23 Most Ridiculous ’80s Hairstyles
We love this era, but we can admit that the 1980s were truly a special time in our history. We had great music, fantastic TV, and unique styles that no other decade could mimic. From the vibrant colors to the upbeat music, it was a decade of self-expression—especially through hairstyles. Nothing showed who you were as a person more than your hair.
And some of these ’80s trends have made a comeback, rightly so! But others, we can all look back on and agree were just a bit…out there. They were the ones that turned heads and made people look at photos and think, “How could I do that?!”
We’re talking about the styles with ridiculous volume, crazy curls, and what-were-they-thinking mullets. Seriously–what were they thinking? They may have been in style then, but they are downright hilarious by today’s standards, even if they were worn by some of the biggest celebs at the time. We’re looking at you, Paula Abdul. We’re happy to see that you moved on from your style choices.
These are the ’80s hairstyles everyone wants to forget. So, grab your hairspray and get ready for some ridiculous hair faux pas!
This Entirely Teased Look
We doubt there’s a single strand of hair that isn’t teased between the two of them.
Heck, we wouldn’t surprised if they were never able to brush it out.
This Group Look
When the squad looks this “good,” it’s no wonder they couldn’t get a date.
They were just too intimidating.
This Headscarf-Supported Look
This headscarf is definitely supporting all that hair.
Well, the headscarf and four cans of Aqua Net.
This Sea Urchin-Inspired Look
This is truly unique.
Props to him for the commitment and ingenuity.
This Poodle 'Do
There’s an 85% chance her dog was her inspiration for this look.
Hopefully, the dog didn’t mind being copied.
This Feathery Mullet
He clearly felt amazing with this bird’s nest on top of his head.
And we are happy for him.
This Very Square 'Do
The look leaves just one question: did he cut it square, or was this just a divine occurrence?
Surely, it was divine.
This Big Hair and Bigger Bow
Look at all that hair! And the size of the bow!
There’s a good chance she had to walk sideways through doors.
This Mushroom Look
Doesn’t it make you want to just smooth your hand over the top of her head?
No? Us either.
These Wavy Bangs
The swoop in these bangs is truly awe-inspiring.
Maybe she’ll let us borrow her Aqua Net to try it out ourselves.
This Side-Swept Rat Tail
Since the bangs and sharp hair cut weren’t enough, she threw in a rat tail on the side.
And it is magically horrendous.
This Timeless Jheri Curl
It’s a classic.
That’s all there is to say about it.
This "Finger in the Electrical Outlet" Look
We’re so glad she survived being electrocuted and was able to sit for her school picture.
Hope the picture turned out good!
This Surprisingly Impressive Style
How was this even possible?
Someone teach us.
This Supervillain Style
If there were a supervillain in the 80s, it was absolutely this lady.
Those bangs are just devious.
This Statement Maker
We can’t pull our eyes away.
It’s like Wiley Coyote shot himself on a rocket right into a rock wall.
This Neon Look
Color this bright has never been seen, nor will it ever be seen again.
Honestly, that’s a blessing.
This Punk Mullet
Rock on sister.
We see you, and we agree you’ve got the raddest cassette collection in town.
This Triangular 'Do
Another look that leaves you puzzling over the thought process.
Why did you do this to yourself?
This Sweat Band and Big Hair Combo
He was prepared for any impromptu physical challenge that came his way.
Whether the sweatband kept his big hair out of his face is questionable, though.
Whatever THIS Is (Part 2)
Good lord, it’s like something out of a horror movie.
How was this even achieved?!
Whatever THIS Is
Oh, why did you make these poor life choices?
We can never unsee this.
This High Side Ponytail
It was spunky and cute at the time.
Now it’s just an unfortunate trend innocent girls fell for.
