Retro hair is having a full-circle moment, and the styles moms loved in the 1980s are suddenly right at home in your 2020s feed. From perms to power bobs, you can tap into that nostalgic, “bigger is better” energy while still looking current. Here are eight classic ’80s mom hairstyles that are being modernized for today, plus how you can wear each one now.
1) The Perm
The perm defined so many maternal looks in the ’80s, wrapping straight hair into tight, springy curls that stayed put for months. Modern versions keep the spirit of those voluminous curls but soften the shape, using larger rods and more strategic placement so the texture looks intentional rather than crunchy. Contemporary stylists highlight how textured curls are part of the broader wave of totally ’80s hairstyles being reworked for 2023 and beyond.
Social creators invite you to Discover the “ultimate hair transformation” of 80s perm hairstyles, showing how a fresh perm reveal can still feel dramatic and glamorous. For you, the stakes are about commitment and care, since a perm changes your hair’s structure and demands moisture-focused products. When done thoughtfully, though, a modern perm can give you the same easy, wash-and-go confidence that made it a staple for so many moms in family photo albums.
2) The Mullet
The mullet, famous for its “business in the front, party in the back” silhouette, was a go-to for practical yet rebellious parents in the ’80s. Today, stylists are leaning into that contrast with softer layers and more blended lengths so the cut feels edgy but wearable. One creator even urges you to Bring Back the Mullet, describing how the shape combines retro charm with modern flair and is Often praised for its personality.
Short-form tutorials show you how to Get the permed mullet and Follow a step-by-step process from shaving to styling, proving the cut is no longer a punchline. Another creator invites you to Discover the history of the iconic mullet from the 1980s to its resurgence now, underscoring how cyclical trends can be. For you, the modern mullet signals confidence, telegraphing that you are comfortable standing out in a sea of safe lobs and long layers.
3) Teased Big Hair
Teased big hair was the unofficial uniform of ’80s moms, built on backcombing, hairspray, and a determination to reach sky-high volume. Today, that same love of height is resurfacing in more polished ways, with stylists using root-lifting sprays, round brushes, and hot tools to create lift without stiffness. Trend roundups of textured curls and crimping show how volume is central to bringing 1980s hair into 2023 territory.
For you, the stakes are about balance, since modern big hair needs movement to avoid looking costume-like. Instead of teasing every strand, you can focus on the crown and front sections, then smooth the surface so the shape feels intentional. The result is a nod to those towering mall-bang days that still photographs beautifully on social media and in real life, especially for events where you want your hair to be the main accessory.
4) Feathered Layers
Feathered layers gave ’80s moms that soft, winged halo of hair, with ends blown back from the face in airy curves. Tutorials like the Feathered Hair Blowout Tutorial for 80s Style walk you through how to Learn the round-brush technique that creates that signature flick. Social nostalgia accounts even note that Everyone still loves a perfectly feathered shot, proving how enduring the look is.
Modern feathering is subtler, with longer layers and softer face-framing pieces that work on straight, wavy, or lightly curled hair. For you, the appeal is versatility, since feathered layers can be styled smooth for the office or flipped out for a weekend throwback moment. The cut also flatters a wide range of face shapes, which is why it keeps resurfacing whenever retro trends cycle back into fashion.
5) Side Ponytail
The side ponytail was a playful favorite for ’80s women, yanking hair high and off-center with scrunchies, ribbons, or plastic barrettes. Modern versions keep the off-kilter placement but streamline the finish, often pairing a sleek base with waves or curls through the lengths. Contemporary roundups of vintage looks, Including the 42 Ponytail Hairstyles To Cure Your Hair Boredom In 2026, show how off-center ponytails are part of a broader nostalgia wave.
For you, the side ponytail is a low-commitment way to channel ’80s mom energy without changing your cut or color. You can adjust the height, from cheekbone level for a dramatic throwback to a low, relaxed version for everyday wear. Accessories matter here, too, whether you choose a minimalist elastic or lean into retro scrunchies, which instantly signal that you are in on the trend’s playful side.
6) Crimped Hair
Crimped hair gave everyday ’80s styles a zigzag texture that felt rebellious, created with hot crimping irons that pressed ridges into each section. Today, that same texture is returning in more controlled doses, often through accent pieces or underlayers rather than full-head crimping. Guides to Crimped Hair Styles and 80s Hair show how creators are also Doing The 80s Hair Style with Curly Hair, blending natural curls with crimped sections.
For you, the modern twist is about protecting your hair while still enjoying the visual impact. Heat-free braiding methods can mimic crimping overnight, and newer tools offer adjustable temperatures that are gentler on strands. The trend’s resurgence signals a broader appetite for visible texture, especially among younger audiences who see crimping as a fun, editorial detail rather than an everyday default.
7) Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl was a defining look for many people of African descent in the 1980s, giving hair a glossy, moisturized, tightly curled finish. Style galleries that invite you to explore Jheri curl hairstyles describe it as a special type of permed style that transformed natural texture into uniform ringlets. Another creator urges viewers to Join a nostalgic journey through the 80s and the influence of the Jheri Curl as a symbol of confidence.
Modern updates, including the Hawaiian Silky Jheri Curl, focus on lower-maintenance routines and lighter products that still deliver shine without excessive stickiness. For you, the stakes are about honoring cultural history while embracing formulas that are kinder to your scalp and hair. The renewed interest in this style reflects a larger movement toward celebrating Black hair traditions on their own terms, rather than hiding them.
8) Power Bob
The power bob gave ’80s moms a sleek, shoulder-skimming cut that signaled authority at work and polish at home. Modern versions keep the blunt edges and strong shape but may add subtle internal layers or a soft bend for movement. Tutorials where She gets a modern twist on an 80s flat top and asks for the Short ’n Sassy haircut show how sharp, structured shapes are being refreshed for today’s moms.
For you, the power bob is about efficiency and impact, since it air-dries quickly yet looks intentional with minimal styling. The cut aligns with the broader revival of totally ’80s hairstyles that project confidence, from perms to bold layers. Worn with a center part, deep side part, or paired with bangs, the power bob remains a reliable way to look put-together in every setting, from school drop-off to a boardroom presentation.
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