I have always believed that hair is the ultimate form of self-expression, and nothing proves that point quite like the hairstyles that defined the 1980s. Growing up watching my mother get ready for special occasions, I was mesmerized by the sheer confidence that came with styling your hair a certain way. The 80s were a decade of boldness, volume, and unapologetic creativity, and as a makeup artist and beauty educator who has worked with countless women across all ages, I can tell you firsthand that these hairstyles have never truly gone out of style. They have simply been waiting for their moment to roar back into the spotlight, and trust me, that moment is right now.
Whether you are someone who actually lived through the 80s and wants to revisit your glory days, or you are a younger woman who has fallen in love with the nostalgia of that era, this article is written just for you. I am going to walk you through fourteen of the most iconic, fun, and genuinely wearable 80s hairstyles for women, breaking down exactly what each one is, who it works best for, and how you can recreate it at home. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let me take you on a beauty journey back to one of the most exciting decades in hair history.
Big Voluminous Curls
What makes this style so iconic
If there is one hairstyle that instantly transports me back to the 80s, it is big, voluminous curls. I remember flipping through old beauty magazines in my mother’s vanity drawer and being absolutely captivated by women with hair that seemed to defy gravity. These were not soft, delicate curls. These were bold, bouncy, full-of-life ringlets that filled an entire room with their presence. The look was built around the idea that more is more, and the bigger your curls, the better. Women in the 80s embraced this style as a symbol of power and femininity all at once. The curls were often teased at the roots, sprayed into obedience with a generous coat of hairspray, and worn with a kind of fearless confidence that I find completely inspiring even today. As a beauty professional, I can tell you that this hairstyle was not just a trend, it was a statement about who you were and how unapologetically you showed up in the world.
Who this style works best for
Big voluminous curls are genuinely one of the most inclusive hairstyles that ever came out of the 80s. In my years of working with clients of all different hair textures, face shapes, and lifestyles, I have found that this look tends to flatter women with oval, round, and heart-shaped faces particularly well, because the volume adds beautiful dimension and draws the eye upward and outward. That said, I have styled women with square faces in this look and the softness of the curls balanced their angular features in the most flattering way. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, you already have a head start. But I have also helped women with straight, fine hair achieve this look using the right tools and techniques, so do not count yourself out.
How to achieve voluminous curls at home
The secret to recreating this iconic look starts with preparation. Begin with freshly washed hair and apply a volumizing mousse from the roots all the way to the tips while your hair is still damp. Diffuse or blow dry your hair upside down to encourage lift at the roots. Once your hair is fully dry, work in small sections using a medium-barrel curling iron, wrapping each section away from your face for the most flattering effect. After you release each curl, do not brush it out immediately. Let the curls cool completely and then use your fingers to gently separate and fluff them. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray and do not be shy about it. The key to keeping this look alive all day is locking those curls in place.
The Crimped Hair Look
Understanding the crimped texture
Crimped hair was one of those styles that I genuinely believe only the 80s could have invented and made look absolutely stunning. The style involves creating a tight, uniform zigzag pattern throughout the hair using a crimping iron, giving the entire head of hair a texture that is somewhere between waves and accordion folds. When I first experimented with crimping during a fashion shoot early in my career, I was struck by how dramatically it transformed even the simplest hairstyle. It added instant volume, a tactile richness, and a futuristic edge that photographed beautifully. The crimped look was often worn loose and flowing, letting that distinctive texture be the star of the show, though it was also frequently incorporated into updos and half-up styles as a way of adding visual interest.
Best hair types for crimping
Crimping works best on hair that is at least shoulder length or longer, because the pattern needs a little space to truly shine. Thick hair responds beautifully to crimping because the texture fills out and creates that lush, full look that is so characteristic of the 80s. However, I have also crimped fine hair with great results by using a lighter hold product and working in smaller sections to add body without weighing things down. Women with naturally straight hair will actually find crimping incredibly satisfying because the transformation is so dramatic and noticeable. If your hair is already curly, crimping can add a fun, uniform texture, though I recommend straightening it first for the most defined result.
