(Image: A collage showcasing a diverse range of 80s male hairstyles – mullet, Jheri curl, teased hair, etc.)
The neon lights were blazing, the synth-pop was pumping, and the fashion was unapologetically bold. The 1980s weren’t just a decade; they were a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on everything, especially hairstyles. For men, the era was a playground of experimentation, where rules were meant to be broken and individuality was celebrated through flamboyant cuts and daring styles. Gone were the days of conformity; in its place, a vibrant tapestry of trends emerged, reflecting the diverse subcultures that defined the time. From the rebellious rock scene to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the eighties offered something for every man who dared to express himself through his hair. This article delves into the radical retro world of iconic eighties hairstyles for men, exploring the defining cuts that made the decade so unforgettable.
The Mullet: Business in the Front, Party in the Back
Ah, the mullet. A hairstyle so iconic, so divisive, and so quintessentially eighties that it deserves its own dedicated museum. The mullet, characterized by its short, often layered front and sides, contrasted sharply with the long, flowing locks in the back, was a statement. It was a declaration that you were simultaneously ready for a boardroom meeting and a rock concert.
Its popularity stemmed from its versatility and rebellious undertones. Athletes like professional hockey players, finding it a practical way to keep hair out of their faces while retaining length, embraced the mullet. Rock stars, eager to defy convention, adopted the look as a symbol of their anti-establishment attitude. The mullet became synonymous with a certain laid-back, rugged charm, appealing to a broad spectrum of men.
The beauty (or perhaps the curse) of the mullet lies in its endless variations. There was the feathered mullet, meticulously styled with voluminous layers and a soft, flowing back. Then there was the “rat tail,” a more extreme version featuring a single, thin strand of hair extending far down the back. And who could forget the “hockey hair,” a variation popular among athletes, characterized by its untamed, almost wild appearance?
Iconic figures like Patrick Swayze, with his perfectly sculpted mullet in “Road House,” and Billy Ray Cyrus, who practically built his career on the back of his flowing mullet, cemented the hairstyle’s place in pop culture history. Even today, the mullet enjoys a resurgence, proving that some trends, no matter how outrageous, are destined for a comeback.
Jheri Curl: The Glossy Wave of an Era
The Jheri curl wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a cultural statement, a symbol of pride, and a testament to the power of self-expression within the African American community. Invented by hairdresser Jheri Redding, the Jheri curl was a revolutionary technique that chemically altered the hair to create a permanently wavy, glossy look.
Its popularity soared in the eighties, becoming synonymous with music, fashion, and a sense of upward mobility. Artists like Michael Jackson, with his perfectly coiffed Jheri curl gracing album covers and music videos, and Ice Cube, who sported the style during his early days with N.W.A., helped propel the Jheri curl to mainstream recognition.
However, achieving and maintaining the Jheri curl was no easy feat. The process involved applying harsh chemicals to the hair, requiring regular moisturizing and a special curl activator to maintain its signature shine. The Jheri curl earned the nickname “the greasy curl” due to its tendency to leave oily residue on clothing and furniture. Despite its high-maintenance requirements, the Jheri curl remained a dominant force in eighties hairstyles, embodying a spirit of confidence and individuality.
The Perm: A Head Full of Curls
If the Jheri curl was a specific cultural phenomenon, the perm was its more widely accessible cousin. The perm, short for “permanent wave,” involved chemically treating the hair to create curls or waves that lasted for months. It was a popular choice for men seeking to add volume, texture, or simply a touch of rebellious flair to their look.
The perm’s popularity exploded in the eighties, fueled by the rise of glam rock and heavy metal bands whose members sported voluminous, often outrageous, permed hairstyles. The possibilities were endless, from tight, defined curls to loose, beachy waves.
Early pictures of Jon Bon Jovi serve as inspiration for a perfectly executed perm. He effortlessly demonstrated that a head full of curls was the way to go.
Teased and Big Hair: The Higher the Hair, the Closer to Heaven
While the Jheri curl and the perm offered structured curls, another faction of men aimed for pure volume.
With copious amounts of hairspray, the teased and big hair movement defied gravity and societal expectations.
Hairspray and its Importance
Taking a cue from Glam Rock and Heavy Metal, bands like Poison and Motley Crue used height and volume to amplify their stage presence. Teasing combs became a necessity and Aqua Net was the holy grail, providing the necessary hold to withstand even the most energetic headbanging.
The New Wave Wedge: Angular and Edgy
In contrast to the voluminous and often flamboyant styles of the era, the New Wave wedge offered a more angular, edgy alternative. Inspired by the burgeoning New Wave music scene, this hairstyle featured sharp, asymmetrical cuts, often incorporating bold colors and dramatic styling.
Bands like A Flock of Seagulls and Duran Duran epitomized the New Wave aesthetic, sporting futuristic, gravity-defying hairstyles that perfectly complemented their synth-driven sound. The New Wave wedge was a statement of individuality, a rejection of mainstream norms, and a celebration of all things unconventional.
The Caesar Cut: Short, Simple, and Timeless
Amidst the sea of big hair and outrageous styles, the Caesar cut offered a refreshing dose of simplicity. Characterized by its short, evenly layered hair and a small, straight fringe, the Caesar cut was a classic style that experienced a resurgence in the eighties.
Its timeless appeal lay in its versatility and low-maintenance nature. The Caesar cut was equally appropriate for a boardroom meeting and a casual weekend outing. George Clooney and Denzel Washington are just a few examples of popular men who helped to show off this simplistic haircut.
The Spiky Look: Pointing Towards Rebellion
The Spiky Look, a rebellious style fueled by the punk rock movement, made a bold statement against conformity. Using hair gel or wax, men sculpted their hair into sharp, defiant spikes, projecting an image of fierce individuality.
Adding to its rebellious nature, colorful dyes were often used to elevate the look.
Iconic Bands
Bands like The Cure helped to show off the spiky style in a way that would be remembered for a long time.
The Clean Cut/Preppy Look: Polished and Put-Together
For those seeking a more refined and sophisticated look, the clean cut, preppy look offered a welcome alternative to the more outrageous styles of the decade. This hairstyle, characterized by its short, neatly trimmed hair, was often associated with preppy fashion and a sense of effortless elegance.
Ralph Lauren and similar brands took part in popularizing this haircut. Rob Lowe in “St. Elmo’s Fire,” serves as a great example of someone who embodied the style perfectly.
A Lasting Legacy of Style
The eighties were a decade of daring experimentation, where hairstyles became a powerful form of self-expression. From the rebellious mullet to the glamorous Jheri curl, the iconic hairstyles of the era reflected the diverse subcultures and influences that defined the time. While some trends may have faded into obscurity, the spirit of individuality and the willingness to push boundaries remain a lasting legacy of the eighties.
So, whether you’re a nostalgic soul longing for the days of big hair and synth-pop, or a trendsetter looking for inspiration from the past, take a moment to appreciate the radical retro world of eighties hairstyles for men. After all, some styles are so iconic, so unforgettable, that they deserve to be celebrated for generations to come. And who knows, maybe the mullet will make a comeback sooner than we think!
