20 Bold 80s Hairstyles for Women That Are Back in Style for 2025

20 Bold 80s Hairstyles for Women In 2025

1. Big Voluminous Curls

The ultimate 80s signature look the bigger, the better.

Key Features:

• Large, bouncy curls with maximum lift
  
• Works best on medium to long hair
  
• Requires volumizing products and heat tools
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a large-barrel curling iron and mousse
  
• Tease roots for extra height
  
• Finish with a light-hold spray to maintain bounce
  

Best For: Nights out, photoshoots, glam events
Vibe: Confident, glamorous, and powerful

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2. Feathered Layers

Soft, airy layers that frame the face an 80s blowout essential.

Key Features:

• Light, feathery ends with volume at the crown
  
• Works on straight to wavy hair
  
• Flattering for all face shapes
  

Styling Tips:

• Blow-dry with a round brush for shape
  
• Use light mousse for lift without stiffness
  
• Flip ends outward for an authentic 80s touch
  

Best For: Everyday wear, professional settings
Vibe: Feminine, chic, and timeless

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3. Side-Swept Bangs with Volume

Bold, high-volume bangs swept dramatically to one side.

Key Features:

• Full, teased bangs
  
• Works with medium or long cuts
  
• Adds instant drama
  

Styling Tips:

• Tease at the roots before sweeping to the side
  
• Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep shape
  
• Pair with bold makeup for maximum effect
  

Best For: Parties, concerts, retro events
Vibe: Edgy, dramatic, and bold

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4. Crimped Hair

Tight, zigzag texture that defined 80s club style.

Key Features:

• Created with a crimping iron
  
• Works on all hair lengths
  
• Adds volume and playful texture
  

Styling Tips:

• Use heat protectant before styling
  
• Crimp in small sections for even texture
  
• Leave some sections straight for a modern twist
  

Best For: Festivals, themed parties, bold fashion looks
Vibe: Playful, quirky, and high-energy

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5. High Ponytail with Volume

A lifted, sleek base with teased volume in the ponytail.

Key Features:

• Ponytail placed high on the crown
  
• Teased ends for fullness
  
• Works on straight, wavy, or curly hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Smooth base with gel or pomade
  
• Tease the ponytail with a comb for height
  
• Wrap a hair strand around the elastic for polish
  

Best For: Workouts, parties, or casual glam
Vibe: Sporty, flirty, and bold

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6. The Mullet

Business in the front, party in the back and yes, it’s back.

Key Features:

• Short layers at the front, longer at the back
  
• Works with straight or wavy hair
  
• Modernized with softer blending
  

Styling Tips:

• Use texturizing spray for movement
  
• Keep layers feathered for a feminine touch
  
• Add highlights for dimension
  

Best For: Trendsetters, edgy street style
Vibe: Rebellious, daring, and unapologetic

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7. Teased Crown Updo

An elegant updo with plenty of height at the crown.

Key Features:

• Teased roots for volume
  
• Sleek sides for contrast
  
• Works for formal occasions
  

Styling Tips:

• Tease crown section before pinning
  
• Smooth sides with a fine-tooth comb and hairspray
  
• Add decorative pins for extra glamour
  

Best For: Weddings, galas, formal events
Vibe: Elegant, sophisticated, and retro-chic

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8. Shag Cut

Choppy, layered cut with rocker vibes.

Key Features:

• Multiple layers for texture
  
• Works on all hair lengths
  
• Pairs well with bangs
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a texturizing spray or pomade
  
• Blow-dry with a diffuser for natural volume
  
• Keep ends piecey for an edgy finish
  

Best For: Concerts, casual streetwear, creative looks
Vibe: Cool, grungy, and carefree

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9. Poodle Perm

Tight, springy curls for maximum volume.

Key Features:

• Permed curls from root to tip
  
• Works on short to medium lengths
  
• Adds texture and fullness
  

Styling Tips:

• Use curl cream for definition
  
• Avoid heavy products that weigh curls down
  
• Refresh curls with water spray daily
  

Best For: Retro lovers, curly hair fans
Vibe: Fun, bold, and bubbly

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10. Headband with Volume

A wide headband paired with big hair for that classic 80s gym-to-glam look.

Key Features:

• Volume at the crown with headband holding hair back
  
• Works on curly, wavy, or straight hair
  
• Functional and stylish
  

Styling Tips:

• Choose satin-lined bands for hair health
  
• Tease hair at the roots for height
  
• Coordinate headband color with outfit
  

Best For: Workouts, casual wear, retro parties
Vibe: Sporty, playful, and retro-cool

11. Side Ponytail

The ultimate playful 80s hairstyle, worn high and to the side.