Step-by-step tips to get the perfect crimp
Start with completely dry, detangled hair. Apply a heat protectant spray throughout, because crimping irons work at high temperatures and protecting your hair is always my number one priority. Divide your hair into horizontal sections starting from the bottom and clip the rest up out of the way. Press the crimping iron down slowly on each section, holding for about three to five seconds before moving on. Work your way up to the top layers, leaving the very top section slightly less crimped if you want a more modern, blended effect. Finish with a light-hold spray or a shine serum to give your crimped hair a healthy, luminous finish rather than a stiff, crunchy texture.
Side Swept Ponytail
The charm of the side ponytail
Oh, the side ponytail. If I had to pick one hairstyle that perfectly captures the playful, carefree spirit of the 80s, it would be this one. I absolutely adore this style for its simplicity and the way it instantly gives any look a retro, fun energy. The side ponytail was everywhere in the 80s, worn high on the side of the head for a sporty, youthful vibe, or lower and slightly looser for a more glamorous, editorial feel. Women accessorized it with scrunchies, ribbons, and glittery hair ties that became as much a part of the look as the hair itself. What I find most charming about this style is that it requires almost no technical skill, yet it has a visual impact that is completely disproportionate to the effort involved.
Perfect occasions and face shapes for this style
The side ponytail is one of the most versatile and face-flattering styles I know. Because it sweeps the hair to one side, it creates an asymmetry that softens strong features and adds a playful tilt to the overall silhouette. I find it particularly lovely on women with round or square faces because the off-center placement creates a slimming diagonal line. It works equally well for casual everyday outings, themed parties, fitness sessions, and even dressed-up events when paired with the right accessories and outfit. I have created side ponytails on clients ranging from their twenties to their sixties, and the result is always a fun, confident, and unmistakably 80s-inspired look that brings a smile to everyone in the room.
Simple tricks to nail the side ponytail
To create a flawless side ponytail, start by brushing your hair smooth and gathering it to one side, either high near the crown or lower near the nape of the neck depending on the effect you want. Secure with a scrunchie for maximum 80s authenticity, or use a regular elastic and then wrap a small section of hair around it to cover the band for a more polished finish. If you want height and volume at the crown, tease the roots slightly before pulling the hair back. You can leave the ponytail sleek and smooth for a clean look, or curl the length of it into loose waves for something more glam. A few face-framing pieces pulled out at the front complete the look beautifully.
Feathered Layers
What feathered hair really means
Feathered hair is one of those styles that I believe every woman deserves to experience at least once in her life. The technique involves cutting the hair into long, flowing layers that are then blow-dried and styled outward and backward from the face, creating a look that resembles the wings of a bird in beautiful, effortless motion. In the 80s, feathered hair was the epitome of cool. It had this relaxed, sun-kissed, effortlessly glamorous quality that made women look like they had just stepped off a California beach or out of a glossy magazine spread. As a stylist who has worked on editorial shoots and fashion-forward clients, I can tell you that feathered hair photographs like an absolute dream because of the way it catches light and creates movement in images.
Why feathered layers flatter so many women
What I love most about feathered hair from a beauty education perspective is how universally flattering it is. The layers create volume and movement that frames the face in a way that is soft and feminine without being fussy. Women with long, fine hair benefit tremendously from feathered layers because the cut adds the appearance of fullness and body. Women with thick hair find that layering removes excess bulk while keeping the beautiful density. Face shape wise, feathered layers are particularly stunning on oval and long face shapes because they add width and visual fullness at the sides. However, by adjusting how the layers are cut and where they fall, a skilled stylist can adapt feathered hair to flatter virtually any face shape beautifully.
Styling tips for beautiful feathered hair
The foundation of great feathered hair is a good layered haircut from a skilled stylist who understands the technique. Once you have the cut, recreating the style at home is very achievable. Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing product. Using a round brush, blow dry your hair section by section, rolling the brush outward and upward as you go to encourage that signature wing shape. Pay special attention to the sections framing your face, using the brush to direct the hair away from your face with a gentle outward flick at the ends. A light pomade or shine serum worked through the fingertips adds a beautiful finish. Keep hairspray light so the hair retains its natural movement rather than looking stiff.
