How to do 80s hairstyles for long hair

The classic ’80s hairstyles are probably some of the most iconic and recognizable hairdos of all time. From big bangs to feathered curls, everything about the ’80s style was bold, funky, and full of fashion-forward flair. It was a time when women embraced their long hair and used it as a canvas to express their unique personalities.

One of the most popular hairstyles of the ’80s was the mullet – a party in the back and business in the front kind of look. With layers upon layers of hair, the mullet gave the appearance of a longer mane from the back, while the front part remained shorter. Celebrities like Dolly Parton and Farrah Fawcett popularized this style, making it a go-to for women everywhere.

If you’re ready to embrace the retro charm of the ’80s and want to recreate these iconic hairdos, we’ve got you covered. Below is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect ’80s hairstyles for long hair:

Start by parting your hair in the middle and give it a good brush to get rid of any tangles.
Take the top part of your hair and tease it using a comb. This will create volume and give your hair that signature ’80s lift.
For added flair, you can pin a colorful flower or even a bow at the top of your teased hair.
Next, take the bottom part of your hair and divide it into smaller sections. Using a curling iron, curl each section towards the back of your head.
Once all the sections are curled, gently brush through them to create soft, loose curls.
If you’re feeling extra bold, you can even add some bright-colored streaks or highlights to your hair. Neon pink or electric blue were popular choices among ’80s fashionistas.
To amp up the volume even more, you can backcomb the bottom layers of your hair to achieve that voluminous, bigger-than-life look.
To finish off the hairstyle, you can create a messy bun at the top of your head or let your hair down and let it flow freely.

Nowadays, the ’80s hairstyles are making a comeback, with many women trying to rock these iconic looks with a modern twist. Whether you’re attending an ’80s-themed party or just want a funky hairstyle for a night out, the ’80s hairdos are always a head-turner.

“The ’80s were a time of music, fashion, and fun. The hairstyles were a big part of that swing,” said Ryan, a hairstylist with over 12 years of experience. “I’ve seen a resurgence in people asking for ’80s-inspired haircuts, and it’s always exciting to recreate these bold looks.”

So, if you’re ready to make a statement with your long hair and bring out your inner ’80s diva, give these step-by-step instructions a go. Embrace the wild and whimsical side of the ’80s and let your hair do all the talking!

Step-by-Step Guide to Get Perfect 80s Hairstyles for Long Hair

1. Backcombed Hairdos

One of the signature styles of the 80s was the backcombed hair, which added a lot of volume and height to the hair. To achieve this look, follow these steps:

Start by dividing your hair into sections.
Take a section of hair and hold it straight up.
Using a fine-toothed comb, comb the hair downwards towards the roots several times to create volume.
Repeat this process for all sections of your hair.
Finish off by gently smoothing the top layer of hair with your hands for a polished look.

2. The 80s ‘Puff’ Ponytail

The 80s was all about big and voluminous hair, and the ‘puff’ ponytail was a popular style during that time. Here’s how you can recreate it:

Start by gathering all of your hair into a high ponytail, leaving out a small section at the front.
Backcomb the ponytail to add volume.
Take the small section of hair that was left out and backcomb it as well.
Wrap this section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic and secure it with bobby pins.
Finish off by spraying hairspray all over to hold the style in place.

3. The Retro Rat Tail

The rat tail was a unique and edgy hairstyle popularized by the 80s. To achieve this look:

Start by sectioning off a small section of hair at the nape of your neck.
Cut this section of hair a few inches longer than your desired length for the rat tail.
Style the rest of your hair as desired, such as leaving it down or tying it up in a ponytail.
For added flair, you can try crimping or curling the rest of your hair using a crimping iron or curling wand.
Finish off by spraying hairspray to hold the style and tame any frizz or flyaways.

4. Flapper Bangs and Pixie Cuts

If you’re looking for a shorter 80s hairstyle, the flapper bangs and pixie cuts were also trending during that time. Here’s how to achieve those looks:

For flapper bangs, cut your bangs to a length that falls just above your eyebrows. Style them by brushing them straight down.
For a pixie cut, get a short haircut with layers to add texture and volume. Style it with some hairspray to make it look more voluminous.

