Hair And Makeup In The 80s: A Bold Look Back

Mr. Stuart Pfannerstill MD 05 Aug 2025

Do you ever look at old photos and just wonder, "What were they thinking?" Well, when it comes to the 1980s, the answer is often, "More is more!" The era of big hair and bright makeup wasn't just a trend; it was, you know, a whole statement. It was a time when personal expression really took center stage, and people used their hair and makeup to show off their unique style.

This period, roughly from 1980 to 1989, brought us some of the most memorable and, frankly, daring beauty looks in modern history. Think about it: every pop star, every movie character, even just folks walking down the street, seemed to embrace a certain level of dramatic flair. It was, in a way, a rebellion against the more subdued styles of the decade before, pushing boundaries with color and volume.

So, if you're curious about what made hair and makeup in the 80s so incredibly iconic, or maybe you're just looking for some retro inspiration, you've come to the right place. We're going to take a closer look at the styles that defined a generation, and, you know, how they still manage to capture our attention today.

The Spirit of 80s Beauty
Hair: The Higher, The Better
Makeup: A Splash of Color
Why the 80s Looks Still Matter
Recreating 80s Looks Today
Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Hair and Makeup
A Final Thought on 80s Glam

The Spirit of 80s Beauty

The 1980s were, in a way, a decade of contrasts. There was a real push for individuality, yet also a strong sense of group identity tied to music genres like new wave, punk, and pop. This mix really influenced how people presented themselves. Beauty wasn't just about looking good; it was about, you know, making a statement. It was about confidence, about being seen, and frankly, about having fun with how you looked. Hair, which is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis, was truly pushed to its limits during this time, often defying gravity and natural texture.

This era saw a lot of experimentation, which is, you know, pretty cool when you think about it. People weren't afraid to try out new things, whether it was a wild new hairstyle or a really bright shade of eyeshadow. It was a time when the rules, apparently, just didn't apply as much. The styles reflected the upbeat, sometimes flashy, energy of the music and the general culture, so it's almost no wonder they were so bold.

Hair: The Higher, The Better

When you think about hair and makeup in the 80s, the hair often comes to mind first, and for good reason. Volume was, like, the absolute king. It didn't matter if your hair was naturally straight, wavy, curly, or even kinky or coiled; the goal was usually to make it as big as humanly possible. This often meant using a lot of product, a lot of heat, and a lot of patience, too it's almost incredible the effort people put in.

Hair, being one of the defining characteristics of mammals, was truly transformed during this decade. People wanted their hair to stand out, to be noticed, and to really, you know, express something about them. It was a time when the natural flow of hair was often reshaped into something entirely different, sometimes nearly architectural in its design. You'll find the right new 'do for you if you're looking for inspiration from this period, as there are so many looks to choose from.

The Perm and Its Power

The permanent wave, or "perm," was, you know, a truly huge deal in the 80s. It allowed people with naturally straight hair to get that incredible volume and curl that was so popular. It was a chemical process that reshaped the hair's structure, giving it a lasting wave or curl. For many, it was the secret weapon for achieving that quintessential 80s look. Even if your hair was naturally Type 2a, which is fine and wavy and tends to fall right in the middle of straight and curly hair, a perm could give it that extra oomph and hold.

Many people, both men and women, embraced the perm. It provided a foundation for all that teasing and hairspray, giving the hair a kind of built-in body that was hard to achieve otherwise. It was, frankly, a pretty revolutionary way to get consistent volume, which, you know, was something everyone was after. The thought is that type 2 hair falls right in the middle of type 1 and type 3, making it a good candidate for perms if more curl was desired.

Big Bangs and Teasing Techniques

Bangs were, like, a whole art form in the 80s. They weren't just bangs; they were often huge, feathered, and styled to stand straight up or sweep dramatically across the forehead. Achieving this gravity-defying look involved a lot of backcombing, or "teasing," where you push the hair down towards the scalp to create a cushion of volume. Then, you'd usually lock it all in place with an incredible amount of hairspray.

This technique, you know, really helped create that iconic silhouette. People would often tease their bangs until they were, like, a foot high, and then smooth the top layer over for a finished look. It was, in some respects, a very precise process that took practice. This kind of styling really showed how hair, which is covered almost every surface of the human body, could be manipulated into truly expressive shapes.

