The Big Hair Era: Exploring 1980 Hairstyles Female And Their Enduring Appeal

Dr. Yasmin Mayert Jr. 23 Jul 2025

The 1980s, a time of bold choices and fearless experimentation, truly shaped our fashion and culture. It was, in many ways, a transformative decade, you know, right from the very start of 1980 itself. This period gave us so much, from the inception of "The Far Side" comics to the advent of the Hot Pocket, and even the meteoric rise of the Rubik's Cube. But when we think about what really defined the era, especially for women, it's almost impossible to ignore the incredible impact of the hairstyles.

This was a time when hair and makeup truly became a canvas for real expression, a period where bigger often meant better. Women's hairstyles in the 1980s were deeply influenced by the cultural currents of the day. Think about it: power suits, popular primetime dramas, and the vibrant musical culture all played a part in shaping these looks. The majority of styles during this era emphasized volume and size, reflecting a collective desire for something dramatic and noticeable.

Today, there is a good reason to be excited about these expressive and fun 80s hairstyles for women. They are, in fact, making a rather strong comeback. Whether you're planning for a themed party or just feel like taking a trip down memory lane, understanding these iconic looks gives you all the big hair inspiration you could possibly need. This comprehensive overview will help you explore the most significant hair trends from this unforgettable decade.

The Spirit of 80s Hair: Boldness and Volume
Iconic 1980 Hairstyles for Women
How to Recreate 1980 Hairstyles Today
The Enduring Legacy of 80s Hair
Frequently Asked Questions about 1980 Hairstyles Female

The Spirit of 80s Hair: Boldness and Volume

The 1980s truly stood out as a decade defined by bold fashion statements, and hairstyles were certainly no exception. There was an explosive mix of vibrant colors and daring shapes, which, you know, really made the era special. The coolest hairstyles in the 1980s featured volume, texture, and a lot of personality, with the idea that bigger translated to better. This was a time when women sought hair that had a ton of style and character, a fluffier look, too.

For those of us old enough to have enjoyed the 1980s in full force, we can truly say the era was like no other. The 1980s were a definitive time for fashion and culture, and the hairstyles were, quite simply, a big part of that. If you are looking for inspiration, or perhaps just taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, you will find that the 80s boasted a variety of looks. It's really something special about this decade's hairstyles.

Iconic 1980 Hairstyles for Women

The best 80s hairstyles saw everything from backcombing to mullets, perms, and even half-up styles. Whether your hair was short or long, there were options for everyone. The driving force behind an 80s hairstyle for women was, quite clearly, to have bigger, fluffier hair with a ton of style. This was a time when hair was meant to be seen and make a statement, you know, really stand out.

The Power of the Perm

The perm was, arguably, one of the most iconic hairstyles of the 1980s. This chemical treatment gave women wild, lush curls, ranging from tight coils to thick waves. It was a popular choice for achieving that desired volume and body that was so characteristic of the decade. The perm allowed for consistent curl, which made styling for that "big hair" look much simpler, too.

Many women embraced the perm because it offered a way to have voluminous hair every day, without needing constant heat styling. It was, in a way, a liberation for hair. The perm, very much, represented the bold and dramatic styles that defined the era, making it a staple for many, as a matter of fact.

Crimped Creations

Crimped hair was another popular '80s beauty trend that is, surprisingly, back. This look involved using a special iron to create zig-zag waves throughout the hair, adding a unique texture and, of course, a lot of volume. It was a playful and expressive style, often seen at parties and concerts. You know, it gave hair a distinct, almost playful, feel.

This style could be applied to sections of hair for a subtle effect, or all over for a truly bold statement. It was a quick way to add interest and bulk to hair, making it appear fuller. Crimping, quite simply, added another layer of texture to the already voluminous looks of the decade, making hair really stand out, you know.

The Versatile Mullet

While often associated with men, the mullet is among the 1980s hairstyles that worked for both men and women. This style, characterized by being shorter at the front and sides and longer at the back, was a rebellious choice. It offered a unique blend of practicality and edge, sometimes seen on those who wanted a bit of a daring look.

