Ever watched a 1980s movie and thought, “I’d love to rock one of these iconic 80s haircuts?” Well, you’re in luck. In this article, we look back to the 1980s and bring you 10 of the most brilliant styles of the decades.
We look to Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Cindy Crawford, and Pamela Anderson for inspiration, so you can model your modern-day look on stars of the 80s. Ready to dive in? Here are 10 best 80s haircuts to tempt you into a retro look this year.
Both men and women experimented with new and bold styles in the 1980s, so let’s take a look at the iconic haircuts that we remember fondly from yesteryear.
Men’s 80s haircuts
Men in the 1980s experimented with length, reimagining the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable. Here are five of the most iconic 80s haircuts that men sported throughout the decade:
1. Mullet haircut 80s
The mullet is arguably the most iconic haircut of the 1980s. Loved by soccer players and musicians, the likes of David Bowie, Patrick Swayze, and Billy Ray Cyrus all rocked mullets at the height of their fame. This devil-say-care style was a bad-boy look that defined the care-free attitudes that were born during the 80s.
2. 80s shag haircut
Very similar to the mullet, the shag first appeared in the 1970s and was also loved by rockers, with Mick Jagger as the main proponent of the style. The shag differed slightly from the mullet and was more carefree and unruly. The shag is making a comeback today and is popular with both men and women.
3. 80s skater haircut
The 80s skater haircut gave off gnarly, anti-establishment vibes, with a long fringe that often covered the eyes. Some men opted for a curtain parting in the middle, but it was common to see skate parks in the 80s filled with guys who struggled to see in front of them!
4. Side spike haircut 80s
Popularized by the punk rock movement, the side spike haircut was often styled in extreme colors, ranging from red to green. Goths today often replicate the side spike style, but it’s certainly not a style we’re used to seeing every day in 2024.
5. Men’s feathered haircut 80s
If you can picture Mel Gibson in his heartthrob years, you know all about the men’s feathered haircut that was so popular in the eighties. This look was all about volume, with shoulder-length hair that had perfectly accentuated waves.
Women’s 80s haircuts
It wasn’t just men who took the hair styling world by storm in the 1980s; here are some 80s haircuts that were popular among the fairer sex:
1. Wedge haircut 80s
The wedge haircut originated in the 80s. This style is a layered cut with the hair short at the top with longer layers at the top of the face. In the 80s, the wedge was often paired with big loopy earrings and was hugely popular with women throughout the decade.
2. Short 80s haircut
Women in the 80s often wore their hair short. There was a range of popular styles, everything from a buzzcut to short hair with curls. The 80s was a decade in which experimentation was valued, leading to lots of short cuts that proved popular after the long-hair decadence of the 70s. Here are more short haircuts for women.
3. Fluffy blowout
The blowout is still a much-loved style today, but the 80s were all about the fluffy blowout. This blowout achieved significant bounce and volume and was hugely popular with models in the decade. Think back to Cindy Crawford and Pamela Anderson in the eighties for the perfect inspiration for a fluffy blowout!
Equip yourself with the Laifen Swift Special best diffuser hair dryer to achieve a fluffy blowout that Pamela Anderson would be proud of – it features ionic technology for reduced frizz and adjustable heat settings to protect your hair from damage.
4. Wolf cut
The decade that brought us the mullet and the shag also delivered the wolf cut, which is a combination between the two. It’s choppy, long, and unruly, with short layers at the top and longer layers down to the shoulders. Though popular among women, men can also opt for a wolf cut. Know everything about wolf haircut in this all-in-one guide.
5. Sky-high side pony
The 80s also saw lots of risks attached to the classic pony. Though it’s often seen as the go-to haircut for minimal fuss, the 80s was all about flair. The side pony was placed slightly to one side and was pinned high, for added oomph and a sporty, sophisticated look.
Final thoughts
While these styles were revolutionary in the 80s, we have so many tools and products available today to help us achieve these iconic styles.
As a result, you can emulate any of these styles at home, or you can task your stylist with creating a 1980s look that you can rock at a special party or occasion.
No matter which 80s haircut you go for, rock it boldly and celebrate one of the most memorable decades in recent history with a style that will turn heads for all the right reasons.
