11 Hairstyles from the ’80s That Should Never Come Back
The ’80s was a decade of fearless fashion, and hairstyles were no exception. People embraced dramatic volume, bold textures, and plenty of hairspray to create looks that were impossible to ignore. Some of these trends are remembered fondly, while others… not so much.
Let’s take a nostalgic look back at 11 unforgettable ’80s hairstyles—and why we don’t need them to make a comeback.
1. The Perm
Few hairstyles scream ’80s more than the perm. Tight, bouncy curls added instant volume and attitude, making it a go-to look for celebrities and everyday fashion lovers alike.The process used curling rods and chemicals, leaving hair dry and damaged.
Though modern perms exist in a softer, more natural form, the crunchy, over-the-top curls of the ’80s are best left in the past.
Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker were just some of the stars who helped cement this style as an iconic part of the decade.
2. The Mullet
“Business in the front, party in the back.” The mullet was one of the most infamous hairstyles of the ’80s, embraced by rock stars, athletes, and rebels alike. While some saw it as edgy, others viewed it as an unfortunate phase in hair history.
Though it had a brief resurgence in the 2020s, the classic, unblended mullet remains a style most people look back on with a mix of nostalgia and regret.
Believe it or not, versions of the mullet date back to ancient civilizations—early warriors favored the cut for practical reasons, keeping hair out of their eyes while still providing warmth at the back.
3. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was all about texture. Straight locks turning into zigzad waves with the help of a crimping iron? Fun and dramatic, right?
Unfortunately, it was also incredibly damaging, as the intense heat left hair dry and brittle over time.
Today, soft waves have replaced harsh crimping, though the style occasionally resurfaces in more subtle forms. This trend was a staple for pop icons like Cyndi Lauper and Janet Jackson, who often paired it with neon accessories for an even bolder look.
4. Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs were elegant yet high-maintenance. Achieved with a round brush and plenty of hairspray, they gave hair volume and movement but required daily styling to keep them in place.
The look was inspired by Farrah Fawcett’s legendary ’70s hairstyle, which carried over into the early ’80s. However, as sleeker, more effortless styles took over, feathered bangs faded from popularity.
For those who love a good throwback, a modern, toned-down version of this style still appears on runways and red carpets.
5. The Rat Tail
The rat tail was exactly what it sounds like – a long strand of hair left growing at the nape of the neck, while the rest was cut short. A truly bizarre trend! It was a bold choice, often associated with rebellious youth, but not exactly the most stylish.
While the rat tail had a cult following, it never reached mainstream success. Today, it’s mostly remembered as a quirky relic of the past.
Surprisingly, variations of the rat tail have appeared in different cultures, including in some martial arts traditions, where it symbolized strength and discipline.
6. The Jheri Curl
Soft, glossy, and full of bounce, the Jheri curl was a signature look of the ’80s. It gave hair a shiny, wet look that many found appealing, but it required constant upkeep with special activator sprays and moisturizing products. Unfortunately, this often resulted in greasy hair and stained clothing or furniture.
Though its time in the spotlight was short-lived, the Jheri curl became deeply tied to pop culture—Thank you, Michael Jackson! Your Thriller era helped make this style famous!
7. Teased Hair
The ’80s was all about volume, and nothing embodied that more than teased hair. Achieved through intense backcombing and layers of hairspray, this style defied gravity and made a statement wherever it went.
While it turned heads, teased hair was a nightmare to maintain. The constant backcombing left hair tangled and fragile, making it difficult to brush out without breakage.
Whitney Houston often sported teased, voluminous styles, further cementing their place in ’80s fashion history.
8. The Flock of Seagulls
Named after the British band A Flock of Seagulls, this avant-garde hairstyle was just as bold as their music. It featured a dramatic swoop of hair across the forehead, with exaggerated side wings that required serious styling effort.
Though it fit the band’s futuristic aesthetic, it wasn’t exactly practical for everyday wear. The extreme shape meant that one gust of wind could ruin hours of styling.
Ironically, Mike Score—the band’s lead singer who pioneered the look—was originally a hairdresser before embracing his now-iconic style.
9. Side Ponytail
Few hairstyles capture the fun-loving spirit of the ’80s like the side ponytail. Worn high and secured with a bright scrunchie, it was playful, energetic, and easy to achieve.
However, the uneven weight distribution often led to headaches, and the exaggerated placement didn’t always flatter the wearer. Today, sleeker variations of the ponytail are far more popular, leaving the extreme side pony in the past.
If you grew up in the ’80s or early ’90s, chances are you wore this look at least once—whether you admit it or not.
10. The Bowl Cut
Are you the 80s kid? And your parents insisted on giving you that unfortunate bowl cut over and over again? Then you know exactly what I’m talking about. It got its name because it literally looked like a bowl was placed on the head and trimmed around. While practical, it wasn’t exactly a fashion statement.
Though modern versions have re-emerged with a more stylish edge, the classic, rigid bowl cut remains a haircut that many would rather forget.
Even The Beatles sported early versions of this style in the ’60s, though their take was far more polished than the thick, home-cut versions seen in the ’80s.
11. The Mohawk
Nothing screamed punk rock rebellion like the Mohawk. A single strip of hair standing straight up while the sides were shaved clean—it was a look that required dedication, constant shaving, and a lot of styling gel.
Though it symbolized individuality and nonconformity, maintaining a full, spiked Mohawk was no easy task. Today, more subtle versions like the faux hawk are far more common, allowing people to channel the edgy vibe without the extreme upkeep.
This style dates back centuries, with Indigenous Mohican and Pawnee warriors wearing variations long before it became associated with punk culture.