The scrunchie helped to redefine hairstyles of the 80s, creating a whole new look that aligned with the creative and bold fashion trends of the decade.
The 80s were a period of time for bold and creative fashion trends. And, very few fashion accessories epitomized the decade quite like a scrunchie . These popular fabric-covered hair ties were an essential part of the 80s style. And, helped to seamlessly blend practicality and flamboyance. Regardless of whether you were a teenager, a celebrity, or a working professional, scrunchies were just about everywhere. And, they reflected the carefree and vibrant spirit of the times.
Pony Tails and Hairstyles of the 80s The 80s were a decade full of cultural shifts and overwhelming economic transformation that was fueled by the rise of consumerism. There was a huge demand for affordable yet expressive fashion items. As the fitness culture began to expand, there was a demand for affordable yet expressive fashion items that could be both functional and aesthetic. Scrunchies fit perfectly into this mix. They offered a stylish way to keep your hair out of your face during workouts. And, they also served as a colorful fashion statement.
Thanks to athleisurewear, just about anything that was popular at the gym, quickly became popular on the street. With the help of movements like new wave, glam rock, and punk, hairstyles grew bigger and more elaborate and, women needed a way to keep their hair under control. Up until the 80s, most women and teenagers used hair ties or rubber bands that damaged the hair and got tangled easily. But, the scrunchie changed all of that. Scrunchies provided them with a way to tie back their hair without having to risk damaging it. The soft, fabric-covered alternative to the harsher rubber bands of the era quickly grew in popularity. And, by the mid-80s were everywhere.
How Scrunchies Changed Hairstyles of the 80s To understand how scrunchies changed the hairstyles of the 80s, we need to look at the evolution of the scrunchie, the hairstyles of the 80s, and the DIY ethos of the decade.
The Evolution of the Scrunchie The evolution of the scrunchie began in 1986 with a simple patent by Rommy Revson. She was a nightclub singer and was looking for a gentler alternative to traditional hairstyles available at the time. And, she named her new hair tie after her poodle, Scrunci. Eventually, the hair tie would become known colloquially as the scrunchie.
In no time, scrunchies were made available in a wide array of colors, patterns, and materials. You can find them in every form from neon Lycra to soft velvet. The various designs allowed wearers to match scrunchies with just about any outfit they could create. It was commonplace for women and teenagers of the 80s to select scrunchies that could match their shoes or simply just show their team spirit. And, whether you wore them with braids, wrapped around a bun, with a side ponytail , or even a high ponytail, scrunchies were the quick and easy way to personalize just about any look.
Hairstyles of the 80s and Pop Culture The popularity of scrunchies quickly skyrocketed things to their regular appearance and TV shows, movies, and music videos. The cast of films like Clueless and 16 Candles were often seen sporting scrunchies on ton and offthe screen. This cemented the scrunchie’s Association with youthful energy as well as casual chic. Then there were pop stars like Cyndi Lauper and Madonna who embraced scrunchies as a quintessential part of their signature outfits.
The DIY Scrunchie Movement The 80s saw a huge shift in the DIY ethos of the decade, and the scrunchie fit right in . They featured a very simple design, that was easy for just about anyone to replicate. DIY enthusiasts throughout the decade began making use of leftover fabric. And, readily available elastic bands to make their very own scrunchies. This allowed them to create truly one-of-a-kind accessories that perfectly matched their own unique individual styles.
The People Who Changed Hairstyles of the 80s Although the scrunchie was created by Rommy Revson back in 1986, the fashion accessory would not have become as popular if it weren’t for actresses like Leona Ryder, and Molly Ringwald who are often seen sporting them both on and off-screen. And, they would not have become as readily available if it weren’t for major retailers like Macy’s who embraced the scrunchie trend and offered exclusive collections to their customers. Jane Fonda also played a crucial role in boosting the scrunchies’ status. She regularly paired them with her iconic leotard and leg warmers to create truly unique style. And, that style resonated with countless women across the country.
The Legacy of Hairstyles of the 80s Of course, the influence of the scrunchie extended well beyond the 80s. It was a symbol of nostalgia that resurfaced back in the 1990s as well as 2010. And, its popularity was fueled by millennials as well as Gen Z’s who appreciated the retro fashion styles of the decade. Modern scrunchies have come a long way and now come in a wide selection of eco-friendly materials and high-end designs. As a result, they have seamlessly bridged the gap between sustainable practices and timeless styles.
Conclusion In the end, the scrunchie has come a long way from its humble beginnings back in the mid-80s to a global fashion staple. They have proven their staying power in the mainstream fashion industry and their ability to adapt to the ever-changing tastes of women across many generations. The nostalgia for hairstyles of the 80s has never been stronger thanks to the rise in popularity of television shows and movies that pay homage to one of the most unique decades in modern history.
