31 Hairstyles From The 80s And 90s We Still Try To Recreate
The 1980s and 1990s were iconic decades when it came to hairstyles. From bold and daring to soft and romantic, these looks left a lasting impression. Many of us still find ourselves drawn to recreating these vintage styles, whether for a nostalgic throwback or a modern twist on a classic look. Let’s explore 31 hairstyles from this era that continue to inspire us today.
1. Le Perm
Qui peut oublier la popularité de la permanente dans les années 80 ? Volumineuse, bouclée et pleine de texture, c'était une déclaration de style. Aujourd'hui, nous voyons souvent une version plus douce et plus décontractée, mais l'essentiel demeure. N'oubliez pas d'utiliser beaucoup d'après-shampoing et d'éviter la chaleur excessive pour conserver vos boucles.
2. Le mulet
Business in the front, party in the back—this iconic cut defined the rebellious spirit of the times. Often seen on rock stars and trendsetters, the mullet’s edgy contrast continues to find fans today. For a modern twist, consider a softer transition and regular trims to keep it fresh.
3. Cheveux en plumes
Feathered hair, with its soft layers and gentle waves, was a go-to for many women. This style adds volume and movement without being too overpowering. It’s still chic today, especially when paired with a subtle balayage. Just remember to flip your hair and use a round brush for that perfect lift.
4. Coupe Pixie
The cropped pixie was all about boldness and confidence. Whether it was the influence of pop stars or actresses, this cut made a statement. It’s easy to maintain and brings out facial features beautifully. Keep it fresh with regular trims and some styling gel for texture.
5. La Rachel
Inspired by a beloved TV character, ‘The Rachel’ became a hairstyle phenomenon. Defined by its layers and volume, it flatters many face shapes. If you’re planning to try this iconic cut, consider modernizing it with subtle highlights for added dimension.
6. Cheveux crêpés
Crimped hair brought texture and playfulness to the scene. The zigzag pattern was a favorite among teenagers. While it’s not an everyday look today, it’s perfect for themed parties or special occasions. Use a crimping iron and heat protectant spray to achieve this look without damage.
7. Queue de cheval haute avec chouchou
The high ponytail paired with a scrunchie was both practical and stylish. It added a pop of color and kept hair in place. Today, it’s a nostalgic nod to the past. To recreate this look, choose a scrunchie that complements your outfit and ensure your ponytail is sleek and smooth.
8. Cheveux gominés
Slicked back hair exuded sophistication and class, making it a favorite for formal occasions. Achieving this look requires a good quality pomade or gel and a fine-tooth comb. Whether it’s for a wedding or an important meeting, this hairstyle remains timeless.
9. Le Shag
La coupe hirsute se compose de plusieurs couches de cheveux et d'une ambiance insouciante. Elle se marie bien avec les ondulations naturelles et ajoute un facteur de fraîcheur sans effort. Pour celles qui ont les cheveux fins, cette coupe peut ajouter du volume et de la texture. Coiffez-la avec un spray texturisant pour un look plus vivant.
10. Bouffant
The bouffant was all about volume and drama. Perfect for special occasions, this hairstyle requires backcombing and hairspray to achieve its height. While not an everyday look, it’s still favored for events where you want to make a grand impression. Balance the volume with understated makeup to retain elegance.
11. La coupe César
This neat and tidy cut was named after Julius Caesar himself. With its short and even length, it’s easy to manage and style. While it might not be the first choice for everyone, its simplicity and neatness can be appealing. Great for those who prefer low-maintenance hairstyles.
12. Cheveux hérissés
Spiky hair was all about attitude and fun. Using gel to create texture and lift, this look was quite popular. It’s still a great way to add some personality to shorter haircuts. Just be mindful of the amount of product to avoid stiffness.
13. La coupe au bol
The bowl cut was a childhood staple for many. Its even, rounded shape was easy to achieve and maintain. Today, it’s often given a playful twist with added layers or texture. If you’re feeling nostalgic, this cut can be surprisingly fresh with the right styling products.
14. Une frange duveteuse
La frange duveteuse ajoute une touche de romantisme à n'importe quelle coiffure. Cette frange douce et volumineuse encadre magnifiquement le visage. Pour qu'elle conserve toute sa splendeur, il est essentiel de la couper régulièrement. En l'associant à des ondulations souples ou à une queue de cheval élégante, vous créerez un contraste saisissant qui attirera l'attention sur vos yeux.
15. Le Flat Top
The flat top was bold and geometric, often seen in hip-hop culture. This style required careful cutting to maintain its sharp lines and height. While it demands frequent upkeep, it’s a statement look that remains popular today. Use a strong-hold gel to keep edges sharp and defined.
