I remember flipping through my mother’s old photo albums as a teenager, pausing every time on a picture of her from 1985. She had this incredible cloud of soft, voluminous curls, held in place by a velvet scrunchie that matched her sweater. It looked effortless and joyful, and even then I knew there was something special about that era’s approach to hair. Lately, I’ve been seeing echoes of 1980 hair trends everywhere—on subway platforms, in Brooklyn coffee shops, and on my own head after a good wash-and-go. There’s a reason these styles are coming back: they’re expressive, unapologetic, and somehow easier to live with than the sleek, polished looks that dominated the last decade. In this post, I want to walk through some of my favorite 1980 hair trends and show you how to adapt them for real life today.
The Pillars of 1980 Hair Trends
When I think about 1980 hair trends, I don’t just see big hair and a lot of hairspray. I see texture, volume, and a willingness to have fun. The perm was everywhere, yes, but it wasn’t just about tight curls—soft waves, spiral perms, and even the occasional crimped section added dimension. Then there was the side ponytail, which felt both casual and glamorous, and the iconic scrunchie, which has quietly become a staple in my own drawer again. What I love most about these 1980 hair trends is that they were designed to move. Hair was meant to be touched, to bounce, to catch the light. That sense of liveliness is exactly what I look for when I’m styling my own hair now.
Bringing 1980 Hair Trends into the Present
The trick to making 1980 hair trends work today is to avoid the costume effect. You don’t need a fully crimped head or a can of Aqua Net to channel the spirit. Instead, I like to pick one element and let it be the hero. For example, I’ll do a deep side part, add some Velcro rollers to the crown for lift, and finish with a soft-hold mousse. That slight nod to volume reads as intentional, not retro. Another way I’ve updated 1980 hair trends is by embracing the scrunchie—but in silk or velvet, not neon jersey. A low ponytail wrapped in a rich burgundy velvet scrunchie feels modern and a little bit Parisian, while still paying homage to that big-haired decade. I’ve also started using a texturizing spray to get that gritty, piece-y look that perms used to give, without the commitment of chemicals.
Accessories That Defined 1980 Hair Trends
You cannot talk about 1980 hair trends without talking about accessories. Headbands, scrunchies, and oversized barrettes were more than just functional—they were the statement. I own a few chunky tortoiseshell barrettes that I’ll clip at the nape of my neck or just above my ear, and they instantly give a 1980s energy to even the simplest jeans-and-tee outfit. Fabric headbands, especially in metallic or floral patterns, are another easy way to dip into the trend without going full retro. I wear one when I’m running errands in Park Slope, and it keeps my hair off my face while adding a little drama. The key with accessories, just like with the hair itself, is not to overdo it. One piece, thoughtfully placed, is usually enough.
Hair Care Tips Inspired by 1980 Hair Trends
One thing that gets overlooked in all the talk about big hair is how the 1980s approach to hair care was actually pretty smart for certain hair types. The emphasis on volume meant using lightweight shampoos, conditioner only on the ends, and products like mousse or gel that gave hold without weighing hair down. I’ve adapted that routine for my own fine, wavy hair, and it works beautifully. A volumizing root spray and a diffuser attachment on my blow dryer give me that lifted, touchable texture that feels so distinctly 1980s. I also find that sleeping on a satin pillowcase helps keep the volume intact overnight, which means I can wake up and just fluff and go. That kind of low-effort, high-impact styling feels very 1980 hair trends—and very me.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1980 Hair Trends
Q: Do I need a perm to get the 1980s volume?
A: Not at all. Many modern 1980 hair trends rely on heat styling and products rather than chemicals. Velcro rollers, a diffuser, and a good volumizing mousse can give you that bouncy shape in under an hour. The key is to lift at the roots and keep the ends light.
Q: Are scrunchies still in style?
A: Absolutely. Silk and velvet scrunchies are popular again, especially in muted tones like burgundy, navy, or black. They’re gentle on hair and add a soft, retro touch without screaming costume. I own three and rotate them often.
Q: Can I wear side ponytails without looking dated?
A: Yes, the side ponytail is easy to modernize. Keep it low and sleek, or add volume only at the crown. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic for a polished finish.
Q: What products work best for achieving 1980s texture today?
A: Lightweight mousse, texturizing spray, and salt spray are your friends. Avoid heavy gels or waxes that flatten the hair. A root lift spray applied before blow-drying gives that airy feel that defined the era.
Final Thoughts
I think the reason 1980 hair trends have such staying power is that they feel genuine. They weren’t about perfection—they were about personality. Whether you go for a full-on voluminous blowout or just add a scrunchie to your morning routine, there’s a lightness to these styles that fits our current mood. Style should feel collected, not crowded, and hair is no exception. So the next time you’re staring at your reflection wondering what to do, try borrowing a little energy from 1985. Add some lift, grab a velvet scrunchie, and see how it changes your whole outlook.
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