The Mullet and Other Daring Cuts

Beyond the volume, the 80s also gave us some truly distinct haircuts. The mullet, "business in the front, party in the back," was, like, undeniably popular for both men and women. It was a bold statement, often paired with feathered sides and, you know, that signature volume on top. Other popular cuts included the "shag," which had lots of layers, and asymmetrical styles that really pushed the boundaries of traditional haircuts.

These cuts often required a lot of upkeep to maintain their shape and volume. People would spend time blow-drying, curling, and teasing to get just the right look. It was, you know, all about the attitude that came with the hairstyle. Ready for a new look? See pictures of the hottest hairstyles, haircuts and colors of 2025, but remember where some of that inspiration actually comes from.

Hair Accessories Galore

To finish off these incredible hairstyles, accessories were, frankly, a must. Scrunchies were everywhere, used to tie up ponytails or just worn around the wrist. Headbands, often wide and brightly colored, were also super popular, sometimes used to push back those big bangs or just to add an extra pop of color. Hair bows, banana clips, and even decorative combs were used to add even more flair and, you know, hold everything in place.

These accessories weren't just practical; they were also a way to add another layer of personal style. They often matched outfits or were chosen to be bright and noticeable. It was, like your, hair was just another canvas for expression. Get inspiration for new hairstyles, hair colors, and products, plus tips on care and maintenance from the Pioneer Woman, who, you know, often talks about timeless looks.

Makeup: A Splash of Color

If 80s hair was about height, 80s makeup was, you know, all about color and boldness. It was a departure from the more natural looks of previous decades, embracing bright, sometimes neon, shades for the eyes, cheeks, and lips. Makeup wasn't subtle; it was meant to be seen and, frankly, to make a statement. It was a truly expressive way to show off your personality, too it's almost like painting a picture on your face.

The goal was often to create a very defined and vibrant look. People weren't afraid to experiment with different color combinations, often wearing multiple shades at once. This article gives an overview of the structure of hair, but when it comes to makeup, it was all about building up layers of color to achieve that dramatic effect. Shop hair care products online, in store or in our app, but don't forget the makeup that went with those amazing hairdos.

Bold Eyes and Electric Shadows

Eye makeup in the 80s was, like, incredibly vibrant. Eyeshadows came in electric blues, shocking pinks, bright purples, and vivid greens. It wasn't uncommon to see multiple colors blended together, often extending up to the brow bone or even out towards the temples. Eyeliner was also very prominent, often applied thickly around the entire eye, sometimes in black, but also in bright colors to match the shadow.

Mascara was used to create long, thick lashes, and some people even wore colored mascara for an extra pop. The eyes were, you know, definitely the focal point of the face. It was all about drawing attention to them with bold colors and strong lines. This kind of look, you know, really made your eyes stand out in a crowd, which was, in a way, the whole point.

Blush That Makes a Statement

Blush in the 80s wasn't just for a subtle flush; it was, frankly, a major part of the look. It was often applied in strong, dramatic streaks, sometimes from the temples down to the cheekbones, or even in a diagonal line. Colors ranged from bright pinks and fuchsias to deep plums and bronzes. The idea was to create a very defined and sculpted cheek, often with a lot of color.

This application style was, you know, pretty different from what we see today. It was less about blending seamlessly and more about creating a noticeable pop of color and contour. It was, in some respects, a way to add extra drama to the face, complementing the big hair and bold eye makeup. People really embraced the idea of visible blush, which, you know, was a key part of the overall aesthetic.

Lips: Bright or Glossy

Lip trends in the 80s varied, but generally leaned towards either very bright colors or super glossy finishes. Red was always a classic, but fuchsia, hot pink, and even orange were, like, incredibly popular. Lip liner was often used to define the lips, sometimes in a slightly darker shade than the lipstick, which, you know, created a very distinct outline.

On the other hand, clear or sparkly lip gloss was also a huge hit, especially for a more casual or youthful look. People loved the shine and the plump appearance it gave the lips. So, whether you went for a bold, matte color or a super shiny gloss, your lips were definitely part of the overall statement. It was, you know, all about making your features pop.

The Power of Foundation and Contour

While the focus was often on color, the base makeup in the 80s was also, you know, quite important. Foundation was typically applied to create a smooth, even complexion, often with a matte finish. The idea was to create a clean canvas for all those bright colors. Contouring, while not as defined as it is today, was often achieved through the heavy application of blush and sometimes bronzer, creating shadows and highlights on the face.

