'80s Hairstyle & Haircut Trends That Have Made A Big Comeback

In the '80s, hairstyles were more than finishing touches; they became defining accessories, often taking center stage and shaping an entire look. Yet, as fashion embraces maximalism once again, these outrageous styles have been making a major return. "Eighties influences are absolutely re-emerging," New York City hairstylist Bronwen Robinson told Allure in 2023. "These influences are trickling down from acclaimed designers and entertainment, while also trickling up from youth culture. Big hair reigns supreme on TikTok, and one look at popular streaming series like Stranger Things shows how pervasive these references are in youth entertainment," she explained.

From Dolly Parton's bombshell perm to Diana Ross's voluminous curls, '80s hair trends reflected the era's larger-than-life attitude, and they made for some truly unforgettable fashion moments. After all, name another era when Cher's iconic 1986 Academy Awards spikes would have been so widely embraced on the red carpet. We'll wait.

While many hair trends from the '80s have made a comeback, certain styles have left an even bigger mark the second time around. The era's statement cuts and gravity-defying volume have found a new generation of admirers, proving that some hair trends only get better with time.

Untamed curls completely captured the "more is more" attitude of the '80s. Julia Roberts, pictured above at the "Miss Firecracker" premiere in 1989, was among the stars who embraced the voluminous hairstyle, both on the red carpet and in films like 1988's "Mystic Pizza." These wild locks have found a new following in recent years, with Natasha Lyonne even bringing them to Vivienne Westwood's runway during Paris Fashion Week in 2026. Despite her daring topless ensemble, Lyonne's fiery curls were undeniably the focal point.

Whitney Houston helped make the curly bob one of the decade's defining hairstyles, as seen at the 1988 Grammy Awards. With its bouncy ringlets and plenty of volume, Houston's bob framed her face. The curly bob is back in the spotlight, giving women a fresh, versatile way to show off their natural texture. Yara Shahidi had a remarkably casual bouffant bob moment at The Broad and Dior Celebrate Mickalene Thomas: All About Love Exhibition Opening in 2024, where she paired her middle-parted bob with an unbuttoned shirt.

The bouncy '80s blowout, famously embraced by supermodels like Christie Brinkley, pictured above at the 1984 Academy Awards, is one hairstyle that has come back with a vengeance. As modern styling tools have made it easier to achieve the salon-worthy look at home, the glamorous look has become a social media favorite. In 2024, Matilda Djerf, pictured above in an Instagram selfie, gained so much attention for her at-home blowout, featuring blond waves and face-framing curtain bangs, that Vogue named her "the woman with the best hair on Instagram."

Madonna, pictured above performing at the 1989 MTV Music Video Awards, often sported a shaggy, bowl-shaped bixie cut featuring soft layers — a look that has since been revived across the internet. In 2026, the cropped shag emerged as one of the most popular haircut trends, with fresh interpretations popping up everywhere. In an Instagram selfie, Amy Julliette Lefévre showcased her bixie, complete with feathered, choppy layers. Like Lefévre's cut, other contemporary versions no longer compete with bold ensembles but blend seamlessly into outfits, often lending them a refined touch.

Linda Evangelista's show-stopping pixie cut at the 1989 Azzedine Alaia Spring show redefined beauty ideals and reignited interest in ultra-short haircuts. Today, cropped styles continue to turn heads, with celebrities proving that shorter can be bolder. Emma Stone made headlines after she debuted her choppy pixie at the 2025 Golden Globes. Featuring a shorter, edgier silhouette and side-swept micro fringe, her fresh cut paid homage to the past while offering a more daring take on the '80s favorite.

High ponytails and half-up half-down hairstyles were equally popular in the '80s, and Cher's hairstyle at a 1986 Eurythmics concert  blended both. While Cher added a playful feel to her gothic ensemble by wearing her jet-black messy half-updo with a pineapple-style pony, contemporary styles are more polished. Zoë Kravitz showcased her modern take on the classic at the 2026 Met Gala  by replacing the dramatic free-flowing pony element with a tight bun. While her hair still featured flyaways, it was clear they had been meticulously styled that way.

Sarah Jessica Parker's memorable pineapple hairstyle, spotted in Los Angeles in 1980, captured the quirky spirit of the '80s. Despite its distinctive appearance, its undone appeal — often accessorized with vibrant scrunchies and clips — made it an everyday favorite for curly-haired folks throughout the era. The fun style has been making a gradual comeback for years, as seen in Yara Shahidi's sky-high updo at the 2023 "Peter Pan and Wendy" special screening in New York (R). Amid fashion's growing embrace of maximalism, pineapple hairstyles have emerged as a standout trend at Copenhagen Fashion Week 2026.

From punk styles to camp aesthetics, mullets wreaked havoc throughout the '80s. Yet, by pairing her auburn take on the look with a bomber jacket at the "Greater Tuna" opening night in 1986, Cher proved the style could also look remarkably understated. Decades later, the statement style has been reimagined to suit more polished appearances. At the 2026 AD Celebrates Design: Making A Difference event, Kristen Stewart debuted a shaggy mullet that offered a softer take on the trend. While her chain choker lent her look a punk edge, the sleek, straightened ends added a refined touch.