1980s Short Hairstyles

Welcome to our trip down memory lane to the vibrant 1980s! Get ready to see photos of iconic short hairstyles from this exciting decade. From bold pixie cuts to cute bobs, each hairstyle perfectly captures the spirit of the '80s with its own unique charm and attitude.
 
Dive into the creativity and boldness of the era! Whether you're looking for ideas for a themed party or just love retro fashion, the photos are sure to bring back fond memories and get you excited.
 

Short Natural Curls

Hair with curls cut above the lobes of the ears
 
The delightful canopy of natural curls always earns top marks, and our model's short layers boast a touch of razor cutting for added texture. A tapered cuff along the neckline complements longer sections at the crown, top, and upper sides.
 
The sides are neatly clipped above the ears, with wispy tendrils framing the face. Bangs are styled with a slight irregular part, left to gently graze the brow. To tame frizz with natural curls, use a diffuser with a gel specifically designed for curly hair, scrunching as you go.
 

Bob with Stacked Layers

Bob with Stacked Layers
 
Hairstylists understand the wide variety of bob hairstyles. Some bobs combine two haircuts into one style.
 
Here, we first have the close crop that hugs the head up from the collar line. Then, there are panels of hair layered over other sections, either all one length or in mini stacked layers. These layers are barely visible in the photo, as the hair stylishly moves toward the face. However, there's an exception with the longer panel, which sweeps into an under tilt in one big scoop.
 
Whether it's mini micro layers or one big blunt cut, a bob remains recognizable by its name.
 

Small Piecy Bangs

Short hair cut over the ear and piecy bangs
 
Notice the striking contrasts of dark patches that create depth against our model's golden red hair. This smoothly styled short hair starts with a neatly trimmed shingle around the nape, followed by a blunt edge just above the shaved area.
 
The hair cascades down to a uniform length, framing the sides and gently extending over her ears, tapering under the cheekbones. Short bangs delicately sweep across the forehead, adding a touch of softness to an otherwise bold image.
 

Carefree Short Hairstyle

Carefree short hairstyle with a fringe and bounce
 
The impact of a heavily layered short haircut is truly remarkable, boasting fashionable bounce, a light fringe, and an effortlessly carefree appearance, all with stunning effects. One can almost envision the skilled scissoring techniques used to craft this work of art.
 
Subtle jagged edges and delicate strands around the face create a unique frame, while a light application of gel and a gentle blow dry blend the layers seamlessly, resulting in a pleasing pouf hairstyle. Why not try this stylish look for yourself?
 

Short Cropped Cut

Short cropped hairstyle with the sides covering the ears
 
The layered versatility of this short cropped cut, encompassing the top, upper sides, and crown sections, offers endless styling possibilities, particularly when experimenting with blow drying techniques. Currently, we see a charming twist in the back, with tiered curls stacked upon each other.
 
The sides elegantly cover the ears with a transparent light section of hair, while the bangs have been blown over to one side in short, poufy wisps. Another styling option for this cut is to encourage the upper sections of the sides to spring up into carefree curls, while some gently frame the face.
 
Consider tossing part of the lower section under the cheekbones, similar to the style in the photo, but with a slightly more gentle outward lay. Have fun experimenting with your hair and don't be afraid to try something new!
 

Funky Short Hairstyle

Jagged and funky short hairstyle with sporty bangs
 
Ready to shake things up with a bold new look? Why not try this chunky, funky, and edgy short hairstyle? Take note of the voluminous pouf at the top and the sporty, jagged bangs with bold tendrils framing the sides and touching the neck.
 
At the back, the crown boasts some playful volume that gradually fades into a clipped fade around the neckline. To achieve this style, simply apply your favorite gel or styling lotion and begin blow drying while lightly tousling your hair with your fingers. Once done, give it a spritz. Easy as pie!
 