5. The Craziest 80s Hair Buns

The 80s was known for its crazy and out-of-the-box hairstyles, and hair buns were no exception. Here are some different and weird hair bun styles to try:

The Whale Bun: Create a regular high ponytail, then divide it in half and tease each section. Twist them together to form a bun and secure it with bobby pins.
The Madonna Bun: Gather all your hair into a high ponytail and twist it around itself to create a bun. Secure it with bobby pins and use hairspray to hold it in place.
The Jane Fonda Bun: Start by creating a tight high ponytail. Separate the ponytail into several sections and tease each section. Wrap each teased section around the base of the ponytail to create a voluminous bun and secure with bobby pins.

The 80s were a time of bold and unique hairstyles, and getting the perfect 80s hairstyle for long hair is easier than you may think. With a little bit of backcombing, hairspray, and creativity, you can rock those vintage-retro looks and channel your inner Madonna or Jane Fonda.

Tutorial for Achieving 80s Hairstyle with Long Hair

If you’re a fan of the retro 80s fashion and want to try out some of the iconic 80s hairstyles, you’ve come to the right place. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of achieving the perfect 80s hairstyle with long hair.

Step 1: Decide on Your 80s Hairdo

In the 80s, there were probably hundreds of different hairstyles that women used to rock. From the big and messy hairdos to the perfectly straight and sleek looks, there was a hairstyle for everyone. Some popular choices include:

The Meg Ryan feathered hairstyle
The Jane Fonda high ponytail
The Madonna-like crazy curly hair
The hippie-style loose waves
The punk-inspired messy bun

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before applying any hairstyle, it’s important to have the right tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

A brush or comb
Hairspray
Bobby pins or hair clips
A curling iron or straightener (depending on the desired hairstyle)
Accessories like flower clips or headbands

Step 3: Prepare Your Hair

Start by washing and drying your hair. You can also backcomb or tease the upper part of your hair to give it more volume. This technique was widely used in the 80s to achieve the big hair look.

Step 4: Style Your Hair

Depending on the hairstyle you’ve chosen, the following steps will guide you through achieving the desired look:

For the Meg Ryan feathered hairstyle, use a curling iron to create loose curls or waves. Brush them out to create a feathery effect.
For the Jane Fonda high ponytail, gather all your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Use a straightener to make your ponytail sleek and smooth.
For the hippie-style loose waves, use a curling iron to create loose curls throughout your hair. Gently brush them out to create a more natural and relaxed look.
For a messy bun, gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it around to create a bun shape. Secure it with bobby pins or hair clips, leaving some strands loose for a messier look.

Step 5: Add Accessories

To complete your 80s hairstyle, add some trendy accessories like flower clips or headbands. These were commonly used in the 80s to add an extra touch of style to any hairdo.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once your hairdo is complete, finish it off with some hairspray to keep everything in place. You can also wiggle your fingers through your hair to create a slightly messy and undone look, which was trendy in the 80s.

Now you’re ready to rock your 80s hairstyle and embrace the retro fashion. Whether you’re attending a themed party or simply want to try a different look, these steps will help you achieve the perfect 80s hairstyle with your long hair.

Note: The above photo shows an example of an 80s hairstyle with long hair. This photo is from a vintage fashion print and is used for illustrative purposes only.

Common 80s Hairstyles with Short Hair

While the 80s were known for their iconic hairstyles for long hair, those with short hair were not left out! Here are some common 80s hairstyles that were popular for those with short hair:

1. The Flapper

The flapper hairstyle was a trendy 80s look that involved creating a messy and voluminous style with short hair. To achieve this look, everyone was trying to emulate Farrah Fawcett’s signature feathered hair.

2. The Messy and Classic

Bigger was better in the 80s when it came to hair, and short hair was no exception. The messy and classic hairstyle involved adding volume and texture to short hair by crimping or curling it. This created an interesting look that stood out from the crowd.

3. The Rock and Roll

Rock and roll music was a big part of the 80s, and many ladies wanted to emulate the rock stars’ hairstyles. This style often involved creating a messy and voluminous look with short hair, with the addition of some flower accessories or a hat-shaped hair accessory.

4. The Half Updo

The half updo was a popular hairstyle in the 80s, and it worked well with short hair too. This style involved taking half of the hair from the upper part of the head and creating a messy or wavy look with it. The rest of the hair was left down, creating a fashionable and trendy look.

5. The Frizzy Spout

Another interesting 80s hairstyle for short hair was the frizzy spout. This style involved creating a messier and more textured look by teasing the hair and adding lots of hairspray. This gave the hair a big and voluminous appearance.

6. The Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda’s short hairstyle in the 80s was iconic and trending. This style involved keeping the hair short and natural, with some added volume and texture. It was a simple yet elegant look that perfectly complemented the bold and colorful outfits of the 80s.

