Hairstyles in the 1980s

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Permed hair on a young woman in the 1980s Girl with permed hair in the 1980s.jpg
Permed hair on a young woman in the 1980s

Hairstyles in the 1980s included the mullet, tall mohawk hairstyles, jheri curls, flattops, and hi-top fades, which became popular styles. [1] [2] [3] Amongst women, large hair-dos, puffed-up styles, permanent waves, and softer cuts typified the decade. [4] Big hair that was "often permed to achieve the desired volume" is especially associated with women of the mid 1980s as well as male rockstars of that era, especially of the glam metal genre. [5] [6] Television shows such as Dynasty helped popularize the high volume bouffant and glamorous image associated with it. [7]

Contents

Categories

Cuts

Liberty spikes (left) and crimson Mohawk (right) Punk-27947.jpg
Liberty spikes (left) and crimson Mohawk (right)

Totally shaved heads gained popularity among men. [8] The sideburns of the 1960s and 1970s saw a massive decline in fashion in late 1970s. Big and eccentric hair styles were popularized by film and music stars, in particular amongst teenagers. Although straight hair was the norm at the beginning of the decade, as many late 1970s styles were still relevant, by around 1982 the perm had come into fashion. This was in large part due to many movies released at the time, as well as possibly being a rebellious movement against the 1970s. In 1984, sideburns made a comeback but were slightly thinner and shorter, and better groomed than those of the 1970s, lasting until the end of 1986. These sideburns were usually (but not always) used as an add-on to the mullet haircut.[ citation needed ] Spiked hair, teased hair, brightly colored hair, and shaved hair sections were popularized in the 1980s by the punk movement, [7] as were the Mohawk and its twisted variant, Liberty spikes. [9]

The Mullet haircut existed in several different styles, all characterized by hair short on the sides and long in the back. [10] Mullets were popular in suburban and rural areas among working class men. This contrasted with a conservative look favored by business professionals, with neatly groomed short hair and very short sideburns for men and sleekly straight hair for women. White collar men's haircuts were often shaved at the nape of the neck to create an artificially even hairline. Women's hairstyles became increasingly long in the latter part of the decade and blunt cuts dominated. Blunt cuts of the late 1980s brought long hair to an equal length across the back. Bangs were popular, with "mall bangs", attributed to teenage girls who frequented shopping malls, were styled by ratting bangs into peaks or mounds, and then using hairspray to keep them in place.

Chemical treatments

Michael Jackson with Jheri curl in 1988 Michael Jackson The Way You Make Me Feel.jpg
Michael Jackson with Jheri curl in 1988

Many young women in Europe and North America dyed their hair a rich burgundy or plum-red in the last half of the decade. Auburns and reds were favored by those who aspired to emulate Molly Ringwald. [11] But non-traditional haircolors, such as bright blue, crimson, green, and shocking pink gained favor from the punk subculture. [7] Chemical hair treatment was popularized by the perm hairstyle, which resulted in soft, full curls. [4] By the late 1980s, the permed bouffant had become highly fashionable among women of all walks of life, notably Princess Diana. The long, permed hair look was particularly popular amongst male rock stars of this period, associated with heavy metal and glam metal bands of this era such as Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, and Whitesnake.

Styling techniques

During the middle and late 1980s it was unfashionable to part either men's or women's hair as the perm made the center parting look unattractive. Mousse was used in styling an individual's hair to attain a desired shiny look and greater volume; some mousse even contained glitter. Hairsprays such as Aqua Net were also used in quantity. Artificial dreadlock extensions were inspired by the Rastafari movement. [12] Michael Jackson wore his hair in Jheri curl style in the 1980s; [13] it was popular among African Americans in the early decade, but its popularity waned by the end of the decade, [14] with the hi-top fade partly replacing it. Hair gel was used by young men to effect the preppy look of a well groomed, short hair style. Crimped hair was as fashionable as the large wave. [15]

Accessories

Scrunchies hair bands Chouchou.jpg
Scrunchies hair bands

Scrunchies and headbands made of elastic and cloth were popular in all different colors, styles, and patterns. Scrunchies were very popular in the side ponytail hair style. [15] "Banana clips" were another favorite, pulling hair back into a fanned out style. [16] Other accessories include barrettes and bows. Sweatbands were also major, usually worn with sweatband on the wrist and legwarmers on the legs.

