helps cut down on bulk.
19. Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl gave hair a shiny, loose curl. It was a well-loved style in Black hair culture during the 80s.
A stylist does this special curl process for you. The curls have a glossy shine. They bounce with movement. Today, many stylists use gentler products. This keeps hair healthy while still giving that shine.
20. The Wedge
The wedge cut was short and angled. It made a round shape in the back. Skater Dorothy Hamill made this cut famous.
This cut works great on straight, fine hair. The angled layers show up clean. It is easy to style with just a blow dryer and round brush. The wedge is still a great short haircut today.
21. Spiral Curls
Spiral curls were tighter than a normal perm. They made a corkscrew shape. This added a lot of bounce and texture.
You can get spiral curls with a curling iron. Wrap small pieces of hair around the barrel, up and down, not side to side. This works great on medium or long hair. Try a side part for extra drama.
22. Bouffant Updo
The bouffant updo had height at the top. It also had a smooth, pulled-back finish. It looked elegant for formal events.
To make this look, tease the top for lift. Smooth the top with a comb. Pin it back. Put the rest of your hair in a low bun. This works best on long hair. It adds a touch of glam to any outfit.
23. Sleek Bob
Not every 80s style was big. The sleek bob was straight and neat. It still felt modern for that time.
This cut sits at the chin, or a little longer. Use a flat iron to keep it smooth and shiny. The sleek bob works on fine or medium hair. It is great for both casual and dressy days.
24. Tousled Waves
Tousled waves gave a relaxed version of the classic 80s curl. It still had lots of texture and movement.
To get this look, curl random sections of your hair. Use a curling iron. Once it cools, run your fingers through it. Skip the comb for a natural finish. This works great on medium or long hair.
25. Undercut
The undercut had shaved or short sides. The top stayed long. This made a bold, edgy look.
This style is great for a big change. Style the top straight, curly, or slicked back. It works on many hair types. It still looks fresh and modern today.
Read: 50 Trendy Braided Hairstyles You Need to Try in 2026
26. The Poodle Cut
The poodle cut had tight curls all over the head. It looked a bit like poodle fur. It was playful and fun.
This look works best with a perm. Keep the length short or medium. Add a little mousse to shape each curl. It is a fun, nostalgic look if you want a full retro change.
27. Braided Styles
Braids added texture to many 80s looks. Simple side braids and fancy braided crowns were both popular.
Try a French braid along your hairline for a soft look. A fishtail braid down one side looks bold. Braids work on almost any hair length or type. They also keep hair neat during busy days.
28. The Flipped Out Bob
The flipped out bob had ends that curled outward, not under. This made a fun, wing-like shape.
To style this, use a round brush and blow dryer. Roll the ends out as you dry. A curling iron works too. This style is great for medium length hair. It adds a fun, retro bounce.
29. Long Straight Hair with Bangs
Not everyone wanted curls. Long, straight hair with full bangs was a simple choice. It still felt very 80s.
Keep your ends blunt. Keep your bangs full. A flat iron helps smooth out frizz. This style works on straight or slightly wavy hair. Try it with a center or side part.
30. High-Top Fade
The high-top fade was tall and bold. It had short, shaved sides. The top was flat and square.
This cut needs regular trims to stay sharp. Gel helps hold the top up and flat. It is a strong, confident look. Many people still wear it well today.
31. The Gibson Girl
The Gibson Girl style is old, but it came back in the 80s. It has hair swept up softly. Loose curls frame the face.
To try it, gather your hair loosely at the back. Pin it up. Pull a few soft pieces free around your face. This look works on long hair. It suits both casual and formal days.
32. The Farrah Fawcett
This style was named after actress Farrah Fawcett. It had long layers that flipped out. The layers framed the face like wings.
Use a big round brush while you blow dry. Curl the ends away from your face. Focus on the layers by your cheeks. This works on medium or long hair. It still looks soft and pretty today.
33. Punk Spikes
Punk spikes were sharp and bold. Hair was gelled into stiff points. Bright colors made this look even more fun.
To try this, use strong gel on small sections. Twist the hair up into points. Let it dry all the way. This style works best on short hair. It is great for a night out or a costume.
34. Madonna-Inspired Looks
Madonna changed her hair a lot in the 80s. Fans loved copying her looks. She wore messy waves and teased curls.
To copy this look, mix messy waves with a bold headband. Do not worry about it being perfect. The whole point was looking cool and free. This works on most hair types.
Read: Curly Hairstyles: 40 Cute Hairstyles for Curly Hair (2026)
35. Braided Headbands
Braided headbands mixed two trends into one. A braid went across the top of the head like a headband.
Braid a piece of hair from one side to the other. Pin it in place. Leave the rest of your hair down or curled. This look works well on long hair. It adds a soft, pretty touch.
