The 1980s – a time of bold Braid Styles fashion statements, iconic music, and hairstyles that defied gravity and logic. Among the many trends that emerged during this decade, braids stood out as a staple of 80s style.
From the streets of New York City to the runways of Paris, braids were everywhere, and everyone from punk rockers to pop princesses was sporting them.
In this nostalgic trip back to the decade of excess, we’re celebrating the most iconic 80s braid styles that still inspire us today.
20 Iconic 80s Braid Styles Looks to Try Now (No. 19 Is My Favorite)
1. Flock of Seagulls Fishtail
Inspired by the new wave band A Flock of Seagulls, this hairstyle featured a signature fishtail design, where the hair was braided and then flipped to one side, creating a dramatic, asymmetrical look.
The Flock of Seagulls Fishtail was a staple of the early 80s music scene and remains an enduring symbol of the era’s avant-garde style.
2. Neon Nightmare Cornrows
As the decade progressed, cornrows became a popular hairstyle, particularly among the hip-hop and breakdancing communities.
The Neon Nightmare Cornrows took this trend to the next level, incorporating neon-colored beads and threads into the braids, creating a mesmerizing, eye-catching effect.
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3. Princess Puffy Braids
Inspired by Princess signature hairstyle, the Puffy Braids were a softer, more romantic take on the traditional braid.
Characterized by loose, voluminous braids and a relaxed, effortless vibe, this hairstyle was a favorite among young women in the late 80s.
4. Miami Vice Micro Braids
The hit TV show Miami Vice brought a new level of sophistication to the small screen, and its influence extended to hairstyles as well.
The Miami Vice Micro Braids were a sleek, modern take on traditional braids, featuring tiny, intricate braids that added a touch of elegance to any outfit.
5. Glam Metal Goddess Braids
As glam metal bands like Poison and Mötley Crüe rose to fame, their hairstyles became an integral part of their image.
The Glam Metal Goddess Braids were a testament to the era’s excess and extravagance, featuring long, flowing braids adorned with feathers, beads, and other embellishments.
6. Riot Grrrl Rattail Braids
The Riot Grrrl movement, led by bands like Bikini Kill and Hole, was all about female empowerment and DIY ethos.
The Rattail Braids, characterized by a long, thin braid at the back of the head, became a symbol of the movement’s rebellious spirit and anti-mainstream attitude.
7. Flashdance Frenzy Braids
The iconic 1983 film Flashdance brought a new level of excitement to the dance floor, and its influence extended to hairstyles as well.
The Flashdance Frenzy Braids were a high-energy, dynamic take on traditional braids, featuring loose, flowing strands and a carefree, spontaneous vibe.
8. Whitney’s Woven Wonders
Whitney Houston’s signature hairstyle, featuring tight, woven braids, became an iconic look of the late 80s.
Her Woven Wonders were a testament to the era’s love of glamour and sophistication, and remain a beloved hairstyle to this day.
9. Cyndi Lauper’s Crazy Curls
Cyndi Lauper’s eccentric style was a defining feature of the 80s music scene, and her Crazy Curls were a hallmark of her image.
Featuring bright colors, wild textures, and a general sense of unpredictability, Lauper’s hairstyles were a true reflection of her artistic spirit.
10. The Brat Pack Braid
The Brat Pack, a group of young actors that included Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, and Molly Ringwald, were known for their rebellious, nonconformist attitude.
The Brat Pack Braid, featuring a messy, undone look with loose strands and a relaxed vibe, became a symbol of the group’s carefree, youthful energy.
11. Guns N’ Roses Glamour Braids
As Guns N’ Roses rose to fame, their hairstyles became an integral part of their image.
The Glamour Braids, featuring long, flowing strands and a touch of rockstar swagger, were a testament to the band’s excess and extravagance.
12. Electric Dream Braids
The 1984 film Electric Dreams, starring Lenny von Dohlen and Virginia Madsen, brought a new level of romance and sophistication to the big screen.
