The Great '80s Hair Expansion
When it comes to the ‘80s, the saying “bigger is better” applied to everything from cars to stereo systems but most of all, hair. From hair metal bands to Aqua Net infused ‘fros that could double as parachutes, the era of excess truly went buck wild when it came to their frizzy follicles.
Crimps, curls, perms, and even mullets all grew to outsized proportions during the decade epitomized by greed. While it’s tempting to write all these oversized hairdos as white people gone crazy, African Americans also got in the act with outrageous Jheri Curls and amazing afros. Here’s the history of outsized ‘80s hair.
‘80s Hair Evolution
When you’re tracking the evolution of anything, looking back at the history leading up to said evolution can answer a lot of your questions. While the ‘60s was the era of hippies, the ‘70s truly began an era of independence, especially for women.
With the anti-war and anti-establishment sentiments in full swing, women began rocking longer, more uncontrolled, and unstyled hairdos that told the world “I’ll wear my wear however I want and there’s nothing you can do about it.” While that empowerment remains wildly applaudable, the ‘80s took that autonomous attitude to a hilarious or cringeworthy level, depending on your age.
Size Arrives
Once the ‘80s hit, the individualistic, freewheeling ethos of the ‘70s gave way to the most voluminous version of hairdos. From Julia Roberts to Heather Locklear, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Madonna, hairstyles grew to the point they resembled a lion’s mane with multiple partings.
Whether women were simply following the times of gigantic cell phones, massive Cadillacs, and the general sense of more is better or representing their newfound independence remains up for debate. However, the influence of pop culture can’t be underestimated when it comes to burgeoning bouffants…
Hair Bands
Similar to the evolution of hairstyles from the ‘70s to the ‘80s, rock bands followed a similar trajectory. Groups like Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and Kiss laid the groundwork with over-the-top outfits, costumes, and makeup.
Continuing that trend into the ‘80s with Motley Crue, Poison, and other bands took that formula and added the quintessential ‘80s formula of taking it up a notch. Of course, as more and more bands followed suit with loud, elaborate get-ups but without the musical talent, the movement began to take a hit.
Big Hair In Hollywood
As we’ve detailed, celebrities got swept up in the big hair craze of the ‘80s as much as anyone. Of course, the show that played to the oversized do, shoulder pads, and earrings the size of hubcaps was “Dynasty.” Linda Evans, Joan Collins, and Heather Locklear all rocked bouffants that looked borderline top-heavy with enough Aqua Net to punch a hole in the ozone while keeping every single follicle frozen in amber. Perhaps no show pushed the big hair more than that star-studded soap opera.
Aqua Net
Of course, the big hair era would not have been the same without Aqua Net the hair spray that single-handedly began global warming. The race for the highest hair was fueled by gallons of Aqua Net capable of turning hair into the immovable helmet, capable of withstanding NFL tackles. Incredibly Aqua Net has looked to make a comeback in recent years; we’ll see if the voluminous mountains of hair follow suit.
