Popular Men’s Hairstyles from the 80s
The Mullet Without question, the mullet is one of the most iconic men’s hairstyles from the 80s. The business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back style was a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity, especially among white men who played hockey or rock music. It features cropped hair around the face and longer locks in the back, making it super easy to maintain. How to get the look: Request this style by name and show your barber reference photos. To cut a mullet at home, grow your hair out to 2 inches (5.1 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) long. Then, cut the front short, texturize the top with wispy layers, and add lots of layers to the longer back section. Styling tips: Spritz sea salt spray onto damp hair, then scrunch your hair to create texture. Mullets look best on second or third day hair, so wash your hair every 2 to 3 days, using dry shampoo to soak up any oil between washes. Celebrity references: David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Patrick Swayze, Billy Ray Cyrus, Rob Lowe, and Wayne Gretzky
Slicked-Back Featured in the 1987 film Wall Street, the slicked-back style was especially popular among stockbrokers and investment bankers in the 80s. It features short hair on the back and sides, with enough length on top to slick it from front to back. How to get the look: Tell your barber to shave the sides with a #2 or #3 clipper guard, and lightly taper or fade the back. Leave at least 3 inches on top so you can slick your hair back. Styling tips: Towel dry your hair and work in a dime-sized amount of high shine pomade. Use your fingers to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair, then take a wide-tooth comb and run it straight back from your forehead. Celebrity references: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, David Beckham, Colin Farrell, and Chris Pine
The Mohawk The 80s gave birth to the punk rock movement, which encouraged people to rebel and defy the norm. The mohawk was a hugely popular hairstyle among goths and rockers. It features shaved sides and a long strip of hair running down the center of the head. How to get the look: Ask your barber for this style by name, or trim the sides of your scalp with clippers. Lift the front section of your hair and spray it generously with hairspray. While holding your hair up, blow-dry to set everything in place. Styling tips: If you have thick or coarse hair, use a strong-hold gel or wax to style your mohawk and keep it in place. Celebrity references: Glen Pake, Travis Barker, and Vernon Wells in Road Warrior
The Liberty Spike Popularized during the punk rock movement, this edgy hairstyle was named because of its resemblance to the crown worn by the Statue of Liberty. The hair is styled into thick, upright spikes, and often dyed in bold, bright colors. How to get the look: Grow your hair out to 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 4 inches (10.2 cm) long so you can spike it. Comb your hair, section it into spikes, then secure each section with a ponytail holder. One spike at a time, undo the ponytail holder, tease your hair with a comb, then apply spiking glue from the bottom. Pull the spike taut, then blow-dry it until the glue is tacky. Styling tips: For a crisper spike, rub extra hair glue up the length of the spike as you blow dry it on the lowest setting. Twist the tips of your hair into a point, then blast it with cool air for one minute. Celebrity references: Billy Idol, Machine Gun Kelly, Adrian Brody in Summer of Sam
The Rat Tail The rat tail gained popularity due to the overwhelming amount of mullets in the punk rock community during the 80s. It’s short in the front and long in the back, similar to a mullet, but a small section of hair at the nape of the neck is tied or braided down the back. How to get the look: Grow your hair out at least 2 inches (5 cm) long, then section a square inch (2 sq cm) of hair at the back of your neck. Cut the rest of your hair short, leaving the rat tail long. Then, braid, dreadlock, or leave the rat tail loose to experiment with different styles. Styling tips: For a more polished look, go to a barber and ask them to blend the rat tail into the back of your hair. Add sideburns or bangs if you’re feeling funky. Celebrity references: Corey Haim, Rodney Trotter, Shia LaBeouf, and Rodrigo Palacio
Feathered Hair Soft and voluminous, the feathered hairstyle was beloved by 80s heartthrobs and became super popular because it worked with various hair types. It features big, bouncy waves parted to one side, with long hair blown out to frame the face. How to get the look: Before cutting your hair, decide whether you want a short or long feathered look, and bring your barber reference photos. Get specific about how you’ll wear and style your hair, and touch up your layers every 6 to 8 weeks. Styling tips: If you have a short feathered cut, apply a styling cream to hydrate your hair. For a medium-to-long cut, prep your hair with detangling spray before blow-drying. Celebrity hairstylist Noël Reid-Killings says to “use a round brush” to lift the hair up and away from your forehead, while blow-drying your hair from the front. This will help you sculpt the feathery layers. Celebrity references: John Stamos, Mel Gibson, James Spader, and Brad Pitt
The Perm The 80s were all about big hair, which included the era of perms. Getting a perm involved wrapping the hair in perm rods after applying a chemical solution to break down the hair’s structure. After rinsing the hair out, a neutralizer was applied to lock the curls in place and preserve the style for months. Modern perm styles aren’t as coiled as they were in the 80s, but they still require chemically treating the hair. How to get the look: Talk to your barber to find the right perm for you and achieve the hair texture you want. Specify whether you want small, tight curls or loose, bouncy waves, and bring in reference photos for guidance. Styling tips: If your hair is damaged, apply a keratin treatment before perming your hair. Avoid wetting your hair for 2 days following a perm, and use a leave-in conditioner in between washes to take care of permed hair. Celebrity references: Jon Bon Jovi, Tom Hanks, George Clooney, and Bradley Cooper in American Hustle EXPERT TIP Jenny Tran Jenny Tran Professional Hair Stylist Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients. Jenny Tran Jenny Tran Professional Hair Stylist Use products that are formulated for your hair type. The chemicals in perms can damage your hair, so it’s important to invest in a hydrating shampoo and deep condition your hair. You should also rinse your hair with warm water to open up the hair cuticle, then rinse with cool water to seal in hydration.
