Who says high-volume glamour has an expiration date? For women over 80, the iconic “big hair” of the 1980s offers a perfect way to embrace texture.
These 17 80 Hairstyles 80s Hair for Women with Big Permed Volume celebrate silver strands. They provide lift where mature hair needs it most.
Rediscover the joy of the perm. These styles are designed to complement natural wrinkles and elegant grey tones with sophisticated, vintage-inspired flair.
1. The Classic Silver Power Perm
This style embraces the full-throttle volume of the mid-80s, reimagined for the sophisticated woman in her 80s. The curls are tight and consistent, providing an immediate lift to the face.
The silver and white tones of natural hair catch the light beautifully within these structured coils. This texture helps mask areas of thinning hair while framing mature features with soft, bouncy edges.
To maintain this look, use a moisture-rich curl cream designed for grey hair. Avoid heavy waxes that might weigh down the delicate strands of a senior scalp.
2. The Voluminous Grey Shag
A classic 80s shag works wonders for 80-plus women who want movement and height. By incorporating shorter layers at the crown, the hair gains instant verticality and youthful energy.
The choppy layers work harmoniously with natural facial wrinkles, drawing the eye upward toward the brow and cheekbones. It creates a soft, feathered halo that looks both intentional and fashionable.
Styling involves a quick diffuser session to encourage the perm’s natural “crunch-free” bounce. A light-hold hairspray ensures the volume stays high throughout your daily activities.
3. Wispy Teased Bangs and Curls
This look focuses on the forehead, using the perm to create airy, wispy bangs that were a staple of 80s fashion. It’s an excellent choice for softening the forehead area.
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The contrast between the tight permed sides and the light fringe creates a balanced silhouette. For women over 80, this softness helps balance the sharper lines of the jaw and neck.
Use a fine-tooth comb to gently tease the base of the bangs for that signature 80s lift. Ensure the hair remains hydrated to prevent the silver strands from looking overly frizzy.
4. The Frosted Tapered Mullet
The 80s mullet gets a chic upgrade for the modern grandmother. It features short, permed sides and a voluminous top that tapers into a longer, curled back section.
This silhouette is particularly flattering for women with mature skin as it exposes the ears and neckline. The height at the crown provides a “natural facelift” effect by drawing the gaze high.
Ask your stylist for a “root perm” to ensure the top stays tall. This reduces the need for heavy daily styling, making it a low-maintenance but high-impact option.
5. Asymmetrical Salt-and-Pepper Wave
Asymmetry was a hallmark of 80s “New Wave” style and looks stunning on 80-year-old women. One side is swept back while the other showcases big, permed volume.
The mix of charcoal and silver tones adds depth to the curls. This variation in color highlights the intricate texture of the perm, making the hair look thicker and more vibrant.
Set this look with a side-part and a decorative clip. The clip adds a touch of classic elegance while keeping the hair out of the eyes for practical daily wear.
6. The Sophisticated “Claw” Clip Look
Claw clips were the ultimate 80s accessory, and they are perfect for managing big permed hair today. This style gathers the volume at the back while leaving curled tendrils around the face.
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The loose curls around the temples soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is a functional style that keeps the neck cool while maintaining that iconic 80s “big hair” silhouette.
Choose a clip that matches your silver hair or opt for a bold tortoiseshell for contrast. This style requires almost zero heat styling, protecting the integrity of mature hair.
7. Pillow-Soft Permed Bob
For women who prefer a shorter length, the permed bob offers maximum width and volume. The curls are kept soft and “cloud-like” rather than tight and crunchy.
This rounded shape complements the softening features of an 80-year-old face. It provides a frame of silver curls that adds a sense of fullness to the hair’s overall appearance.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep the silver curls looking bright and healthy. Use your fingers to “fluff” the hair at the roots for that authentic 80s “big” feel.
8. Crimped Accent Highlights
While a full head of crimping might be intense, using a crimping iron on small sections of a perm adds unique 80s texture. It creates “micro-waves” that sparkle in silver hair.
This technique adds an extra layer of volume to thinning areas. For the 80+ demographic, it shows a playful, fashion-forward spirit that rejects the idea of “boring” senior hair.
Keep the crimping subtle and focused on the top layers. Always use a heat protectant spray, as white and grey hair can be more susceptible to yellowing from heat.
9. The Sky-High Silver Pompadour
The pompadour was the king of 80s volume. For a woman in her 80s, this style uses a strong perm to keep the front section of the hair sweeping upward and back.
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This is a powerful, confident look that opens up the entire face. It highlights the eyes and brow line, making it a perfect choice for women who wear glasses.
A firm-hold mousse is essential for this style. Work the product into damp hair and blow-dry upward with a round brush to lock in that gravity-defying 80s height.
10. Side-Swept Big Volume Waves
This style brings the glamour of 80s red carpets to everyday life. The permed hair is swept entirely to one side, creating a dramatic cascade of silver waves.
The deep side part creates significant volume at the roots. For women with mature skin, this asymmetrical balance is very flattering and adds a touch of mystery and elegance.
