80s Hairstyles: 27 Retro Haircuts Reimagined for Today
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The 1980s were a bold and experimental era for hair, characterized by volume, texture, and statement accessories. These retro styles are making a modern comeback in 2024, blending nostalgia with current fashion. Whether you’re a fan of cute and edgy looks or prefer easy styles, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore 27 iconic hairstyles and how they’re reimagined today.
The Voluminous Perm
The 80s were synonymous with big, bouncy curls, and the voluminous perm embodies that energy. Modern interpretations soften the tight curls of the past into looser, more natural waves, making it an excellent choice for long hair and medium length styles. Perfect for those with thin hair looking to add body or anyone wanting a cool aesthetic, the perm is versatile enough to suit oval or round face shapes.
To maintain your curls, use a sulfate-free shampoo like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Cleanser and a curl-defining cream such as Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream. Regular conditioning with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner will keep your perm hydrated and frizz-free.
Classic Feathered Bangs
Nothing screams women vintage like feathered bangs, a signature look of the early 80s. These soft, layered bangs frame the face beautifully, enhancing features like cheekbones and jawlines. Updated for 2024, this style works wonders for straight hair or wavy textures and pairs well with shoulder-length or medium-length cuts.
For styling, use a volumizing mousse such as Redken Full Volume Foam and finish with a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray. A round brush and blow dryer will help achieve the iconic feathered look.
Modern Mullet Revival
The mullet has made an unexpected comeback as a cool and edgy style for 2024. This updated version softens the harsh lines of the original, blending shorter layers at the front with longer ones at the back for a more balanced and wearable look. It suits women medium or short hair, and the layers can be tailored for thin hair to add volume or curly hair for a playful twist.
To style, apply a lightweight styling cream like Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 and add definition with a pomade such as Ouai Matte Pomade. A texturizing spray will complete the look.
Crimped Texture with a Twist
Crimped hair is back, but it’s more refined and wearable than ever. This aesthetic style is perfect for those who love experimenting with textures. Crimped strands can be worn loose on long hair or incorporated into medium-length styles. It’s especially cute for younger audiences or anyone seeking a playful, statement look.
Use a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations before crimping, and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray for that polished retro finish. For defined crimps, a quality crimper such as Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver is essential.
The High-Shine Shag
The layered shag is a timeless style that dominated the 80s and continues to be a go-to for those with a rocker vibe. Today’s version is sleeker, with glossy layers that suit women medium or short hair lengths. This cut is particularly flattering for round face shapes and works well with wavy or straight hair.
Maintain the shine with a glossing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum and use a light-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus to keep layers in place.
Layered Bob with 80s Flair
The bob is a classic cut that gets an 80s makeover with dramatic layers and volume. This style works for women short or shoulder-length hair and suits both round faces and oval shapes. The layers add dimension, making it ideal for those with thin hair.
Use a root-lifting spray like Amika Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse and a flat iron to create soft flips at the ends. Finish with a lightweight oil like Kérastase Elixir Ultime for added shine.
Side-Swept Bangs and Waves
Side-swept bangs paired with loose wavy hair create a soft, romantic look rooted in the 80s. Updated for 2024, this style is great for shoulder-length or long hair and flatters most face shapes. The waves add texture, while the bangs frame the face beautifully.
Use a wave spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe and a lightweight mousse such as OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse for defined, bouncy waves.
Sleek 80s Futuristic Cut
The sleek 80s futuristic cut was ahead of its time and remains an exciting style in 2024. This look is all about sharp, geometric lines with a smooth finish. Perfect for short hair, it’s a minimalist yet edgy option that flatters oval and round face shapes. The style works well with straight hair or can be adapted for thin hair to create the illusion of thickness. The retro-futuristic vibe suits those who love a bold, high-fashion aesthetic.
To achieve this sleek look, use a smoothing serum like Kérastase Discipline Keratin Thermique and flat iron for a glass-like finish. Maintain the sharpness of the cut with regular trims and add shine with Sebastian Dark Oil.
Power Ponytail Redux
The power ponytail was a symbol of confidence in the 80s, and its revival today is just as empowering. This style involves a high ponytail with added volume and teased roots for extra drama. Suitable for long hair or medium-length locks, it’s a cute and easy hairstyle that’s ideal for all face shapes. Adding waves or curls to the ponytail gives it a playful, dynamic touch.
Prep your hair with a volumizing mousse like Redken Guts 10 to lift the roots, then secure the ponytail with a sturdy elastic. Use a curling wand to add texture to the tail and finish with a spritz of Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray.
Oversized Bow Accessory Style
One of the most aesthetic accessories of the eighties hair era was the oversized bow. Modernized for 2024, this style pairs shoulder-length or medium-length hair with soft waves or a sleek finish. The bow adds a playful, feminine touch, making it a cute option for formal events or casual outings. It suits all hair textures and complements heart and oval face shapes beautifully.
To style, create loose waves with a curling iron and secure the bow on one side or the back. Use a lightweight mousse like OGX Locking + Coconut Curls and finish with Oribe Superfine Hair Spray for hold and shine.
Retro Pixie with a Volume Boost
The retro pixie cut gets a glamorous upgrade with added volume at the crown. This style is ideal for women short hair and works well for those with thin hair, as the volume creates a fuller appearance. The shorter sides and textured top give it a bold, edgy feel while maintaining a polished finish. It’s a great option for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet high-impact hairstyle.
Use a volumizing powder like Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Dust It to create lift and texture, and style with a light pomade such as American Crew Fiber. Finish with a flexible hairspray to keep everything in place.
Cascading Curls with Bold Layers
Cascading curls were a staple of the 80s, and their revival adds a luxurious touch to long hair. Bold, defined layers give the curls movement and dimension, making this style ideal for curly hair or anyone using heat tools to create the look. It’s a cool and versatile choice, perfect for formal events or a night out.
