The 80s was a decade known not just for its pop music and sitcoms but for its iconic beauty and fashion sense too. Women wore neon tights and cute scrunchies. They also styled their hair as poofy and curly as possible to keep up with the trend of the times.
It’s an era that many hair lovers come back to when going for that vintage and retro look. So, it only makes sense that teens going to prom use it as inspiration for their hairstyle of the night.
Here are some 80s prom hairstyles that will keep your date on his toes all night and make all the other girls green with envy.
How to do 80s prom hairstyles
Each 80s hairstyle differs in how they’re achieved. A half-updo will take way less effort than, say, a messy chignon or braided bun.
But something that most 80s hairstyles have in common is the signature voluminous blow-out all women sported in this decade whenever they wanted to look extra glamorous.
There are many ways to get voluminous waves and curls a la Farrah Fawcett. The easiest way is to blow-dry your hair with a round brush, curling away from your face each time.
You can also do it with a curling iron with a thick barrel. Just make big curls and use hairspray or dry shampoo to add some extra lift for that blown-out effect.
And now that you have your voluminous, bodied hair base, you can choose your specific 80s prom hairstyle.
80s Prom Hairstyles For Girls:
Lifted Curls Fit for a (Prom) Queen
One fool-proof way to create the illusion of volume in your hair is to lift your curls. Using a round brush, lift your hair from the roots and blast it with the hairdryer on high, followed by cool air to keep the style in place.
Then, spritz on the hairspray to keep your hair lifted. Do this all over your head, but make sure to pay extra attention to your bangs area. The hair framing your face should swoop down extra smoothly.
Short Hair: Curly Mullet and Hoops
Have short hair? Don’t be pressured to create an intricate 80s hairstyle for prom. Sometimes, it’s better and more beautiful to keep it simple.
Create soft curls in your hair and wear it as is in a mullet style—another hairdo that grew in popularity in the 80s. Wear your hair down, or add a few cute clips in bright colors. You can also add in statement jewelry to finish the look, like a pair of gold hoop earrings.
Medium Hair: Bangs Pinned Back
When you have thick hair, it can easily get in the way of your face. You don’t want that to happen at prom.
When you’re done curling your hair, take a lock of hair from each side of your face and loosely pin them at the back of your head. That way, you can show off your pretty bone structure and makeup look for the night. It’s also a great way to show off your earrings!
Long Hair: Breezy, Slicked Back Waves
Look like a total bombshell with loose, sultry waves slicked back. When blow-drying your hair, use your round brush to flick your locks higher, but also move them toward the back of your head. Twist your brush when you get to the mid-lengths to create that gorgeous wave.
Many slicked-back looks require gel. But for this one, a light-handed spritz of extra-strong hairspray will be more than enough to keep your locks in place as you dance the night away.
The 80s were also a time when side ponytails were all the rage. So why not use it for prom?
Braids add a romantic touch to this otherwise plain hairdo, so create a thick yet loose French braid along the side of your face. Then, tie your hair in a side ponytail with an elastic band.
Take a thin section from the hair that’s already tied and wrap it around the elastic, effectively hiding it. Secure with some bobby pins for an “invisible” ponytail look.
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