The 80s were an era for bold and expressive fashion, and few hairstyles encapsulated this spirit better than 80s feathered hair.
Many people consider the 80s to be one of the most unique decades in modern history simply due to the economic shifts, cultural shifts, and sheer number of technological advancements. And for those who grew up during the decade, this was true. There were countless changes in the fashion industry because people were seeking more expressive and bolder trends. One of those trends was the rise of the 80s feathered hair . Featuring sleek layers and soft cascading flows, feathered hair was synonymous with the effortless glamour of the era. But, it was more than just a passing trend, it was a cultural statement that captured the essence of the decade.
The Rise of 80s Feathered Hair The cultural backdrop of the 80s provided the perfect environment for feathered hair to grow in popularity. After all, the decade was filled with economic optimism, technological innovation, and cultural shifts that celebrated self-expression and individuality. With the help of media like MTV, and blockbuster films, celebrities quickly became influential style icons that helped to drive the trends that resonated more closely with their audience.
And, although feathered hair has its roots in the late 70s, it truly flourished during the 80s thanks to Hollywood’s growing influence. The versatility of the style made it appealing for both men and women of the 80s. Its polished yet casual look aligned with the dynamic lifestyles of the 80s, making it the perfect option for people from all walks of life.
Of course, 80s feathered hair would not have been possible if it weren’t for the many advancements in hair care products during the decade. We saw an increase in the availability of mousses, round brushes, and hairdryers. All of these were necessary to re-create that salon-perfect style in the home. The accessibility of these accessories helped to solidify feathered hair as a symbol of 80s fashion.
How 80s Feathered Hair Became A Timeless Trend to truly understand how 80s feathered hair became a timeless trend , we need to take a closer look at the classic 80s style, the androgynous features, and the innovations in hairstyling.
The Classic 80s Feathered Hair Look The classic 80s feathered hair look featured long layers of swept-back hair on both sides. This created a soft, featherlike appearance. But, it was not a style you could simply wake up and sport. Instead, the perfect feathered hair was achieved through careful layering and blow drying. And, this look gained popularity throughout the decade due to its ability to frame the face perfectly.
One of the biggest trendsetters when it came to feathered hair was Farrah Fawcett. She immortalized the style at the end of the 70s, and that influence carried over into the 80s. In no time, it became a staple for women all across the country. The look itself was especially popular among younger adults who loved its combination of casual elegance and high-fashion appeal.
80s Feathered Hair for Men But, feathered hair was not just for women. It was an androgynous fashion statement and was supported by countless men throughout the 80s. You had big-name actors like John Travolta and David Cassidy who are known to sport feathered hairstyles throughout the 80s. As a result, fans began to adopt similar looks. The style itself was often paired with a part on either the side or down the center, which created a balanced or symmetrical aesthetic.
After all, feathered hair signified confidence and sophistication. It managed to perfectly blend with both casual and formal attire, which made it a favorite choice for those with an active lifestyle. This unisex appeal throughout the 80s helped to elevate 80s feathered hair from just another passing fad into an actual cultural phenomenon. And, no we are not talking about the 1996 John Travolta film Phenomenon.
Innovations in Hair Styling No matter how you look at it, we would not have had the feathered look if it weren’t for the many innovations in hairstyling throughout the 80s. The decade saw the emergence of many different styling techniques and products that were designed to enhance feathered hair. The hairspray and mousses that were available, were essential to maintaining that volume and keeping the layers in place throughout the day. And, in order to get that perfect curl under, you needed round brushes which weren’t available until the 80s.
Hair salons even offer eyes specialized tailored cuts to provide you with that perfect feathered look. And, top name celebrities like Tom Cruise and Heather Locklear were known to support different variations of the style in both movies and on television. These amazing innovations helped to ensure that feathered hair was a versatile and accommodating style that could be perfectly suited and tailored to your own particular tastes.
The People Who Made 80s Feathered Hair Popular Without question, 80s feathered hair owes most of its success in popularity to Farrah Fawcett. She debuted the feathered look with her iconic golden locks in the late 70s. And, in doing so, she set the gold standard for what feathered hair should look like. When she appeared on the big screen sporting her feathered look, she inspired countless fans to replicate the style. Then, throughout the 80s, Heather Locklear began to sport a feathered style as a more glamorous haircut when she made appearances on TV shows like Dynasty.
But, we the hairstyle would not have been as popular if it were androgynous. And, throughout the 80s you had heartthrobs like Tom Cruise and Rob Lowe who brought feathered hair into the forefront of men’s fashion. They proved that the hairstyle could have universal appeal. Not only did they manage to popularize the hairstyle for men, but they ended up solidifying its status as an essential element of pop culture.
The Impact of Feathered Hair on the Fashion Industry Throughout the 80s, feathered hair became more than just another hairstyle. It grew to become a reflection of the 80s ethos. And, it embodied the values of the decade regarding self-expression, individuality, and accessibility. It was the perfect hairstyle to allow people to experiment with, allowing them to create their own unique twist to the timeless trend. The style itself was prominent in the movies, on the TV, and in music videos. As a result, it became a long-lasting symbol of 80s glamour. And while the style itself has long since faded out of the limelight, it helped to inspire current styles such as the blowout, and countless others.
Conclusion In the end, feathered hair stands out as one of the most iconic hairstyles of the decade. It managed to embody the 80s spirit of boldness and creativity. And, it featured layered elegance and universal appeal, which made it a cultural touchstone. Without question, feathered hair managed to influence generations of fashion enthusiasts, and inspired countless styles throughout the 90s and 2000’s.
