15 ’80s Hairstyles That Were a Safety Hazard
Here's a look back at 15 outrageous ’80s hairstyles that were iconic, bold, and unexpectedly dangerous to wear.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The 1980s were a decade of big fashion and even bigger hair, but some of the most iconic styles came with serious risks. From flammable hairspray towers to chemical burns from DIY bleach kits, these hair trends pushed the boundaries of beauty and safety. This list explores 15 real-life examples of how style sometimes came at the cost of health and common sense.
1. The Aqua Net Beehive
Image from Wikipedia
This towering hairstyle was practically a fire hazard. Drenched in Aqua Net hairspray, it turned women’s heads into highly flammable sculptures. There were even reports of hair catching fire from lit cigarettes or proximity to open flames.
2. The Crimped Hair Craze
Image from Wikipedia
Achieved with hot crimping irons, this style required repeated exposure to high heat. Crimping damaged hair cuticles and sometimes burned scalps, especially when used on damp hair. Electrical shorts from early crimping tools also posed a risk in bathrooms.
3. The Mullet with Metal Accessories
Image from Wikipedia
Some mullets in the glam rock scene were decked out with metal clips, studs, or even chains. These metal add-ons could conduct electricity and heat, making hair dryers or curling irons dangerous if used incorrectly. They also increased the risk of scalp injuries during headbanging or dancing.
4. The Feathered Farrah Fawcett
Image from Wikipedia
While glamorous, this style required massive amounts of heat and hairspray for those signature flips. Curling iron misuse led to frequent ear and neck burns. With enough product, the hair could become flammable near candles or stage lighting.
5. Liberty Spikes
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Borrowed from punk subculture, liberty spikes were stiffened with glue, soap, and hairspray. The hardened spikes often became sharp and dangerous in crowds or during accidents. Some schools and public spaces even banned them due to injury risks.
6. Permed Power Hair
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The chemical perms of the ’80s often involved harsh solutions that irritated scalps and burned skin. Improper application could cause hair loss or allergic reactions. In poorly ventilated salons, inhaling the fumes caused headaches and breathing problems.
7. Mohawks Set with Superglue
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For punk rockers, glue was sometimes the styling product of choice. Superglue used to hold up stiff mohawks led to hair breakage and scalp damage. In rare cases, it had to be surgically removed or shaved off entirely.
8. Teased Hair Towers
Kalea from Unsplash
Popularized by glam rock and soap operas, teasing involved backcombing until the hair stood high and wide. The fragile, teased hair often tangled so badly that it had to be cut out. Combined with flammable hairspray, it turned heads into dry tinderboxes.
9. Hair Metal Band Hair
Image from Wikipedia
Inspired by bands like Poison and Mötley Crüe, this look relied on industrial amounts of hairspray, mousse, and backcombing. Performers sometimes suffered from product buildup, leading to scalp infections. Their giant manes were also fire risks during pyrotechnic-heavy shows.
10. Side Ponytails with Elastic Bands
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Though seemingly harmless, the tightly pulled side ponytail used cheap elastic bands that often ripped out chunks of hair. Some users reported scalp pain and even headaches from prolonged wear. The asymmetrical tension also sometimes caused follicle strain.
11. Frosted Tips with Bleach Kits
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DIY bleach kits were a popular choice for frosted tips and highlights. Many users underestimated the strength of the chemicals, leading to chemical burns and brittle hair. Overprocessing sometimes resulted in orange or even greenish hues from reactions with tap water.
12. Rat Tail Extensions
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This odd little tail of hair at the nape of the neck often included synthetic extensions. When bonded improperly with glue or melted plastic, the extensions could damage natural hair or cause scalp burns. Some children even caught their rat tails in zippers or playground equipment.
13. The High-Top Fade with Edge Razors
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While the high-top fade was iconic, maintaining those razor-sharp edges posed risks. Barbers used straight razors to define the lines, and any small mistake could lead to nicks or infections. DIY attempts often resulted in uneven cuts and skin irritation.
14. Spiked Bangs with Starch Spray
Matthew Henry from Unsplash
To keep bangs stiff and vertical, some people used laundry starch sprays. The fumes were unsafe to inhale, especially in enclosed bathrooms. It also made the hair flammable and crispy, risking both fire and breakage.
15. The Rat’s Nest Punk Look
Hana Fleur from Unsplash
This chaotic style required clumps of hair to be twisted, knotted, and hardened with glue or resin. Not only was it painful to detangle, but the weight could strain the roots and cause breakage. Its unkempt shape also made it more likely to catch on fire or snag on objects.