Totally Rad: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Iconic 80s Men’s Hairstyles
The 1980s were a decade of bold fashion choices and even bolder hairstyles. From the flamboyant, gravity-defying mullets to the sleek, preppy side parts, the ’80s offered a diverse range of looks that continue to inspire (or perhaps amuse) today. Whether you’re aiming for a retro costume, a themed party, or just want to experiment with a bit of vintage flair, this guide will walk you through recreating some of the most iconic men’s hairstyles of the decade. We’ll break down the styles, provide detailed step-by-step instructions, and offer tips for achieving that authentic ’80s vibe. Get ready to embrace the era of big hair and even bigger attitudes!
Understanding the ’80s Hair Aesthetic
Before diving into specific styles, it’s crucial to understand the core principles behind 80s men’s hair. Several key characteristics define the decade’s looks:
* **Volume, Volume, Volume:** Big hair was the name of the game. Think teased roots, perms that added immense body, and strategically placed layers to maximize lift.
* **Texture is King:** Forget smooth, perfectly styled hair. The ’80s were all about texture – whether it was the tousled look of a rocker, the crimped waves of a new wave enthusiast, or the sculpted spikes of a punk.
* **Products are Essential:** Hairspray was the go-to product, but mousses, gels, and waxes were also widely used to create and hold those gravity-defying styles.
* **Experimentation is Encouraged:** There was a certain playful attitude towards hair in the ’80s. Men were more willing to try different looks, leading to a diverse range of styles.
* **Influence of Music and Culture:** Hairstyles were heavily influenced by music genres like rock, punk, new wave, and hip-hop. The decade’s cultural icons heavily impacted popular styles.
Iconic 80s Men’s Hairstyles and How to Achieve Them
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular ’80s men’s hairstyles and provide detailed instructions on how to recreate them:
1. The Mullet: Business in the Front, Party in the Back
Perhaps the most iconic (and often polarizing) hairstyle of the ’80s, the mullet is characterized by short hair at the front and sides with longer hair at the back. While it can be challenging to pull off in modern times, here’s how to achieve that authentic ’80s mullet:
**Preparation:**
* **Grow it Out:** If you don’t already have long hair at the back, you’ll need to start growing it out. This can take several months.
* **Visit a Stylist (Optional):** While you can attempt to cut your own mullet, a stylist experienced in retro hairstyles can help you achieve the best results, especially when it comes to getting the right lengths and layers.
* **Have Photos for Reference:** Bring a photo of an ’80s mullet that you like so that the stylist has a clear guide to follow.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Section the Hair:** Divide your hair into three sections: front, sides, and back. The front and side sections should extend from the hairline at the forehead to roughly the top of your ears. The back section covers the rest of your hair.
2. **Cut the Front and Sides:** Using scissors or clippers (with a guard for a more even cut), cut the front and side sections of your hair to a relatively short length. This can range from 1 to 3 inches, depending on the desired look. Ensure that the front is slightly shorter than the sides.
3. **Layer the Back (Optional):** If you want a more voluminous mullet, you can create layers in the back. Take sections of the back hair and use scissors to cut shorter layers on top, allowing the hair to gradually get longer as you go down.
4. **Blend the Layers:** Once the cutting is complete, make sure there isn’t a jarring line between the shorter front and sides and the longer back. This can be done by slightly blending the edge of the shorter sections into the longer back. This may require some careful trimming and combing.
5. **Style with Product:** Use a texturizing mousse or hair wax to add definition and volume to the top section. You can use your fingers to tousle and add texture. Apply a bit of hairspray to hold the style in place. The key is to achieve some lift in the front and keep the back flowing freely.
**Tips for Authenticity:**
* **Embrace the Unruly:** The ’80s mullet isn’t meant to be perfectly styled. A little bit of messiness adds to the charm.
* **Keep the Back Length Consistent:** While you can have layers, ensure the overall length of the back remains consistent. Don’t make the back section too choppy or uneven.