Charleston Era Hair

Charleston era hair with finger waves
 
Transport yourself back to the roaring 1920s and 1930s with the timeless elegance of finger waves, reminiscent of the Charleston dance, raccoon skin coats, and vintage automobiles! This sculpted hairstyle begins with a side part and finger waves cascading down below the model's ears, ending in tight, unmistakable curls.
 
At the nape of the neck, a thick mass of curls adds the finishing touch. While finger waves may not have made a comeback yet, it's only a matter of time before celebrities start embracing this classic style once again. Why not get ahead of the curve and practice now?
 

Easy To Do Pixie Cut

Easy to do pixie cut with exposed ears
 
Finding it hard to keep up with your hairstyle due to a busy schedule? Maybe it's time for a change! This light and fluffy pixie cut exudes confidence and ease, making a statement wherever you go: 'Look at me; I'm cute, sassy, and effortless!'
 
With the precision of an artist, textured layers were strategically placed around our model's head to complement the desired pouf, leaving the ears and small sideburns exposed. The back is neatly clipped and faded along the edges.
 
Simply grab your blow dryer, whisk it around your head, and in less than five minutes, you'll be ready to head out to the market!
 

Short Hairstyle with Curls

Short hairstyle with body wave curls
 
Brimming with razzamatazz, these curls exude confidence and energy, with carefully placed curls framing the eyebrows and a playful tussle of curls reaching new heights at the top. A longer crown offers subtle volume, leading to a swell around the edges that turns upward at the back.
 
Fancy backward "C" curls gracefully frame the face, drawing attention to the model's long, wide, and attractive earrings. Achieving this particular hairstyle is possible with a body wave and the right haircut.
 

Boyish Haircut with Gel

Short boyish haircut with gel styling
 
The clean lines of this boyish haircut hug the model's head closely, with a feminine touch of small tendrils delicately framing the sides. The crest-like wave on top gracefully cascades over, stretching across the brow area.
 
To style, apply gel evenly throughout your hair and brush it all to one side and back on the sides while blow drying. Piece the hair where desired and finish with a light spray.
 

Roller Set

Short hairstyle with roller set styling
 
This stunning short hairstyle showcases the power of a good set. Start by applying styling gel and creating a heavy side part. Roll your hair with all the rollers going downwards on the heavy side, while on the other side, arrange the rollers on a slight tilt away from the face. Roll all the rollers downwards on the backside.
 
Once dry, vigorously brush out your hair in the direction you placed the rollers. Lightly back brush and smooth the hair into the rounded coils seen in the photo, placing the curls along the forehead and temple. Brush back the hair on the opposite side and finish with hairspray.
 

Collar-touching Short Hair

Short collar-touching hair
 
The less hair you have, the sleeker and lighter you'll look, especially when dressing up in a new suit. There's a kind of magic that comes with a haircut—it ties into your overall appearance, almost like a weight loss effect!
 
Here's a simple test: try on a long-haired wig with your new outfit, then switch to a shorter wig and assess your look in the mirror. Be honest! A good haircut can make you feel fabulous all day long.
 
While putting long hair up can help, it's not quite the same. You've probably seen how heavy hair can sometimes make women appear older than they are. For some of us, less hair is more, especially as we get older.
 
In the photo, you'll see heavily clipped short layers that create volume around the face and on top. The neckline is blended smoothly, with a simple fringe. Easy to blow dry and you're ready to go!
 

Cycloid Curls

Short hairstyle with cycloid curls
 
Plump cycloid curls are strategically placed around the model's head, creating a lively and voluminous style. Delicate strands frame the face, complemented by thicker sideburns shaped into a 'C'.
 
The tapered back adds a clean, polished finish to this spirited short hairstyle. To achieve the curls, use traditional rollers and position them precisely where you want. Once dry, you can leave the rollers in place and spray, or gently backcomb each curl, smooth it out, and then spray for extra hold.
 

