Iconic 80s Hairstyles – Retro Haircuts Ideas for Women to Rock in 2024 with Timeless Flair
The 1980s was an era of bold style, colors, and exaggerated silhouettes, with 80s hairstyles – retro haircuts ideas defining a decade where bigger was better. Do you remember the voluminous curls, bold accessories, and teased-up locks?
This guide covers 22 iconic hairstyles from the 80s, from short cuts to long hair, helping you bring these retro styles back to life in 2024. Whether you’re looking for an easy updo or experimenting with curly hair, these styles are perfect for a modern twist on classic looks. Ready to bring back some nostalgia? Let’s dive into the trends that made the 80s unforgettable!
The Classic Mullet
The Classic Mullet was the ultimate symbol of rebellion in the 80s, characterized by short hair on the top and sides and longer layers at the back. This style suits anyone willing to make a statement, adding an edgy vibe to their look. It’s ideal for those with long hair who are ready for a bold change.
For care, use a product like American Crew Fiber to add texture and hold to the shorter sections while keeping the longer hair sleek. To maintain the style, frequent trims are necessary to prevent the back from looking too unruly.
Big Voluminous Curls
Big Voluminous Curls defined the 80s, creating a full-bodied look that is glamorous and fun. This style works best for those with naturally curly hair or those willing to use a curling iron or perm to achieve that bounce. It’s perfect for women who love embracing their curls and making a statement.
To care for these curls, use a curl-enhancing cream like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, which provides hydration and definition. Regular deep conditioning treatments are recommended to maintain moisture and prevent frizz.
The Permed Shag
The Permed Shag combines layered cuts with permed curls, offering a textured look that’s both edgy and voluminous. This shag bob short cut is excellent for women who enjoy low-maintenance styles, as it grows out nicely without needing frequent trims. It’s best suited for those with medium to thick hair.
To maintain this style, use a mousse like TIGI Bed Head Foxy Curls Mousse to enhance the curls and add volume. Additionally, a sulfate-free shampoo will help preserve the perm and prevent dryness.
The Feathered Flip
The Feathered Flip was one of the most iconic 80s hairstyles for women, characterized by its soft, feathery layers that flipped away from the face. It’s best suited for those with medium to long hair and works well with naturally straight or slightly wavy textures.
To achieve this style, use a round brush while blow-drying and apply a volumizing mousse like John Frieda Volume Lift Air Whipped Foam. A light spritz of shine spray will add gloss without weighing the hair down.
Punk Mohawk
The Punk Mohawk was a bold and rebellious hairstyle associated with the punk rock movement, featuring shaved sides and a strip of longer hair down the center. This style works well for those who want to embrace an alternative look and isn’t afraid to stand out. It suits short hair, making it a versatile option for various hair textures.
For styling, use a strong-hold gel like Got2B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel to keep the mohawk standing tall. Consider using a temporary hair color spray to add bright colors for extra flair.
The High-Top Fade
The High-Top Fade was a prominent style for black women in the 80s, featuring tightly cropped sides and a tall, flat top. This hairstyle is perfect for those with naturally coarse hair and is especially flattering for those with strong facial features.
To maintain the height and shape, use a high-hold hair wax like Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade. Regular visits to the barber are essential to keep the sides short and the top sharp.
Side-Swept Bangs with Volume
Side-Swept Bangs with Volume offers a softer take on 80s styles, with voluminous bangs brushed to the side for a dramatic effect. This look is suitable for long hair and shorter cuts, adding depth and dimension to any style. It’s great for those looking to add a retro touch without going overboard.
For styling, use a volumizing spray like Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray to lift the roots. A round brush and blow dryer can create that perfect swoop, and a light-hold hairspray will help keep it in place.
The Jheri Curl
The Jheri Curl became a staple in the 80s, known for its glossy, curly locks and soft ringlets. Popular among black women, this style suits those with naturally curly or textured hair who want a defined curl pattern. However, it might not be ideal for individuals with naturally oily hair, as it requires regular moisturizing to keep its shape and shine.
To maintain a Jheri Curl, use a curl activator like the Cantu Curl Activator Cream, which keeps curls hydrated and frizz-free. Regular application of a moisturizing spray, such as Hawaiian Silky 14-in-1, will enhance the long-lasting curls this style is known for.
The Shaggy Bob
The Shaggy Bob is a shag bob short style with choppy layers that add volume and texture. This effortless look is ideal for those with fine hair who want to create the illusion of thickness. It suits nearly every face shape, but might not be ideal for people with very thick hair as it can become overly voluminous.
To style, use a lightweight texturizing spray like Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray for added body and separation. A bit of styling cream, like Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine, can add shine and polish to this carefree look.
Teased Half-Up Half-Down
The Teased Half-Up Half-Down style combines volume with versatility, making it perfect for those with long hair. By teasing the crown and securing half of the hair up, you can achieve a voluminous look that’s iconic of the 80s. This style is ideal for women with medium to thick hair who want to add height to their look.
To achieve this style, use a teasing comb and a volumizing powder like Big Sexy Hair Powder Play. A bit of smoothing serum on the ends, like the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, will add shine without weighing down the style.
The Quiff
The Quiff is a voluminous style that involves brushing the hair up and back for a full, dramatic look. This style is perfect for those with short to medium hair who want a retro look with a modern edge. It suits most face shapes, but those with fine hair might find it difficult to achieve the necessary volume.