* **Experiment with the Front:** You can experiment with the length and shape of the front. Some mullets feature a shorter, spikier front while others have a slightly longer, more layered look.
2. The Jheri Curl: A Gleaming Statement
The Jheri curl, popular among African-American men in the ’80s, was all about highly processed, glossy, and curly hair. While the maintenance was demanding, it was a truly iconic look. It requires a chemical perm to achieve the curls, which should be done by a professional stylist.
**Preparation:**
* **Consult with a Stylist:** Finding an experienced stylist who specializes in Jheri curls is critical. The process involves chemicals, so professional application is crucial to avoid hair damage.
* **Grow Out Hair:** Start with hair that is at least a few inches long to allow for curling. The longer the hair, the more pronounced the curls will be.
**Step-by-Step (Professional Application Required):**
1. **Chemical Application:** The stylist will apply a relaxer to your hair to break down its natural bonds. This makes it easier to manipulate into curls.
2. **Curling Process:** Once the relaxer is washed out, your hair will be put into curlers. These curlers are the primary shape to achieve the desired curl pattern. After setting, a chemical solution will be applied to curl hair.
3. **Rinse and Neutralize:** After a set amount of time, the solution is rinsed thoroughly. A neutralizer will be applied to stabilize the hair and set the curls permanently. After a final rinse, the curlers are removed.
4. **Styling:** Your curls will be styled and conditioned to achieve the shiny, wet look.
**Maintenance:**
* **Moisturize Daily:** Jheri curls require daily moisturizing with special sprays and creams to keep them hydrated and prevent dryness. Avoid using regular products as they may not be suitable for chemically treated hair.
* **Wrap Hair at Night:** Use a satin scarf or bonnet to protect your curls while you sleep and prevent them from getting matted or flattened.
* **Regular Touch-Ups:** You will need regular touch-ups with your stylist to maintain the curl pattern and prevent new growth from undoing the curls.
**Important Note:** The Jheri curl is a very high-maintenance style that can be damaging to your hair if not properly cared for. It’s essential to follow your stylist’s instructions carefully and use only recommended products. Be prepared for a lot of upkeep to maintain the look properly.
3. The Feathered Hair: Soft and Flowy
Popular with both men and women, feathered hair in the ’80s was characterized by soft layers that swept back from the forehead, creating a light and voluminous look. Here’s how to achieve this style:
**Preparation:**
* **Medium Length Hair:** This style works best with hair that is at least medium length, reaching just above or below the ears.
* **Visit a Stylist (Recommended):** A stylist can help you create the proper layers and angles for this look, but with careful attention to detail and a steady hand, you can achieve this look yourself at home.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Section the Hair:** Start by dividing your hair into a middle or slight side part. Create a triangular section at the top of your head, with the point of the triangle starting at the center of your forehead.
2. **Cut the Layers:** Begin by taking the triangle section and cutting it in short lengths. The layers should gradually get longer as you move away from your face. Use your scissors at a slight angle to create the feathered effect.
3. **Continue Layering:** Work your way down the sides of your head, making sure the layers all work together harmoniously with the overall feathered look.
4. **Style with Product and Heat:** Use a round brush and a hairdryer to blow dry the hair up and away from the face, creating the lift and volume. Apply a light mousse or texturizing spray for added hold.
5. **Set the Style:** Once styled, use a light hairspray to hold the feathery shape in place.
**Tips for Authenticity:**
* **Soft Layers:** Make sure the layers are soft and blended, not blunt or choppy. This will create the airy, flowy effect.
* **Pay Attention to the Front:** The feathered look is all about the front of your hair, especially around your face. Focus on layering and styling that section to get the best results.
* **Use a Round Brush:** A round brush is essential for achieving the signature volume and curve of the feathered look.