The Electric Dream Braids, featuring tight, intricate braids and a touch of elegance, became a beloved hairstyle of the mid-80s.
13. Shoulder Pad Braids
The power suit, popularized by TV shows like Working Girl and Designing Women, was a defining feature of 80s fashion.
The Shoulder Pad Braids, featuring tight, structured braids that framed the face, were a testament to the era’s love of power and authority.
14. New Wave Nubian Twists
As the 80s drew to a close, the New Wave movement brought a new level of experimentation and creativity to the music scene.
The New Wave Nubian Twists, featuring tight, twisted braids and a touch of Afro-futurism, were a testament to the era’s love of innovation and self-expression.
15. The Cosby Show Cornrows
The Cosby Show, one of the most popular TV shows of the 80s, brought a new level of representation and diversity to the small screen.
The Cosby Show Cornrows, featuring tight, neat braids and a touch of elegance, became a beloved hairstyle of the late 80s.
16. Bon Jovi Braided Bangs
Bon Jovi’s signature hairstyle, featuring braided bangs and a touch of rockstar swagger, became an iconic look of the late 80s.
The Braided Bangs were a testament to the band’s excess and extravagance, and remain a beloved hairstyle to this day.
17. Funky Town Fishtail
As the 80s drew to a close, the Funky Town Fishtail brought a new level of excitement and energy to the dance floor.
Featuring a dynamic, asymmetrical design and a touch of funk and soul, this hairstyle was a testament to the era’s love of music and self-expression.
18. The Breakfast Club Braids
The Breakfast Club, John Hughes’ seminal 1985 film, brought a new level of realism and authenticity to the teen movie genre.
The Breakfast Club Braids, featuring loose, effortless braids and a touch of rebellious spirit, became a beloved hairstyle of the mid-80s.
19. Duran Duran Dreads
Duran Duran’s signature hairstyle, featuring long, flowing dreadlocks and a touch of new wave elegance, became an iconic look of the early 80s. The Dreads were a testament to the band’s experimental spirit and love of innovation.
20. MTV Mohawk Braids
As MTV rose to prominence, its influence extended to hairstyles as well. The MTV Mohawk Braids, featuring a bold, edgy design and a touch of punk rock attitude, became a beloved hairstyle of the late 80s.
Conclusion
The 1980s were a time of unbridled creativity and self-expression, and hairstyles played a major role in defining the decade’s fashion landscape. From the outrageous to the elegant, the iconic hairstyles of the 80s continue to inspire and influence fashion and beauty trends to this day.
Whether you’re a fan of big hair, bold colors, or edgy attitudes, there’s something for everyone in this nostalgic trip down memory lane. So, go ahead, grab your hairspray, and get ready to rock out to the most iconic hairstyles of the 80s!
FAQs
Q: What was the most popular hairstyle of the 80s?
A: The most popular hairstyle of the 80s was likely the Mullet, characterized by short hair on the top and sides, with long hair in the back.
Q: What inspired the hairstyles of the 80s?
A: The hairstyles of the 80s were inspired by a variety of factors, including music, movies, TV shows, and cultural movements. The decade’s love of excess and extravagance, as well as its fascination with technology and futurism, also played a role in shaping hairstyles.
Q: Were the hairstyles of the 80s really as big and bouffant as they seem?
A: Yes! The 80s were known for their big hair, and many hairstyles featured volume, texture, and height. Hairspray, gel, and other styling products were used liberally to achieve these looks.
Q: Can I still wear these hairstyles today?
A: Absolutely! While some hairstyles may be more retro than others, many of the iconic looks of the 80s can be updated and adapted for modern times. Feel free to experiment and make them your own!
Q: What’s the best way to achieve an 80s-inspired hairstyle?
A: To achieve an 80s-inspired hairstyle, start with a strong foundation of styling products, such as hairspray, gel, or mousse. Use heat styling tools, such as curling irons or flat irons, to add texture and volume. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors, accessories, and embellishments to really make your look pop!
