15 men's hairstyles from the 1980s to try in 2025

If you're looking for men 80's hair inspiration, you've come to the right place. We sat down with our expert stylists to reminisce about the decade that brought us Dirty Dancing and other iconic hit movies, in which the boundaries of style and sophistication were well and truly pushed.

In this article, we reveal 15 iconic haircuts from the 1980s that any many can try in 2025. From the mullet to the buzz cut, read on for 15 styles that you can try out this year for something a little different.

Top 1. The mullet

Undoubtedly, the most iconic 80s men's hairstyle was the mullet. Patrick Swayze, George Clooney, and Kurt Russell all sported the mullet in the decade, and this look became synonymous with the biggest movie stars and sportsmen of the 1980s.

The mullet is best suited to men with medium-long hair, with an unruly fringe at the front and long, straight hair to the back. The mullet has inspired several looks that are popular today, including the wolfcut, which has enjoyed a renaissance in 2025 thanks to TikTok and social media trends.

Top 2. The punk rocker

The 1980s really gave birth to the punk rock movement, which was characterized by anti-establishment sentiment and the belief that rockers could do as they pleased. There were actually numerous punk rocker styles, including the mohawk and the side spikes, which were both hugely popular with goths and rockers in the 80s.

The main feature of this men's 80s hairstyle was the fact that garish color schemes were popular. For instance, you were likely to see a punk rocker with green, red, or jet-black hair. If you share the sentiment that made this style popular in the 80s, the punk rocker is a look that you could try today.

Top 3. Feathered

80's men's feathered hair is a look that was popularized by icons like Mel Gibson and Brad Pitt. As the name suggests, feathered hair is all about volume, with big, bouncy waves parted to one side and long hair blown out to frame the face.

One of the reasons that the feathered look was so popular in the 1980s was that it was achievable with various hair types. Guys with short hair rocked the look, alongside men with longer, bouncier locks. To many, the feathered look is the one that was loved by heartthrobs from the decade, and practically any 80s movie that you put on will feature this iconic hairstyle.

Top 4. The perm

It would be impossible to write about 80s hair for men without re-introducing the perm. This classic look was all about the curls. To achieve it, you need to visit your stylist for a chemical procedure that slightly alters the texture of your hair.

The beauty of the perm is that you can go for a huge range of looks, from small, tight curls to huge, bouncy curls that go down below your shoulders. It seems that guys from all walks of life in the 1980s tried out a perm, and it's definitely one of the most iconic looks from the decade.

Top 5. The rat tail

Though many men's 80s hairstyles are still popular today, the rat tail isn't one of them. This questionable look is best forgotten, but due to our nostalgia for the decade, we couldn't resist re-introducing it here.

The rat tail was a length of braided hair that ran from practically any hairstyle, and it didn't really make any sense in the 80s. It still doesn't today, for that matter. Still, the 80s was a decade of discovery, and this look is an example of that!

Top 6. High flat top fade

One of our favorite looks for black guys in the 80s is the high-top fade. This look was much loved by many hip-hop artists and it was hugely popular throughout the decade.

To achieve the look, guys buzzed the sides with a smooth fade, while the top had lots of volume and a height of two inches or more. This look is making a comeback today and is a great way to pay tribute to the hip-hop icons of the 1980s.

Top 7. Slicked-back

If you have seen the Wolf of Wall Street movie, you will know that the slicked-back style was popular with investment bankers during the deceased. This look symbolized wealth and power and showcased the life of the elite.

The slicked-back look is still popular today, but many guys favor an undercut on the sides, which provides excellent balance to the longer look on top. Unlike the rat tail, the slicked-back look is more than acceptable in 2025, and is a great look for any professional today.

Top 8. The buzz cut

Though not exclusively an 80s haircut, the buzz cut was popular with guys in the 1980s, thanks largely to Vietnam war movies that were released in the decade. This no-nonsense look was styled on the buzz cuts of soldiers and was a great, no-maitnenance look for guys with short hair.

If you want to elevate the buzz cut, ask your barber to buzz a pattern into the sides. Zig zags work well, as do diamonds. Though the buzz cut is simple, there's no reason not to crank things up a notch with some impressive syling.

Top 9. The shag

The shag was one of the most effortlessly cool men's hairstyles of the 1980s. This look was worn best by the likes of David Bowie and early Bon Jovi, and it worked wonders for guys who didn’t want to look like they were trying too hard. With medium-to-long layers cut with uneven texture, the shag gave off that “rolled out of bed and into a concert” vibe.

Top 10. The surfer swoop

For guys who spent their weekends chasing waves, the surfer swoop was the hairstyle of choice. Long, sun-bleached hair pushed off to one side and often curling slightly at the ends gave a laid-back, West Coast aesthetic that screamed freedom.

Top 11. The side part with volume

While the middle part dominated 90s grunge, the 80s were all about the dramatic side part with lift. Styled with a blow dryer and liberal hairspray, the side part was excellent for men who wanted to look fashionable, sort of like the heartthrob in a teen drama.

Top 12. The wet look

Long before gel became taboo, the wet look reigned supreme in the 1980s. It was often paired with a combed-back style or slick side part, the wet look gave hair a shiny, just-out-the-shower appearance.

Top 13. Long rocker waves

Hair metal bands changed hair forever. Long rocker waves, sported by the likes of Axl Rose and Vince Neil, were all about length, movement, and pure attitude. The longer and messier, the better. Teased at the crown and often paired with bandanas or leather jackets, this style was an accessory to rebellion.