Key Features:

• Ponytail positioned just above the ear
  
• Works on straight, wavy, or curly hair
  
• Great for showing off statement earrings
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a scrunchie for true 80s flair
  
• Tease ponytail for extra volume
  
• Curl ends for bounce
  

Best For: Casual weekends, themed parties, dance nights
Vibe: Fun, flirty, and retro-cute

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12. Layered Bob with Volume

A short yet bold style with heavy layering for lift.

Key Features:

• Chin- to shoulder-length bob
  
• Rounded shape with teased crown
  
• Works on straight to wavy textures
  

Styling Tips:

• Blow-dry with a round brush for fullness
  
• Tease roots to create extra lift
  
• Use light hairspray for hold without stiffness
  

Best For: Work, casual wear, or retro events
Vibe: Chic, polished, and voluminous

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13. Spiral Perm

Glossy, defined curls from top to bottom.

Key Features:

• Created using long perm rods
  
• Works on medium to long hair
  
• Adds bounce and fullness
  

Styling Tips:

• Keep curls hydrated with leave-in conditioner
  
• Avoid brushing; use fingers to separate curls
  
• Refresh with curl mousse for longevity
  

Best For: Everyday wear, bold statement looks
Vibe: Playful, glamorous, and full-bodied

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14. Mohawk-Inspired Updo

An edgy 80s rock style adapted for women.

Key Features:

• Sides slicked back or braided
  
• Height and volume through the center
  
• Works for short or long hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Tease center section for dramatic lift
  
• Add hair accessories for a glam-rock feel
  
• Secure with strong-hold hairspray
  

Best For: Concerts, bold street style, creative events
Vibe: Fearless, edgy, and powerful

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15. Blunt Bangs with Volume

A bold fringe paired with big, bouncy hair.

Key Features:

• Thick, straight-across bangs
  
• Voluminous layers behind
  
• Works on medium to long hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Blow-dry bangs flat and smooth
  
• Use a volumizing mousse for the rest of the hair
  
• Keep bangs trimmed for sharpness
  

Best For: Statement looks, fashion-forward women
Vibe: Bold, mysterious, and striking

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16. High-Volume French Twist

A glamorous twist with maximum crown lift.

Key Features:

• Traditional French twist shape
  
• Teased crown for height
  
• Works best for medium to long hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Tease crown section before twisting
  
• Smooth sides with a fine-tooth comb
  
• Secure with decorative pins or clips
  

Best For: Weddings, galas, formal events
Vibe: Elegant, sophisticated, and powerful

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17. Shiny Straight Hair with Headband

Glossy, sleek hair topped with a statement headband.

Key Features:

• Pin-straight finish
  
• Wide or metallic headband accent
  
• Works for short, medium, or long hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a flat iron and shine serum
  
• Pick a headband that complements your outfit
  
• Keep hair parted in the center for a clean look
  

Best For: Casual days, office wear, retro parties
Vibe: Minimalist, chic, and polished

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18. Bouffant

A teased, high-volume crown with sleek sides.

Key Features:

• Height at the top, smooth elsewhere
  
• Works on updos or half-up styles
  
• Inspired by 60s but huge in 80s glam
  

Styling Tips:

• Tease crown section thoroughly
  
• Smooth top layer to hide teasing
  
• Secure with hairspray for all-day hold
  

Best For: Evening events, themed parties
Vibe: Regal, dramatic, and vintage

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19. Side-Swept Waves

Large, glossy waves swept to one side for an 80s red carpet feel.

Key Features:

• Big, glamorous waves
  
• Hair draped over one shoulder
  
• Works on medium to long lengths
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a large curling iron for defined waves
  
• Sweep hair to one side and pin in place
  
• Finish with a shine spray
  

Best For: Date nights, formal occasions, photo shoots
Vibe: Romantic, glamorous, and classic

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20. Rocker Shag with Bangs

A choppy, textured cut inspired by 80s rock icons.

Key Features:

• Short to medium length
  
• Choppy layers with full fringe
  
• Works with straight or wavy hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use texturizing spray for grit
  
• Blow-dry with fingers for natural volume
  
• Keep ends piecey for edge
  

Best For: Concerts, edgy everyday looks
Vibe: Cool, rebellious, and free-spirited