16. Demi-tour Demi-tour
Combinant le meilleur des deux styles, le look mi-haut mi-bas est polyvalent et flatteur. Il ajoute de l'intérêt et de la dimension aux cheveux. Parfait pour les sorties décontractées ou les événements spéciaux, ce look est facilement accessoirisé avec des pinces ou des fleurs. Il reste un favori pour son charme sans effort.
17. La Pompadour
The pompadour was all about height and flair. This style required volume at the front, often using pomade or hairspray. It’s a statement look that flatters many face shapes. Today, it’s often paired with a fade for a modern twist. Mastering the art of blow-drying is key to this look.
18. La queue de rat
The rat tail was a quirky and unique style choice. With short hair on top and a single strand left long at the nape, it stood out. While not mainstream, it’s a fun way to express individuality. Regular trims and conditioning keep it looking intentional and not unkempt.
19. Bob frisé
The curly bob combined the elegance of a bob with playful curls. It’s a perfect choice for those with naturally curly hair who want something chic. To keep curls defined, use a curl-enhancing product and diffuser when drying. A side part can add a modern twist.
20. Le flip
The flip was a playful style that added volume and movement to hair. The ends were flipped outward, creating a carefree look. It’s still a favorite for those who love retro vibes. To achieve the flip, use a round brush and blow-dryer, ensuring the ends are curled upwards.
21. Bandeau tressé
Creating a headband with your own hair is as charming as it is practical. This look kept hair away from the face while adding texture. It’s perfect for sunny days and outdoor events. Use a bit of texturizing spray to keep the braid looking full and neat.
22. Fondu enchaîné
The high top fade was a cornerstone of 90s hip-hop fashion. With its high volume and clean fade, it’s both bold and stylish. Keeping the lines sharp requires regular visits to the barber. Today, it’s often modernized with patterns or designs shaved into the fade.
23. Le motif rasé
Expressive and creative, shaved designs turned heads. Patterns were shaved into the hair for a personalized touch. It’s a bold choice that allows you to stand out. If you’re considering this look, make sure to visit a skilled barber who can bring your vision to life with precision.
24. Chaînes de cheveux ondulées
Wispy bangs offered a softer alternative to blunt bangs. Light and airy, they framed the face without overpowering it. Perfect for those who want a fringe without the commitment, they’re easy to style and grow out gracefully. These bangs look great with both straight and wavy hair.
25. L'homme-page
La coupe pageboy est soignée et ordonnée, souvent agrémentée d'une frange droite. Convenant aussi bien aux enfants qu'aux adultes, sa simplicité faisait son charme. Cette coupe revient sur le devant de la scène avec de légères modifications pour en adoucir les contours. Coiffez-la à l'aide d'un sèche-cheveux pour une finition soignée.
26. La ruche
The beehive was synonymous with grandeur and sophistication. Towering and intricate, it required backcombing and plenty of hairspray. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, it makes an incredible statement at themed events. For a subtler version, aim for a smaller, more relaxed hive.
27. Tresses de maïs
Cornrows were more than just a style—they were a cultural expression. Neat and intricate, they required skill to create. Ideal for managing curly hair, cornrows also offered versatility in design. When caring for them, use a light oil to maintain moisture and shine.
28. L'Afro
The afro celebrated natural curls and volume, making a powerful statement. It encouraged embracing one’s natural hair texture. Today, it remains a symbol of cultural pride and individuality. To maintain its shape, regular trims and hydrating products are essential. Celebrate your curls with confidence and style.
29. Queues de cochon
Pigtails were playful and fun, perfect for children and adults alike. Versatile and easy to style, they could be sleek or messy. They’re making a comeback in playful fashion scenes. For a modern touch, consider adding ribbons or colorful elastics to the base of each pigtail.
30. Voluminous Blowout
The voluminous blowout was all about making a statement. This hairstyle screamed confidence and poise, with layers that seemed to defy gravity. Achieving this look required a good round brush, a trusty hairdryer, and more hairspray than one might comfortably admit.
The blowout was not just about volume, but about movement too. Women who donned this style exuded an air of sophistication, whether they were hitting the office or heading to a fancy dinner.
Even today, the voluminous blowout remains a salon favorite, offering a timeless elegance that bridges the gap between everyday wear and red carpet glam.
31. Flared Layers
Flared layers brought a sense of drama and flair to any hairstyle. This look was all about creating movement and volume, giving the impression of effortlessly cascading hair. With a bit of teasing and some strategically placed layers, the flared effect offered a playful yet elegant appeal.
Flared layers were especially popular among those who wished to add dimension to their hair without resorting to drastic changes. It was a style that allowed for creativity, adapting to both formal events and casual outings with ease.
Still beloved today, flared layers offer a nod to the past while embracing the versatility and adaptability of modern hairstyling techniques.
