The 1980s and the 1990s were absolutely crazy and those of us who got to experience at least a tiny bit of this period can guarantee it. From wild hairstyles and fashion trends to colorful makeup and a rebel attitude, everything was different back then. However, from what we can see on runways today, it seems that those trends are definitely making a comeback. This is why, in this article, we will show you some retro-inspired, funky, and iconic ‘80s and ‘90s hairstyles, in case you feel like aligning yourself with those hairstyle trends and becoming an icon yourself, even in 2020.
1980s-inspired Retro Hairstyles
Side-Parted Fluffy and Wavy Long Hairstyle
The 1980s were a time of wild haircuts, puffy updos, and unusual yet cool accessories. In this case, we have a tamer side-parted fluffy and wavy long hairstyle that can definitely be worn today without much intervention. Just use a curling wand or some rollers and then add hairspray for extra hold. Don’t forget about the red lips while the rest of your makeup should be natural.
Super Big Hairstyle with Baby Bangs
One of the biggest icons of the ‘80s era was Madonna and her crazy and unusual outfits and hairstyles. In this case, we have a huge hairstyle that has been backcombed for extra volume. The baby bangs come as a contradiction to the whole look and the makeup is super bold and out there. This is probably not the most wearable hairstyle but one that we have recently seen on runways, even after so many years.
Medium-Length Perm Hairstyle
How many of you remember the infamous perm? Well, in case you were wondering, it’s not completely gone and you can still have it done at a hair salon. In this case, we have a medium-length perm hairstyle that can still look modern with just a few changes and a bit less volume. Check out some more Versatile and Wearable Half Up Half Down Hairstyles for Medium Hair!
Side-Swept Medium-Length Wavy Hairstyle
This is another medium-length wavy hairstyle that is a bit more elegant and can definitely be adapted to fit today’s modern trends. It’s side-swept and it certainly has that charm that will draw lots of looks towards you, even if you are wearing it in 2020.
Side-Parted Laidback Long Hairstyle with Loose Waves
The ‘80s were not only about big crazy hairstyles. There were also some laidback looks that people were wearing and which can still be worn today. This side-parted long hairstyle has those carefree loose waves and that effortless vibe that we are all looking for, even in those modern times.
Big Curly Hairstyle with Fake Mohawk
When it comes to big curly hairstyles, however, things were a lot clearer back in the ‘80s. You either had that huge volume or you were not cool enough. Nowadays, this fake Mohawk hairstyle can definitely be worn, even if it will be a tamer version of it with less volume and frizziness.
Curly and Messy Long Hairstyle
Another option if you have long locks is to create some loose ringlets with a curling wand or rollers and to run your fingers through them for that messy look. Don’t settle for a part and, instead, play around with your hair to get that rebel vibe.
Big Feathered Short Hairstyle with Side-Swept Bangs
This type of short hairstyle is still worn by women from all over the world, even if their hairstyles probably don’t have this ‘80s-inspired crazy volume. However, this feathered short hairstyle with side-swept bangs is still very much popular and loved by certain women.
Rounded Out Curly Bob Cut with Bangs
The same story goes for this rounded out curly bob cut with bangs that many women are still wearing, especially after a certain age. It originates from the 1980s but it’s still going strong today, with a lot less volume and a bit more natural-looking. Still, you are free to try it too if you feel like it suits your preferences.
Princess Diana-inspired Short Curly Hairstyle
The late Princess Diana was a huge inspiration for all of us in all things, not only fashion and hair. In this case, her short curly hairstyle was replicated by every woman back in the ‘80s as they wished to look at least a bit like her. It is indeed a hairstyle that can still be worn today by modern standards and will look good and elegant.
Short and Messy Hairband Hairstyle
Coming back to Madonna and the way she paved her way into becoming an icon, this short and messy hairstyle represented the epitome of the 1980s. That hairband was also present in almost every hairstyle as a cool accessory together with the messiness, the big earrings, and the bold makeup.
Long Wavy Hairstyle with Headscarf
This is a more modern reinterpretation of the aforementioned hairstyle and a way to wear it without any problems in 2020. The hair is long and wavy with big ringlets and a colorful headscarf adds that extra charm to the whole look. The makeup is still as bold as it can be.
Half Up Half Down and Simple Long ’80s and ’90s Hairstyles (2 ideas)
When it comes to more relaxed hairstyles of the ‘80s, a simple half up half down look along with a classic side-parted hairstyle are certainly preferable. These two looks are timeless and everyone is still wearing them in 2020 in various combinations and on various hair lengths.
Long and Medium Wavy Rock n’ Roll ’80s and ’90s Hairstyles (2 ideas)
The disco trend was one thing but the rock n’ roll one was a completely different story. The hair was still big, long, and fluffy but there were a lot more bangs involved and the attitude was a bit more relaxed and edgy. These two examples display how it was to be a true rock chick back in the 1980s.
Medium-Length Wavy Hairstyles and Straight Bob Cut with Blunt Bangs (3 ideas)
The first two medium-length hairstyles are messy, slightly curly, and don’t have a defined shape. The third one is super angled, short, and has those sharp blunt bangs that act as a natural frame for the face. These three looks are all edgy, rock n’ roll, and super popular when speaking of the 1980s trends.