This helped to give the face a sculpted appearance, which, you know, really complemented the strong lines of the hair and eye makeup. It was, in a way, about creating a very polished and defined look, even with all the wild colors. People wanted their skin to look flawless, so they could really, you know, let their hair and eye makeup shine.

Why the 80s Looks Still Matter

The influence of hair and makeup in the 80s is, like, still felt today. We see echoes of these trends in current fashion, especially with the resurgence of bright colors, oversized silhouettes, and, you know, a general appreciation for bold personal style. Designers and celebrities often draw inspiration from this vibrant decade, bringing back elements like strong shoulders, neon accents, and even a hint of that signature volume.

There's something about the uninhibited nature of 80s beauty that continues to captivate us. It was a time when people truly embraced self-expression without apology, which, you know, is a pretty powerful message. It reminds us that beauty can be fun, experimental, and, frankly, a little bit wild. It's a reminder that, you know, sometimes it's good to just go for it with your look.

Recreating 80s Looks Today

If you're thinking about trying out some 80s-inspired hair and makeup, you can, you know, definitely do it in a modern way. You don't have to go full-on retro to capture the spirit of the decade. For hair, you could try adding a lot of volume to your roots with teasing and hairspray, or maybe just a single, dramatic side-swept bang. Consider using a crimping iron for a subtle texture, or, you know, a scrunchie for a playful touch. Remember, hair is one of the most expressive parts of our bodies, so have fun with it.

For makeup, you could experiment with a bright pop of eyeshadow on your eyelids, perhaps in a bold blue or purple, or, you know, a strong line of eyeliner. Try applying blush a bit higher on your cheekbones than usual for a more dramatic effect. A bright fuchsia or red lipstick can also, you know, instantly give you that 80s vibe. Explore the latest in trending hair products at Ulta Beauty, and you might find some modern tools to help you get that retro look.

The key is to pick one or two elements that you like and incorporate them into your own style. You don't have to do it all at once. For example, if you have wavy hair, like Type 2a hair which is fine, you could focus on maximizing its natural volume with some good products and a diffuser, then add a bold lip. It's about taking inspiration and making it, you know, truly your own. Hair loss is frustratingly common, affecting more than 80 million people in the United States alone, but the 80s were all about making the most of what you had, so, you know, celebrate your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Hair and Makeup

What was the most popular hairstyle in the 80s?

The most popular hairstyle in the 80s was, you know, arguably the "big hair" look, often achieved with perms, teasing, and lots of hairspray. This included styles like feathered bangs, voluminous curls, and, for some, the iconic mullet. It was all about height and width, making a bold statement with your hair, which, you know, was a protein filament that could be molded.

What was the makeup style in the 80s?

The makeup style in the 80s was, like, very colorful and bold. It featured bright eyeshadows in shades of blue, pink, and purple, often applied generously. Blush was also very prominent, applied in strong, defined lines. Lips were either bright and bold, or super glossy. It was, you know, about making a statement with vibrant colors and strong contours.

Why was hair so big in the 80s?

Hair was so big in the 80s because it reflected the era's desire for self-expression, confidence, and a general "more is more" attitude. Pop culture, music videos, and celebrity styles all contributed to the trend of voluminous hair. Techniques like perming and teasing, along with, you know, an incredible amount of hairspray, made these gravity-defying styles possible. This article explains how hair grows, what it’s made of, and how it changes, but the 80s really pushed those natural limits.

A Final Thought on 80s Glam

The 80s truly left a mark on the world of beauty, giving us looks that were, you know, undeniably bold and full of personality. From the towering hair to the electric makeup, it was a time when people weren't afraid to stand out. These styles, which, you know, are still referenced today, remind us of an era where self-expression was key. If you're feeling inspired to try a bit of that 80s magic, remember that it's all about having fun and, you know, embracing your unique flair. Learn more about hair care on our site, and link to this page for more 80s beauty inspiration. You can also explore different hair types, like Type 2a hair which is fine and wavy, and how they can be styled for modern looks, by checking out our guide to hair types, which, you know, can help you find out the best ways to style and care for it, whether you're going retro or modern. As a matter of fact, the human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in hair, and in the 80s, we really celebrated that fact with volume and color. This article, published on May 15, 2024, aims to capture that enduring spirit, so, you know, keep an eye out for updates as trends continue to evolve.

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