These 1980s Hairstyles Are Making a Comeback — Here's How to Style Them Today
The 1980s were an era of unapologetic self-expression, and nowhere was that more evident than in the hair. Think gravity-defying volume, teased curls, feathered layers, and texture for days. Once considered relics of the past — often poked fun at in throwback photos or retro movie nights — these bold styles are having a serious comeback in 2025.
Thanks to celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Keke Palmer, and Nicole Kidman sporting modern versions of classic ‘80s hair, a new generation is discovering the appeal of big, bold beauty. But this time around, you don’t need a can of Aqua Net and a perm to get the look. With upgraded tools and pro-level products, anyone can reimagine these retro styles with a contemporary twist.
Whether you’re prepping for a theme party, heading to a roller rink, or simply want to channel some high-volume glam, these quintessential '80s hairstyles — and how to recreate them today — will inspire your next bold look.
1. Stevie Nicks’s Brushed-Out Curls: Soft Meets Wild
One of the original queens of ethereal rock style, Stevie Nicks’s brushed-out curls in the early ‘80s defined boho glamour.
How to Recreate:
- Start with natural waves or curls (or use a diffuser on damp hair).
- Add layers and curtain bangs to replicate Nicks’s signature shape.
- Once dry, finger-comb your curls for a “bedhead wave” finish.
- Use a matte-finish cream like RŌZ Evergreen Style Cream to hold the look.
- Finish with a dry texturizing spray (try Goldie Locks or Maria Nila) for separation and bounce.
2. Molly Ringwald’s Textured Bob: The Wedge Cut Revival
The ultimate 1980s redhead, Molly Ringwald made short hair cool with her textured wedge bob.
How to Recreate:
- Ask your stylist for stacked layers in the back with longer front sections.
- Use a triple-barrel waver (like Trademark Beauty’s Babe Waves) for soft bends.
- Flip hair to one side for dramatic bangs.
- Set with heat protectant (Drybar’s Hot Toddy Mist is a fave) and a flexible hairspray.
3. Heather Locklear’s Feathered Shag: Full-Body Glam
Inspired by Farrah Fawcett’s legacy, Heather Locklear brought feathered layers into the 1980s with extra bounce.
How to Recreate:
- Ask for face-framing layers and wispy bangs.
- Use hot rollers or a round brush to blow-dry away from the face.
- A volumizing mousse and root-lifting spray will enhance the ‘fluffy’ volume.
- No rollers? Use a thermal brush tool like Wavytalk’s Multi Curl Styler.
4. Whitney Houston’s Defined Curls: Volume with Shape
Whitney Houston’s voluminous yet defined curls in the "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" era are peak ’80s hair excellence.
How to Recreate:
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Start with wet hair and rake in curl cream (for definition).
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Layer with a gel to lock in shape, then diffuse dry for maximum volume.
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Flip your head upside down and use a pick at the roots to fluff.
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For straight hair, mimic this look using a small curling iron and finger styling.
5. Madonna’s Piecey Pixie: Short and Statement-Making
The “Papa Don’t Preach” era gave us Madonna’s edgy pixie cut — bold, choppy, and effortlessly cool.
How to Recreate:
- Opt for a layered pixie with soft bangs and exposed ears.
- Style using a workable wax or pomade (Fatboy Perfect Putty works wonders).
- Use fingers to lift at the roots and add texture through the ends.
- Bleached or highlighted hair helps exaggerate the edgy, tousled vibe.
6. Gloria Estefan’s Mixed-Texture Perm: Perm Power
Gloria Estefan’s hair in 1988 showcased one of the most iconic ‘80s elements — combining textures in one bold style.
How to Recreate:
- Scrunch mousse into damp hair, then diffuse dry for all-over body.
- Blow-dry bangs with a small round brush to separate texture from the rest of the hair.
- Add strong-hold hairspray to secure shape and height.
- Ideal for those with natural curls or permed hair.
7. Tina Turner’s Voluminous Shag: The Ultimate Rock Look
Nobody rocked a voluminous shag like Tina Turner. Her lion’s mane style was teased to perfection with intense texture.
How to Recreate:
- Start with shoulder-length layers, particularly in the crown and bangs.
- Use a crimping iron or wave tool to create textured volume.
- Backcomb at the roots using a tail comb and finish with medium-hold hairspray.
- Leave the ends undone for that messy, rock-n-roll edge.
8. Christie Brinkley’s Silky Side-Swept Bangs: Sleek but Soft
Supermodel Christie Brinkley showed us that even sleek hair had a place in the volume-obsessed ‘80s.
How to Recreate:
- Go for a butterfly haircut with layers that frame the face.
- Add long, side-swept bangs that blend into the rest of the hair.
- Use a round brush and blow-dryer to flip layers away from the face.
- Finish with a smoothing serum and shine spray for a polished look.
9. Cher’s Big, Bouncy Frizz: Frizz as Fashion
Cher’s springy, frizz-forward curls in the late ‘80s proved that frizz could be fashionable — and powerful.
How to Recreate:
- Apply curl cream to wet hair, then diffuse or air-dry.
- Use a root-boosting spray (like IGK’s Pick Me Up) to enhance volume.
- Once dry, fluff with fingers or a hair pick.
- The goal is soft spirals with a cloud-like frizz — not perfect ringlets.
The ‘80s Hair Comeback Is Here to Stay
From disco-worthy volume to edgy pixie cuts, 1980s hairstyles were all about expressing individuality, confidence, and attitude. Today, these looks are being reimagined with modern tools and products — giving you the best of both worlds.
So whether you’re headed to a retro party or just feeling bold, channel your inner Madonna or Stevie Nicks and bring the big hair energy back. Because in 2025, bigger is better — again.
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