High Flat Top Fade Paired with a fresh fade and clean line-up, the high flat top fade was popular among Black men in the 80s. The top was usually 2 inches or more in length, with lots of volume to create a geometric look. Grace Jones wore the iconic style for the cover of her 1980 album Warm Leatherette, and it was especially popular in New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and London. How to get the look: Request this style by name, specify the fade’s length and intensity, and bring in reference photos. Your barber will square the hair on top and fade the sides and back of your head. Styling tips: Warm a pea-sized amount of clay or wax between your fingertips, then work it into the top of your hair. Brush your hair back for a clean, neat look, or run your fingers through your hair for a textured, messy look. Celebrity references: Larry Blackmon, Rory Wake, and Will Smith in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air
The Quiff The quiff experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 80s, especially among pop stars and celebrities. It features longer hair on top, textured and styled upward with lots of volume. Think of it as a combination between the pompadour and the military flat top! How to get the look: Request this style by name, or ask your barber for a tapered cut with lots of length on top. Tell them to fade the sides and create lots of texture throughout the top. Styling tips: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry while lifting the roots with a brush. Use another brush to brush your hair away from your forehead, then seal the look in place with hairspray. Celebrity references: George Michael, Johnny Depp, and Zack Morris
The Pompadour During the 80s, the pompadour was a refreshing and sophisticated style with roots in rock and roll culture. It involves combing the hair upward and backward, creating dense volume in the bangs and slicked-back sides. How to get the look: Request this style by name, and tell your barber that you don’t want too much separation between the top and sides. Ask them to shave the sides with a 1.5 clipper guard or shears, and keep plenty of height and length around the fringe. Styling tips: Comb from front-to-back, and from the sides towards the crown to add volume on top. Finish off with hairspray to keep everything in place. Celebrity references: Antonio Banderas, Adam Lambert, and Bruno Mars
The Jheri Curl This iconic hairstyle was mainly marketed to Black men in the late 70s, hitting its peak in the 80s and early 90s. It features loose yet defined curls that are so shiny they look nearly wet, perfect for those with coarse or kinky texture. Back in the day, the signature sheen was created by using a staining, oil-based activator, but today, you can achieve the look with a curling custard and perm rod rollers. How to get the look: Prep your hair with a texturizer, relaxer, curling custard, or curl activator gel (for a chemical-free method). Then, apply a setting solution and flat twist your hair around perm rods to get Jheri curls. Styling tips: Apply a leave-in conditioner when your hair is still damp, then use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to enhance your curls. To amp up the shine, use your fingers to apply coconut or argan oil on each curl. Celebrity references: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Ice Cube, and Drake
The Afro Although the afro started before the 70s, it grew in stature and size during the 80s. The decade saw the birth of Hip Hip, which had a huge cultural influence on style. Black barber shops began to experiment more with hairstyles, so afros were shaped with the sides cut short for a high-top fade. How to get the look: Consult with a trusted barber for the best afro shape and style for your hair texture. Once your hair is grown out, use a hair pick or hair sponge to style your hair into your preferred shape. Styling tips: Apply a few pumps of light hair oil, or scrunch some softening cream into your hair to create texture and seal in moisture. Celebrity references: Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, and Will Smith
The Buzz Cut While the buzz cut wasn't exclusive to the 80s, it was popularized by Vietnam War movies that were released at the time. It’s a military-inspired haircut that’s buzzed all around or faded on the sides, making it the perfect option for those who don’t want to spend a ton of time on styling. How to get the look: Request this style by name, or get specific with the guard number. Traditionally, barbers follow the 3-2-1 rule of using a #3 guard on top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard to clean up the edges. Styling tips: Brush your hair from front to back to keep it looking polished. If your hair grows longer, apply some styling cream or balm. Celebrity references: Tom Cruise, Justin Timberlake, and Brad Pitt
Cultural Context: How 80s Style Shaped Men’s Hair
The 1980s were all about self-expression and pushing boundaries. Fueled by punk rock and the rise of MTV, men viewed hairstyles as a way to showcase their individuality. 80s icons like Prince, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie sported daring hairstyles, and this inspired people to experiment with bold, rebellious, and unique looks. The 80s experienced a boom in haircare technology. New aerosol hairsprays, mousses, gels, and diffuser attachments allowed men to style their hair in ways that weren’t possible before. Bigger was better when it came to both hair and fashion. Trendy clothes included shoulder pads, oversized tops, leg warmers, gaudy earrings, and any printed or brightly-colored pieces. Films like Top Gun, Back to the Future, and Dirty Dancing also featured male leads with iconic hair, and many men aspired to be as cool as the actors on screen. They would often bring magazine clippings to the barber so they could achieve the same hairstyles.
Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Men’s Hairstyles
Why are 80s men’s haircuts so hard to recreate today? In general, people don’t have the patience to style their hair using 80s techniques like heavy backcombing and teasing. Many 80s hairstyles also involved perms, which have fallen out of style for men. Today, hairstyles tend to be more natural and low-maintenance, and most modern barbers and stylists aren’t trained in 80s styles.
What men’s hairstyles were trendy in the 80s? Mullets, perms, mohawks, liberty spikes, feathered hair, slicked-back hair, and rat tails were some of the most popular styles in the 80s. Above all, the decade was all about excess and discovery, highlighted by big, voluminous hair and bold, punk styles.
What were the most popular men’s hairstyles for Black men in the 80s? The Jheri curl was one of the most iconic hairstyles for Black men in the 80s. Other popular styles among Black men of the decade included perms, afros, and high flat top fades.
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