The Permed Wave
Breaking down the perm style
Permed hair was absolutely everywhere in the 80s, and I say this with so much fondness because I have seen firsthand the joy it brought women when they walked out of the salon with a head full of perfectly formed, bouncy waves. A perm is a chemical process that restructures the hair’s natural bonds to create a permanent wave or curl pattern. In the 80s, perms ranged from tight, defined ringlets to looser, more relaxed waves, and the style became synonymous with that era’s love of volume and texture. What I appreciate about the perm from a professional standpoint is that it gave women with naturally straight hair the ability to wake up every morning with effortless curl and volume, which in the 80s was considered the ultimate beauty goal.
Who benefits most from a perm
Women who struggle to hold a curl, whose hair tends to fall flat quickly, or who simply love the look of waves and curls but do not have the time to recreate them daily are perfect candidates for a perm. In my experience working with clients, perms are particularly transformative for women with fine to medium hair because they add volume and texture that no amount of product can replicate. Women with very thick or coarse hair can also get beautiful results, though the texture of the perm may look different on their hair type. I always advise my clients to consult with a professional colorist or stylist before getting a perm, especially if their hair has been chemically treated, bleached, or is in a fragile condition.
How to care for and style permed hair
The key to keeping permed hair looking gorgeous is moisture, moisture, and more moisture. Chemical processes can dry out the hair, so investing in a deeply hydrating conditioner and using it regularly is absolutely essential. I recommend avoiding heat styling as much as possible after a perm, because the heat can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz over time. Instead, let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer on a low heat setting. Scrunch a curl-defining cream into wet hair to encourage your waves to clump together beautifully. Refreshing your curls on non-wash days with a light mist of water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner keeps them looking defined and bouncy without having to start from scratch.
Teased Bouffant
The art of teasing hair
If big voluminous curls were the queen of 80s hairstyles, then the teased bouffant was her crown. Teasing, also known as backcombing, is the technique of combing sections of hair backward toward the root to create artificial volume and a lifted, full silhouette. The bouffant style takes this technique to its most dramatic extreme, resulting in a hairstyle that sits high on the head, full and proud, defying gravity in the most theatrical and wonderful way. When I first learned to tease hair properly during my training, I was amazed by how such a simple mechanical technique could completely transform someone’s appearance. A well-executed teased bouffant adds height, drama, and a kind of regal confidence that I find absolutely captivating.
Face shapes that shine with bouffant volume
The teased bouffant is particularly flattering for women with longer or more narrow face shapes because the added height and volume at the crown creates a beautiful, balanced proportion. Women with round faces can also benefit from this style when the volume is concentrated at the top of the head rather than the sides, creating an elongating effect. In my years of working with diverse clients, I have found that the bouffant works beautifully across age groups. Younger women love its dramatic, theatrical quality, while more mature women appreciate how it adds youthful lift and fullness to their overall look. The key is in the execution, because a well-crafted bouffant should look intentional and polished, not messy or overdone.
How to tease your hair without damage
Teasing gets a bad reputation because it is often done incorrectly, leading to breakage and damage. Let me share the right way to do it. Start with completely dry hair and work with a fine-tooth comb or a teasing brush. Take a section of hair, hold it straight up, and gently comb downward toward the scalp in short, controlled strokes. Do not be overly aggressive. Build the volume gradually by repeating this process with several sections across the crown area. Once you have the volume you want, gently smooth the top layer of hair over the teased sections to create a polished, clean surface. Secure with bobby pins if needed and finish with hairspray. When you remove the style, use a detangling conditioner and work through knots slowly with your fingers before using a wide-tooth comb.
Power Bangs
Defining the power bang era
Power bangs are, in my humble opinion, one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated hairstyle elements of the entire 80s era. These were not delicate, wispy little fringe pieces. Power bangs were full, thick, often slightly teased, and deliberately bold bangs that swept across the forehead with an air of absolute authority. They framed the face dramatically and gave women an instantly polished, put-together look that worked equally well in the boardroom and on the dance floor. I have always believed that a great bang has the power to completely transform a face, and the power bangs of the 80s are the ultimate proof of that. They were styled high, volumized at the root, and swept to one side or worn straight across, always with intentionality and confidence.
