The Iconic Hairstyles of the 80s: From Big Hair to Mohawks
The 1980s were a decade known for its bold fashion trends and individuals expressing themselves through their unique hairstyles. From big hair to mohawks, the 80s offered an array of iconic hairstyles that have left a lasting impact on pop culture. In this article, we will take a journey back in time to explore the most memorable hairstyles of the 80s.
1. Big Hair
One of the most prominent hairstyles of the 80s was the big hair trend. Women, in particular, embraced this style with enthusiasm. Big hair was achieved through various techniques such as teasing, backcombing, and extensive use of hairspray. The aim was to create massive volume and height, often reaching astonishing proportions. Stars like Madonna and Tina Turner popularized this style, making it a symbol of female empowerment and individuality.
2. Mohawks
The punk subculture had a significant influence on 80s fashion and hairstyles. Mohawks, characterized by a strip of hair running down the center of the head while the sides are shaved, became an emblematic punk hairstyle during this era. Bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash brought this rebellious look into the mainstream, inspiring many individuals to adopt this bold style as a form of self-expression.
3. The Mullet
The controversial, yet unmistakable, mullet hairstyle became an emblem of the 80s. Sported by both men and women, the mullet featured short hair in the front and on the sides, with long hair in the back. It was often paired with perms or teased hair to enhance its volume. Iconic figures like David Bowie and Billy Ray Cyrus played significant roles in popularizing this polarizing hairstyle, forever leaving their mark on the 80s.
4. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was another defining 80s hairstyle that gained significant popularity. Achieved by using a crimping iron, this style involved creating multiple small, wavy creases throughout the hair. Often seen in music videos and on the runway, crimped hair added texture and dimension to the overall appearance. It was loved by both men and women, proving to be a versatile trend of the decade.
5. Glam Metal Hair
Glam metal, a subgenre of rock music, brought with it a distinct hairstyle during the 80s. Glam metal hair was characterized by long, flowing locks often seen on bands such as Poison and Bon Jovi. Achieving this style required significant dedication, with individuals growing their hair out and using various hair products to create volume, shine, and the perfect cascading effect. This extravagant hairstyle perfectly complemented the flashy and glamorous aesthetic associated with the era.
FAQs
1. How did individuals create big hair in the 80s?
Creating big hair involved techniques like teasing, backcombing, and using copious amounts of hairspray. A fine-toothed comb was used to tease the hair at the roots, creating volume. Hairspray was then applied generously to hold the desired shape and maintain the height.
2. What influenced the popularity of mohawks in the 80s?
The mohawk became popular in the 80s due to its association with the punk rock subculture. Bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash made this hairstyle a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity, influencing many individuals to adopt the look as a form of self-expression.
3. Why did people embrace the mullet hairstyle in the 80s?
The mullet was embraced in the 80s due to its versatility and unique appearance. It allowed individuals to have short, professional-looking hair at the front while maintaining long hair in the back, offering a balance between conformity and individuality.
4. How did individuals achieve crimped hair in the 80s?
To achieve crimped hair in the 80s, individuals used a crimping iron. This tool had heated plates with ridges that created small, wavy creases when clamped onto the hair. It added texture and volume to the overall look.
5. What made glam metal hair a significant 80s trend?
Glam metal hair was popularized by bands like Poison and Bon Jovi, who embraced a flashy and extravagant aesthetic. The long, flowing locks associated with glam metal hair perfectly complemented the vibrant and glamorous image these bands portrayed, making it a significant trend of the era.
In conclusion, the hairstyles of the 80s were diverse and memorable, reflecting the vibrant and rebellious spirit of the decade. From big hair to mohawks, each style symbolized individuality and expression. The impact of these iconic hairstyles continues to be felt, inspiring generations to take risks and embrace self-expression through their hair.
