Top 32+ Hairstyles That Made The ’80s Unforgettable

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The 1980s was a decade known for its bold fashion statements and unforgettable hairstyles. From voluminous curls to sleek mullets, the '80s were all about big hair and even bigger personalities.

1. The Classic Mullet

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The mullet, with its "business in the front, party in the back" vibe, was a staple. It was popularised by celebrities, making it a symbol of rebellion and style.

2. Feathered Layers

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

Farrah Fawcett's feathered locks became a defining style. The layered waves framed the face beautifully, offering a soft, glamorous look.

4. Permed Curls

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

Perms ruled the '80s, transforming straight hair into voluminous curls. This hairstyle added texture and bounce, perfect for those seeking a dramatic change.

5. Jheri Curl

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The jheri curl offered a glossy, curly finish. This style became synonymous with the music scene, adding flair and personality.

6. Crimped Hair

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

Crimping irons created zigzag waves that were all the rage. Often seen on pop stars, crimped hair was playful and trendy, making it a must-try for fashion-forward individuals.

7. Big Hair

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The bigger, the better was the mantra. Achieved with teasing and hairspray, big hair was a symbol of confidence and extravagance.

8. Liberty Spikes

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

Liberty spikes, a punk rock favorite, defied gravity. With hair gel and spray, this daring hairstyle stood tall. It was an expression of rebellion and creativity, aligning with the punk movement's ethos.

10. The Rat Tail

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The rat tail involved a long, thin section of hair at the nape. Seen as edgy and unconventional, this hairstyle was embraced by those looking to stand out.

11. Bowl Cut

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The bowl cut is straightforward and easy to manage. With its rounded shape, it offered a neat look. This hairstyle evoked nostalgia and simplicity, reminding many of their childhood days.

13. Mohawk

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The mohawk, bold and vibrant, symbolized defiance. It's a look that required commitment and confidence. With its shaved sides and central strip of hair, the mohawk was a standout choice.

17. Tight Ringlets

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

Tight ringlets exuded charm and playfulness. This hairstyle was perfect for adding bounce and life. Often adorned with ribbons, it was a popular choice for those wanting a lively, spirited look.

18. Slicked Back

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The slicked-back style was all about sophistication. With the help of gel, hair was combed back neatly. This look conveyed professionalism and confidence, making it a favorite in corporate settings.

20. Puffy Bangs

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

Puffy bangs added height and drama. Teased and sprayed, they framed the face beautifully. This bold look was embraced by those wanting to make a statement, capturing the essence of '80s fashion.

22. Afro

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The afro celebrated natural hair texture. With its rounded silhouette, it was both striking and proud. This empowering style was embraced by those honoring their heritage and making a bold statement.

23. The Beehive

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The beehive offered height and elegance. Hair was piled high, creating a dramatic effect. This hairstyle was reminiscent of glamour and sophistication, perfect for special occasions and nights out.

24. Ducktail

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The ducktail, sleek and defined, was all about precision. Hair was styled to create a "ducktail" shape at the back. This classic look was a nod to vintage style icons, exuding timeless charm.

25. Rat Tail

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

Rat tails were a quirky twist. A thin tail of hair was left at the nape, often braided. This playful style was a fun nod to individuality, popular among adventurous kids and teens.

26. Pompadour

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The pompadour, with its voluminous front, was a classic. Styled upwards and back, it radiated confidence. This retro look was perfect for formal occasions, capturing the essence of '80s elegance.

27. The Pageboy

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The pageboy, neat and symmetrical, was easy to maintain. With its blunt edges, it offered a chic, tidy look. This style was a favorite among those seeking simplicity and sophistication.

29. Long Layers

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

Long layers offered movement and versatility. Hair was cut in varying lengths, adding depth and dimension. This style was excellent for those wanting a subtle change while maintaining length.

32. The Bouffant

1. The Classic Mullet, 2. Feathered Layers, 4. Permed Curls, 5. Jheri Curl, 6. Crimped Hair, 7. Big Hair, 8. Liberty Spikes, 10. The Rat Tail, 11. Bowl Cut, 13. Mohawk, 17. Tight Ringlets, 18. Slicked Back, 20. Puffy Bangs, 22. Afro, 23. The Beehive, 24. Ducktail, 25. Rat Tail, 26. Pompadour, 27. The Pageboy, 29. Long Layers, 32. The Bouffant

The bouffant was all about volume. Hair was teased and shaped into an elegant puff. This classic look exuded grace and was suitable for formal gatherings and elegant affairs.