The ’80s-Inspired Hairstyles to Try in 2026, According to Hairstylists

1980s beauty trends were all about self-expression and experimentation. It was also a time when bright neon colors, spandex and big hair were front and center, no matter the occasion. When it comes to hairstyles, the looks from the decade are truly unique. They stood out in their own way and, until now, seemed to remain stuck in the past.

A revival of the era’s most defining elements is bringing ‘80s hairstyles back into focus. Today’s looks embrace the volume, sharp cuts, crimping and bold hair accessories of the period with a quieter confidence, making them modern and much more approachable. Below, we spoke with two celebrity hairstylists on the best ways to wear the trends right now.

Featured Experts

• Stephanie Angelone is a celebrity hairstylist at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in NYC
• Nick Stenson is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Nick Stenson Beauty

Why ’80s Hairstyles Are Trending Now

The hairstyles of the ‘80s have always made a statement, but their resurgence today goes beyond nostalgia. People are gravitating toward the era’s signature volume and strong shapes because they offer a refreshing break from ultra-minimal styles. “When you think about the hair from the ‘80s, it’s usually really big, whether from teasing, fluffy bangs or lots of layers,” says celebrity hairstylist Stephanie Angelone.

But it’s not just the boldness driving the comeback. As Angelone explains, the decade also had more restrained, contemporary looks such as shaggy cuts, wispy short layers and soft and voluminous blowouts, which feel especially aligned with today’s push for effortlessness. These revived elements hit the sweet spot: they deliver movement and personality without the overdone aesthetic of the original era.

In short, people still want volume and cool haircuts, but with a natural, wearable edge. “The idea is to have a hairstyle that’s equal parts professional and natural,” says Angelone. Celebrity hairstylist Nick Stenson adds that the balance between polished and effortless is key, regardless of the look you choose.

’80s Hairstyles to Try

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Fluffy Blowout

While both are iconic, there’s a big difference between the blowouts of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The former is voluminous with a touch more lift, while today’s version keeps the shape but feels more polished thanks to glossy curls. “It’s voluminous, smooth and shiny with soft, lifted curls or waves,” says Stenson. Lifting at the roots is key to achieving controlled volume without teasing. To recreate the style, Stenson suggests starting with a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-drying section by section with a round brush before finishing each piece with a blast of cool air to lock in shine.

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Pushed-Back Headband

These aren’t the elastic headbands from the workout videos you may remember. Instead, they’re chic, sophisticated and refined, which explains why they’ve been seen on everyone from Bella Hadid to Kendall Jenner. According to Angelone, the modern take uses them as a true hair accessory. “They’re pushed further back to slightly cover half the ear and your crown instead of worn down on the forehead full 80s style,” she says.

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Soft Crimping

Forget the rigid, tightly crimped looks of the past. The latest version blends the classic style with soft, loose waves. Think light crimping with a more relaxed finish—and the best part is it’s much easier to achieve. “Using a waver like the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X gives you a toned-down crimp effect that feels effortless and modern,” says Angelone.

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Bombshell Bob

Think of this as the power bob’s sleeker cousin. “It’s an edgy take on the classic style that’s designed to have movement and appear polished,” says Stenson. He explains that the combination creates a uniform finish rather than volume, but can still have that tousled, effortless look. The pro recommends opting for a lightweight styling product and blow-drying using your fingers or a diffuser to enhance natural movement.

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High Ponytail

The simplicity of a high ponytail will always be stunning. However, there’s something special about one that also has lots of movement and effortless waves. Creating the style is pretty straightforward, but if you want to make it stand out, try Stenson’s trick: finish with an oil, such as Nick Stenson Beauty’s Hydrating Oil ($44), to lock in moisture and enhance shine.