Top 14. The mod bowl cut

Though often mocked today, the bowl cut made its mark in the 1980s thanks to the mod revival and new wave music. The cut was precise, angular, and had a geometric charm to it. It’s the kind of style you either completely avoid or fully embrace if you're going for that alternative 80s aesthetic.

Top 15. The spiked fringe

For those not quite ready for a full mohawk, the best 1980’s men’s hairstyle spiked fringe offered a more approachable punk-lite alternative. With shorter sides and a front section that spiked up with gel or mousse, this look gave guys an edgy, rebellious style without needing a full transformation.

How to do iconic 1980's hairstyles for men

Bringing back the boldness of 80s men’s hair is embracing a vibe. Here's how to recreate the magic in a few easy-to-follow steps, with a modern touch.

Step 1. Grow it out a bit

Most 80s hairstyles need some length to work with.You’ll need at least 3–5 inches of hair.

Step 2. Pick your persona

The 80s were all about identity. Are you going full glam rocker, slick power player, or skater punk? You can choose to lock in the style you’re chasing.

Step 3. Blow it out

Volume was king in the 80s, and getting that perfect lift starts with a solid blow-dry. Using the Laifen Swift Special high-speed hair dryer helps you build volume fast while keeping your strands smooth and frizz-free.

Laifen Swift Special · High-speed hair dryer (3 nozzles)

$122.39 $135.99

BLOG10 Copy

• Ultra-dast drying – High-speed airflow dries hair fast.
• Salon-quality finish – Ionic technology smooths and shines.
• Lightweight design – Easy handling for long sessions.
• Temperature control – Smart heat protects your hair.
• Low noise – Quiet motor for peaceful drying.

Learn More Buy Now

10%  OFF

Step 4. Add texture or curls

If you’re going for a perm-inspired look or rocker waves, you’ll need heat tools or a salon perm. For tight curls, use a small-barrel curling iron or twist curls while damp.

Step 5. Lock it down

The 80s didn’t hold back on product. Use a strong-hold mousse before styling, then finish with plenty of hairspray to freeze your look in place.

Step 6. Don’t be afraid to overdo it

In the 80s, subtlety wasn’t the goal. More height, more volume, more edge. If you’re wondering if you’ve styled too much, you’re probably doing it just right.

Hairstyles tips for men with iconic 1980’s hairstyles

These tips will keep your 80s-inspired hairstyle looking sharp, styled, and era-authentic.

• The 80s were all about volume, and the Laifen Swift Special high-speed hair dryer’s ultra-fast airflow and precise heat settings let you sculpt height, flip, and bounce into your hair like you just walked off a Bon Jovi tour bus.

• Back then, hairspray was basically cologne for your hair. Spritz from a distance to lock volume without the crunch, or layer it for that gravity-defying hold that says, “I own a convertible, and I’m not afraid to use it.”

• Bandanas, headbands, even metallic hair cuffs. A subtle wrap around the forehead can add a rebel edge to long rocker waves, while a tucked-in comb works great with a slicked-back Wall Street look.

• Flat hair has no place in the 80s. Ask your barber for choppy layers, especially if you’re going for a shag, mod bowl, or surfer swoop. The layers help your style move, breathe, and catch the light.

• You don’t have to go full punk rocker, but even a subtle highlight or bold tone can elevate your cut from “retro” to “retro-icon.”

• Wear your high-top fade crisp and clean for formal settings, but let your curls breathe and your mullet go a little rogue when it’s time to cut loose.

Recap - 80's hair for men to try this year

Any of the looks above (with the exception of the rat tail!) are a great look to try this year if you're keen to rock a 1980s look in 2024. The mullet is perhaps our favorite, but given the wolf cut is very much in vogue this year, you might like to ask your stylist to go for this look instead.

No matter which style you choose, be sure to experiment and try out different styles. After all, that was what the 80s were all about!

FAQs

Q1: How did boys wear their hair in the 80s?

From feathered layers to mullets and slicked-back power styles, boys in the 80s wore their hair like a badge of identity. It is bold, big, and often with a rebellious edge.

Q2: Did the 80s have big hair?

Absolutely. Big hair was an attitude. Teased, sprayed, and defiant of gravity, volume ruled the decade from runways to rock concerts.

Q3: Were beards cool in the 80s?

Beards took a backseat in the 80s. Clean-shaven faces or neatly trimmed stubble were the go-to looks, reflecting the polished, power-suit aesthetic of the time.

Q4: Who had the best 80s hair?

Icons like Jon Bon Jovi and Madonna set the gold standard. His layered rock-star mane and her voluminous curls were the poster looks of an unapologetically glam decade.

Q5: Did people curl their hair in the 80s?

Yes, curling was a ritual. Hot rollers, curling irons, and perms were everyday tools to sculpt that signature 80s bounce.

Q6: How to get the 80s perm look?

To channel the 80s perm, choose tight curls, volume at the crown, and plenty of hairspray. And you can go for loud, proud, and delightfully dramatic.

Aralith Dawnspire

Aralith blends academic excellence with creative storytelling, holding a degree in cosmetic sciences and a poetic love for beauty. Her writing is rich, elegant, and rooted in technical truth whether she’s breaking down shampoo ingredients or reviewing curl creams. Readers trust her for honest insights wrapped in lyrical charm. When Aralith writes, hair care sounds like art.