7. The Diana Ross

Diana Ross’s short and curly hairstyle was another popular 80s look. This style involved creating tight and defined curls with short hair, often with the addition of some hairspray or gel to keep them in place. It was a glamorous and sophisticated hairstyle that was sure to turn heads.

In conclusion, while long hair was a popular choice for 80s hairstyles, there were plenty of options and trends for those with short hair as well. From messy and voluminous looks to elegant and natural styles, there were hairstyles to suit everyone’s tastes. So whether you have long or short hair, you can still rock an amazing and perfectly 80s look!

Fashionable Short Haircuts from the 80s

The 1980s were a time of bold fashion and unique hairstyles. Short haircuts became increasingly popular among women, with many embracing edgy and trendy looks. Here are some fashionable short haircuts from the 80s that were iconic during that time.

1. The Rat Tail

The rat tail hairstyle was a popular choice for both men and women in the 80s. This haircut involved leaving a long, thin strip of hair at the nape of the neck while the rest of the hair was cut short. The rat tail was often styled with hairsprays and gels to give it a sleek and shiny look.

2. The Whitney Houston Bob

Whitney Houston’s bob haircut was a go-to choice for many women in the 80s. This hairstyle featured a chin-length bob with shorter layers in the back and longer layers in the front. The Whitney Houston bob was often styled with curls or flipped ends to add volume and movement to the hair.

3. The Meg Ryan Shag

Meg Ryan popularized the shag haircut in the 80s with her iconic layered style. This haircut featured short, choppy layers throughout the hair, giving it a textured and tousled look. The Meg Ryan shag was often paired with bangs and styled with hairsprays to create a messy yet stylish appearance.

4. The Madonna Bow

Madonna was known for her bold and unique hairstyles in the 80s. One of her most famous looks was the Madonna bow, which involved tying a small, brightly colored ribbon or bandana around a high ponytail or bun. This hairstyle added a playful and youthful touch to any outfit.

5. The Jane Fonda Flip

Jane Fonda achieved a timeless and elegant look with her signature flip hairstyle in the 80s. This haircut featured shoulder-length hair with flipped ends, giving it a retro and sophisticated appearance. The Jane Fonda flip was often styled with volumizing products and hairsprays to make the hair look bigger and fuller.

6. The Whale Spout

The whale spout hairstyle was a popular choice for women in the 80s who wanted a unique and avant-garde look. This haircut involved cutting the hair into short layers at the top of the head and leaving the bottom layer longer. The whale spout created a hat-shaped silhouette and was often styled with bold colors and accessories.

7. The Flapper Bob

The flapper bob was a short and sleek hairstyle that was popularized in the 1920s but made a comeback in the 80s. This haircut featured a chin-length bob with blunt ends and straight-across bangs. The flapper bob was often styled with shiny hair products to give it a polished and glamorous look.

8. The Rat Buns

Rat buns were a popular hairstyle in the 80s that added height and volume to the hair. This hairstyle involved twisting sections of hair around a small foam pad or rolled-up piece of fabric to create a bun-like shape. The rat buns were often placed on the top of the head and styled with hairsprays to keep them in place.

In conclusion, the 80s were a time of experimentation and creativity when it came to hairstyles. From the rat tail to the Madonna bow, there were numerous fashionable short haircuts that became iconic during this decade. These hairstyles were bold, edgy, and added a unique touch to any look.

Questions and answers:

How can I achieve a perfect 80s hairstyle for long hair?

To achieve a perfect 80s hairstyle for long hair, you can start by volumizing your hair at the roots and using a curling iron to create soft, loose curls. You can also tease your hair to add more volume and height. Finish off the look with hairspray to keep it in place.

What products do I need to achieve an 80s hairstyle for long hair?

To achieve an 80s hairstyle for long hair, you will need a volumizing mousse or spray to add volume at the roots. You will also need a curling iron or hot rollers to create curls. Additionally, you will need a teasing comb to tease your hair for added volume. Finally, you will need a strong-hold hairspray to set your hairstyle in place.

Can I achieve an 80s hairstyle with long hair without using heat styling tools?

Yes, you can achieve an 80s hairstyle with long hair without using heat styling tools. Instead of using a curling iron or hot rollers, you can create loose curls by braiding your hair overnight. Simply divide your hair into sections, braid each section, and leave it overnight. In the morning, undo the braids and use your fingers to tousle the curls. Finish off with hairspray to set the style in place.