Short Asian Haircut

Short Asian haircut that is quick to style
 
This striking Asian model showcases a pixie haircut with choppy tufts delicately framing her forehead. The sides feature a straight blunt edge, except for one lone strand adding a touch of uniqueness. The high back blends seamlessly into the poufy layers of the hairstyle.
 
If you're seeking an easy-to-style short haircut, this could be the perfect choice. Simply apply gel, blow-dry with your hands, then use a medium-sized round brush to sweep the hair to one side as shown in the photo. Every strand will effortlessly fall into place. Finish with a spritz of spray, and you're all set!
 

Wet Look for Short Hair

Wet look bob
 
The classic wet look is effortlessly chic, with a subtle hint of a curl accentuating the model's cheek line. A small upward crest adds dimension, transitioning into a gentle wave. Splayed fringes cascade below the collar line at the back, while a heavier graduation of the bob forms just above, seamlessly meeting the sides.
 
To achieve this style, start by washing and conditioning your hair. Then, apply your wet look gel and comb it into position, or alternatively, blow-dry your hair and apply the gel for a sleek finish. Here's to embracing a total wet look bob for a touch of uniqueness!
 

Feathery Bangs

Short haircut with feathery bangs
 
Artistic flair often manifests in the fusion of straight and curly elements, as seen in the photo where the model sports straight feathery bangs and sideburns that gracefully frame her jawline, while the rest of her hair boasts lively curls, adding volume and vibrancy to the overall look.
 
Subtle highlights throughout the hairstyle further enhance its appeal, making this image a true standout. Consider opting for a body wave to recreate this look for yourself, following a precise haircut to achieve the desired style.
 

Never Out of Style

Haircut that never goes out of style
 
Some hairstyles stand the test of time, and this is undoubtedly one of them! It's all about layers, yet there's a distinct blunt edge along the bottom. When viewed head-on, this short hairstyle almost resembles a square cut, with its voluminous top, crown, and sides, but notably sharper around the perimeter.
 
To achieve this look, apply a fine styling lotion and quickly blow-dry with your hands. Then, use a medium-sized curling iron to shape the curls as desired. For long-lasting results, consider getting a body wave every four months and maintaining regular trims every six weeks to keep your style fresh.
 

Tapered Nape and Sides Pixie Cut

Pixie cut with tapered nape and sides
 
A thickly layered top with a heavy bouffant has been effortlessly swept across the model's forehead and temples, carefully arranging the lively curls. The crown of the very short haircut also puffs up in harmony with the top and gradually transitions into a tightly knit tapered style that also wraps around the ears.
 
Completely stylish and easy to achieve, this pixie cut is so chic, especially when paired with larger earrings. Why not try something like this today?
 

Short Ponytail

Hairstyle with a short ponytail
 
This ponytailed short hairstyle comes to life with small textured layers that add volume around the crown. A micro mini fringe gently frames the brows, while thicker sections fan out to the sides. It's like having the best of both worlds.
 
Your hair maintains its length for the ponytail, yet gives the appearance of a short cut. Both styles complement each other perfectly and continue to remain popular to this day.
 

Chopped Short Hairstyle

Short chopped hairstyle with spikes on top of the head
 
Chop chop here, chop chop there—everywhere a chop chop! Get ready for the 'over the top' jazzy haircut. This iconic cut starts with semi-circular bangs over the forehead, featuring varying thickness. Moving along the sides, bold stair-step sections frame the model's cheeks with delicate threads.
 
The bluntness extends towards the back and over the ears, with deliberate thick sections at the lower nape. Finally, delicate spikes on the crown add the finishing touch. Are you brave enough to rock this one-of-a-kind hairstyle?
 

Spiked Up Hair

Hair spiked up and clipped around the head
 
The focal point of this hairstyle is the vibrant red floral effect at the top, textured into precise layers that spike up into feathery plumes. The remaining hair is neatly clipped around the head and over the ears, with a few playful wisps framing the model's face.
 