Side-Parted, Middle-Parted, and Wavy Rock n’ Roll Hairstyles and Hairstyles with Bangs (4 ideas)
These four rock n’ roll hairstyles were super trendy back in the ‘80s and could be seen on the covers of magazines and in the crowds at festivals. They were long and messy with either side-parted, middle-parted, or no bangs at all. It was all about being super messy and wavy and having the right attitude for a rock concert. These hairstyles can be reinterpreted to fit today’s trends easily, with less volume and with the right personality.
Side-Swept Big Curly Hairstyle
In case your hair was big and curly back then, you definitely needed to have this side-swept hairstyle to showcase your lovely ringlets. You had to shake them, own your hair, and be proud of it. It’s still true for today, as this haircut can still be worn without any issues at all.
Curly Messy High Bun
If you were sick of all that hair falling on your face, an option was to put it in a curly messy high bun and it was still very much a trendy look. The big earrings and the natural makeup were key to getting this look right. And let’s not forget about the attitude!
1990s-inspired Retro Hairstyles
Multiple Space Buns
When it comes to the following decade, the 1990s, things continued to be weird and crazy in all things including hairstyling. Take these space buns for example. Gwen Stefani made them popular back then and they can still be found in today’s modern hair trends. No regrets, right?
Half Up Half Down Wavy ’80s and ’90s Hairstyles with Two Ponytails
This modern reinterpretation of a half up half down wavy hairstyle with ponytails is extremely cute and trendy even if it’s inspired by a ‘90s trend. This is proof that those hairstyles can still be worn today with no problems and can still look gorgeous and cool.
Medium-Length Straight Hairstyle with Pigtails
This medium-length straight hairstyle was not only a Spice Girls thing but became super popular in the ‘90s. The pigtails are there, the bangs are there, and the craziness is there too. Again, you can easily replicate this look in 2020 and attract everyone’s compliments.
Half Up Half Down Wavy Hairstyle with Ponytail
This ‘90s-inspired half up half down look is iconic and definitely wearable in 2020 too. It’s slightly wavy with a simple high ponytail secured with a scrunchie or a rubber band. Plus, the makeup for this look should be bronzy, natural, and paired with gold accessories.
Messy Space Buns with Middle-Parted Bangs (2 ideas)
We have already mentioned the ‘90s space bun craze but that was not all of it. Britney Spears popularized these two super messy and spiky buns with middle-parted bangs. The right side of the picture proves just how modern this look can be based on today’s hair standards and trends. Definitely worth trying!
Simple Ponytail and Rubber Band ’80s and ’90s Hairstyles (2 ideas)
The rubber band craze was at its peak back in the 1990s and we can see that from the first hairstyle that contains lots of them in a half up half down hairstyle. The second look is extremely simple, wearable, and timeless with a wavy middle-parted ponytail. Both are worth reimagining and trying in 2020!
Side-Swept and Slicked-Back Wavy Long Hairstyles (5 ideas)
These five ‘90s-inspired retro hairstyle ideas are done on either long or medium-length wavy locks. These looks are all pretty natural and mostly side-parted for that extra elegance and sexiness. You can still obtain all of these looks with the help of a curling wand, some hair mousse, and hairspray for extra hold. The trick is to gain that volume but not have it be too much. The rest is in the attitude and personality.
Middle-Parted Curly and Side-Swept Feathered Medium-Length Hairstyles (2 ideas)
The first hairstyle is a side-swept feathered medium-length hairstyle that you might still see in various offices today. It’s a business-like and elegant hairstyle that has evolved with the years and it’s still popular. The second one is a middle-parted curly one that represents a rebellious woman who expressed her personality. Again, you will definitely see this one on the streets, even in 2020.
Super Short Middle-Parted Messy Hairstyle
Extremely Short and Spiky Hairstyle
Angelina Jolie was and still is the definition of beauty and grace. Even back in the ‘90s when she sported an extremely short and spiky hairstyle that highlighted her plump lips and big eyes, she was still extremely cool and sexy. Who says you can’t be like that too? This is a timeless look that will always be edgy and controversial and will always be worn by a strong and independent woman.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle with Twisted Knots
Those iconic twisted knots were also worn as part of a half up half down look, like in the picture above. Regardless if your hair is long or short, you can still replicate it for a crazy night out with your friends. Just make sure that the knots are secured well with bobby pins.
Butterfly Clip ’80s and ’90s Hairstyles (3 ideas)
Who doesn’t remember the infamous butterfly clips? Well, you might not believe it but these three hairstyle ideas are still present in today’s trends and very much admired. You can reinterpret these hairstyles in 2020 and you will not look weird or childish at all, believe us! The trick is to choose very small clips and to add them here and there for that charming and feminine effect.
Short and Spiky ’80s and ’90s Hairstyles with and Without Ponytails (5 ideas)
Finally, the spiky hairstyles were all over the streets and magazines back in the 1990s. Short or medium-length and with or without ponytails, every young girl was wearing them. They are still trendy even in 2020 and with the right makeup and outfit, these hairstyles can look breathtaking. Tone down the spikiness and the hair gel and go for a more natural look instead. You will certainly attract lots of compliments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the aforementioned retro-inspired ‘80s and ‘90s hairstyles are still very much present in today’s modern society and hair trends, even if they have suffered some minor changes to adapt to the people’s wishes today. So, you can still use old magazines as inspiration for your newest hairstyle when going to your hairdresser. Just make sure that the necessary changes are done in order for your look to be both retro and trendy at the same time!
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