Which face shapes love power bangs
Power bangs are a particularly wonderful choice for women with high foreheads because they add a softening element that creates balance and proportion. Women with oval faces can wear virtually any bang style, but power bangs are especially beautiful on them because they frame the eyes dramatically without hiding any of the face’s natural structure. Women with heart-shaped faces also benefit from power bangs because they minimize the appearance of a wider forehead while drawing attention to the eyes. I have had clients who were hesitant about trying bangs for years, and once they tried power bangs styled properly, they were completely converted. The transformation is genuinely remarkable.
How to cut and style power bangs
If you are considering adding power bangs to your look, I strongly recommend visiting a professional stylist for the initial cut. The angle and weight distribution of the bang make a significant difference in how they sit and frame your face. Once you have your bangs, maintaining and styling them at home is straightforward. Use a round brush and blow dryer to dry your bangs forward and slightly to one side, creating that signature lifted root look. A tiny amount of pomade or styling cream worked through the fingertips adds definition and control. If your bangs tend to separate or part in the middle, use a small flat iron to smooth them in the direction you want them to go. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep them in place throughout the day.
Spiral Curls
The magic of spiral curl definition
Spiral curls occupy a very special place in my heart as a beauty professional because they are simultaneously one of the most glamorous and most technical hairstyles from the 80s. Unlike the loose, general volume of big voluminous curls, spiral curls are precise, defined, and absolutely uniform in their coil. Each curl wraps around itself in a perfect helix from root to tip, creating a cascade of perfectly formed ringlets that catch light beautifully and move with a kind of liquid grace. In the 80s, spiral curls were the hairstyle of choice for formal events, red carpet moments, and any occasion where a woman wanted to look absolutely extraordinary. I love recreating this style on clients because the reaction when they see the finished look in the mirror is always one of pure delight.
Hair types that thrive with spiral curls
Spiral curls are most easily achieved on hair that already has some natural wave or curl to it, because the existing texture gives the new curls something to hold onto. However, I have created stunning spiral curls on women with completely straight hair using the right technique and products. Medium to thick hair tends to hold spiral curls longest and most beautifully because there is enough density to support the structure of each individual curl. Fine hair can achieve the look but may need a stronger hold product and some strategic pinning to keep the curls from loosening too quickly throughout the day. Shoulder-length to long hair gives you the most dramatic, flowing spiral curl effect.
Tips for long-lasting spiral curls
The secret to spiral curls that last all day lies in the application technique and the products you use. Start with clean, dry hair that has been lightly misted with a heat protectant. Use a small-barrel curling iron or a curling wand for the tightest, most defined spirals. Work in thin sections, wrapping the hair around the barrel from root to tip in a tight coil. Hold for at least eight seconds before carefully releasing the curl. Here is the most important tip: do not touch the curl immediately. Let it cool completely before releasing it from your palm. This allows the curl to set into a defined spiral shape. Once all your curls are cool, apply a curl-defining gel or mousse by scrunching it in from underneath. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray rather than a stiff one, so the curls bounce naturally.
Half-Up Half-Down Style
What the half-up half-down look entails
The half-up half-down hairstyle might seem simple on the surface, but in the 80s it was anything but understated. This style takes the top portion of the hair, usually the crown section and the hair above the ears, and gathers it up while leaving the rest flowing freely around the shoulders. What made the 80s version of this style so distinctive was the incredible volume and height that was built into the top section, often with teasing and generous amounts of hairspray. The contrast between the structured, voluminous top and the loose, flowing bottom created a beautiful tension that was both polished and playful. I have always adored this style because it is genuinely one of the most versatile half-up options in all of hair history, and it translates beautifully into modern looks with just a few small adjustments.
Versatility for different occasions
What I love most about the half-up half-down style from an editorial and everyday styling perspective is its incredible range. Worn with a scrunchie and some teased volume at the crown, it is perfect for a casual weekend look that nods to retro nostalgia. Styled with a decorative clip and paired with soft waves throughout the bottom half, it becomes elegant enough for a dinner party or a formal event. In my years of doing hair and makeup for clients across many different settings and occasions, the half-up half-down has consistently been one of the most requested styles because it works on nearly every hair length from medium to long, flatters virtually every face shape, and can be adapted to suit literally any aesthetic from playful to sophisticated.