Enhance your curls with a curl cream like Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair and define them further with a diffuser attachment. Use TRESemmé Flawless Curls Gel to maintain hold without stiffness.
The Glammed-Up Half-Up, Half-Down
This early 80s style blends glamour with practicality, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. The top half of the hair is teased for volume and secured with a clip, while the bottom half flows freely in soft waves. It suits medium-length or shoulder-length hair and complements both round faces and oval shapes. Adding a touch of sparkle elevates the look.
Use a root-lifting spray like SexyHair Big Root Pump Plus and curl the bottom section with a wand. Secure the top half with a decorative clip and finish with Kenra Volume Spray 25 for long-lasting hold.
Rock-Inspired Teased Layers
Teased layered hair was a hallmark of rockstar style in the 80s, and it’s back with a vengeance in 2024. This bold look features heavily teased roots and cascading layers, ideal for women medium or long hair. It’s particularly striking for those with thick hair, as the volume adds drama. Pair it with smoky makeup for a complete rock-inspired vibe.
Prep with a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and tease the roots using a fine-tooth comb. Use a flexible pomade to define the layers and finish with a strong-hold hairspray for all-day volume.
Big Hair with Soft Curtain Bangs
The big hair era wouldn’t be complete without soft curtain bangs, a versatile style that flatters most face shapes. This look combines maximum volume with wispy, face-framing bangs, making it a standout for medium-length or shoulder-length hair. The blend of retro and contemporary elements makes it both playful and chic.
Boost volume with mousse like Amika Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse and style the bangs with a round brush. Add texture with a wave spray and lock in the style with Tresemmé Extra Hold Hairspray.
Funky A-Line Bob with Retro Vibes
The A-line bob is a timeless cut that takes on a funky, retro twist inspired by the eighties hair trend. Featuring sharp, angled layers that are longer at the front and shorter at the back, this style suits women medium and shoulder-length hair. The addition of bold colors or subtle highlights adds a contemporary edge, making it ideal for all face shapes.
Use a smoothing balm like Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry Cream to achieve a sleek finish, and flat iron the ends to enhance the dramatic angles. Finish with Paul Mitchell Super Clean Spray for lightweight hold.
Spiral Curls and Side Part
Spiral curls were a must-have in the 80s, and their modern reimagining adds softness and movement to curly hair or long hair. Styled with a deep side part, this look is both glamorous and playful, making it perfect for formal events or a fun night out. It suits oval and round faces, adding definition and bounce.
Apply a curl-enhancing mousse like DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam and use a small-barrel curling iron for tight spirals. Finish with Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream for moisture and shine.
Disconnected Layers with Flicked Ends
Disconnected layers with flicked ends are a quintessential 80 short hair style updated for 2024. This cut features choppy, uneven layers that add texture and volume, paired with flipped-out ends for a playful, dynamic look. Ideal for medium-length or short hair, it’s a great choice for anyone seeking a youthful, edgy style.
Use a texturizing spray like Amika Undone Volume and Matte Texture Spray to enhance the layers, and style the ends with a flat iron or round brush for a flicked finish. Add shine with OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil.
Headband-Enhanced Feathering
Feathered layers were a defining feature of early 80s hairstyles, and adding a headband modernizes the look. This style works for medium-length or shoulder-length hair, complementing thin hair by creating the illusion of volume. The headband provides a polished yet relaxed vibe, making it ideal for casual outings or professional settings.
Use a round brush and a blow dryer to style the layers outward, then add a touch of volume with Redken Volume Injection Mousse. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin.
High-Volume Tease and Tuck
High-volume hairstyles defined the 80s, and the teased-and-tucked look brings that energy into 2024. This style features heavily teased roots with the hair tucked neatly behind the ears for a sleek finish. It’s perfect for medium-length or long hair, adding dramatic height while keeping the overall look polished.
Apply a volumizing mousse like John Frieda Luxurious Volume, then tease the roots with a fine-tooth comb. Smooth the sides with a lightweight gel and tuck the hair behind the ears, securing with bobby pins if needed.
Retro Curly Fringe Combo
This curly hair and fringe combo celebrates the bold textures of eighties hair with a playful twist. The fringe is styled to blend seamlessly with bouncy curls, making it ideal for women vintage looks. This style suits shoulder-length or medium-length hair and is particularly flattering for heart-shaped faces.
Use a curl-defining product like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and diffuse the hair to create natural, bouncy curls. Keep the fringe lightweight with a texturizing cream like Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip.
Swooping Bangs with Subtle Texture
Swooping bangs were a signature of 80s elegance, and their modern version pairs soft texture with a sleek finish. Ideal for straight hair or soft wavy textures, this look suits round faces by creating a flattering frame. It works well with shoulder-length or medium-length hair.
Blow dry the bangs using a round brush to create the swooping effect, and use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add subtle movement. Finish with a lightweight shine spray for a polished look.
The Iconic 80s Blowout Reimagined
The 80s blowout was the ultimate symbol of glamour, and its reimagining in 2024 adds a smoother, shinier finish while retaining its signature volume. Suitable for long hair or medium-length styles, this look is universally flattering and perfect for formal events or everyday elegance.
Use a volumizing shampoo like Pureology Clean Volume Shampoo and a blow-dry brush like Revlon One-Step Volumizer to create the iconic volume. Add a finishing spray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast for extra lift and hold.
The 80s were an iconic decade for hair, and these styles prove their lasting appeal. From easy updates to cute reimaginings, these retro-inspired looks blend nostalgia with modern fashion. Which of these styles will you try next? Share your thoughts and leave a comment below!
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