21 '80s Haircuts That Are Cool and Stylish for Today (2024)

Meet the expert

High-Top Fade

Jodie Turner-Smith’s '80s-inspired high-top fade is the epitome of the throwback style. The sides are kept short and shaved with all the volume and length up top. To enhance natural curls, apply a bit of hair pomade for added definition.

Long, Bouncy Waves

Romee Strijd's haircut with large waves, long layers, and face-framing pieces is one of the most modern and popular styles we've adapted from the '80s to today, says Malhotra. "You'll need a 1.5- to 2-inch curling iron to create the curls, which you should brush out immediately into soft waves."

The Wolf Cut

According to Malhotra, the classic mullet has been reimagined into today's "wolf cut," a less polarizing choppy look with softer layers—like Jenna Ortega's here. "The modern version is a beautiful play on choppy layers, texture, body, and edge, yet it still really portrays the essence of the 'wild' side of the '80s," adds Syphrett.

Mussy, Voluminous Curls

According to Syphrett, soft bobs are reminiscent of the hair of Kim Bassinger and Sarah Jessica Parker when full, voluminous, wavy curls were all the rage. “This style has the freedom of wash-and-go and minimal work," she says. Rose Bertram's look is a prime example of how working with your natural hair texture can really pay off.

Wavy Layers

If your strands are stick-straight but you're after voluminous waves, consider a perm like Jung Ho-yeon's. Strategic layers combined with wavy texture lend volume and movement to this '80s-inspired 'do.

Modern Mullet

Kristen Stewart never disappoints when it comes to delivering edgy hairspiration. Case in point: this modern mullet. To get the look, "The hair needs to have a lot of blended layers, especially around the face, and pieced-out texture," says Toves-Vincilione. He recommends using a texture balm (we love Briogeo's Style + Trea Hair Styling Sculpting Cream) on clean, towel-dried hair.

The Shag

The shag haircut, as seen on Selena Gomez, is all about volume and layers. "There are multiple ways to style and wear a shag," says Toves-Vincilione. "Focus on volume and bed-head texture for the ultimate '80s throwback." To create a sexy shag like Gomez's, Toves-Vincilione recommends applying mousse to wet hair and then air-drying or blow-drying.

Sleek Pixie

A sleek and sophisticated style, this polished pixie was inspired by a men's cut from the '80s, says Syphrett. "To create this fierce look, I find that a combination of 60 percent wet hair and Fantasia Liquid Mousse Spray works wonders."

Voluminous, Feathery Layers

The popular feathered hairstyles of the 1970s continued into the early '80s. However, the latter decade favored mussy texture—as Angela Basett's style does here—in lieu of a smooth blowout. "Set the hair with a round brush or use rollers," instructs Syphrett. "Just make sure to prep the hair with a lot of mousse and volumizing spray, and always finish it with a strong hold hairspray."

Heavy Bangs

A straight, long haircut with a thick fringe bang tends to play out well, Malhotra tells us. “I love that we are embracing bangs again, and I think Billie [Eilish]’s look is so chic," she says. "This style looks best on fine to medium straight hair because it’s more of a wash-and-go look with minimal styling required.”

Curly Fringe

Bangs work on all hair types, curls included. But to keep your curly fringe looking its best—and frizz at bay—dry with a microfiber towel post-wash. Then, blow-dry with a diffuser, scrunching hair with your fingers to boost volume.

Teased With Voluminous Curls

Did somebody say big '80s hair? Jasmine Sanders's voluminous, teased mane epitomizes the decade in one look. "It's easy to get big, fluffy curls by using hot rollers or a thermal brush like the Amika Blowout Babe on already-dried hair, says Malhotra. "Brush it through the hair and hold the curls briefly. When you finish the whole head, flip it upside down and brush through the curls with a paddle brush." Finish with hairspray—lots of it.

Curly Shag

Although a shag can work on any hair type, we're partial to Sandra Oh's soft, curly iteration with bangs. Lots of layers help to lift these tendrils and give them movement. Meanwhile, the shoulder-grazing length makes this cut universally flattering.

High Ponytail

Although Issa Rae's ponytail isn't worn to the side, its high, voluminous style is still giving us '80s vibes. We love the contrasting texture against her sleek crown, plus defined curls, which make this hairdo feel fresh and modern.

"Jellyfish" Haircut

Although sharing a resemblance to the '80s mullet, today's jellyfish haircut trend is edgy, yet wearable. Soo Joo Park wears hers straight and with bangs, but curls and waves would also fare well on this versatile cut.

Choppy Lob

Choppy layers, bangs, and volume are the hair recipe for Kerry Washington's tantalizing lob. To duplicate this look, apply mousse to the hair before blowing it out or using large rollers.Syphrett recommends cutting short, piecey layers throughout the hair to emulate the look of a perm without committing to one.

Androgynous Crop

"'80s hair was all about pushing the boundaries, and short hair was no exception," says Toves-Vincilione. This slicked-back, lifted crop on Sharon Stone is chic and edgy—not to mention, it can work wonders on fine strands.

Lengthy Perm

Nothing says "big '80s hair" like Winnie Harlow's long, wavy mane. Although the perm and her thick strands do enough to create body and volume, the hair flip takes it one step further, making it head-turning.

Bouncy Curls

To recreate a voluminous look like Rowan Blancard's, apply a styling product throughout and blow-dry the hair. Then, create waves with rollers or a curling iron and lock everything into place with hairspray. "With the new generation of this cut, soft, larger waves are styled throughout the hair," says Syphrett.

Wet Shag

According to Malhotra, Nicole Scherzinger pulls off an '80s-style mullet that has been modernized into a shag haircut. "Her natural hair texture and waves soften this look," says Malhotra. Meanwhile, the "wet-look" finish adds that certain "it" factor.

Full Fringe

'80s bangs were either heavy across the forehead or plastered sky-high. Today's interpretation has everything to do with hair texture. "Taylor [Swift] flaunts a modern bang that's polished, sleek, and most importantly customized to suit her face shape, hairline, and hair texture," Syphrett says. "A simple round brush or flat iron can create the perfect bang style like this."