Facial

The trend in moustaches and full beards carried over from the late-1970s and into the early-1980s but waned as the decade progressed. From the mid to late-1980s, clean-shaven faces with short or no sideburns was the norm. However, the success of Miami Vice did spark a trend in the facial hair style called designer stubble.[ citation needed ]

See also

Related Research Articles

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A skinhead or skin is a member of a subculture that originated among working-class youths in London, England, in the 1960s. It soon spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, with a second working-class skinhead movement emerging worldwide in the late 1970s. Motivated by social alienation and working-class solidarity, skinheads are defined by their close-cropped or shaven heads and working-class clothing such as Dr. Martens and steel toe work boots, braces, high rise and varying length straight-leg jeans, and button-down collar shirts, usually slim fitting in check or plain. The movement reached a peak at the end of the 1960s, experienced a revival in the 1980s, and, since then, has endured in multiple contexts worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hairstyle</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Punk fashion</span> Fashion of punk subculture

Punk fashion is the clothing, hairstyles, cosmetics, jewellery, and body modifications of the punk counterculture. Punk fashion varies widely, ranging from Vivienne Westwood designs to styles modeled on bands like The Exploited to the dressed-down look of North American hardcore. The distinct social dress of other subcultures and art movements, including glam rock, skinheads, greasers, and mods have influenced punk fashion. Punk fashion has likewise influenced the styles of these groups, as well as those of popular culture. Many punks use clothing as a way of making a statement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mullet (haircut)</span> Hairstyle

The mullet is a hairstyle in which the hair is cut shorter at the front, top and sides, but is longer at the back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crew cut</span> Haircut style

A crew cut is a type of haircut in which the upright hair on the top of the head is cut relatively short, graduated in length from the longest hair that forms a short pomp (pompadour) at the front hairline to the shortest at the back of the crown so that in side profile, so the outline of the top hair approaches the horizontal. Relative to the front view, and to varying degrees, the outline of the top hair can be arched or flattened at the short pomp front and rounded or flattened over the rest of the top to complement the front hairline, head shape, face shape and facial features. The hair on the sides and back of the head is usually tapered short, semi-short, or medium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pageboy</span> Hairstyle

The pageboy or page boy is a hairstyle named after what was believed to be the haircut of a late medieval page boy. It has straight hair hanging to below the ear, where it usually turns under. There is often a fringe (bangs) in the front. This style was popular in the mid 1970s and 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beehive (hairstyle)</span> Hairstyle

The beehive is a hairstyle in which long hair is piled up in a conical shape on the top of the head and slightly backwards pointing, giving some resemblance to the shape of a traditional beehive. It is also known as the B-52 due to a resemblance to the distinctive nose of the Boeing B-52 Strategic Bomber. The 1980s band The B-52's, took their name from the hairstyle which was worn by members Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1990s in fashion</span> Costume and fashion of the 1990s

Fashion in the 1990s was defined by a return to minimalist fashion, in contrast to the more elaborate and flashy trends of the 1980s. One notable shift was the mainstream adoption of tattoos, body piercings aside from ear piercing and, to a much lesser extent, other forms of body modification such as branding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1980s in fashion</span> Costume and fashion in the 1980s

Fashion of the 1980s was characterized by a rejection of 1970s fashion. Punk fashion began as a reaction against both the hippie movement of the past decades and the materialist values of the current decade. The first half of the decade was relatively tame in comparison to the second half, which was when apparel became very bright and vivid in appearance.

