The 1980s were a time of significant cultural and stylistic shifts, and Black men's hairstyles were no exception. This decade saw a boom in pop culture, fueled by icons such as Grace Jones, Michael & Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Mr. T. From the high-top fade to the Jheri curl, Black men embraced styles that reflected their individuality and the prevailing trends of the era. These hairstyles have not only left an indelible mark on popular culture but continue to influence contemporary men's haircuts, demonstrating their lasting impact on today's trends.
To fully appreciate the significance of 80s Black men's hairstyles, it's essential to understand the rich history of Black hair. Identity in ancient African cultures was and often still is based on how their hair adorns their head. Natural hair played a crucial role in liberating Black people in the antebellum South during the civil rights movement. The strides and innovations in Black hair have continued through recent history, from the 80s till now.
One of the first hairstyles that comes to mind when thinking about Black men in the 80s is the high-top. This style, often paired with fresh fades and a clean line-up, was a fun and popular choice. The top was usually 2 inches or more in length, with lots of volume to create a geometric look.
How to Get the Look: Request this style by name, specify the fade’s length and intensity, and bring in reference photos.
Styling Tips: Warm a pea-sized amount of clay or wax between your fingertips, then work it into the top of your hair.
Read also: Mastering French Braids
Whether emulating Michael Jackson on his Thriller album cover or simply wanting to feel your Soul Glo, Jheri Curls were the iconic curly hair style of the 80s. Traditionally achieved through the use of a relaxer and perm rod set, Jheri Curls could be quite damaging to your hair. However with the hairstyle starting to regain popularity in pockets of the Black community, a healthier chemical-free method for achieving this legendary style has been developed. It features loose yet defined curls that are so shiny they look nearly wet, perfect for those with coarse or kinky texture. Back in the day, the signature sheen was created by using a staining, oil-based activator.
How to Get the Look: Prep your hair with a texturizer, relaxer, curling custard, or curl activator gel (for a chemical-free method).
Styling Tips: Apply a leave-in conditioner when your hair is still damp, then use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to enhance your curls.
The decade saw the birth of Hip Hip, which had a huge cultural influence on style. The afro, a symbol of cultural pride and identity, was a prominent hairstyle for Black men in the 80s.
How to Get the Look: Consult with a trusted barber for the best afro shape and style for your hair texture.
Read also: Easy Braided Hairstyles
While the high-top fade, Jheri curl, and afro were particularly popular, other styles also defined the era:
The Mullet: Characterized by its short front and sides and long, flowing hair in the back, the mullet became an emblematic symbol of the 1980s.
Perms: The 80s were all about big hair, which included the era of perms. Getting a perm involved wrapping the hair in perm rods after applying a chemical solution to break down the hair’s structure. After rinsing the hair out, a neutralizer was applied to lock the curls in place and preserve the style for months.
How to Get the Look: Talk to your barber to find the right perm for you and achieve the hair texture you want.
Styling Tips: If your hair is damaged, apply a keratin treatment before perming your hair. Use products that are formulated for your hair type. The chemicals in perms can damage your hair, so it’s important to invest in a hydrating shampoo and deep condition your hair.
Read also: Black Hairstyles: Braids and Cornrows
The Quiff: The quiff experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 80s, especially among pop stars and celebrities. It features longer hair on top that's textured and styled upward with lots of volume.
How to Get the Look: Request this style by name, or ask your barber for a tapered cut with lots of length on top.
Styling Tips: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry while lifting the roots with a brush.
The Pompadour: During the 80s, the Pompadour was a refreshing and sophisticated style with roots in rock and roll culture.
How to Get the Look: Request this style by name, and tell your barber that you don’t want too much separation between the top and sides.
Styling Tips: Comb from front-to-back and from the sides towards the crown to add volume on top.
The Buzz Cut: While the Buzz Cut wasn't exclusive to the 80s, it was popularized by Vietnam War movies that were released at the time.
How to Get the Look: Request this style by name, or get specific with the guard number.
Styling Tips: Brush your hair from front to back to keep it looking polished.
Television shows, movies, and music videos were instrumental in popularizing these hairstyles and fashion trends. Characters portrayed in media were not only style icons but also role models for a generation of young men learning to express themselves through fashion and grooming.
Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson put the Jheri curl on the map, as it was the hairstyle featured on the album covers of Thriller and Bad. He often left a few tendrils loose around his face or pulled out a single strand down the center of the forehead.
Billy Idol: Billy Idol’s hair in the 80s was the epitome of punk rock rebellion. His trademark bleach-blonde hair was spiked with hair gel, giving it an edgy, gravity-defying look. He would also sport slightly longer bangs or layers around his face or incorporate elements of a mohawk from time to time.
Men’s hairstyles in the 80s may have seemed passé in the years following the era, the cyclical nature of fashion and trends has brought them back into the mainstream. This resurgence is a testament to the enduring impact of these iconic hairstyles.
Nostalgia has become a powerful force in contemporary fashion. The revival of 80s hairstyles demonstrates a longing for the bold and audacious aesthetics of the past. Men today are embracing these retro looks as a means of expressing their individuality and standing out from the crowd.
The reinvention of 1980s hairstyles has given rise to modern interpretations that blend elements of the past with contemporary sensibilities. These reinterpretations incorporate refined cuts, updated styling techniques, and a more minimalist approach. The fusion of old and new creates hairstyles that pay homage to the 80s while remaining relevant to current trends.
Celebrities play a crucial role in popularizing trends. Many renowned figures, such as actors and musicians, have adopted elements of 1980s hairstyles, thus amplifying their appeal and further disseminating them to the wider public. This influential factor has significantly contributed to the resurgence of 80s-inspired haircuts.
Facial hair in the 1980s experienced its own share of trends and transformations, mirroring the bold and varied hairstyles of the decade. The mustache was particularly popular, epitomized by celebrities like Tom Selleck and Freddie Mercury. These mustaches were often thick and neatly groomed, representing a blend of masculinity and meticulous care.
Men’s grooming in the 1980s also included a focus on overall body care, with a boom in products like body sprays, oils, and moisturizers that were marketed specifically to men. This was a time when the fitness craze was taking off, leading to a surge in the popularity of athletic wear as everyday fashion.
tags: #80s #black #men #hairstyles
