The 80s was all about unapologetic extravagance and nowhere was it more evident than with the crazy big hair hairstyle of the 80s.
No era in modern history was as unique as the 80s when it came to fashion and style. And, big hair was so much more than just another fashion choice during the decade. Rather, it was a statement of power, individuality, and rebellion. Big hair was characterized by the teased roots, and voluminous curls that helped to create something that was larger-than-life. With the help of advancements in hair products, the ability to go bigger and taller became a defining symbol of the decade. From rock stars to movie icons, everybody within pop culture was sporting a big hair hairstyle of the 80s .
How Big Hair Became a Popular Hairstyle of the 80s Without question, the 80s was a time of cultural transformation. After enduring the stagnant 70s, and the oil crisis, the 80s saw a rise in consumerism thanks to a widening middle-class, and the availability of disposable incomes. With the help of media giants like MTV , cultural changes were happening on a daily basis in every corner of the globe. And, big hair reflected the love of access during the decade, which mirrored the bigger is better attitude that dominated everything during the 80s.
Big hair has its roots in the 70s feminist movement. Women had sought a way to express their individuality and empowerment through bold yet attention-grabbing styles. The dramatic volume and striking presence of big hair help to embody these ideals perfectly. In no time at all, rock-and-roll culture began to pick up on this trend, and thanks to major bands like Poison and Bon Jovi, big hair quickly became an androgynous hairstyle of the 80s.
The Rise of the Big Hair Hairstyle of the 80s When we talk about the rise of big hair in the 80s, we need to take a closer look at the teased and layered hairstyles of the decade, the popularity of the perm, and the rise of haircare products.
A Teased and Layered Hairstyle of the 80s One of the most prominent trends throughout the decade was peace hair. This was achieved simply by combing the hair back at the roots, in order to create more volume. It was commonplace throughout the decade to get a haircut with layers, and when coupled with this teasing, one could achieve both height and movement in their style. This helped to embody the era’s flair for theatrical and magazines throughout the decade were filled with tutorials on various teasing techniques. This ensured that anyone with a comb and a can of hairspray could join in on the popular trend.
The Perm Was a Hairstyle of the 80s Revolution Another cornerstone of the 80s was the rise of the perm. Permed hair was increasingly popular, and was achieved through chemically treating the hair in order to create curves and waves. These perms allowed individuals to add even more volume and texture to their style, which would last for several weeks. And, for those who had straight or fine hair and wanted to embrace the big hair trend, the perm was the only option for them.
Big-name celebrities like Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton were known for using perms to help increase their volume. Onstage, they showcased perfectly coiled locks, and this helped to increase the popularity of home perm kits throughout the era. Although technically not as good as getting a perm at the salon, these kids made it possible for anyone to add more volume to their hair, at a fraction of the cost.
Haircare and Rockstar Glam But nothing propelled big hair into the spotlight quite like rockstar glam. Top-name musicians in the rock-and-roll industry helped to fuel the demand for big hair hairstyles. You had major bands like Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard who were known to sport big hair throughout the 80s. And, they successfully blended and blurred the lines between masculinity and glamour.
This influence by the rock culture extended well beyond the music scene. In no time at all, big hair inspired everyday fashion and beauty trends. Fans of these major rock bands eagerly adopted similar hairstyles, and thanks to the availability of haircare products like gels and mousses, were easily able to replicate their signature looks.
The People Who Brought Us the Big Hair Hairstyle of the 80s But of course, we would not have the big hair hairstyle of the 80s if it weren’t for several mainstream pop culture icons. Stars like Tina Turner and Madonna were often known to embrace bold and voluminous hairstyles as a crucial part of their personas. After the release of Like a Virgin Madonna’s playful yet edgy hairstyles inspired countless fans to follow suit. And, we can’t forget about Tina Turner’s gravity-defying locks which symbolized her powerful stage presence.
Then there were the rock bands like Bon Jovi and Poison. They were known for their big hair hairstyles, and they helped to make the trend synonymous with rebellion and glamour. They often showcased elaborate hairstyles that helped to set the tone for what had become known as the hair metal movement. This movement influenced both music as well as fashion throughout the decade.
The Cultural Impact of Big Hair Naturally, thank hair was so much more than just another hairstyle. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon that reflected the values and aspirations of the decade. It was so popular, that it demonstrated that there was a collective desire for individuality, self-expression, and boldness throughout the 80s. And, these qualities helped to define the era’s social and cultural landscape.
Yet, big hair did not simply die in the 80s, rather it is still evident in contemporary fashion and beauty. Modern runways still pay homage to the 80s style, and many designers showcase voluminous hair on a regular basis. And, then there is media and pop culture which still continues to celebrate the big hair aesthetic. One of the most recent resurgences of big hair can be seen in the series, Stranger Things.
Conclusion There is no question that big hair helped to redefine the 80s. The style embodied the decade’s love of individuality at extravagance. And, with the help of layering, teasing, and permed curls, one could easily create a masterpiece in their own bathroom. Today, when we think about the 80s, we are reminded of the big hair hairstyles that were everywhere throughout the decade – just take a look at any class photo in the 80s, and it will bring a smile to your face.
