The 1980s were known for bold fashion, dramatic makeup and, perhaps most famously, big hairstyles. From voluminous curls to teased roots and statement bangs, hair in the decade was rarely meant to look understated. Now, decades later, some of those recognizable styles are appearing again in modern beauty trends.
So, are ’80s hairstyles making a comeback? Yes, but with a more relaxed and wearable approach.
Volume Is Back
One of the biggest features of ’80s hairstyles was volume. Hair was often lifted at the roots, teased and styled to create a fuller appearance.
Modern versions tend to be softer. Instead of heavily teasing the entire head, people are adding volume through blowouts, layered cuts, rollers and lightweight styling products. The result keeps the dramatic shape of an ’80s look without feeling like a costume.
Big Curls and Waves
Curly and wavy hairstyles were everywhere during the decade, and they are once again getting attention. Large, defined curls can give the hair a fuller appearance while adding movement and texture.
Today, the look can be adapted to different hair types. Natural curls can be worn with plenty of volume, while straight or wavy hair can be styled with rollers or heat tools to create bigger waves.
The Return of Statement Bangs
Bangs were another recognizable part of ’80s beauty. Full, feathered and side-swept fringes helped frame the face and added structure to many hairstyles.
The modern version is less rigid. Curtain bangs, side bangs and textured fringes can create a similar effect while being easier to style and grow out.
Layered and Feathered Hair
Layered cuts are also bringing some ’80s energy back. Feathered layers, in particular, create movement around the face and can make a hairstyle appear fuller.
Rather than copying the heavily layered styles of the decade exactly, today’s cuts often combine soft layers with contemporary shapes. This makes the style easier to wear every day.