With just a touch of styling lotion and a quick blow dry, you're ready to go! However, if winter weather strikes (as it always does), simply put on your hat. When you arrive at the office, gently adjust your hair back into place with a hairpin. Cold weather can cause static, so a light mist of hairspray can help tame any flyaways.
 

Short Gelled Hair

Short gelled hair with bangs
 
The bold slanted angle of our model's bangs starts at the temple and gracefully extends across the opposite brow, connecting under the side lace. This hairstyle frames the face elegantly, with the top layers also cascading toward the face.
 
With its full layers and sleek gel finish, achieving this look is simple. Apply gel evenly throughout the hair and comb through to master the desired style. Allow it to air dry for a natural finish, unless you're venturing out into wintry weather, in which case, a quick blow dry might be the way to go.
 

High Centered Flip

Short hairstyle with a high centered flip
 
Creating a high centered flip, as seen in the photo, is an easy task if you have a bit of time. Start by washing and conditioning your hair, then apply styling lotion evenly throughout. Centralize your part and begin rolling your rollers under around your head, leaving out the last two bottom sections and rolling them up instead.
 
Once dry, vigorously brush out your hair. Test your flip by running a brush over the top of the hair while gently pulling it out to see how it flips. You may need to do some back brushing for a smoother look like the one in the image. If necessary, back brush the ends to create curls like ruffles on a skirt, then finish with a spritz of hairspray.
 

Fashionable Bob

Collar-hugging bob
 
Golden flaxen tones dominate this sleek and fashionable bob, giving it a glossy, glass-like finish. The collar-hugging cut wraps around the head, covering the ears and seamlessly blending with the hair from the side panel.
 
This versatile hairstyle can easily be dressed up for evening events with the addition of long earrings. Achieving the sleek look is simple: apply styling lotion to damp hair, then use a round brush to curve the hair under while blow drying. Finish with a spritz of gloss spray for added shine.
 

Short Hair with Curls

Short cropped hair with curls
 
A delightful cluster of elegant curls adorns the crown and top of the model's head, resembling a bouquet of flowers. These curls gracefully frame her face, adding a touch of panache. The back of the hairstyle is cropped along the nape, gradually lengthening towards the crown for added volume.
 
To achieve medium-sized curls like these, simply roll your hair in an assortment of rollers, varying the direction for a natural look. Once dry, gently backcomb each curl to add volume, then smooth and place it back into position before giving it a light spray. Don't be afraid to experiment with your hair; if you're not satisfied with the result, you can always start again.
 

Smooth Boyish Haircut

Boyish and smooth crested haircut with chipped sides
 
This boyish smooth crested haircut is a bold choice that few women can pull off effortlessly. The back is neatly shingled up, with only small tufts of hair occasionally grazing the collar line before extending slightly into the crown section. Along the sides, the hair is expertly cut around the ears, with just a hint of spray to keep it in place.
 
The real standout feature of this hairstyle is the fanciful ridge of height at the top, seamlessly blending in with the rest of the flow. Are you daring enough to try this edgy look? Not to worry! With a bit of gel and a quick blow dry, you'll be ready to go in no time.
 

Vintage Short Hairstyle

Short sixties haircut
 
This very short hairstyle channels the nostalgic elements of the sixties and seventies, featuring a high, fluffy volume on top and a smooth edge clipped neatly around the face, over the ears, and close to the nape.
 
To achieve this stunning look, simply wrap a few sections around a curling iron on the top for added definition, then gently back brush for volume. Finish with a spritz of hairspray for staying power.
 

Exposed Neckline

Undercut bob with exposed neckline
 
This designer bob showcases the soft, demure lightness of clean, fine hair. The collar is neatly clipped close to the edge, gradually lengthening as it moves along the sides, while still keeping the neckline exposed.
 
To achieve the tilted fall seen in the photo, a small amount of spritzing and blow drying is all that's needed to accommodate the undercut. While styling may take a bit more time due to the length, the pleasing effects make it well worth the effort.
 
By Penny | Updated