80's Hairstyles: A Comprehensive Guide to Iconic Trends

Introduction: The Resurgence of a Nostalgic Era

The 1980s marked a pivotal era in fashion and beauty, with bold colors, geometric shapes, and exaggerated silhouettes defining the decade. Hairstyles were no exception, and the 80s ushered in a myriad of iconic looks that continue to inspire hair enthusiasts today. This comprehensive guide will delve into the multifaceted world of 80's hairstyles for ladies, exploring their historical origins, defining characteristics, and practical styling techniques.

Historical Context: The Roots of 80's Hair Fashion

The 80's hairstyle revolution found its roots in various cultural and societal influences:

• Punk: The rebellious spirit of the punk movement embraced spiked, choppy hairstyles, often adorned with vibrant colors and accessories.
• New Wave: Influenced by the music scene, New Wave hairstyles showcased asymmetrical cuts, bold textures, and geometric shapes.
• Fitness Craze: The growing emphasis on fitness and health led to practical hairstyles that kept hair out of the face, such as high ponytails and headbands.
• Celebrity Influence: Iconic actresses, singers, and models like Madonna, Farrah Fawcett, and Cyndi Lauper popularized and defined many of the era's signature looks.

Defining Characteristics of 80's Hairstyles

80's hairstyles were characterized by the following key features:

• Volume: The ultimate goal was to achieve voluminous hair, whether through teasing, perming, or hair extensions.
• Height: Hairstyles were often styled high on the head, creating a dramatic and statement-making effect.
• Texture: Perms, crimping, and other texturizing techniques added depth and dimension to hair.
• Shape: Geometric angles and sharp lines predominated, creating structured and sculpted looks.
• Accessories: Headbands, scrunchies, and other hair accessories were ubiquitous, adding pops of color and style.

Popular 80's Hairstyles

The 80's witnessed a plethora of hairstyle trends, including:

• Mullet: Business in the front, party in the back, the mullet was a definitive unisex hairstyle of the era.
• Shag: Layers and choppy bangs defined the shag, creating a layered and voluminous style.
• Jheri Curl: Popularized by Lionel Richie, this permed hairstyle showcased tight, spiral curls.
• Teased Hair: Backcombing and teasing hair added instant volume and lift, often used to create high ponytails or bouffants.
• Crimped Hair: Crimping irons added a distinctive wavy texture to hair, creating a futuristic and edgy look.

Styling Techniques for 80's Hairstyles

Achieving 80's hairstyles requires specific styling techniques:

• Blow Drying: Using a blow dryer with a round brush or diffuser added volume and shape to hair.
• Teasing: Backcombing hair created volume and height, particularly at the roots.
• Perming: Permanent waves added body, texture, and curls to hair.
• Crimping: Crimping irons created a zig-zag texture, giving hair a unique and voluminous appearance.
• Hairspray: A generous amount of hairspray was essential to maintain volume and hold the desired shape.

Pros and Cons of 80's Hairstyles

Pros:

• Iconic and Nostalgic: 80's hairstyles evoke a distinct and memorable aesthetic, often associated with fashion and pop culture icons.
• Versatile: The variety of styles within the 80's era allows for customization to suit different face shapes and hair types.
• Volume and Lift: These hairstyles are designed to add volume and lift, creating an illusion of fuller and thicker hair.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: 80's hairstyles often require a significant amount of time and effort to style.
• Damage: Perming, teasing, and crimping can cause damage to hair over time.
• Overstyling: Excessive styling can weigh hair down and lead to breakage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Styling an 80's Hairstyle

Materials:

• Hairspray
• Hairbrush
• Blow dryer (optional)
• Round brush (optional)
• Teasing brush (optional)
• Crimping iron (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start with clean, dry hair.
2. Section hair. Divide hair into sections to make styling easier.
3. Add volume. Blow dry hair upside down and use a round brush to create volume at the roots.
4. Tease hair (optional). Backcomb hair at the crown or other sections to create additional height.
5. Create a shape. Use a comb or brush to shape hair into the desired style, such as a high ponytail or bouffant.
6. Crimp hair (optional). Use a crimping iron to create a wavy texture.
7. Finish with hairspray. Spray liberally to hold the style in place.

Effective Strategies for Styling 80's Hairstyles

• Use a volumizing mousse or spray. These products can help create lift and hold at the roots.
• Section hair and style in layers. This helps prevent overstyling and damage.
• Use heat protectant spray. Heat styling can damage hair, so always use a heat protectant spray before using blow dryers or hot styling tools.
• Avoid overbrushing. Excessive brushing can create frizz and damage hair.
• Experiment with different accessories. Headbands, scrunchies, and bows can add a fun and playful touch to any 80's hairstyle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Styling 80's Hairstyles

• Overstyling: Too much hairspray or teasing can weigh hair down and cause breakage.
• Using too much heat. Heat styling can damage hair, so use hot styling tools sparingly and always use a heat protectant spray.
• Ignoring hair type. Not all 80's hairstyles suit all hair types. For example, very fine hair may not be able to hold volume as well as thicker hair.
• Styling wet hair. Always dry hair before styling to prevent heat damage and breakage.
• Using the wrong products. Products designed for fine hair may not provide enough hold for thicker hair, and vice versa.

Conclusion: Embracing the 80's Hair Renaissance

80's hairstyles have made a major resurgence in recent years, with fashion and beauty influencers embracing the bold and iconic looks of the era. Whether you're looking to recreate a specific hairstyle or simply add a touch of 80's flair to your current style, there are countless ways to incorporate the key elements of this unforgettable trend. By embracing the signature volume, height, and texture of 80's hairstyles, you can channel the spirit of the decade and make a statement with your hair.

Call to Action: Embrace Your 80's Hair Legacy

Don't be afraid to experiment with different 80's hairstyle trends and techniques. The key is to find a style that suits your personality and hair type, and to have fun with the process. Whether you go for a voluminous mullet or a sleek bouffant, embrace the 80's hair renaissance and make a bold statement with your hairstyle.