36. The Princess Diana
Princess Diana wore short, layered hair with soft, side bangs. This became one of the most copied looks of the decade.
This cut works on shorter hair with layers around the face. Style your bangs to the side. Add soft waves for movement. It works on fine or medium hair. It still looks classy today.
37. The Side-Swept Bang
Side-swept bangs were softer than full bangs. They framed the face gently. They also went well with many other styles.
To style them, blow dry your bangs to one side. Use a round brush for a smooth curve. This works on nearly every hair length. It is an easy way to update any cut.
38. The Bubble Cut
The bubble cut was short and round. The ends curled in to form a bubble shape around the head.
This cut works best on short or medium hair with some natural body. Use a round brush to curl the ends under. It is a fun, neat look that feels very retro.
39. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips made just the ends of the hair lighter. This gave a two-tone look. It worked on short and medium styles.
A stylist adds light color to just the tips. The roots stay their normal color. This gives a soft contrast, without a full dye job. It looks great on darker hair.
40. The Tail
The tail was a small piece of hair left long at the back of the neck. The rest of the hair stayed short.
You can braid the tail. You can leave it straight. You can add a small clip. It is a fun way to add an 80s touch to a short haircut.
41. Finger Waves
Finger waves made smooth, S-shaped waves close to the head. This style got popular again in parts of the 80s.
Use gel and a comb on damp hair. Shape it into S-curves. Let it dry all the way. This style works best on short or medium hair. It looks neat and a little vintage.
42. The Hime Cut
The hime cut means “princess” in Japanese. It has long, straight hair. Short, blunt pieces frame the face.
This style suits long, straight hair. Keep the front pieces blunt, cut at the jaw. It gives a striking, doll-like look. It stands out from typical 80s curls.
43. The Whale Spout
The whale spout was a tall ponytail. It sat right at the top of the head. It sprayed out like water from a whale.
Pull all your hair up high. Tie it tight. Tease the base for extra height. This style works on long hair. It gives a fun, quirky twist to a normal ponytail.
44. Cornrows
Cornrows are tight braids close to the head. They stayed strong in Black hair culture during the 80s and beyond.
You can wear cornrows straight back. You can also try fun patterns. Cornrows work on all hair types and lengths. They last for weeks with good care.
45. The Chignon
The chignon was a low, rolled bun at the back of the neck. It looked neat and classy for formal events.
Gather your hair low at the back. Twist it into a roll. Pin it in place. This works best on long hair. It looks great with soft pieces left loose in front.
46. The French Twist
The French twist rolled hair up the back of the head. It looked classy. Many women wore it for weddings.
Twist your hair up the back of your head. Pin it in place. Tuck the ends inside. This style works best on long, straight hair. It gives a polished look every time.
47. The Half Shaved Head
The half shaved head had one shaved side and one long side. It was a bold, punk-style look.
This look is great if you want something different. Style the long side straight, curly, or swept back. It is a striking way to show your own style.
48. Acid Wash Hair
Acid wash hair used many shades of one color. This made a streaky, sun-kissed look. It matched the acid wash jeans of the 80s.
A stylist adds different color tones to your hair. This works best on medium or long hair. It adds depth without a full, bold color change.
49. The New Wave Bangs
New wave bangs were choppy and uneven. They often went with darker hair colors. This matched the music and fashion of the time.
Cut these bangs uneven, not straight across. Style with a little texture paste. This look works on straight hair. It pairs well with an undercut or short style.
50. The Bouffant Ponytail
The bouffant ponytail had height at the top. It also had a smooth ponytail below. This added drama to a simple style.
Tease the top of your hair. Smooth it back into a ponytail. Tie it tight. Add hairspray to hold the shape. This style works on long or medium hair.
Read: 50 Dreamy Wedding Hairstyles for Brides (2026)
Bottom Line
That is 50 ways to bring 80s hairstyles for women back into your life. From big curls to sleek bobs, this decade had a style for everyone.
You do not have to copy these looks exactly. Mix a few ideas together. Add your own touch. Have fun with it. Pick one style from this list. Try it out this week.
FAQs
What were the most popular 80s hairstyles for women? The perm, feathered hair, and big volume styles were the most popular. Crimped hair and high ponytails were also very common.
How can I get 80s volume without hurting my hair? Use a volumizing mousse. Dry your roots upside down for lift. Gently tease your crown for extra height.
Do 80s hairstyles work for short hair? Yes. Many styles, like the pixie cut and wedge, were made for short hair. These cuts are still easy and stylish today.
What products give hair that classic 80s look? Mousse, gel, and strong hairspray were the main tools. A crimping iron or curling iron also helps.
Are 80s hairstyles coming back in style? Yes. Perms, mullets, and crimped hair are all coming back. People now mix these old looks with new, modern touches.
