10 Throwback Hairstyles Only Gen X Will Remember Wearing

Nostalgia is everywhere, and looks that dominated in the '80s and '90s are back in a big way, particularly when it comes to hair. Across TikTok, beauty influencers are busy recreating styles that were once the pinnacle of laughable '80s style; yes, even the infamous mullet has become hot again. Though these hairdos may be new to Gen Alpha, for Gen X, they're a blast from the past. One look that's been making the rounds on Pinterest is Princess Diana's iconic bixie cut, the sophisticated short hairstyle of our dreams. Those who came of age in the nineties may recall it became one of the most popular looks of its decade, with countless people flocking to salons with photos of the royal, hoping to recreate a version of the style for themselves.

It's understandable why '80s and '90s styles are having a moment with the digital generation. From perms and mall bangs to high ponytails and face-framing tendrils the hottest looks of those decades were anything but understated. You could argue they were made to be photographed. While this might be either shocking or wistful for Gen Xers, it proves one thing is true: trends are always cyclical. But while these looks may now be labeled as throwback or retro, those old enough to recall the Regan and Clinton presidencies can likely recall when they were the defining styles of the moment. 

Nothing is quite as quintessentially Gen X as the perm. Using Stevie Nicks's incredible hair arc from the 1980s as inspiration, contemporary beauty influencers on TikTok are looking to the Fleetwood Mac singer as a muse. Perms were famous for absolutely destroying hair, so thankfully the modern twist often relies on foam rollers instead of a chemical hair treatment to get the look. While it won't last as long, hair health is worth prioritizing. And this style still celebrates Nicks' incredible face-framing fringe, so the volume is epic. 

High ponytails secured with scrunchies were huge in the '80s and '90s as an easy, on-the-go hairstyle. Just think back to Madonna during her 1990 "Blonde Ambition" tour, or Paula Abdul in 1988 making the video for "Forever Your Girl." With their tresses cascading down like a fountain on top of their heads, the two celebs (and many others) made the cheerleader-style hairdo the ultimate It Girl style of the decade. As of the 2020s, the look is alive again, but with a slightly more subdued take. Ponytail lovers are going for the scrunchie, but not placing it quite as high on top of the head as people did in the '80s and '90s. The look is a little less spunky, but slightly more wearable. 

Nothing speaks to Gen X quite like the shag. Oh, that beauty. The hair has mega volume with face framing bangs and choppy layers. The magic of the shag was its unfussy styling. It's full of texture, but it's very low maintenance. There's no need for overly finicky curling. The shag is edgy and casual simultaneously. While once dissed as an abomination, the shag has made a strong comeback, sported by Miley Cyrus, Zendaya, and model Alexa Chung. It's flirty and sassy, perfect for a nostalgic '80s hair look. 

Even the mullet is back in the zeitgeist. Business in the front and a party in the back, the mullet has everything going on, and Gen X knows all about it. Stars like David Bowie, Hulk Hogan, and Dolly Parton all sported the sassy do. The unusual hairstyle was so popular in the '80s that it defined the decade, but then fell out of favor shortly after to make room for other looks. But everything comes back around in due course, and the mullet is trending again, thanks to its ability to do everything. It offers length but also a cropped feel and gives volume. 

Mall bangs might be the cutest name ever for the fluffy, full-bodied fringe that people sported in the '80s and '90s. The moniker came from Gen X teenagers who liked hanging around at malls as a venue for socializing. Vanna White famously sported a healthy pair back in 1985, as did many beloved teen characters like DJ Tanner from "Full House" and Kelly Kapowski on "Saved By the Bell." 

If there was one defining trait to Gen X's hair in their coming-of-age era, it was volume. Taking inspiration from hair metal bands and pop stars, these looks often consisted of vivacious curls, voluptuous bangs, and volume on all sides. More was more. There was no patience for sleek, minimalist cuts. This zest for life is back now with TikTokers recreating hair looks that mimic this '80s style. All you need is a curling iron and a whole lot of Aqua Net. 

Double face tendrils were huge in the '90s as a face-framing strategy. And we're not talking about little whispy pieces; these tendrils were thick and chunky and often styled straight. They added drama to any hair look, and these little extras have wiggled their way back into contemporary styles. Of course, some modern interpretations are subtle, while others are nostalgically in our faces just like they were in the '90s. Bonus points for a zigzag part and hair glitter. 

Gen Xers will remember the sizzle of crimped hair, an essential styling strategy in the late '80s. The procedure was not a quick one, so crimping took dedication. The payoff was, well, something. But even crimping has come back around, so the good folks of Gen X can get a nostalgia kick out of contemporary sightings. Beyonce, Ariana Grande, and Keke Palmer have all played with the styling technique in contemporary years, proving that the technique can be made relevant again. 

The younger sister of the high ponytail with a scrunchie is the half-up, half-down look. The style involves gathering the top section of hair and securing it with a scrunchie. Many celebs donned some variation of the style throughout the '80s and '90s, including Madonna, who wore hers with a high ponytail at the 1985 American Music Awards.Since Gen X grew up with big volume, the style is most iconic with big, fluffy hair. And some face-framing tendrils really ties all those key '80s and '90s elements together. The look is incredibly easy, so it makes sense that it's coming back into style once again. 

Gen Xers know all about '90s prom hair. Just think of Julia Stiles' 'do in the 1999 rom-com "10 Things I Hate About You." The hair is slicked back and explodes into a tight bun of ringlets. It's an extreme look, but that's showbiz, baby. The tighter the curls, the better. Gen Xers might have thought they saw the last of the '90s prom bun, but they were mistaken. The slick, festive look is back, and styled once again with chokers and spaghetti strap gowns.