A Look Back at 1980s Men’s Hair Fashion: Iconic Styles That Shaped a Decade
The 1980s men’s hair fashion was bold, expressive, and often over-the-top. If you ever wondered what made this era so unforgettable, the answer lies not only in its music, movies, and pop culture but also in its iconic hairstyles. Men in the 1980s sported hairstyles that were big, loud, and creative, matching the larger-than-life personalities that defined the decade.
From mullets and perms to spiked hair and more, 1980s men’s hair fashion was a defining feature of the era. Let’s dive into these unforgettable styles and explore how they became an essential part of the decade’s culture.
The Most Iconic 1980s Men’s Hair Fashion Trends
- The Mullet: Business in the Front, Party in the Back
The mullet is perhaps the most famous 1980s men’s hair fashion trend. With short hair on the top and sides and longer hair at the back, this style truly embodied the “business in the front, party in the back” mantra. It was a versatile haircut that could be styled in various ways—whether sleek and shiny or wild and untamed. Celebrities like Billy Ray Cyrus and David Bowie helped popularize this look, making it one of the most recognizable styles of the decade.
The mullet even saw a resurgence in the 2020s, showing that its impact has lasted well beyond the 1980s.
- Permed Hair: Big, Bouncy, and Bold
The perm was another major trend in 1980s men’s hair fashion. This style involved chemically treating the hair to create permanent curls or waves. Men with naturally straight hair flocked to salons to get this voluminous, bouncy look. Celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi and Kevin Keegan made this style popular, showing how a little curl could make a big impact.
Unlike today’s more relaxed hairstyles, the 1980s were all about making a statement, and perms did just that. Paired with a leather jacket or denim vest, the perm became a signature look for rockstars and everyday men alike.
- Flat Top: Sharp and Structured
For men who wanted something with more structure, the flat top was a go-to style. This haircut features hair that is cut very short on the sides and left longer on the top, forming a flat, level surface. It was a favorite among athletes and celebrities like Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Kid from the hip-hop duo Kid ‘n Play.
The flat top became especially popular in the African-American community, where barbers took this style to the next level with precise lines and creative shapes. It wasn’t just a hairstyle—it was an art form.
- Feathered Hair: Soft and Layered
Feathered hair was a more subtle and softer 1980s men’s hair fashion trend. It featured layers that were styled away from the face, giving the appearance of “feathers.” This hairstyle was popular among men with medium to long hair and often required a blow dryer and a lot of hairspray to maintain the perfect, flowing look.
Famous faces like Leif Garrett and Don Johnson made feathered hair a style to envy. It was seen as the perfect mix of casual and stylish, working well for both daytime looks and nighttime events.
- Spiky Hair: Punk and Rebellious
In contrast to the polished and voluminous styles, spiky hair emerged as a bold, rebellious look, often associated with punk and rock subcultures. Spiky hair was achieved using hair gel or mousse to create sharp, upright spikes. This style was edgy and expressive, worn by musicians and fans who wanted to stand out.
The punk rock movement influenced spiky hair, with stars like Billy Idol embracing the look. It was all about defying the norm and embracing individuality, making it a perfect fit for those who wanted to break away from more traditional styles.
Why 1980s Men’s Hair Fashion Was So Unique
The 1980s were all about experimentation and self-expression. Hair wasn’t just hair—it was a statement. Men’s hair fashion in the 1980s reflected the bold attitudes of the time, and people weren’t afraid to push boundaries.
Music played a huge role in influencing men’s hairstyles. Icons like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Duran Duran had a massive impact on what was considered “cool” at the time. The hairstyles often mirrored the fashion and energy of the music scene, with big hair, volume, and creativity being key elements.
Another factor that made 1980s men’s hair fashion so unique was the rise of hair products. Gels, mousses, and hairsprays were in abundance, and men were not shy about using them to craft their perfect look. If you were sporting big hair, you needed serious styling products to keep it in place.
The Influence of Pop Culture on 1980s Men’s Hair
Television and movies of the 1980s had a significant influence on men’s hair fashion. Shows like Miami Vice and Knight Rider introduced audiences to cool, slicked-back looks, while films like Top Gun showed off the clean-cut, military-inspired styles. Tom Cruise’s character in Top Gun became a style icon, and many men tried to mimic his haircut.
Rockstars were also a huge part of the 1980s hair scene. Bands like Def Leppard, Poison, and Motley Crue wore big, voluminous hair, influencing fans to adopt similar looks. Hair metal bands, in particular, took pride in their big hair, and it became part of their identity.
Common Hair Products in the 1980s
To achieve these iconic styles, men in the 1980s relied on an array of hair products. Some of the most common products included:
- Hairspray – Used to hold hair in place, especially for voluminous styles like perms and mullets.
- Mousse – A foam product used to add volume and texture.
- Gel – Perfect for spiky hair or slicked-back looks.
- Hair Dryers – Essential for feathered hair, creating smooth, layered styles.
These products helped men achieve the exaggerated, styled looks that defined the decade.
FAQs About 1980s Men’s Hair Fashion
Q: Why was big hair so popular in the 1980s?
Big hair symbolized confidence and boldness, which fit perfectly with the over-the-top culture of the 1980s. People wanted to stand out, and big hair made that possible.
Q: How did rock music influence 1980s men’s hairstyles?
Rock musicians, especially those in hair metal bands, were known for their wild, voluminous hair. Fans often emulated these styles, and rockstars set trends that people followed.
Q: Are any 1980s men’s hair trends coming back into style?
Yes! The mullet has made a surprising comeback in recent years, and many celebrities and everyday people are embracing this retro look.
Q: What were the most common hair products used in the 1980s?
Hairspray, mousse, and gel were commonly used to achieve the big, structured hairstyles of the 1980s. These products helped create volume and hold styles in place.
Conclusion
The 1980s men’s hair fashion was a reflection of the era’s boldness and creativity. From mullets to perms, flat tops to spiky hair, these styles became synonymous with the decade. They were more than just hairstyles—they were statements of individuality and rebellion. Whether influenced by rockstars, athletes, or movie stars, 1980s men weren’t afraid to experiment with their hair, making this period one of the most iconic in fashion history.
Today, some of these styles are making a comeback, proving that 1980s men’s hair fashion is still inspiring people decades later. So, if you’re feeling bold, why not try one of these classic looks for yourself?