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15 ’80s Hairstyles That Wouldn’t Fly Today

Step back into the wild world of ’80s hairdos that pushed the limits of fashion — and would raise eyebrows today.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 3 min read
15 ’80s Hairstyles That Wouldn’t Fly Today
Gabriel Saldana on Flickr

The 80s were all about bold personal style. This is especially true when it came to hair. However, they’d be met with more laughs than admiration today. These 15 over-the-top looks defined an era — but probably won’t be making a mainstream comeback anytime soon.

1. The Mall Bangs

Helen Michielin on Unsplash Helen Michielin on Unsplash

Also known as “claw bangs,” this style required a can of hairspray and a teasing comb. Hair was sculpted into a towering, shell-like shape on the forehead.

2. The Mullet

Wordzandguitar on Wikimedia Commons Wordzandguitar on Wikimedia Commons

“Business in the front, party in the back” became a hair philosophy. This two-in-one cut was rocked by athletes, musicians, and everyday folks alike. It’s made occasional ironic comebacks, but few wear it seriously now.

3. Permed Everything

Maegan Tintari on Wikimedia Commons Maegan Tintari on Wikimedia Commons

From tight curls to big waves, perms were everywhere, regardless of natural hair texture. The process smelled awful but promised lasting volume.

4. The Rat Tail

Ieatmycookiesverygood on Wikimedia Commons Ieatmycookiesverygood on Wikimedia Commons

A long, thin strip of hair at the nape, left to grow while the rest was trimmed short. Some kids even braided or beaded them for flair. It was oddly popular among boys — and occasionally girls.

5. Crimped Hair

theritters on Wikimedia Commons theritters on Wikimedia Commons

Created using a zigzag iron, crimped hair added texture in a way nothing else could. It was bold, loud, and unapologetically ’80s. Every strand looked like it was folded like an accordion.

6. Feathered Hair

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Inspired by Farrah Fawcett, this style involved layering and brushing hair outward like bird wings. It took time, tools, and talent to get the swoop just right.

7. The Jheri Curl

foundphotoslj on Wikimedia Commons foundphotoslj on Wikimedia Commons

Made famous by Michael Jackson and others, this glossy style was high-maintenance and ultra-shiny. Hair stayed wet-looking at all times thanks to activator spray.

8. The High-Top Fade

Kct02 on Wikimedia Commons Kct02 on Wikimedia Commons

This geometric masterpiece literally stood tall on the heads of many hip-hop fans. Crisp edges and steep sides defined the silhouette.

9. Liberty Spikes

THOR on Wikimedia Commons THOR on Wikimedia Commons

Punk rockers turned their heads into literal weapons with these rigid, towering spikes. Hair had to be glued upright, usually with egg whites, hairspray, or glue. The more extreme the height, the better.

10. Bowl Cuts

Anonuser4545 on Wikimedia Commons Anonuser4545 on Wikimedia Commons

True to its name, this cut looked like someone placed a bowl on your head and trimmed around it. It was cheap, easy, and unfortunately unforgettable.

11. Side Ponytails

ThisIsEngineering on Pexels ThisIsEngineering on Pexels

Why wear your ponytail in the center when you could throw it dramatically to the side? Often paired with scrunchies and neon, this asymmetrical style screamed pop princess.

12. The Flattop

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Military meets sci-fi with this ultra-flat style, cropped clean and level on top. Achieving that precision meant constant barber visits. It was sharp, structured, and unmistakably ’80s.

13. Wet-Look Gel Styles

Harsha K R on Flickr Harsha K R on Flickr

Hair was soaked in gel to give a sleek, shiny, “fresh out of the pool” appearance. The look was stiff and crunchy to the touch, but popular in club scenes.

14. Frosted Tips

Halcyon Styn on Flickr Halcyon Styn on Flickr

Blond highlights on just the ends of spiked or gelled hair made a bold contrast. Popular with boy band fans and teen heartthrobs alike, this trend was short-lived but unforgettable.

15. Banana Clips

Rylee Yi on Pexels Rylee Yi on Pexels

These plastic clips held the hair up in a fan-like swoop, often paired with sky-high volume. They were convenient and flashy, but far from subtle. The clip itself became part of the look.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

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