1980s Medium-length Hairstyles
Step back in time to the fabulous 1980s! Check out our photos featuring iconic hairstyles for medium-length hair from this exciting decade. From feathered layers to bold perms, each hairstyle reflects the spirit of the era with its own unique style.Whether you're looking for inspiration for a retro-themed event or just curious about hairstyles from the past, our gallery of 1980s hairstyles for medium length hair is sure to captivate and inspire you.
Hair Hugging the Neckline
A thick, textured fringe sweeps gracefully across the forehead, seamlessly blending into layers that cascade around our model's face and gently frame her neckline.
To achieve this look, start with a light spritz of styling lotion on the deep layers. Then, use a round brush during a thorough blow-drying session, directing the hair towards the face. Pay close attention to each strand, ensuring they follow the contours of the face. Finally, focus on the crown, gently working it downwards and blending it towards the sides with the brush for a polished finish..
Medium-length Permed Hair
Embrace the voluminous texture of this layered perm, which showcases shorter layers at the crown and top for added height, gradually flowing into longer lengths that elegantly frame the model's shoulders. Delicate, wispy bangs grace one side of the forehead, while a thicker section sweeps across to the other side.
To recreate this look, start by washing and towel-drying the hair, then apply setting lotion before blow-drying. Utilize a technique of directing the hair away from the sides, underneath at the back, and over the top to maximize volume. Finally, style the bangs into place and finish with a spritz of hairspray for hold.
Smooth Blunt Cut Bob
The sleek precision of a sharp parting gives way to a smooth blunt bob, elegantly cascading to the shoulders. Shiny, parted bangs delicately brush below the brows, framing the model's eyes.
Elevated by a spectrum of natural blonde tones, this hairstyle emanates a youthful, collegiate charm.
To achieve this look, apply styling lotion and blow-dry with a round brush for desired smoothness and shine.
Ruffled Curls
A cluster of tousled curls gathers beneath the glamorous deep wave, elegantly draping across the model's forehead, evoking the image of a chic night out on the town.
Another styling option for this hairstyle involves maintaining the wave while pinning the curls atop the crown, creating a sophisticated layered effect with stacked coils.
Consider a perm to stabilize and shape the hair, providing versatility in achieving various looks inspired by this hairstyle.
Festive Hairdo
Our model is showcasing a prom look that offers versatility, as it can be worn either up or down, with coiled cascades framing her face. This hairstyle can be easily achieved with practice, making it suitable for self-styling.
To recreate this look, begin by parting your hair down the center after blow-drying and section off the crown, sides, top, and nape.
One technique involves using a curling or coiling iron on the lower back sections first, taking medium-sized portions to curl. Allow the curls to set in their coil shape without combing them out. Alternatively, you can use medium-sized hot rollers, wrapping the hair vertically.
For a longer-lasting style, consider using conventional rollers on wet hair and allowing it to air dry. When done correctly, your hairstyle should hold throughout the night.
Medium-length Hairstyle
A college-inspired extravaganza of soft lines, featuring multiple shades of blonde, is sure to make her peers green with envy. Precision-edged layers frame the model's smile eloquently, while translucent bangs provide a peek-a-boo window, adding a touch of fresh appeal.
To achieve this hairstyle, use a round brush to blend the hair towards the face. Finish with a spritz of gloss spray for added shine.
Volume upon the Head
Short, spiffy layers create voluminous tops atop the model's head. The upper sides are also trimmed shorter, with delicate fringes framing the face. As the hair is combed, longer sections form fluffy strands that barely touch the shoulders.
While the hair is styled to be combed down, the upper section along the sides could also be brushed to swing upward, following the contour of her forehead and eyes, while allowing the rest of the hair to cascade downward. Gel and hairspray can be used to achieve this attractive style.
Carefree Hairstyle with Curls
Hundreds of tiny ringlets result from a layered perm, creating voluminous pockets of curls. This carefree hairstyle is simple to achieve and ideal for those who want the allure of abundant hair with minimal effort.
After washing and conditioning your hair with a moisturizing conditioner, apply a leave-in styling moisturizer and allow your hair to air dry. Once dry, use a curling iron to touch up any areas as needed, and gently back brush, especially at the top, for added volume. Finish with a spritz of gloss spray, and you're ready to go!
Angles and Flips
Tasteful short hair sections are styled to create volume on the top and transition into the angled flips seen in the photo. The bangs are styled to be heavier on one side, blending into a peek-a-boo effect just above the model's eyebrows.
This hairstyle offers a delicately smooth look, with a simple brush flick creating subtle waves. Apply a light spritz of styling lotion before blow-drying for added hold. Use a large to medium-sized curling iron to add volume to the top and create flips along the bottom. Finish with a spritz of hairspray for hold.
Bulk on the Top
Short and sassy clips create plenty of volume at the top, extending to the side temples in layers of hair. Coils of layered hair form thick curls with ample volume.
Another option for this style is to gather all the curls and secure them with a band, allowing them to fall naturally. This would maintain the short, stout appearance of the top layers while adding a dressier touch.
Crop with Backcombing
Some people seem to have enough hair to donate to an entire city, and our model is no exception with her healthy, layered crop featuring subtle backcombing for added volume. The hair gracefully cascades away from her face on one side, while curls frame her face on the other.
The remaining hair flows smoothly over her shoulders. This hairstyle incorporates elements of volume, direction, and movement. Achieving this look involves blow-drying followed by the use of hot rollers or conventional rollers, with vigorous brushing to finish.
Hair away from the Face
If you have a flawless face like the model in the photo, consider styling your hair away from your face to highlight your cheekbones, nose, or eyes. Curls can soften your features and add an elegant touch. Notice how her hair is swept away from her face, showcasing her delicate gold earrings.
To achieve this look, start with the right haircut. Then, use conventional rollers rolled away from the sides and up underneath for the lower section. Once dry, brush the curls to create the desired volume. Finally, brush the top back and pull out the sides while holding them in place with your hands as you spray.
Illusion of Longer Hair
One of the most versatile things you can do with a heavily layered haircut is to tease your hair and use a comb to mold it up and away from your face, as shown in the photo. This style can create the illusion of longer hair, even with shorter layers.
Even when strands fall around the neckline, the hairstyle still gives the impression of long hair. Most hairstylists can achieve this look with proper teasing, setting techniques, and hairspray. Consider trying this hairstyle for the upcoming holidays and observe how your stylist creates the look, then try it yourself next time.
Super Easy Hairstyle
Consider layers upon layers of messy, disheveled hair molded by a professional perm, as seen on our model. This style is super easy to maintain and achieve, making it a great option for you!
The abundance of curls creates the desired volume, with hair standing out from the head. Simply get the perm, condition your hair when washing, use a good moisturizing leave-in conditioner, allow your hair to air dry, then lightly backcomb the top and fluff as desired before spraying.
Dynamic Flip
A dynamic flip, starting with a centered part, transitions into a cascade of ruffles created by back brushing, which directs the hair away from the head.
To achieve this hairstyle: Roll the hair downward from the part, wrapping it vertically with slight variations in direction around the edges to achieve volume along the ends. Once dry, brush and backcomb for added volume and bounce. Finish with hairspray.
Bob Haircut
Few hairstyles are as polished as a bob haircut, thanks to its blunt cut. It's universally flattering, making you look good no matter what you wear. Plus, it can even create the illusion of being a few pounds lighter, especially for those who are overweight. However, if you're on the shorter side, there are other hairstyles that may suit you better.
Our model's hair falls just below her chin, leaving room to showcase her necklace. Use a large round brush to achieve a smooth, satin-like finish, and finish with a spritz of gloss for added shine.