The Ultimate Guide to Achieving and Maintaining Long 80's Hair
Hello there, retro lovers! Welcome back to our groovy corner of the internet. Today, we're diving headfirst into the fabulous world of long 80's hair – a style that's as iconic as it is fabulous. So, grab your hairspray, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and long 80's hair.
The 80's Hair Revolution: A Brief History
Before we dive into how to achieve that voluminous, long 80's hair look, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. The 80's were a decade of excess, and that certainly extended to hair. Big hair was in, and the bigger, the better! Think of your favorite 80's icons – Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, or Farrah Fawcett – and you'll see what we mean.
Long, layered cuts were all the rage, as were perms and crimping irons. The goal was to create as much volume as possible, to make your hair the star of the show. And who were we to argue with that?
Tools of the Trade: Products for Long 80's Hair
To achieve that iconic 80's hair look, you're going to need some serious product. Here are some of our favorites:
- Hairspray: A good, strong hairspray is non-negotiable. Think of it as the glue that holds your style together. We recommend something with a high hold factor, like the classic Aqua Net. - Mousse: Mousse was the 80's secret weapon for volume. Apply it to damp hair, then blow-dry for maximum lift. - Crimping Iron: For those classic crimped waves, you'll need a crimping iron. It might seem daunting, but with a bit of practice, you'll be crimping like a pro in no time. - Perm Rods and Solution: If you're going for a perm, you'll need perm rods and a perm solution. This is a job best left to the professionals, so consider booking an appointment with your stylist.
Achieving the Look: Step-by-Step
Alright, guys, let's get down to business. Here's how to achieve that long 80's hair look, step-by-step:
1. Start with Clean Hair: Begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair. We recommend using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to give your hair some extra oomph.
2. Apply Mousse: While your hair is still damp, apply a generous amount of mousse, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. This will help create volume and lift.
3. Blow-Dry: Using a round brush, blow-dry your hair in sections, lifting at the roots to create volume. If you want to add some extra texture, you can use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.
4. Crimp or Perm: Now it's time to create those iconic waves. If you're crimping, section your hair and use your crimping iron to create waves. If you're perming, your stylist will do this for you.
5. Style: Once your hair is fully cooled or set, it's time to style. Use your fingers to gently shake out your waves, then use your hairspray to hold everything in place.
6. Flip and Tease: Finally, flip your hair over and tease the underside for even more volume. Then, flip it back and use your hands to create that perfect 80's shape.
Maintaining Long 80's Hair
Achieving the look is one thing, but maintaining it is another challenge entirely. Here are some tips to keep your hair looking fabulous:
- Wash Less: Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, which can leave it looking limp and lifeless. Try to wash your hair every other day, and use a dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil. - Condition Regularly: While you might be tempted to skip conditioner to keep your hair looking big, it's actually really important for maintaining the health of your hair. Use a conditioner every time you wash your hair, and consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week. - Protect Your Hair: Heat styling tools can damage your hair, so it's important to use a heat protectant before blow-drying or using your crimping iron. Also, try to limit the use of these tools as much as possible.
Inspiration: Iconic 80's Hair Looks
Need a little inspiration? Here are some iconic 80's hair looks to get you in the mood:
- Madonna's Boy Toy Crop: Madge's short, spiky style was a bold departure from the typical long 80's hair look, but it was no less iconic. - Cyndi Lauper's Colorful Curls: Cyndi's bright, bouncy curls were the epitome of 80's excess. - Farrah Fawcett's Feathered 'Do: This classic look involved lots of layers and plenty of hairspray. - Duran Duran's New Wave 'Dos: The guys of Duran Duran rocked some seriously fabulous hair, from Simon Le Bon's tousled curls to Nick Rhodes' neon-colored locks.
Conclusion: Embrace the Volume
So there you have it, guys – everything you need to know to achieve and maintain that long 80's hair look. Remember, the key to great 80's hair is embracing the volume. Don't be afraid to go big – after all, bigger is always better in the 80's!
Whether you're a child of the 80's or just a fan of the decade's fabulous fashion and music, there's no denying that long 80's hair is a look that's well worth recreating. So, grab your hairspray, and let's get crimping!