For women, the mullet could be styled with volume at the crown and a feathered front, maintaining that signature '80s big hair feel, even with the shorter sides. If you are going out with a spouse, brother, sister, or cousin, then this is a good style you can both try. It was, in some respects, a statement of individuality, a style that said, "I'm here, and I'm different," you know.

Big Curls and Waves

Beyond the perm, natural or styled big curls and waves were a huge part of the 1980s look. Women often used rollers, hot tools, and plenty of hairspray to achieve these voluminous, bouncy styles. The goal was to create a lush, full mane that framed the face with softness and grandeur. This was, basically, about maximizing hair's presence.

Whether it was a meticulously styled set of curls or a more relaxed, yet still voluminous, wave, the emphasis was always on size. This style was, you know, seen everywhere, from everyday looks to glamorous evening events. It truly embodied the idea that bigger was better when it came to hair, giving a feeling of abundance and style, too.

Backcombing and Beyond

Backcombing, also known as teasing, was a fundamental technique used to achieve the incredible volume seen in many 1980s hairstyles. Hair was literally pushed back towards the scalp with a comb, creating a dense, voluminous base. This technique allowed for gravity-defying styles that held their shape, even with a lot of movement, you know.

From towering updos to massive side-swept bangs, backcombing was the secret weapon. It was often combined with generous amounts of hairspray to lock the volume in place. This method was, in fact, essential for creating the "fluffy" and "big" hair that defined the era. It was all about building height and width, making hair a real focal point, you know, a very important part of the overall look.

How to Recreate 1980 Hairstyles Today

Recreating real retro 1980s hairstyles today is actually quite fun and achievable. If you have an 80s party coming up, or simply just want to relive your childhood, there are some common, popular hairstyles of the 80s you can try. The key is to think about volume, texture, and a bit of daring, too.

For big hair, start with a volumizing mousse or spray on damp hair. Blow-dry your hair upside down or use a round brush to lift at the roots. Backcombing is your friend for added height, especially at the crown and around the face. Finish with a strong hold hairspray to keep everything in place, you know, really lock it in. For curls, consider using hot rollers or a curling iron on larger sections of hair, then brush them out for a softer, more voluminous wave, like your hair is truly flowing.

To try the crimped look, you will need a crimping iron. Work in small sections, clamping the iron down for a few seconds at a time. For a modern take, you might just crimp a few strands or the ends of your hair, rather than the whole head. Remember, the 80s were about expression, so feel free to experiment and make the style your own, you know, really put your mark on it.

You can learn more about hair trends on our site, and for more inspiration, check out this page . These styles, which are back in trend with a bang, are certainly worth exploring for 2025.

The Enduring Legacy of 80s Hair

The 1980s was a pivotal year that signified the start of a transformative decade, and its impact on hairstyles for women continues to be felt. The era's emphasis on boldness, volume, and texture left an indelible mark on fashion history. These styles were, in a way, a reflection of the larger cultural shifts, where individuals sought to express themselves with confidence and a bit of flair.

Today, as popular '80s beauty trends are back, we are revisiting these voluminous hairstyles that truly captured the decade. From perms to crimped hair to mullets and more, these looks are being reinterpreted with a fresh perspective. The expressive and fun 80s hairstyles for women are, quite simply, making a comeback, and there are many reasons to be excited about this. It shows how fashion cycles, you know, always bring back the good stuff, in a way.

Frequently Asked Questions about 1980 Hairstyles Female

What was the most popular female hairstyle in the 1980s?

The perm was, arguably, one of the most popular female hairstyles in the 1980s, you know. It gave women wild, lush curls and a lot of volume, which was a very sought-after look. Many women embraced it for its ability to create consistently big hair.

What made 1980s hair so big?

1980s hair was made so big through a combination of techniques and products. Backcombing, also known as teasing, was widely used to create volume at the roots. Perms provided lasting curls and body, and, of course, a generous amount of hairspray helped to hold these voluminous styles in place, you know, really fix them.

Are 1980s hairstyles making a comeback for women?

Yes, popular 1980s beauty trends are, in fact, back, and many of the voluminous hairstyles from the decade are making a comeback for women. Styles like perms, crimped hair, and big curls are being seen again, often with a modern twist, too. It's a fun way to bring back some of that expressive 80s spirit.

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