4. The Side Part: Preppy and Refined
The side part was a popular choice for men in the ’80s who preferred a more polished look. Here’s how to achieve that classic ’80s side part:
**Preparation:**
* **Short to Medium Length Hair:** This style works well with short to medium-length hair. The hair should be long enough to have a clear side part.
* **Clean Scalp and Fresh Cut:** The side part works best with a fresh cut, so start with getting your hair trimmed up for this look, including a cleaned up neckline.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Create the Side Part:** Determine where you want your side part to be. Use a comb to create a clear, straight line from the hairline at the forehead down to the back of the top of your head.
2. **Comb the Hair:** Comb the hair on the heavier side of the part up and away from the forehead to give the look some lift and height. Comb the shorter hair away from the side part to give it a clean look.
3. **Apply Product:** Use a light gel, pomade, or hair wax to add definition and hold. Apply a small amount of product to the palms of your hand and rub together before gently running your hands through your hair. Comb your hair again to keep it all in place.
4. **Set the Style:** For extra hold, you can lightly set your side part with hairspray.
**Tips for Authenticity:**
* **Clean Lines:** The side part should be clean and precise. Use a comb to ensure that the line is straight and visible.
* **Not Too Much Volume:** Unlike other ’80s styles, the side part doesn’t require extreme volume. The emphasis is on sleekness and neatness.
* **Slight Lift at the Forehead:** Adding a bit of volume at the forehead can give the look a slightly more ’80s vibe. Don’t go overboard; a slight lift is enough.
5. The Spiky Hair: Punk and New Wave
Spiky hair was a staple of the punk and new wave subcultures in the ’80s. It was about creating sharp, defined spikes that stood up straight. Here’s how you can try this style:
**Preparation:**
* **Short Hair:** This style works best with short hair, usually around 1-3 inches in length.
* **Clean Hair:** Start with clean, dry hair for the best results.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Apply a Strong Hold Gel:** Start by applying a generous amount of a strong-hold gel to your hair. Ensure the gel is evenly distributed throughout.
2. **Create the Spikes:** Using your fingers, pinch small sections of your hair and pull them upwards. You can also use a comb to help create defined spikes. Work your way around your head, focusing on different sections to give them height and direction.
3. **Reinforce the Spikes:** Add more gel to the tips of each spike to give them added hold and definition. This will also help keep the spikes together instead of having them droop or spread.
4. **Use Hairspray for Extra Hold:** Once all the spikes are formed, use a strong-hold hairspray to set them in place. This will ensure that your style lasts throughout the day.
**Tips for Authenticity:**
* **Sharp Spikes:** The spikes should be sharp and defined, not soft or rounded. Use enough gel to give them structure.
* **Directional Variation:** Experiment with different spike directions, from straight up to slightly angled. This adds to the punk aesthetic.
* **Don’t Overdo It:** While spikes can be fun, don’t go too overboard with the amount of product or the height of the spikes. Try to keep them even for the overall desired look.
General Tips for 80s Hair Success
* **Use the Right Products:** Invest in high-quality hair products like strong-hold gels, mousses, texturizing sprays, and hairsprays. The key to achieving ’80s volume and structure is using the right products.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** The ’80s were all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and products to find what works best for you.
* **Have Fun:** Rocking an ’80s hairstyle is about having fun and embracing the decade’s bold aesthetic. So, don’t be afraid to go all out!
* **Watch ’80s Movies and Music Videos:** For extra inspiration, watch some ’80s movies and music videos. Pay attention to the hairstyles and see which ones you want to try.
Conclusion
The 1980s was a decade of iconic hairstyles, and these looks continue to captivate and inspire us today. Whether you choose the dramatic mullet, the sleek side part, or the punk-inspired spikes, remember to embrace the spirit of the ’80s. With the right products, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can achieve that authentic retro vibe. So, grab your hairspray, crank up some ’80s tunes, and get ready to rock those legendary looks! These step-by-step guides will help you get the look you’re after and have a blast in the process.