Hello hair enthusiasts! As a hairstylist from the ’80s, I witnessed some wild hair experiments. Some were hits, yet others were frightful misses. In this post, we’re diving into 18 hairstyles from the ’80s that should stay in the past. Join me in this playful journey through coiffure chaos!
1. The Perm Overload
Perms were the rage, but remember a time when more was more? The Perm Overload! Effervescent curls erupted like a hair volcano, thirsty for attention.
Though captivating, hair suffered, becoming dry and brittle. Alas, those curls belonged in disco halls, not everyday offices. Let’s keep it a memory.
2. The Rat Tail
Who thought a lone, lingering tail was chic? The Rat Tail! Hanging like a forlorn rope, it waved defiantly with each step.
Though bold and daring, it was a perplexing choice. Few embraced its charm, yet it remains a symbol of individual rebellion. But should it?
3. The Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back—the Mullet was a dual-life hairstyle. It seemed practical, yet screamed indecision.
Though iconic in its own right, the mullet’s charm was questioned by many. Today, it lurks in nostalgic corners, beckoning those who dare.
4. The Teased Bangs
Teased bangs, reaching for the heavens, defied gravity daily. It was a spectacle, a skyscraping vision of style.
While head-turning, the daily routine of teasing and spraying was wearisome. Those bangs, like towers, will remain in memories of juvenile daring.
5. The Flock of Seagulls
Inspired by the iconic band, this swooping style mimicked seagulls in flight—bold yet peculiar.
While eye-catching, it was more suited for stages than sidewalks. The balance of art and everyday practicality was lost, leaving it a relic of musical influence.
6. The Crimped Craze
Crimped hair turned heads with its zigzagged flair, reminiscent of electrifying energy. It was as if lightning struck those locks!
Yet, the fragile texture suffered under relentless heat. While visually striking, the crimper’s bite was too harsh for daily wear.
7. The High Top Fade
The High Top Fade was all about elevation, defying flatness with a towering top. Bold and structured, it spoke volumes without saying a word.
Yet, maintaining its clean lines required precision. A tough task for the casual stylist, it’s best left in style history.
8. The Feathered Flip
Feathered hair fluttered like wings, a gentle nod to elegance. Yet, taming its soft flow required iron will and even hotter tools.
Though visually calming, the effort involved made it a challenging choice for the effortless beauty seeker. Simplicity prevails today.
9. The Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes stood as fierce sentinels of punk rebellion. Sharp and imposing, they pierced the sky and expectations.
While powerful statements, the maintenance rivals that of topiary art. Not for the faint-hearted, these spikes are best admired from afar.
10. The Scrunchie Overload
Scrunchies multiplied like rabbits, adorning ponytails with eclectic flair. It was a cotton candy explosion!
Though fun and vibrant, their abundance overwhelmed. Hair was lost under fabric layers, leaving chaos in their wake. A less-is-more approach serves us now.
11. The Waterfall Bangs
Waterfall bangs poured over foreheads like a cascading stream, obscuring views like a hair curtain. Mysterious yet impractical.
Navigating life behind the fringe was a constant peek-a-boo. While intriguing, unobstructed vision ultimately wins the day.
12. The Ice Blonde Frost
Ice blonde frosts swept through hair like winter’s touch, leaving a frosty shimmer. A glacial trend that chilled heads and hearts.
Yet, the bleach left hair parched, yearning for warmth. Though striking, every color fad has its cold sunset.
13. The Side Ponytail
High and off to the side, the ponytail added zest to the mundane. It bounced with youthful exuberance.
Yet, its lopsided nature caused neck-strain woes. A lively relic of school hallways, its playful spirit remains in memory, not practice.
14. The Mohawk
The Mohawk, an epic crest of individuality, soared skyward. Vibrant hues and bold height dared the mundane world to take notice.
However, its maintenance was intense, requiring dedication akin to tending a garden. A bold statement, yet often admired from afar today.
15. The Shag
The Shag embraced messiness, a tousled nod to nonchalance. Layers played with dimension, a carefree dance of hair.
However, its unkempt appearance tested many a stylist’s patience. While charming in its chaos, a polished look is often preferred now.
16. The Big Hair
Big hair ruled the boardrooms and dance floors alike, a voluminous crown of confidence. Its presence was commanding.
Yet, the upkeep was Herculean, requiring relentless teasing and spraying. Though unforgettable, today’s styles lean towards effortless grace.
17. The Bowl Cut
The Bowl Cut, precision’s partner, was as straightforward as it was unforgettable. A hallmark of simplicity, yet often mocked.
While neat, its rigid form left little room for error or creativity. A childhood reminder that sometimes, simplicity can be too plain.
18. The Spiky Punk
Spiky Punk hair was an electric rebellion, each spike a testament to nonconformity. It screamed individuality in every sharp angle.
Yet, the labor involved in achieving such precision was monumental. While striking and bold, today’s styles often whisper rather than shout.