Easy methods to create this timeless style
Creating a beautiful half-up half-down style is one of the most accessible 80s looks for women to recreate at home. Start by determining your parting, whether center or side, and brush your hair smooth. Take a section from the crown of your head down to just behind each ear and gather it at the center back of your head. For an authentic 80s effect, tease the crown section lightly before pulling it back to create height and volume. Secure the gathered hair with a scrunchie, a decorative clip, or a ribbon tied into a bow. You can leave the ends loose or curl them into a small voluminous puff for added drama. Let the remaining hair hang freely, or add some soft waves or curls to the bottom half for a more finished, glamorous effect.
The Scrunchie Updo
How the scrunchie updo became a symbol
I genuinely could write an entire love letter to the scrunchie and never run out of affectionate things to say. The scrunchie updo became one of the most recognizable symbols of 80s style precisely because it combined function with fashion in such a joyful, colorful, exuberant way. Unlike a plain elastic band, a scrunchie was a statement piece in itself. Made from fabric that ranged from satin and velvet to lace and neon-printed cotton, scrunchies added color, texture, and personality to any updo. The hairstyle itself typically involved gathering all the hair into a high ponytail or a loose bun at the crown of the head and securing it with the scrunchie so that the fabric became a visible and intentional part of the finished look. As a beauty educator, I always use the scrunchie updo as a perfect example of how accessories can elevate even the most effortless hairstyle into something genuinely stylish.
Best hair lengths and types for this updo
The scrunchie updo is wonderfully democratic in its accessibility. It works on virtually every hair type, from bone-straight to naturally curly, and the scrunchie’s gentle grip makes it particularly suitable for fine or fragile hair that can be damaged by tight elastic bands. Mid-length hair, meaning anything from chin length to just past the shoulders, can create a beautiful, full updo with a scrunchie by gathering all the hair and allowing the ends to fan out in a pretty, disheveled puff. Long hair creates a more dramatic, flowing effect with a generous amount of hair spilling over and around the scrunchie. Even short to medium hair can participate in the scrunchie updo trend by using the scrunchie to secure just the top and crown sections of the hair.
Fun ways to style your scrunchie updo
The most wonderful thing about the scrunchie updo is how many variations you can explore. A high, tight ponytail with a velvet scrunchie in a jewel tone feels luxurious and polished. A loose, slightly messy bun secured with an oversized satin scrunchie in a bright color feels playful and completely effortless. You can wrap the length of the ponytail around the scrunchie and pin it into a sleek bun for a more sophisticated version of the look. Adding a few curled, face-framing pieces that fall softly around the face completes the look beautifully. I love encouraging my clients and students to collect scrunchies in different colors and fabrics so that they have options for every outfit, mood, and occasion. The scrunchie is one accessory that truly never disappoints.
The Shaggy Mullet
Redefining the mullet for women
Before you raise an eyebrow at the mention of the mullet, let me tell you something I share with every client and student who has ever written off this hairstyle without giving it a proper chance. The women’s version of the mullet in the 80s was genuinely avant-garde, and its modern revival has proven that it was always ahead of its time. The shaggy mullet features shorter layers at the crown and sides of the head with longer, often layered and textured length at the back. In the 80s, women’s mullets were frequently styled with waves, curls, or lots of shaggy texture throughout, giving the look a rock-and-roll edge that was equal parts rebellious and glamorous. As someone who has always been fascinated by boundary-pushing beauty choices, I find the shaggy mullet to be one of the most genuinely interesting hairstyles of the entire decade.
Why the shaggy mullet works for bold personalities
The shaggy mullet is not a hairstyle for the timid, and that is entirely the point. It works best on women who have a strong sense of their own personal style and are not afraid to make a statement with their appearance. From a technical standpoint, the mullet actually flatters a wide range of face shapes when executed well. The shorter layers at the crown add height and volume, which works beautifully for round or square faces, while the longer length at the back creates an elongating effect that is universally flattering. Women who love music, art, fashion, or any creative field tend to gravitate toward this style naturally because it communicates an aesthetic that is individualistic, creative, and deeply confident.
