hairstyles for men 80s | Vintage Looks from the 1980s
Bold, rebellious, and unapologetically stylish, 80s men’s hairstyles were all about making a statement.
From voluminous perms and feathered layers to slicked-back looks and edgy mullets, this era celebrated fearless self-expression.
In this article, we explore 80s hairstyles for men through 19 iconic and modern-inspired headings.
Whether you love retro charm or want to remix vintage flair with today’s trends, these looks prove the 80s never go out of style.
1. The Voluminous Waves
This look screamed confidence with its perfectly coiffed waves swept back dramatically.
Hair was teased to create maximum height and body, giving that unmistakable 80s silhouette.
The sides featured natural volume while the top became the star of the show.
Men would spend considerable time blow-drying and styling to achieve this fuller appearance.
It was all about making an impression, and bigger definitely meant better during this era.
2. Classic Curly Mullet
Business met party in this iconic style that defined the decade. Curls cascaded down the back while the top maintained structured volume.
The look required minimal maintenance once the cut was right, making it surprisingly practical.
This hairstyle worked beautifully with naturally textured hair, embracing rather than fighting those curls.
It represented rebellion and individuality, becoming a cultural phenomenon that transcended social boundaries.
3. The Polished Professional
Some men opted for a more refined approach while keeping that essential 80s volume.
This style balanced sophistication with the era’s love for height and texture.
The hair swept back smoothly from the forehead, creating clean lines and a distinguished appearance.
Despite its more conservative nature, it still packed plenty of personality. Perfect for those who wanted to embrace the decade without going completely wild.
4. Structured Ringlet Top
Perms weren’t just for women during the 80s. Men embraced tight, defined curls on top while keeping sides relatively tame.
These ringlets created incredible texture and dimension that caught everyone’s attention.
The forehead featured deliberate curl placement that became almost architectural in nature.
Maintaining these curls required dedication and the right products to keep them bouncy and defined throughout the day.
5. Spiky Short Style
Not everyone went long during the 80s.
This edgier look featured shorter hair spiked upward with generous amounts of gel.
The style projected attitude and modern sensibility, appealing to younger crowds especially.
It was easier to maintain than longer styles but still captured that decade’s energy.
The key was getting enough height while keeping individual spikes separated and defined for maximum impact.
6. Romantic Textured Waves
Some embraced a softer approach with flowing waves that framed the face beautifully. This look had an almost windswept quality that seemed effortlessly cool.
The hair maintained volume without appearing overly styled or stiff.
Natural movement was key, creating a more relaxed vibe compared to heavily structured styles.
It worked exceptionally well for those with naturally wavy or slightly curly hair textures.
7. Undercut with Curly Top
This hybrid style combined modern sensibilities with 80s flair.
The sides featured a dramatic undercut or fade, creating stark contrast with the voluminous curly top. It was edgier than traditional looks, appealing to trendsetters and risk-takers.
The combination allowed for versatility, being suitable for both casual and slightly more formal occasions.
Styling focused primarily on the top section, making mornings somewhat manageable.
8. Full-Volume Curly Mane
Maximum volume defined this extravagant approach to 80s hair.
Every curl was teased and sprayed to achieve incredible fullness all around.
The silhouette was almost spherical, creating an unforgettable impression from every angle.
This style required serious commitment to maintenance and product usage.
But for those who embraced it, the dramatic effect was absolutely worth the effort involved.
9. Layered Side Profile
When viewed from the side, the true architecture of 80s hair became apparent. Layers created movement and prevented the style from looking too heavy or flat.
The back featured graduated length that added dimension and interest.
This technical approach to cutting allowed hair to fall naturally while maintaining that signature volume.
Stylists during this era were true artists in creating these structured yet flowing shapes.
10. Modern Curly Texture
While respecting 80s principles, this interpretation feels contemporary and wearable. Natural curls are enhanced rather than forced into submission.
The style maintains height without excessive product or manipulation.
It proves that 80s inspiration can translate beautifully into current trends.
The key is embracing your hair’s natural texture while adding strategic volume in the right places.
11. Voluminous Quiff
The quiff reached new heights during the 80s, literally. Hair was pushed upward and back, creating impressive elevation at the crown.
This style required blow-drying technique and plenty of hairspray to defy gravity successfully.
The front section became the focal point, often measuring several inches tall.
It represented ambition and confidence, perfect for those making bold statements in their personal and professional lives.
12. Casual Flowing Style
Not every 80s hairstyle was rigidly structured. This looser approach let hair flow naturally while maintaining period-appropriate volume.
Waves moved freely, creating a more approachable and relaxed aesthetic.
The style worked particularly well for those with thicker hair that held shape without excessive products.
It captured the decade’s spirit while remaining surprisingly practical for everyday wear.
13. Tight Wave Pattern
Precision perms created uniform wave patterns throughout the hair. Each wave mirrored the next, forming a consistent texture that was distinctly 80s.
The sides tapered shorter while the top maintained maximum density and pattern definition.
Achieving this look required professional expertise and regular maintenance appointments.
The result was polished and intentional, showing complete command over one’s appearance.
14. Soft Layered Curls
Gentler than some extreme styles, this look featured softer curls cascading around the face.
Layers prevented bulk while adding graceful movement throughout.
The style had romantic undertones while still honoring the decade’s love for volume.
It appealed to those wanting to participate in trends without completely abandoning classic sensibilities.
The curls framed facial features beautifully, creating a flattering overall effect.
15. The Legendary Mullet
Perhaps no style defines 80s men’s hair more than the classic mullet.
Short and manageable in front, wild and free in the back.
This controversial cut sparked debates but remained incredibly popular throughout the decade.
It represented freedom, rebellion, and refusal to conform to traditional standards.
Love it or hate it, the mullet became an enduring symbol of 80s culture.
16. Dramatic Teased Style
Taking volume to theatrical levels, this look featured hair teased and sprayed into gravity-defying formations.
The height achieved was truly remarkable, sometimes adding inches to one’s stature.
This style required dedication, time, and an impressive product arsenal. It was bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.
Perfect for those who believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth overdoing.
17. Feathered Layers
Inspired by earlier decades but amplified for the 80s, feathered layers created soft, flowing movement.
Hair swept away from the face in gentle curves that caught light beautifully.
The technique involved precise cutting and expert blow-drying to achieve those signature swoops.
This style had a timeless quality that made it more enduring than some trendier alternatives.
It proved that 80s hair could be both dramatic and elegant.
18. Sculpted Finger Waves
Drawing inspiration from vintage Hollywood, some incorporated finger waves into 80s aesthetics.
These deliberate S-shaped curves were crafted with precision and held with strong products.
The result was almost art deco in its geometric beauty.
This style required significant skill to execute properly, making it less common but highly impressive.
It showed that 80s men weren’t afraid to experiment with traditionally feminine styling techniques.
19. Distinguished Mature Style
The 80s aesthetic adapted beautifully across age groups.
This sophisticated version featured controlled volume and refined texture suitable for mature gentlemen.
Natural graying added distinguished character while the cut maintained period-appropriate fullness.
It proved that embracing contemporary trends didn’t require sacrificing dignity or professionalism.
The style bridged generational gaps, showing that great hair has no age limit.
Conclusion
The hairstyles for men in the 80s were more than trends—they were symbols of confidence, creativity, and attitude.
Each look told a story, blending bold texture, dramatic volume, and unmistakable personality.
As these classic styles make a strong comeback, they offer endless inspiration for modern grooming.
Choose your favorite 80s look, add a contemporary twist, and let your hair speak with fearless flair once again.
