The 80s were an iconic decade for fashion and style. Today, the elements of the era are back – including many hairstyles for men. From stately mullets to wild curls to bleached blonde punk looks, the 80s offers a wide variety of inspiration for your hair. Check out these modern takes on retro classics.
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1. Mullet
The mullet is one of the most iconic men’s hairstyles of the 80s. Short in the front and long in the back, it’s surprisingly flattering and suits many different face shapes. Moreover, a mule always stands out from the crowd. From athletes to fashion makers, the mullet is back in fashion. It suits men who want a trendy haircut with a quirky side.
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2. Flat top
The flat top – a type of high fade with a smooth, table-like look – remains one of the most daring haircuts for men. Because it looks so unusual, it will ensure all eyes are on you. It is suitable for both afro-textured and straight hair types. There are several options for adopting the flat top. You can recreate the classic 80s look by blow drying your hair up and using a strong hold product to hold it in place. Otherwise, opt for a short, neat and modern take that requires less styling and effort.
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3. Large Mohawk
The 80s punk era was all about oversized mohawks. A rebellious, wild and bold style, the mohawk makes a bold statement and puts you in the center of attention. Tailor your mohawk by pairing it with a bob, braided sides or fade. You can also give a tall mohawk a more polished feel by slicking it back or give it a rugged, masculine edge by pairing it with a full beard.
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4. Perm
One of the most iconic trends of the 80s was the perm. However, while the tightly-coiled “poodle” look may have been all the rage back then, today’s perms are much more natural and flattering. Perms can last up to six months and can be combined with many other styles, like undercuts and fades, for a modern twist. Try a medium length hairstyle and use a curl defining serum to make your hair look flawless.
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5. High Fade
The high top fade found popularity in the golden age of hip-hop. At the time, the flat top – a type of high-end, very smooth and angular fade – was one of the trendiest looks for men. Today, it is advisable to choose a high top fade that suits you. Whether you pair it with twists, a line, or some other twist, your high fade will look cool and interesting.
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6. Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl is an iconic 1980s hairstyle for black men. Stars from R&B singer Lionel Richie to pop superstar Michael Jackson and rapper Ice Cube had Jheri curls. A specific type of perm, the Jheri curl technique, gives Afro-textured hair loose but defined curls with a shiny finish. It’s a statement style that has a retro appeal and works on all hair lengths, from short to extra long.
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7. Long waves
Long, curly or wavy hair was all the rage in the 80s. From shoulder-length locks to a wild mane, long hair with a natural texture is a sexy and masculine look. Once your hair is long enough, use a sea salt spray to give you surfer style waves. Effortlessly cool and laid back, the style looks as good today as it did then.
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8. Slick Back
If you need inspiration for your smooth back, look no further than the 1987 film Wall Street. At the time, the hairstyle was a favorite of stockbrokers and businessmen. Today it’s popular with guys everywhere. To maintain the wet look of the slick back, use gel and glossy hairspray instead of more matte products when styling your hair and using a fine comb.
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9. Pompadour
The pompadour is all about volume, so it’s no wonder it was so popular in the 80s. Like the elephant trunk, the classic pomp came back into fashion with the 50s revival and the rockabilly trends. Go for the ultra-high and smooth traditional pompadour if you want your hair to do the talking all the time.
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10. Shoulder length
While the 70s was best known for long hair, shoulder length hair became a defining trend of the 80s. Whether curly, wavy or straight, shoulder length hair looked great. It has a laid back, casual vibe, and you can wear it loose or tie it up in a low bun.
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11. Bleached Hair
Pop stars like Billy Idol popularized bleached hair three decades ago, and for men who aren’t afraid to stand out, the trend never really went away. If you’re considering taking the plunge, go to a professional rather than trying it at home. Bleaching can do a lot of damage to your hair, and if yours is naturally very dark, you may need a few sessions to give it an icy platinum shade.
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12. Slick Back Quiff
The banana is one of the simplest and most versatile hairstyles for men. To give yours that 1980s Johnny Depp look, try the slick banana. Use pomade to give your hair a semi-damp, almost greasy look, and use your hands to push your hair back. The key is to make it look effortlessly cool, rather than smooth and neat.
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13. Wild Natural Curls
Curly hair was a massive trend in the 80s. Now it’s back in fashion for men. Whether short, medium or long, men lucky enough to have waves and coils should make the most of their natural texture. If your hair is naturally straight, try a modern perm. New techniques and formulas will give you a natural effect, rather than tight coils or the “poodle” look – some trends are set to stay in the 80s.
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