Styling guide for the modern shaggy mullet
The shaggy mullet looks its best when it has texture and movement, so begin with a prep routine that enhances your hair’s natural texture. Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to damp hair before blow drying. Use a diffuser if you have natural waves or curls to encourage the hair’s texture to shine through the shorter layers. For straighter hair, use a small round brush to add a slight bend and flip to the ends of the shorter sections. The longer back section can be left naturally textured, or you can add loose waves using a large-barrel curling iron. Finish with a matte-finish texturizing paste or wax worked lightly through the fingertips to separate individual sections and define the shaggy, lived-in quality that makes this style so compelling.
Asymmetrical Cut
What defines an asymmetrical hairstyle
In a decade that was already breaking all the rules, the asymmetrical cut went one step further by completely throwing out the idea that hair needed to be even or symmetrical to be beautiful. An asymmetrical hairstyle is one where one side of the hair is noticeably longer, shorter, or styled differently from the other, creating an intentional visual imbalance that is both striking and artistically interesting. In the 80s, asymmetrical cuts ranged from bold shaved-side styles paired with long, sweeping length on the opposite side, to subtler variations where one side was simply a few inches shorter than the other. As a beauty artist who deeply values creative expression, I think the asymmetrical cut represents one of the 80s’ most genuinely artistic contributions to hair culture.
Face shapes and personalities that rock asymmetry
Asymmetrical cuts are particularly magical on women with strong, defined facial features because the visual interest of the cut draws attention to those features in a compelling way. Women with oval faces can wear virtually any variation of an asymmetrical cut beautifully. Women with round faces benefit from the diagonal line created by an asymmetrical cut because it introduces angles that create a more elongated, sculpted appearance. From a personality perspective, this is a hairstyle that suits women who are comfortable standing out and who see their appearance as a form of artistic expression. That said, in my experience, even women who initially consider themselves conservative in their style choices are often surprised by how much they love the asymmetrical cut once they try it.
How to maintain and style an asymmetrical cut
Maintaining an asymmetrical cut requires slightly more frequent trims than a traditional haircut because the precision of the shape is integral to the look. I recommend visiting your stylist every six to eight weeks to keep the lines clean and the asymmetry sharp. For everyday styling, the key is to highlight the intentional difference between the two sides rather than trying to blend them together. Style the longer side in waves, curls, or a sleek blow out depending on the effect you want. The shorter side can be slicked back with a light pomade for a clean, graphic look, or left slightly textured for a more relaxed feel. Accessories like ear cuffs, statement earrings on the shorter side, or a jeweled clip can amplify the visual drama of the asymmetry beautifully.
Headband And Ribbon Styles
The power of accessories in 80s hair
The 80s understood something about hair accessories that I think every modern woman needs to rediscover, and that is that the right accessory does not just complement your hairstyle, it completes it. Headbands and ribbons in the 80s were not subtle or understated. They were wide, colorful, sparkly, sequined, velvet, and absolutely impossible to ignore, and that was entirely the point. Women wore thick elastic headbands pushed back from the face to add a sporty, energetic look to otherwise simple hairstyles. They tied ribbons and silk scarves into elaborate bows at the top of the head or incorporated them into braids and ponytails. As a beauty educator, I always include a section on accessories when teaching hair styling because I genuinely believe that accessories are one of the most overlooked and underutilized tools in any woman’s beauty arsenal.
Choosing the right headband for your look
The right headband can change everything about an outfit and a hairstyle, and the 80s offered an extraordinary range of options. Wide knot headbands in bold colors or metallic fabrics frame the face beautifully and work especially well on women with oval or long face shapes. Thin, jeweled headbands worn pushed slightly back on the crown are stunning on women with heart-shaped or oval faces because they draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Velvet headbands in deep jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, and cobalt blue have a luxurious quality that elevates even the simplest hairstyle into something that feels special and intentional. In my experience styling clients for both editorial work and personal looks, a well-chosen headband can transform a five-minute hairstyle into one that looks like it took an hour to create.
