22 1980s Hairstyles Featuring Bold Teased Volume

The 1980s defined an era where bigger was always better. From the music to the fashion, everything made a loud, unapologetic statement.

Hair was the ultimate accessory of the decade. Gravity-defying heights and massive texture became the standard for anyone looking to stand out.

Teasing, or backcombing, was the secret weapon of the time. It transformed ordinary locks into structural masterpieces that required cans of high-hold hairspray.

Today, these bold looks continue to inspire modern trends. Whether for a themed event or a daring daily look, 80s volume remains iconic.

Explore these classic styles that prove hair can never be too high. Discover the techniques that defined a generation of bold self-expression.

1. The Classic Aqua Net Bangs

The hallmark of 80s hair was the vertical bang. This style required backcombing the fringe until it stood straight up before being arched forward into a stiff, frozen wave.

Achieving this look meant using an entire can of high-hold aerosol spray. The texture was intentionally crunchy, ensuring that not a single strand would move during the day.

This style worked for various lengths, providing a dramatic frame for the face. It served as the ultimate symbol of the decade’s obsession with height and structural integrity.

2. Sky-High Side Ponytail

The side ponytail was more than just a quick fix; it was a fashion statement. Positioned near the top of the head, it leaned heavily to one side.

To add the required 80s flair, the ponytail itself was teased into a massive fluff of texture. This created a fountain-like effect that cascaded over the shoulder.

Brightly colored elastics or fabric wraps often secured the base. The result was an energetic, playful silhouette that maximized visual volume from every angle.

3. The Teased Mullet

The mullet offered a unique canvas for volume, combining short tops with long backs. In the 80s, the “business” part was heavily backcombed for maximum lift.

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The crown was often spiky and airy, while the back featured flowing, textured length. This contrast created a dynamic shape that emphasized the height at the top of the head.

Styling products were essential to keep the layers separated and voluminous. It remains one of the most recognizable and daring silhouettes of the era’s hair culture.

4. Crimped and Volumized Mane

Crimping irons were a staple tool for creating zigzag patterns throughout the hair. When combined with teasing, the hair expanded into a massive, cloud-like shape.

The crimping process added a unique mechanical texture that helped the hair hold its lift. Brushing out the crimps created even more surface area and dramatic width.

This look was all about surface interest and extreme expansion. It turned ordinary straight hair into a textured masterpiece that captured the electric energy of the decade.

5. Dramatic Permed Curls

Perms were the foundation of 80s volume, providing a permanent chemical curl that defied gravity. These tight spirals were then picked out to create massive width.

Teasing the roots of a perm allowed the curls to sit high off the scalp. This prevented the hair from lying flat and ensured the volume was consistent from root to tip.

The resulting look was soft yet structural, filling the space around the head with bouncy texture. It was a high-maintenance style that defined the “big hair” movement.

6. The Mega-Volume Pixie

Short hair was not exempt from the volume craze. Pixie cuts were transformed into bold statements by teasing the top layers into sharp, airy peaks.

Stylists used wax and heavy-duty spray to keep the short strands standing upright. This created a sense of height that elongated the wearer’s profile and added a punk-rock edge.

The sides were often slicked back to further emphasize the massive lift on top. It proved that even limited length could achieve the bold spirit of the 80s.

7. Ribbon-Tied High Pony

Combining height with oversized accessories was a classic 80s move. A high ponytail was first teased into a giant puff before being adorned with a massive bow.

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The ribbon served a dual purpose: it hid the hair tie and added a pop of neon color. The teased hair flared out around the ribbon, creating a dramatic focal point.

This style was popular for its ability to look both polished and wild. It channeled a youthful energy that relied heavily on the contrast between soft fabric and stiff hair.

8. The Flipped-Out Shag

The 80s shag was all about choppy layers that were blown out and flipped away from the face. Each layer was teased at the base to ensure the “flip” had enough support.

The result was a feathered effect that moved with the person but retained its general shape. It created a wide, horizontal volume that felt breezy yet intentional.

Mousse was the primary product used to give the layers their initial lift. Once teased, the hair achieved a lioness-like mane that felt powerful and trendy.

9. Teased Half-Up Style

This style offered the best of both worlds by pulling the top section into a high knot while leaving the rest down. Both sections were heavily backcombed.

The “half-up” portion acted as a pedestal for even more height. The bottom section was spread wide over the shoulders, creating a triangular shape of pure volume.

It was a versatile look that worked for formal events or casual outings. The sheer amount of hair involved made it a quintessential example of 80s excess.

10. Heavy Metal Mane

Inspired by the rock stars of the era, this look was about raw, untamed volume. It featured long layers that were teased until they looked electrified.

The hair was often tossed to one side to create a massive “wave” of texture. It wasn’t about neatness; it was about the power of the silhouette and the sheer scale.

Dry shampoo and texturizing powders—or their 80s equivalents—were used to keep the hair from falling flat. It remains an iconic symbol of the decade’s rebellious spirit.

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11. Feathered Layers with Lift

Feathering involved brushing the hair back and away from the face in soft, wing-like sections. To make it 80s-appropriate, the roots were teased for significant height.

This style was less about “crunch” and more about “flow,” but it still required a lot of spray to hold the wings in place. The height at the crown was essential.

It created a look that was both glamorous and approachable. The teased volume at the top transitioned into soft, swept-back sides that framed the face elegantly.

12. Wild Cascading Waves

For those with naturally wavy or long hair, the 80s was about making those waves as huge as possible. Teasing started at the nape of the neck and moved upward.

The waves were separated and fluffed to create a massive wall of hair. This created a look of effortless volume that actually required significant styling effort.

