80s Hair Style For Woman

The Big Hair Era: A Deep Dive into 80s Hairstyles for Women

The 1980s. A decade of bold fashion choices, iconic music, and, of course, hair. Think big, voluminous styles that defied gravity and pushed the boundaries of what was considered "acceptable" in the hair world. This article will take you on a journey back to the decade of excess, exploring the iconic 80s hairstyles that continue to inspire and fascinate today. We'll delve into the techniques, the products, and the cultural significance of these legendary looks. Get ready to unleash your inner 80s icon!

The Rise of Big Hair: A Cultural Phenomenon

The 80s hair aesthetic wasn't just a trend; it was a statement. It reflected the decade's overall spirit of exuberance, confidence, and a playful disregard for convention. Several factors contributed to the popularity of big hair:

• Music Videos: MTV's launch revolutionized the music industry, and music videos became a powerful platform for showcasing extravagant hairstyles. Think of iconic artists like Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Pat Benatar, whose hairstyles became instantly recognizable and highly influential.

• Celebrity Influence: Stars like Farrah Fawcett, teased her iconic feathered layers to great effect and cemented this hairstyle as a major 80s trend. Other icons like Cyndi Lauper and Debbie Harry pushed boundaries even further with their bold and colorful styles.

• Technological Advancements: The development of new hair products, including volumizing mousses, hairsprays, and teasing combs, made achieving these voluminous styles easier and more accessible than ever before. This fueled the trend, making it attainable for the everyday woman.

Iconic 80s Hairstyles: A Style Guide

The 80s offered a diverse range of hairstyles, each with its unique character and appeal. Here are some of the most memorable:

1. The Big Hair: This is the quintessential 80s hairstyle. It's characterized by extreme volume, often achieved through backcombing (teasing), layers, and copious amounts of hairspray. The goal was maximum height and width. This style worked well with all hair lengths, from long to short bobs.

• How to Achieve It: Start with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry your hair upside down. Then, carefully backcomb sections of hair to create volume at the roots. Use a round brush to shape and add lift. Finally, set the style with a generous amount of hairspray.

2. The Bouffant: A sophisticated variation of big hair, the bouffant involved creating a high, voluminous crown on top of the head. This look was elegant and polished yet still embraced the era's love for height.

• How to Achieve It: Similar to "Big Hair", this look involved backcombing the hair at the crown. A teasing comb is invaluable here for creating a strong base. The sides and back could be styled in a variety of ways, from sleek and straight to softly curled.

3. The Mullet: Love it or hate it, the mullet was undeniably one of the most iconic hairstyles of the 80s. This controversial cut featured short hair on top and at the sides, with longer hair at the back.

• How to Achieve It: The mullet required a skilled stylist to achieve the right balance and shape. It varied widely from a short, choppy, slightly unkempt look to a more layered and polished version.

4. The Feathered Hair: This style involved layering the hair to create a soft, wispy texture. Feathers were often concentrated around the face, framing it softly. This look was far more natural and less structured than the other major styles.

• How to Achieve It: Achieving feathered hair typically involved a layered cut, with shorter layers around the face. Styling involved blow-drying with a round brush to add volume and shape to the layers. A light-hold hairspray helped to set the style without making it too stiff.

5. The Side Ponytail: A more casual and practical choice compared to the bigger styles, side ponytails were still heavily teased at the crown, giving it a signature 80s volume. This looked great in both long and short hairstyles.

• How to Achieve It: Tease the hair at the crown before pulling it into a low or high side ponytail. The ponytail itself could be sleek or slightly textured. Hairspray kept this voluminous style in place throughout the day.

6. The Crimped Hair: Crimping irons made their mark in the 80s, creating a textured, wavy look. Hair could be crimped all over or just in sections to add accents.

• How to Achieve It: Crimping irons came in a variety of sizes and shapes. Smaller barrels created tighter crimps, while larger barrels produced looser waves. It's important to use a heat protectant spray before crimping to prevent damage.

The Products That Made it Happen

The 80s hairstyles wouldn't have been possible without the advancements in hair products. These items were essential for achieving the desired volume and hold.

• Volumizing Mousse: This provided the foundation for big hair, adding body and lift at the roots.

• Hairspray: Essential for holding the style in place, often applied generously and repeatedly throughout the styling process. Super-strong hold sprays were particularly popular.

• Teasing Combs: These specialized combs were used for backcombing, creating volume and texture.

• Setting Lotion: This helped to set the style and provide additional hold, making it last longer.

• Hair Gel: While not as prevalent as mousse and hairspray, gel was also used to tame flyaways and add shine.

The Science Behind Big Hair

The physics of big hair involves manipulating the hair cuticle to create maximum volume. Teasing (backcombing) separates the hair strands, increasing surface area and creating friction. This friction helps the hair to stand up and away from the scalp, generating the desired volume. The hairspray then acts as a binder, holding the teased hair in place. The layered haircuts and styling techniques further enhanced the volume, allowing for better air circulation and creating a fuller look.

FAQ: Common Questions about 80s Hairstyles

• Q: Are 80s hairstyles making a comeback? A: Elements of 80s hairstyles, like big volume and crimped texture, are indeed experiencing a resurgence, albeit in more modern and refined interpretations.

• Q: How can I achieve a modern take on an 80s hairstyle? A: Consider incorporating elements of 80s styles, like volume and texture, into contemporary cuts and styling techniques. For example, a voluminous, tousled bob is a modern interpretation of the big hair aesthetic.

• Q: Are 80s hairstyles suitable for all hair types? A: While many 80s hairstyles worked best on thick hair, variations and adaptations can be made to work with fine or thin hair. The key is to find the right techniques and products to achieve the desired volume and texture.

• Q: What are some tips for maintaining an 80s hairstyle? A: Use high-quality hair products designed for volume and hold. Regular trims will help to maintain the shape of layered cuts. And, of course, don't be afraid of hairspray!

Conclusion: A Legacy of Style

The 80s hairstyles were more than just hair; they were a cultural phenomenon. They reflected the bold and expressive spirit of a generation, and their influence continues to be felt in the fashion world today. Whether you're embracing a full-on 80s revival or incorporating subtle elements into your current look, there's no denying the enduring legacy of these iconic styles. They offer a fun and creative way to express individuality and embrace a playful, exuberant look. So, go ahead, channel your inner 80s queen – your hair is waiting to make a statement!