Curtained hair or curtains is a hairstyle featuring a long fringe divided in either a middle parting or a side parting, with short sides and back. Curtained hair generally applies to males, although an alternative name, the undercut, is used for both male and female haircuts following this style. Variations on this haircut have been popular in Europe, North America, and Japan throughout the 20th century and in the 21st century, peaking between 1986 and 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000s in fashion</span> Fashion in the decade 2000–2009

2000s fashion is often described as a global mash up, where trends saw the fusion of vintage styles, global and ethnic clothing, as well as the fashions of numerous music-based subcultures. Hip-hop fashion generally was the most popular among young people of all sexes, followed by the retro inspired indie look later in the decade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eponymous hairstyle</span> Hairstyle associated with a particular individual

An eponymous hairstyle is a particular hairstyle that has become fashionable during a certain period of time through its association with a prominent individual.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rattail (hairstyle)</span> Tail-like hair style

A rattail is a hair style that is characterized by a long "tail"-like element of hair growing downward from the back of the head. The rattail usually hangs naturally; however, it can be braided, treated as a dread, permed, straightened, poofed, or curled with an iron. In some instances, an individual might choose to grow several tails as opposed to a single very long tail. A rattail is characterised by hair longer than the rest of the hair surrounding it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Punch perm</span> Japanese male hairstyle

A punch perm is a type of tightly permed male hairstyle in Japan. From the 1970s until the mid-1990s, it was popular among yakuza, chinpira, bōsōzoku, truck drivers, construction workers, and enka singers. The punch perm began to fall out of usage as a result of its general association with the yakuza, as well as normal fashion trends. The style is similar to the Jheri curl, which was popular in the United States during roughly the same time frame, but the curls in a punch perm are much tighter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wings (haircut)</span> Haircut Style

The wings haircut, also known the Mod haircut, Mop top, flippies, flow, Justin Bieber haircut, or skater hair is a popular hairstyle used in the skateboarding, surfer, mod, and preppy community. Typically long, the style can range from long and drooping below the eyes, to a shorter length. The haircut is typically wavy and, if straight, the length comes to halfway down the ears. Instead of lying on the wearer's ears, the hair flips up and comes straight out like an airplane wing, hence the name. The hairstyle was popular among men in the 1960s, 1970s, mid-late 2000s, early 2010s and 2020s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shag (haircut)</span> Hairstyle

A shag cut is a hairstyle that has been layered to various lengths. It was created by the barber Paul McGregor. The layers are often feathered at the top and sides. The layers make the hair full around the crown, and the hair thins to fringes around the edges. This unisex style became popular after being worn by various celebrities, including Joan Jett, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, David Cassidy, Jane Fonda, Stevie Nicks and Florence Henderson in the early 1970s. During the 1990s, Jennifer Aniston popularized "The Rachel" hairstyle, and Meg Ryan wore a shag in the early 2000s. The haircut had a resurgence in popularity during the early 2020s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010s in fashion</span> Fashion-related events during the 2010s

The 2010s were defined by hipster fashion, athleisure, a revival of austerity-era period pieces and alternative fashions, swag-inspired outfits, 1980s-style neon streetwear, and unisex 1990s-style elements influenced by grunge and skater fashions. The later years of the decade witnessed the growing importance in the western world of social media influencers paid to promote fast fashion brands on Pinterest and Instagram.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surfer hair</span>

Surfer hair is a tousled type of hairstyle, popularized by surfers from the 1950s onwards, traditionally long, thick and naturally bleached from high exposure to the sun and salt water of the sea. In the late 1960s and 1970s, the long hair and general lack of personal grooming was closely associated with hippie culture. Today, hairstyling companies brand their own hair gels, shampoos and hair wax to achieve the "surfer look" with hairstyles that are often shorter than traditionally, which often require more grooming to achieve the permanent hair lift or intentional windswept look. Amongst women, fashion magazines have referred to "sun streaked surfer hair" as a desirable look for women, although genuine surfer hair is often heavily damaged by the elements.