To style, apply a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse and blow-dry using a round brush to create lift. For extra hold, finish with a high-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray.
Curly Fringe with Layers
The Curly Fringe with Layers adds a touch of softness to curly styles, with layered hair that frames the face and enhances natural texture. This style is great for women with naturally curly or wavy hair who want to keep things easy yet stylish. It works well on all face shapes and is especially flattering for those with round faces.
To keep curls defined, use a curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream. Regular trims will help keep the fringe looking fresh, and a diffuser attachment on a blow-dryer can enhance natural volume.
The Messy Pixie
The Messy Pixie cut adds an effortlessly cool vibe to short hair, with layers that create texture and volume. It suits women who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. This style is perfect for anyone with fine hair, as it can add body without being too heavy. However, it may not work as well for those with thick or curly hair.
To style, use a texturizing cream like Tigi Bed Head Manipulator to define layers and add hold. Finish with a light-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin to keep everything in place without stiffness.
Side Ponytail with Scrunchies
The Side Ponytail is an easy and fun style that dominated the 80s. Perfect for long hair, it adds a playful touch and suits almost any hair texture. This look is ideal for women who love a youthful, casual style. It may not be as suitable for shorter hair, as it needs length to achieve the full effect.
To recreate this look, use a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse before tying the hair with a scrunchie. For extra hold, finish with a flexible-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray.
Long and Sleek with Headbands
The Long and Sleek style with a headband was a simple yet chic look for women in the 80s, adding a pop of flair to long hair. It’s best suited for those with naturally straight or relaxed hair but can be achieved with a straightener for other textures. This style may not work as well for very curly hair unless straightened.
To keep this look sleek, use a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum before styling. For a polished finish, add a little shine spray like OGX Smoothing + Shea Sleek.
The Bouffant
The Bouffant is an iconic 80s updo with maximum volume and height, especially suited for long or medium-length hair. This style works well for women with fine to medium hair, as the teasing adds body and fullness. It may be challenging to achieve with thick or curly hair due to the extensive teasing required.
To create the bouffant, use a teasing comb and a volumizing spray like Big Sexy Hair Push Up Thickening Finishing Spray. A spritz of hairspray will hold the style all day.
The Liberty Spikes
The Liberty Spikes is a daring look with individual spikes styled upright, perfect for those wanting an edgy and rebellious style. It works best on short hair and suits those with thick or coarse hair, as finer textures may struggle to maintain the spikes. This style may not be ideal for formal settings, as it’s a statement look.
To style, use a strong-hold gel like Got2B Glued Styling Spiking Glue and finish with a high-hold hairspray like Schwarzkopf got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray for long-lasting results.
Layered and Teased Crown
The Layered and Teased Crown is a voluminous look that adds height and drama, making it a quintessential 80s style. Ideal for those with long hair, this style involves lots of layers and teasing to achieve maximum volume. It’s best suited for those with medium to thick hair, as fine hair may struggle to hold the teased look.
To maintain volume, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and a teasing comb. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray, such as L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray, to keep everything in place.
The Fluffed Afro
The Fluffed Afro embraces natural volume, showcasing the beauty of hair for women with tight curls or coils. This style is great for those with natural texture, particularly black women, and suits a variety of face shapes. It may not work well for those with very fine or straight hair.
To maintain, use a leave-in conditioner like Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner to keep curls soft and hydrated. For extra shine and volume, apply a light oil like the Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil.
Short Blonde Pixie with Bangs
The Short Blonde Pixie with Bangs is a fresh and daring look, with close-cropped sides and longer bangs that add softness. It’s perfect for women with fine or straight hair who want an easy style with an edge. This look suits those with oval or heart-shaped faces but may not work as well for very round faces, as it emphasizes the jawline.
To maintain the shape, use a lightweight pomade like Bumble and Bumble Sumotech to define the bangs and add texture. A spritz of hairspray, such as Redken Fashion Work 12, will keep the style in place without adding weight.
The Slicked Back
The Slicked Back style is a versatile look that suits long or short hair, giving a polished, high-fashion feel. This style is ideal for women with straight hair, as it’s easier to achieve the sleek, smooth finish. It may not work well for those with very curly or textured hair.
For this look, use a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to reduce frizz and add shine. A strong-hold gel like L’Oréal Studio Line Clean Gel can keep hair in place all day.
Long and Layered with Side Part
The Long and Layered with Side Part is a soft, flowing style with plenty of movement, ideal for long hair lovers. This look is perfect for women with straight or wavy hair, as the layers add volume and shape. It may not suit those with very thick or curly hair, as it can be hard to achieve the sleek effect.
For styling, use a lightweight oil like Moroccanoil Treatment to add shine and reduce frizz. A round brush can help create volume at the roots, while a shine spray adds the perfect finishing touch.
Conclusion
Reviving the best 80s hairstyles – retro haircuts ideas is a fun way to experiment with bold styles that define an iconic era. Whether you’re channeling the long, curly locks of the Jellyfish or the edgy Punk Mohawk, there’s a retro look for everyone. Try one of these styles and embrace the nostalgia of the 80s. Let us know which style you loved the most in the comments below!