Creative ways to incorporate headbands and ribbons
Beyond the traditional placement of a headband across the crown of the head, there are so many creative ways to use these accessories that I love sharing with my clients. Try placing a wide headband across the forehead in a more bohemian, retro style. Tie a silk ribbon around the base of a high ponytail and let the ends trail down alongside the hair for an incredibly glamorous, feminine effect. Braid a ribbon directly into a French braid or a fishtail braid for a colorful, whimsical detail that is subtle enough for everyday wear but special enough to feel like an occasion. Layer two thin headbands together in complementary colors for a playful, maximalist look that is completely 80s in spirit and completely charming in execution.
The Mohawk-Inspired Style
Understanding the softened mohawk
The mohawk-inspired hairstyle from the 80s represents something I find genuinely thrilling about that era, which is its absolute refusal to play by the rules of conventional beauty. The traditional mohawk features shaved sides with a strip of hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck, and while the most extreme version was always primarily a punk subculture style, the 80s gave rise to a beautiful, softened interpretation that brought the spirit of the mohawk into the mainstream. In the women’s version, the sides were not necessarily shaved but were instead pressed flat or styled close to the head, while the center section was teased, curled, or styled dramatically upward. The result was bold, architectural, and absolutely unforgettable. As a makeup artist and beauty professional who has always celebrated individuality, I have a deep appreciation for the mohawk-inspired style and what it represents.
Who can pull off a mohawk-inspired look
Here is something I tell every client who nervously asks me whether they can pull off a bold hairstyle like a mohawk-inspired look: confidence is the only prerequisite. From a purely technical standpoint, this style is particularly dramatic on women with longer necks and strong facial features because the height and architectural quality of the style draws the eye upward and emphasizes the overall silhouette beautifully. Women with a naturally adventurous or artistic personality tend to feel most comfortable in this style, but I have also helped more reserved clients try a very subtle, softened version that captures the spirit of the mohawk without being quite so dramatic. Even a small amount of central volume and slightly flattened sides creates a nod to the mohawk aesthetic that is thoroughly wearable.
Techniques to create a wearable mohawk style
For a softer, modern take on the 80s mohawk that you can wear in everyday life, begin by applying a volumizing mousse to the central section of your hair from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Blow dry this section upward and slightly forward using a round brush to create height and volume. Once dry, tease the central section carefully at the roots to amplify the lift. Smooth the side sections flat using a bristle brush and a small amount of gel or pomade, pinning them close to the head if necessary. You can further define the central section by adding curls or waves, or leave it smooth and sleek for a more graphic, sculptural effect. Finish with a strong-hold spray to keep everything in place throughout the day.
Conclusion
As I sit here reflecting on all fourteen of these incredible 80s hairstyles for women, I am struck by how much they say about the women who wore them. These were not timid, apologetic hairstyles. They were expressions of identity, creativity, and a kind of fearless joy in taking up space and being seen. Growing up watching my mother transform herself through beauty rituals, and then spending years of my career helping women discover and express their own unique beauty, I have come to believe deeply that the most powerful thing any hairstyle can do is make you feel more fully and authentically yourself.
The 80s understood this in a raw, unfiltered, glitter-covered way that I find endlessly inspiring. Whether you are drawn to the sculptural drama of a teased bouffant, the carefree playfulness of a side ponytail with a scrunchie, the precision of spiral curls, or the edge of a mohawk-inspired style, there is a version of 80s hair that belongs to you specifically. And that is the beauty of this era, it celebrated individuality so loudly that even today, decades later, its influence echoes through every fashion show, every editorial shoot, and every salon chair.
My advice to you, as both a makeup artist who has spent her career in the beauty world and as a woman who has always found joy in self-expression through style, is this: do not be afraid to try something bold. Do not wait for a special occasion to experiment with volume, texture, or an accessory that makes you feel extraordinary. Every day is an opportunity to express who you are through the way you show up in the world, and your hair is one of the most visible and powerful tools you have for doing exactly that. As I always say, makeup and hair are not about hiding. They are about amplifying your best self, celebrating your uniqueness, and feeling empowered to express yourself however you choose. The 80s knew that. And now, so do you.