MomSkoop
The 1980s were a wild, bold, and unforgettable decade for fashion and hair. Big styles, creative cuts, and daring looks defined an era that people still talk about today.
Surprisingly, many of those iconic hairstyles have made a major comeback in salons and on social media. Whether you lived through the ’80s or are just discovering them now, these retro styles are worth knowing about.
1. The Mullet
Short in the front, party in the back – the mullet is one of the most recognized hairstyles in history.
Originally popular with rock stars and athletes in the 1980s, this cut became a cultural symbol of an entire generation.
Today, it has returned with a fresh, fashion-forward twist.
Modern mullets look sleeker and more polished than the original versions.
Stylists have updated the cut with textured layers and bold colors to suit today’s trends.
Celebrities and influencers have embraced the look, helping it land on runways and magazine covers worldwide.
If you want a style that makes a statement, the mullet delivers confidence and edge in a totally unique way.
2. The Shag
Choppy, layered, and full of personality, the shag haircut has always had a rebellious spirit.
Born in the early 1970s and perfected through the 1980s, this style became famous for its effortlessly messy, rock-and-roll look.
Today, it feels just as cool as it ever did.
The modern shag works beautifully on straight, wavy, and curly hair types.
Many people pair it with curtain bangs for an extra retro vibe that still looks current.
Stylists love it because it adds volume and movement to hair that might otherwise look flat or lifeless.
Low maintenance and high impact, the shag is perfect for anyone who wants great hair without spending hours in front of the mirror.
3. Big, Voluminous Curls
Nothing says the 1980s quite like a head full of big, bouncy curls.
Back then, the bigger the hair, the better – and people used every product and tool available to achieve maximum volume.
That same love for dramatic curls is back in a major way today.
Curly hair has been celebrated more than ever in recent years, with the natural hair movement encouraging people to embrace their texture.
Whether you have natural curls or use a curling iron, achieving that voluminous look is totally on trend.
Products like mousses and curl creams make it easier than ever to get that full, round shape.
Big curls feel joyful, powerful, and expressive – everything a great hairstyle should be.
4. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was everywhere in the 1980s, creating a wavy, zigzag texture that looked unlike anything else.
It was playful, eye-catching, and instantly recognizable as a product of its time.
After decades in the background, crimping tools are showing up again in beauty stores and on social media feeds.
Today’s version of crimped hair is often used as an accent rather than an all-over style.
Many people crimp just the ends or a section of their hair for a subtle, modern effect.
This approach gives the look a fresh update that feels artistic without being overwhelming.
Crimped hair is a fun way to experiment with texture and show off a playful personality without committing to a permanent change.
5. The High Side Ponytail
Few hairstyles are as instantly recognizable from the ’80s as the high side ponytail.
Worn by pop stars, cheerleaders, and movie characters alike, it radiated energy and fun.
Today, it has returned as a go-to style for casual outings, workouts, and even dressed-up occasions.
The key to the modern version is keeping it sleek and polished, or intentionally messy for a laid-back look.
Adding a colorful scrunchie or ribbon brings a nostalgic touch that still feels current.
Social media platforms have helped revive this style, with countless tutorials showing different ways to wear it.
Easy to do and endlessly versatile, the high side ponytail proves that some hairstyles are simply too good to stay in the past.
6. Feathered Layers
Feathered layers were the definition of glamour in the 1980s, made famous by stars who swept their hair back in smooth, flowing wings.
The style required patience and a good round brush, but the result was always stunning.
That graceful, flowing look has found its way back into modern salons in a big way.
Today, feathered layers are often incorporated into shag cuts or long blowouts for a softer, more natural finish.
The technique adds incredible movement and dimension to hair of almost any length.
It works especially well for people who want to add shape without losing too much length.
Feathered layers bring an elegant, timeless quality to any haircut, making them a smart choice for anyone looking for effortless style.
7. The Perm
For a moment in the 1980s, it seemed like everyone had a perm.
The chemical treatment created long-lasting waves and curls that gave hair incredible body and bounce.
After falling out of fashion for years, the perm has made a surprising and stylish return.
Modern perms are much gentler than the stiff, tight versions of the past.
Today, stylists offer body wave perms that create soft, natural-looking waves rather than rigid ringlets.
This updated approach appeals to people who want texture and volume without daily styling effort.
Getting a perm today is a commitment, but for those who love waking up with effortlessly wavy hair, it is absolutely worth the time and investment in the salon chair.
8. The Side-Swept Pixie Cut
Bold, chic, and surprisingly versatile, the side-swept pixie cut made a powerful statement in the 1980s.
It was a daring choice that showed confidence and a strong sense of personal style.
Today, this cut continues to turn heads and challenge traditional ideas about femininity and hair length.
The side-swept version adds softness to the otherwise sharp pixie cut, making it more flattering for a wider range of face shapes.
Stylists often add texture and asymmetry to give the cut a modern edge that feels fresh rather than dated.
Styling options include slicked-back looks, tousled finishes, or defined side parts.
For anyone ready to try something fearless, the side-swept pixie cut is one of the most rewarding hairstyle decisions you can make.
9. The Rat Tail
Love it or hate it, the rat tail is one of the most daring hairstyles to come out of the 1980s.
A single long strand of hair left to grow at the nape of the neck while the rest is kept short – it was quirky, rebellious, and impossible to ignore.
Believe it or not, this unusual style is making a comeback among fashion-forward trendsetters.
Today’s rat tails are often styled as braids or adorned with beads and accessories for a more intentional, artistic look.
Streetwear culture and indie fashion communities have helped bring this style back into the spotlight.
It works best as a bold personal statement rather than an everyday office look.
The rat tail is proof that even the most unexpected styles eventually find their moment again.
10. The Scrunchie Updo
When scrunchies disappeared from store shelves in the early 2000s, nobody thought they would ever come back.
But the scrunchie – and all the fabulous updos that came with it – has roared back with serious style energy.
Today, scrunchies are sold in every color, pattern, and fabric imaginable.
The scrunchie updo typically involves a high bun, a loose ponytail, or a messy twist secured with one of these fabric-covered hair ties.
The look is casual, comfortable, and surprisingly stylish when done with intention.
Many fashion brands have even released designer scrunchies as accessories in their collections.
Functional and fashionable at the same time, the scrunchie updo is the kind of easy hairstyle that makes getting ready in the morning feel genuinely enjoyable.
11. The Mohawk
Few hairstyles carry as much attitude as the Mohawk.
Originally tied to punk culture and rock music scenes, the Mohawk became a symbol of rebellion and self-expression throughout the 1980s.
Its dramatic silhouette made it impossible to overlook, and that energy has never really gone away.
Modern versions range from the full shaved-sides style to the softer faux Mohawk, where the sides are simply slicked down rather than shaved off.
This makes the look accessible to people who want the boldness without the permanence.
Both styles work across genders and hair textures, which adds to their lasting appeal.
Whether you go full punk or keep it subtle, the Mohawk is a hairstyle that tells the world you are not afraid to stand out.