Using a diffuser while blow-drying helped set the initial volume. Once the teasing was applied, the hair became a cascading waterfall of bold, textured movement.

13. Structural Asymmetric Bob

The 80s took the classic bob and added a sharp, geometric twist. One side was often much longer than the other, and the entire crown was teased for height.

The shorter side might be slicked down, while the longer side was blown out into a voluminous curve. This created a striking, avant-garde silhouette.

This style showcased the decade’s love for architectural shapes. The teased volume helped the asymmetrical lines stand out, making the hair look like a piece of modern art.

14. The Teased Beehive Hybrid

Drawing inspiration from the 60s but adding an 80s edge, this look featured a massive rounded bump at the back of the head. It was larger and messier than its predecessor.

The hair was backcombed into a solid “nest” and then smoothed over on the surface. Wispy, teased pieces were often left out to soften the look and add texture.

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This hybrid style offered a more formal way to wear 80s volume. It emphasized height at the crown, creating a regal and commanding presence.

15. Scrunchie-Topped Fountain

The scrunchie was the ultimate 80s hair accessory. Positioned at the very top of the head, it held a ponytail that was teased until it resembled a fountain.

The hair would spill out from the scrunchie in all directions, creating a 360-degree radius of volume. It was a favorite for its ease and high visual impact.

Mixing and matching scrunchie colors with outfits added to the fun. The height of the ponytail was only limited by the amount of teasing and spray used.

16. Puffed-Up Braided Crown

Even braids were given the 80s volume treatment. A crown braid would be created, but the hair leading into the braid was heavily teased first.

The braid itself was often pulled apart to make it look thicker and fluffier. This resulted in a “halo” of hair that sat high on the head.

It was a more intricate way to achieve volume, combining texture with structural weaving. The look was romantic yet bold, fitting perfectly into the decade’s aesthetic.

17. The Spiky Punk Mohawk

The 80s punk scene contributed some of the most extreme examples of teased volume. The mohawk involved shaving the sides and teasing the center strip into tall spikes.

These spikes were often reinforced with gelatin or heavy glue-like sprays to keep them vertical. The sheer height of the spikes was a point of pride.

While often associated with subcultures, the mohawk influenced mainstream “spiky” styles. It represented the peak of structural, gravity-defying hair design.

18. Voluminous Headband Look

Headbands were used to push the hair back, which naturally created a “pouf” of volume behind the band. This effect was amplified by intense teasing.

The hair behind the headband was fluffed up to extreme heights, while the front was kept smooth. This created a stark contrast and a very sporty, 80s vibe.

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This look was common in fitness videos and street style alike. It was a practical way to manage massive amounts of hair while keeping it away from the face.

19. Layered Lioness Cut

This style focused on creating width rather than just height. Countless short layers were cut into the hair and then teased outward.

The resulting shape was wide and fierce, resembling a lion’s mane. It gave the hair an incredibly thick appearance, regardless of the person’s actual hair density.

Blow-drying the hair upside down provided the initial lift needed for this look. After that, meticulous backcombing ensured the “mane” stayed wide and proud.

20. Frosted and Teased Tips

Color and volume often went hand-in-hand in the 80s. Frosted tips—where the ends were bleached—were teased to make the color contrast more visible.

The teasing created a jagged, multidimensional look that highlighted the different tones in the hair. It was a very popular look for those with shorter or medium-length hair.

The texture was usually kept stiff and piecey. This allowed the light to catch the “frosted” sections, making the volume appear even more dramatic.

21. The Sculpted Pompadour

The 80s pompadour was a high-fashion take on the 50s classic. It involved teasing the front section of the hair into a massive, rounded wave that sat high above the forehead.

The sides were usually slicked back or cut very short to emphasize the center volume. It required a careful balance of backcombing and smoothing the top layer.

This look was sophisticated yet unmistakably 80s. It provided a powerful, elongated silhouette that worked well for both professional and evening settings.

22. Mega-Volume Box Braids

Box braids in the 80s were often styled to maximize the “big hair” trend. Many people wore them in high, teased-up styles or gathered into massive top knots.

The braids themselves could be quite thick, adding to the overall mass of the look. When piled high on the head, they created a structural tower of texture.

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Accessorizing with beads or metallic threads added even more 80s flair. This style showcased how traditional techniques could be adapted to fit the decade’s “more is more” philosophy.

How do I achieve 80s volume without damaging my hair?

To minimize damage, use a high-quality volumizing mousse on damp hair before blow-drying upside down. When teasing, use a soft-bristle backcombing brush instead of a fine-tooth comb, and always start a few inches away from the scalp.

What is the best way to remove heavy hairspray from a teased style?

Do not try to brush out a heavily sprayed and teased style while the hair is dry, as this can cause breakage. Instead, saturate your hair with conditioner first to soften the products, then gently detangle before shampooing as usual.

Can I get 80s volume if I have very fine or thin hair?

Yes, fine hair often holds teasing better than heavy, thick hair. Use a texturizing spray or volumizing powder at the roots to provide “grip,” which will help the teased sections stay upright without sliding down.

How long did it typically take to style these 80s looks?

Depending on the complexity, these styles could take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. The process of blow-drying, crimping or curling, teasing each section, and then layering hairspray required significant patience and practice.

What were the most popular styling tools used in the 1980s?

The most popular tools included crimping irons, large-barrel curling irons, hot rollers, and round brushes. Blow dryers with diffuser attachments were also essential for setting perms and creating the initial lift for teased styles.

Are these 80s hairstyles making a comeback in modern fashion?

While the “crunchy” texture has evolved, the concept of “big hair” and dramatic volume is very popular in modern editorial and runway looks. Many people are using modern, softer products to recreate 80s silhouettes with a healthier, more touchable finish.