Use large rollers after your perm has set to create wider, more Hollywood-style waves. This softens the “tightness” of the perm while retaining the essential 80s volume.
11. The Elegant Permed Pixie-Plus
The “Pixie-Plus” is slightly longer than a standard pixie, allowing enough length for a full, voluminous perm. It’s the ultimate combination of 80s “big hair” and senior practicality.
The curls stay close to the head but offer enough “lift” to create a thick, textured appearance. It’s an excellent way to transition from longer styles while keeping the 80s spirit.
This style is incredibly easy to maintain with a simple “wash and go” routine. A touch of silver-toning shampoo will keep the white curls looking crisp and brilliant.
12. Teased Crown with Shoulder Curls
If you have maintained your length into your 80s, this 80s-inspired look is for you. The crown is permed and teased for height, while the rest falls in soft curls to the shoulders.
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This style provides a beautiful backdrop for the neck and shoulders. The volume at the top ensures the hair doesn’t look flat against the scalp, which can sometimes happen with longer mature hair.
Use a light backcombing technique at the roots. This creates the necessary “scaffolding” to support the weight of the permed silver curls throughout the day.
13. Romantic Soft-Permed Ringlets
These are not the stiff curls of the past, but soft, romantic ringlets that evoke the 80s “sweetheart” look. They look particularly stunning on women with completely white hair.
The ringlets add a sense of softness to the face, helping to diffuse the appearance of deep-set wrinkles. It is a gentle, feminine approach to the big hair trend.
To keep ringlets defined, avoid brushing the hair once it is dry. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to separate the curls and maintain their bounce.
14. Modernized Senior “Big Hair” Shag
This is a more controlled version of the wild 80s shag. It uses the perm to create height at the back and sides while keeping the fringe soft and manageable.
The multi-directional layers create a sense of movement that is very youthful. For an 80-year-old woman, this style offers a trendy edge that remains age-appropriate and sophisticated.
A sea salt spray can add extra “grit” and texture to the silver curls. This helps the style hold its shape without feeling sticky or stiff to the touch.
15. The Half-Up Retro Volume Tussle
This style takes the top half of your permed hair and secures it high on the head, letting the rest flow freely. It is a quintessential 80s look that works perfectly for seniors.
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By pulling the hair up, you create an instant lifting effect for the eyes and temples. The remaining silver curls frame the jawline, providing a soft, textured finish.
Use a silk scrunchie—another 80s staple—to secure the hair. Silk is much gentler on mature hair and prevents breakage while adding a pop of vintage color.
16. Voluminous Layered Lob with Fringe
The “Lob” (long bob) combined with a perm provides massive 80s volume. Adding a full, curly fringe completes the look and hides forehead lines effectively.
The weight of the lob provides a nice swing to the hair. On a woman in her 80s, this length is manageable yet long enough to display the full glory of the permed texture.
Keep the fringe trimmed just above the eyebrows to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your vision. This keeps the look practical for daily tasks while remaining stylish.
17. The Defined Curls with Side Part
This style focuses on maximum curl definition and a sharp side part to create a “wall” of 80s volume on one side of the head. It is a classic, structured look.
The side part helps add volume to the top of the head, which is often where mature hair starts to thin. The curls provide a dense, thick look that radiates health and vitality.
Use a curl-defining gel on wet hair and allow it to air dry for the best results. This locks the curl shape in place, ensuring your 80s volume lasts for days between washes.
How do I maintain a perm on 80-year-old hair?
Mature hair is often more porous and delicate, so maintenance requires a gentle touch. Use sulfate-free shampoos and deep-conditioning treatments weekly to keep the silver strands hydrated. Avoid excessive heat styling, as the perm already provides the necessary texture and volume.
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Will a perm damage my thinning silver hair?
Modern perming solutions are much milder than those used in the actual 1980s. When performed by a professional who understands mature hair, a perm can actually make thinning hair look much fuller. Always request a consultation to ensure your hair’s protein structure can handle the process.
How often should an 80-year-old woman get a perm?
Typically, a perm for a senior woman lasts between three to five months. Because hair growth tends to slow down at 80+, you may find that the “roots” don’t show as quickly. This makes it a very low-maintenance option for maintaining volume over long periods.
Can I still use purple shampoo with a perm?
Yes, purple shampoo is essential for keeping silver and white permed hair from turning yellow. However, since permed hair is drier, you should mix the purple shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo. This ensures you get the color-toning benefits without stripping the hair of its essential oils.
Does big volume help hide facial wrinkles?
Absolutely, “big hair” acts as a visual frame that draws attention away from fine lines. The soft, rounded edges of a perm diffuse the light around the face, creating a softer overall appearance. Height at the crown also helps draw the eye upward, providing a more lifted look.
What styling products are best for 80s volume today?
Avoid the heavy, alcohol-based aerosols of the past. Instead, look for lightweight volumizing mousses and “root lift” sprays designed for mature hair. These products provide the 80s hold you want without making your silver hair feel brittle or looking dull.