10 ’80s Hair Products That Were in Every Bathroom
These iconic ’80s hair products practically lived on every bathroom counter, and some even made it into family photos.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Big hair was a way of life in the ’80s, and that meant every household had a lineup of heavy-duty hair products to make it happen. Some bottles became so recognizable they felt like part of the decor. These 10 hair products helped define the look of a generation and still spark instant memories today.
1. Aqua Net
George Kelly on Wikimedia Commons
This hairspray held more than just curls; it held cultural weight. If your bathroom mirror had a foggy residue, Aqua Net was the likely culprit. It gave hair height, hold, and a signature scent that practically screamed high school dance.
2. Dep Gel
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Dep was the go-to gel for gravity-defying spikes or slick, wet looks. The bright green formula looked like it came from a science lab, and for many kids, it practically did. One dab too much, and you were crunchy till bedtime.
3. L.A. Looks
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L.A. Looks gave every middle schooler the confidence to rock a high-gloss look. Whether you wanted slick-back bangs or twisted tendrils, this stuff was like sculptor’s glue for your hair. That fruity scent was unmistakable.
4. Salon Selectives
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Salon Selectives gave off the vibe of high-end pampering even when it came from the drugstore. The pink bottle was easy to spot, and the sweet apple scent lingered in every hallway. It made showers smell like a hair commercial.
5. VO5 Hot Oil
Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chữ Hán: 徵國單) on Wikimedia Commons
Before self-care became a buzzword, VO5 Hot Oil was a way to treat yourself. Heating those tiny tubes in a coffee cup felt oddly luxurious. Everyone had a box under the sink — even if they never figured out how to use it.
6. Rave Hairspray
Rave Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
If your hair needed to last through gym class and a school dance, Rave had your back. Known for its extreme hold and bold claims, it became a fixture next to every curling iron. Spraying it on was like prepping for battle.
7. Dippity-Do
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Dippity-Do had a retro look even by ’80s standards, but it stuck around for a reason. The pink gel helped form perfect curls under those old-school rollers. You could spot it in every bathroom shared by siblings and moms alike.
8. Pert Plus
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Why have two bottles when one can do the job? Pert Plus made shampoo and conditioner a one-step process, which felt futuristic back then. The bright green bottle became a staple for kids who hated long showers.
9. Jhirmack Silver
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Even silver foxes had their go-to products, and Jhirmack was it. This purple shampoo toned down yellow tones and lived quietly in the corner of the tub. It smelled like elegance and always felt off-limits to kids.
10. Aussie Sprunch Spray
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This was for the scrunch-and-go crowd, delivering soft waves and that signature “Aussie” scent. The purple bottle with the kangaroo logo became a staple for casual curl fans. It was as close to summer vacation as a hair product could get.