The undercut is a hairstyle that was fashionable from the 1910s to the 1940s, predominantly among men, and saw a steadily growing revival in the 1980s before becoming fully fashionable again in the 2010s. Typically, the hair on the top of the head is long and is often parted on either the side or center, while the back and sides are buzzed very short. It is closely related to the curtained hair of the mid-to-late 1990s, although those with undercuts during the 2010s tended to slick back the bangs away from the face.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hairstyles in the 1950s</span>

In the Western world, the 1950s were a decade known for experimentation with new styles and culture. Following World War II and the austerity years of the post-war period, the 1950s were a time of comparative prosperity, which influenced fashion and the concept of glamour. Hairstylists invented new hairstyles for wealthy patrons. Influential hairstylists of the period include Sydney Guilaroff, Alexandre of Paris and Raymond Bessone, who took French hair fashion to Hollywood, New York and London, popularising the pickle cut, the pixie cut and bouffant hairstyles.

References

  1. ↑ Bateman, Antony; Benyahia, Sarah Casey Casey; Mortimer, Claire (23 May 2012). AS Media Studies: The Essential Introduction for WJEC. Routledge. p. 111. ISBN   978-0-415-61334-7 . Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  2. ↑ Steinberg, Shirley R.; Kehler, Michael; Cornish, Lindsay (17 June 2010). Boy Culture: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 95. ISBN   978-0-313-35080-1 . Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  3. ↑ Brubaker, Ken (9 October 2003). Monster Trucks. MotorBooks International. p. 64. ISBN   978-0-7603-1544-6 . Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  4. 1 2 Browne, Ray B.; Browne, Pat (15 June 2001). The Guide to United States Popular Culture. Popular Press. pp. 357–. ISBN   978-0-87972-821-2 . Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  5. ↑ Willett, Julie (11 May 2010). The American Beauty Industry Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 233. ISBN   978-0-313-35949-1 . Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  6. ↑ Mansour, David (1 June 2005). From Abba to Zoom: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia of the Late 20th Century. Andrews McMeel Publishing. p. 41. ISBN   978-0-7407-5118-9 . Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 Welters, Linda; Cunningham, Patricia A. (20 May 2005). Twentieth-Century American Fashion. Berg. pp. 223, 337. ISBN   978-1-84520-073-2 . Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  8. ↑ Blume-Peytavi, Ulrike; Whiting, David A.; Trüeb, Ralph M. (27 August 2008). Hair Growth and Disorders. Springer. pp. 534–. ISBN   978-3-540-46908-7 . Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  9. ↑ Hannon, Sharon M. (2010). Punks: A Guide to an American Subculture. ABC-CLIO. pp. 53–. ISBN   978-0-313-36456-3 . Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  10. ↑ Kerr, Joe; Gibson, Andrew (4 January 2004). London from Punk to Blair. Reaktion Books. p. 78. ISBN   978-1-86189-171-6 . Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  11. ↑ Los Angeles Magazine. Emmis Communications. August 2002. pp. 36–. ISSN   1522-9149 . Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  12. ↑ Kerr, Joe; Gibson, Andrew (4 January 2004). London from Punk to Blair. Reaktion Books. pp. 76–. ISBN   978-1-86189-171-6 . Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  13. ↑ Henderson, Laretta (15 July 2008). Ebony Jr!: The Rise, Fall, and Return of a Black Children's Magazine. Scarecrow Press. pp. 128–. ISBN   978-0-8108-6134-3 . Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  14. ↑ Silverman, Rober (19 April 2000). Doing Business in Minority Markets: Black and Korean Entrepreneurs in Chicago's Ethnic Beauty Aids Industry. Psychology Press. pp. 191–. ISBN   978-0-8153-3798-0 . Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  15. 1 2 Sherrow, Victoria (2006). Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History . Greenwood Publishing Group. pp.  4, 193, 356. ISBN   978-0-313-33145-9 . Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  16. ↑ Doust, Kelly; Sadokierski, Zoe; Cromer, Amanda (1 June 2012). A Life in Frocks: A Memoir. Pier 9. pp. 186–. ISBN   978-1-74196-844-6 . Retrieved 11 August 2012.
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