Unforgettable 1980s Men’s Hair Fashion
80s Men’s Hair: Famous Styles
The 1980s were definitely a wild time for men’s hair. The guys were indeed going out of their way to don bold, unique hairstyles. One of the famous looks at the time was the mullet. It literally means “business in the front and party in the back,” referring to its being short on the top and the sides while being long at the back. The reason this look became so famous was that it was essentially unique and cool.
Another really popular style at the time was the high-top fade. The look generally entailed short cutting the hair on the sides while it remained pretty high up on top and flat. Think of it as a tall, flat box sitting on your head. It was fairly extremely popular among African American men and often found itself immersed in the hip-hop culture.
Large, curly hair was also a favorite of men. Perms were huge; they provided guys with tight, bouncy curls that were quite conspicuous. This hairdo was trendy because of the light-hearted nature and full-of-life features associated with it.
What Hairstyles Were in Vogue in the 1980s?
The ’80s were big change and crazy fun times, and this showed through in the men’s hairstyles. In addition to the mullet, high top fade, and perms, guys were also rocking band hair. Think Bon Jovi or Motley Crue. Their hair was long, wild, and full of volume, often teased up high and sometimes with bright colors.
The punk rock style was huge, too. This included wild, spiky hair, often dyed in neon colors, most notably pink, blue, or green. One of the most leading punk styles is called a Mohawk, where the sides of your head are cleanly shaved and you have a strip of longer hair down the middle of it, most often spiked up with a lot of gel.
The so-called “feathered” hairstyle, immortalized by TV stars and heartthrobs, was a soft, layered look, usually styled away from the face to create a feathered effect. This was a smooth and slick look that left guys with an endearing and friendly aura.
Popular 80s Hairstyles for Men
There are so many hairstyles that have made this list of the most popular from the decade of the 1980s:
- The Mullet: Short on top and sides, long at the back.
- High Top Fade: Short sides with a tall, flat top.
- Perms: Tight, bouncy curls.
- Rock Band Hair: Long, wild, and full of volume.
- Punk Rock Hair: Spiky, often dyed in bright colors.
- Mohawk: Shaved sides with a strip of longer hair down the middle.
- Feathered Hair: Soft, layered, and styled away from the face.
Pop Culture Icons & Their Hairstyles
Pop culture was huge on hair trends in the 80s. For example, Michael Jackson sported the Jheri curl, which was glossy and curly. This type of hairstyle requires many products to keep the curls shiny and bouncy.
Big influences also came from the TV show “Miami Vice,” where Don Johnson’s character, Sonny Crockett, really rocked the stubbly beard and slicked-back hair. The look was cool and calm but so stylish.
David Bowie also played a role in 80s hair fashion; he constantly reinvented different styles himself. From bright red mullet with his Ziggy Stardust persona to slick, classy styles in his later years, he had looks that were as varied as they were influential.
Other famous icons and their hairdos included:
- Prince: Famous for his ever-changing hairstyles: tight curls and sleek, waving ones.
- Mr. T: Ikon of the Mohawk hairstyle.
- George Michael – sported the fashionable “feathered” look, often with a beard;
- Patrick Swayze – sported the mullet in the movie “Road House.”
The Use of Hair in saying Fashion Trends
Basically, the concept of fashion trends in the 80s was all about the unconventionality of standing out and making a statement, and this did transpire into their hair. Neon colors, leather jackets, extra-large clothes were in, and men’s hairstyles followed suit by turning out bold and eye-catching.
For example, during the time that rock and punk music became popular, wild and untamed hair was a recent development in fashion. People wanted to look like their favorite rock stars, and to achieve this look, they often opted for bigger and more dramatic hairdos. Glam rock’s influence also meant flamboyant and flashy fashion, encouraging men to opt for daring hairdos.
On the other hand, it was through the hip-hop scene that the high top fade came to be known. As hip-hop culture evolved, so did the grip on its fashion and hairstyles, a little more with each day. Oversized clothing, gold chains, and high top fades defined many.
The power suit trend in hair fashion did not spare the business world either. Sharp and professional was what men wanted to look like, so more sleek and polished hairstyles were the result. Think of the classic Wall Street look with slicked-back hair that practically screams confidence and authority.
How to Get That 80s Hair Look Today
Looking to give these iconic looks of the 80s a go? Here are some tips:
- The Mullet: Start with short hair at the top and on the sides, leaving the back long. Add a little texturizing spray for volume.
- High Top Fade: You’ll need a barber that specializes in this cut. They’ll trim the sides short and form the top into a flat, high style.
- Perms: You need to go to a professional stylist to get those tight, bouncy curls.
- Rock Band Hair: Grow your hair long, then tease it up using a volumizing mousse.
- Punk Rock Hair: Spike your hair up using strong hold gel. Consider temporary hair dye for vibrant colors.
- Feathered Hair: Get a layered cut, then use a blow dryer and round brush to style your hair away from your face.
80s Hair Care Tips
These styles required a little maintenance. Here’s how you can keep your 80s-inspired hair in top form:
- Use the Right Products: Big and voluminous hair requires a good mousse or volumizing spray. A gel or pomade works best for sleek, shiny styles.
- Regular Trims: Keep your hairstyle fresh with regular visits to the barber or stylist.
- Heat Styling: The majority of the looks required the use of blow dryers and curling irons quite frequently. Use a heat protectant spray to avoid damage.
- Conditioning: Since most 80s styles had a lot of products, it’s essential to keep the health of the locks by conditioning regularly.
Conclusion
The 1980s were an era of great imagination and boldness in men’s hair fashion. Whether driven by pop culture icons or the fashion of the time, men’s hairstyles in the 80s were about statement and fun with the way they look. From the iconic mullet to high top fades, there was a variety of them in the 80s that gave men their outlet for uniqueness. So, if you wanna bring some 80s flair into your hairstyle today, don’t be afraid to go big and whip out a few different looks.
