With so many unique and bold changes in the 80s fashion industry, mall bangs quickly grew to become a popular option for girls across the country.
The 80s were full of bull choices and vibrant colors, that changed the way we looked at pop culture. And while there were many different trends throughout the decade, none of them truly captured the spirit of the times quite like mall bangs. Like many of the other gravity-defying hairstyles of the era, mall bangs were a trademark of teenagers and pop stars across the country. They weren’t just another hairstyle, they were a fashion statement. And, they were a visual representation of the expressive, carefree, and over-the-top ethos of the decade.
The Role of Mall Bangs and 80s Fashion without question, the 80s were a transformative period. The decade reshaped culture, society as a whole, and the economy. It was a time of consumerism thanks to the economic recovery and the many technological advancements of the era. Disposable income was on the rise and so too was the widening middle class. As a result, malls grew to become a social hub for teenagers across the nation. They were the epicenter of the youth culture and influenced everything from social norms to fashion.
Of course, there is also the growing popularity of MTV which revolutionized how trends were spread. Music videos turned pop stars into instant fashion icons . And their big hair, outfits, and even mall bangs became popular choices among the younger generation. There were blockbuster films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High as well as Heathers, that showcased teenagers sporting these popular bangs.
In the 80s you had two real choices when it came to haircuts. You can either let your mother cut your hair, and end up looking like Dora the Explorer, or go to one of those mall stylists like Fantastic Sams . And, let’s not forget the role that Glamour Shots played in helping teenagers and women of all ages to put on their most glamorous look.
80s Fashion and the Rise of Mall Bangs With so many fast changes in the industry throughout the decade, to truly understand the rise of mall bangs, we need to take a closer look at the evolution of 80s fashion, the role of MTV, and the increased availability of hair products
The Evolution of 80s Fashion With regard to the evolution of 80s fashion, it’s important to remember that the decade focused on pushing away from the traditional norms of the 60s and 70s. As a result, there was an increase in voluminous hairstyles that were over the top. And, mall bangs were no different. They were known for their voluminous, teased structure that featured a shelf or wall that poked out from the forehead. It took time to meticulously style the bangs with hairspray in order to achieve that perfect lift and hold. There were many different variations, but all of them essentially involved the same process which included curling the bangs under, teasing them at the root, and then locking them in place.
80s Fashion and MTV Then there was the role of MTV in 80s fashion. You had top-name artists like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Pat Benatar who regularly supported mall bangs and their music videos. This helped to inspire fans across the country to replicate their bold and playful style. The mall bangs represented to the youth generation a sense of empowerment and individuality. And, they quickly became a popular option including dramas and comedies throughout the decade. Even stars like Wynonna Ryder and Molly Ringwald were known to sport mall bangs both on and off the stage.
How Hair Products Changed 80s Fashion But, mall bangs would never have existed if it weren’t for the many advancements in haircare products. Throughout the 80s, Aqua Net hairspray was synonymous with the hair culture. Aqua Net provided girls with an industrial-strength hold that was needed to keep their hair intact throughout an entire school day, or even well into the night. Then, with the help of campers and curling irons, teens could perfect the curled-under effect of their bangs. And, mall bangs were seen everywhere from shopping centers to magazines like Teen Beat and Seventeen.
The People Who Made Mall Bangs Famous When it comes to the people who made mall bangs famous, the first name that comes to mind is Madonna. Throughout the 80s, she went through a wide array of different hairstyles, but most of them included teased bangs. The style perfectly encapsulated her rebellious spirit. Then, on the big screen, you had Molly Ringwald, whose role in Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club showcased a more romantic take on the trend. Whether musicians or actresses, these figures weren’t just style icons, they were symbols of the decade and their choices influenced millions of fans around the nation.
The Enduring Legacy of Mall Bangs For many, the concept of mall beings ended in the 80s, but, the style has made many resurgences in recent years. It was something unique and different, to take ordinary bangs and transform them into an exaggerated art form. Teenagers throughout the 80s turn their personal style into a form of rebellion and identity. And, while the mall bang itself did fade away by the early 90s, the style helped to inspire many later trends. During the 90s and early 2000s, there was the layering and face-framing looks. Of course, in more recent years there was a resurgence of 80s nostalgia that has brought back many elements of this timeless look.
Conclusion It’s important to remember that moldings were not just a fleeting fashion trend of the 80s. They were a cultural statement that redefined the entire decade. The style was rooted in the social and technological dynamics of the crime. And, they quickly became a powerful symbol of youthful exuberance and individuality.
