1980s Men’s Hair Fashion: A Bold Era of Hairstyles
The 1980s were a transformative decade in many ways, and one of the most defining aspects of its cultural explosion was men’s hair fashion. From bold volume to striking cuts, the era’s hairstyles were anything but ordinary. Men’s fashion in the 1980s was all about pushing boundaries and embracing individuality, and this was no different when it came to their hair. In this article, we’ll explore the unforgettable trends in 1980s men’s hair fashion, reflecting the era’s vibrant personality and larger-than-life style.
The Rise of Big Hair
One of the most iconic elements of 1980s men’s hair fashion was the big hair trend. Influenced heavily by rock and pop culture, many men in the ‘80s opted for hairstyles that were voluminous and eye-catching. This look was popularized by celebrities and musicians like Jon Bon Jovi and David Lee Roth. Achieving big hair often involved lots of hairspray, mousse, and other styling products to create height and texture, giving the illusion of thicker, more voluminous locks.
Big hair wasn’t just reserved for rock stars; everyday men began embracing this trend, making it a staple of 1980s men’s hair fashion. Whether you had straight, wavy, or curly hair, the goal was to make it look fuller and more dramatic.
The Mullet: Business in the Front, Party in the Back
No discussion of 1980s men’s hair fashion is complete without mentioning the mullet. This hairstyle, defined by its short length at the front and sides with long hair in the back, became a global phenomenon. The mullet’s versatility meant it could be dressed up or down, and it became associated with both casual and formal looks.
The mullet captured the essence of the 1980s by combining conservative styles with more rebellious, unconventional elements. Celebrities like Billy Ray Cyrus and Mel Gibson helped cement the mullet’s place in men’s fashion history. Whether men wore it neat or with a touch of messiness, the mullet became a defining image of 1980s men’s hair fashion.
Punk Influence and Mohawks
The punk rock movement was another major influence on 1980s men’s hair fashion, particularly when it came to edgier looks like the mohawk. This style, characterized by a strip of hair in the middle with the sides shaved, became an emblem of rebellion and counterculture. Often dyed in bright, neon colors, the mohawk was a bold statement that many men sported during the decade.
While it originated from punk rock subcultures, the mohawk eventually made its way into mainstream 1980s men’s hair fashion. For men who wanted to push the envelope and stand out, the mohawk became a go-to look.
The Feathered Look: Effortlessly Cool
The feathered hairstyle, made famous by actors like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, continued to enjoy popularity during the early 1980s. This hairstyle involved creating a layered look where the hair was combed back, giving it a “feathered” appearance. Typically worn with a side part, the feathered style was popular for men with medium-length hair.
This look epitomized the effortless cool of 1980s men’s hair fashion. It required maintenance to keep the hair in place but was seen as a laid-back yet polished style. The feathered hairstyle was versatile, suitable for both casual wear and more formal occasions.
The Jerry Curl: Curly and Carefree
For men with curly hair, the Jerry curl became one of the hottest hairstyles of the 1980s. Popularized by Michael Jackson and other African American celebrities, the Jerry curl was a loose, shiny curl that gave off a relaxed yet glamorous vibe. To maintain the curls’ signature shine, men used specialized products, often leaving the hair looking glossy and wet.
The Jerry curl was an essential part of African American 1980s men’s hair fashion, symbolizing the growing influence of hip-hop and R&B culture on mainstream fashion trends. It became a defining look for many, not just within African American communities but across the decade’s larger style narrative.
The Perm: Structured Curls for All Hair Types
The perm, or permanent wave, was another popular trend in 1980s men’s hair fashion. Men with straight hair often opted for a perm to achieve defined curls or waves. This process involved chemically treating the hair to create permanent curls, which could range from tight ringlets to looser waves.
The perm was embraced by both rockstars and everyday men looking to add texture to their hair. It was another way to achieve the voluminous, bold looks that dominated 1980s men’s hair fashion. From perms to big hair, the theme of larger-than-life hairstyles was apparent throughout the decade.
Slicked-Back Hair: Classic Meets 1980s Cool
While much of 1980s men’s hair fashion was focused on bold and edgy styles, the slicked-back look remained a classic choice. This style was often paired with a leather jacket or sharp suit, giving men a timeless yet modern look. Using gel or pomade, the hair was slicked back to create a sleek, smooth finish, exuding confidence and sophistication.
Celebrities like Michael Douglas in Wall Street popularized the slicked-back style, associating it with power and ambition. Whether worn with a side part or all brushed back, this hairstyle was a sharp contrast to the more rebellious trends but still found its place in the broader spectrum of 1980s men’s hair fashion.
Conclusion
The 1980s was a decade of daring choices and unforgettable styles in men’s hair fashion. From the voluminous big hair to the iconic mullet and punk-inspired mohawks, this era encouraged self-expression and individuality. Whether you were drawn to the slick, structured look of the slicked-back style or embraced the wild and carefree curls of a perm or Jerry curl, 1980s men’s hair fashion offered something for everyone.
Today, many of these styles are making a comeback, proving that the influence of 1980s men’s hair fashion is still very much alive. If you’re looking for bold and iconic hairstyles that stand the test of time, the 1980s offers plenty of inspiration to revisit.
