Men’s Hairstyles of the 80s

The 1980s was a decade marked by bold and extravagant fashion trends, and men’s hairstyles were no exception. Characterized by voluminous and textured looks, the ’80s saw the rise of iconic hairstyles such as the mullet, pompadour, and spikes. Men embraced experimentation with hair products like mousse and hairspray, creating gravity-defying styles that often reflected the spirit of rebellion and individualism.

From the sleek business cuts to the wild rockstar looks, the 1980s was a diverse era for men’s hairstyles, showcasing a fusion of creativity and self-expression.

1. The Mullet:
   • Description: The mullet featured shorter hair on the front and sides, often styled conservatively, while the back was left long and sometimes permed for a distinctive look.
   • Celebrity Influence: Popularized by musicians like Billy Ray Cyrus and actors like MacGyver’s Richard Dean Anderson.

1. Pompadour:
   • Description: The pompadour involved styling the hair with a high, voluminous top that was often slicked back, creating a retro yet polished appearance.
   • Celebrity Influence: Elvis Presley was a major influencer of the pompadour, and the style saw a resurgence in the 80s.

1. New Wave/Spiky Hair:
   • Description: Achieved by using generous amounts of gel or mousse to create sharp, pointed spikes. It exuded a rebellious and edgy vibe.
   • Celebrity Influence: Popularized by punk rock musicians and embraced by artists like Billy Idol.

1. Feathered Hair:
   • Description: Characterized by layered, soft waves and achieved through the feathering razor technique, resulting in a tousled and textured look.
   • Celebrity Influence: Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hairstyle became an iconic symbol of the 70s and 80s.

1. Jheri Curl:
   • Description: Chemically treated hair with a glossy, wet appearance and loose curls. Required regular maintenance and specialized hair care products.
   • Celebrity Influence: Michael Jackson popularized the Jheri curl, and it became a defining hairstyle in the African American community.

1. Flat Top:
   • Description: Hair cut short on the sides and back with a flat, level top, creating a structured and boxy look.
   • Celebrity Influence: Often associated with hip-hop culture, with artists like Kid ‘n Play sporting the style.
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2. Flock of Seagulls:
   • Description: Featured a swept-back look with a dramatic side fringe resembling seagull wings, creating a distinct and asymmetrical appearance.
   • Celebrity Influence: The hairstyle gained prominence with the new wave band A Flock of Seagulls.
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3. The Mohawk:
   • Description: Shaved sides with a strip of longer hair in the center. It could be styled upright using gel, creating a bold and rebellious look.
   • Celebrity Influence: Punk musicians like Billy Idol and actors in punk-inspired films popularized the Mohawk.
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4. Long Hair with Bandana:
   • Description: Long hair, often permed or layered, combined with a bandana tied around the forehead or worn as a headband, creating a rock ‘n’ roll or bohemian aesthetic.
   • Celebrity Influence: Rockstars like Jon Bon Jovi and Axl Rose were known for this style.
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5. Curtained Hair:
   • Description: Center part with longer locks on either side, creating a curtain-like effect that framed the face.
   • Celebrity Influence: Popularized by heartthrobs like Leonardo DiCaprio in his early career.
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6. Punk-Inspired Liberty Spikes:
   • Description: Hair styled into spiked points standing upright, often dyed in vibrant and unconventional colors.
   • Celebrity Influence: Punks and alternative musicians embraced this bold and rebellious look.
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7. Afro Hairstyle:
   • Description: A natural and voluminous hairstyle characterized by a rounded shape. It was often embraced as a symbol of cultural pride.
   • Celebrity Influence: Worn by prominent figures like Michael Jackson and Eddie Murphy.

These hairstyles captured the spirit of the 1980s, reflecting a diverse range of influences from music, fashion, and subcultures.