23 Most Ridiculous '80s Hairstyles main image
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23 Most Ridiculous '80s Hairstyles

We love this era, but we can admit that the 1980s were truly a special time in our history. We had great music, fantastic TV, and unique styles that no other decade could mimic. From the vibrant colors to the upbeat music, it was a decade of self-expression—especially through hairstyles. Nothing showed who you were as a person more than your hair.

And some of these '80s trends have made a comeback, rightly so! But others, we can all look back on and agree were just a bit...out there. They were the ones that turned heads and made people look at photos and think, “How could I do that?!”

We’re talking about the styles with ridiculous volume, crazy curls, and what-were-they-thinking mullets. Seriously–what were they thinking? They may have been in style then, but they are downright hilarious by today's standards, even if they were worn by some of the biggest celebs at the time. We’re looking at you, Paula Abdul. We're happy to see that you moved on from your style choices.

These are the '80s hairstyles everyone wants to forget. So, grab your hairspray and get ready for some ridiculous hair faux pas!

This Entirely Teased Look

This Entirely Teased Look

We doubt there’s a single strand of hair that isn’t teased between the two of them. 

Heck, we wouldn’t surprised if they were never able to brush it out.

Hartmut Schmidt Heidelberg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This Group Look

This Group Look

When the squad looks this “good,” it’s no wonder they couldn’t get a date. 

They were just too intimidating.

(Image via Midjourney)

This Headscarf-Supported Look

This Headscarf-Supported Look

This headscarf is definitely supporting all that hair. 

Well, the headscarf and four cans of Aqua Net.

Joe Selvin/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

This Sea Urchin-Inspired Look

This Sea Urchin-Inspired Look

This is truly unique. 

Props to him for the commitment and ingenuity.

"Greg Cowan"/Conall/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

This Poodle 'Do

This Poodle 'Do

There’s an 85% chance her dog was her inspiration for this look. 

Hopefully, the dog didn’t mind being copied. 

(Image via Midjourney)

This Feathery Mullet

This Feathery Mullet

He clearly felt amazing with this bird’s nest on top of his head. 

And we are happy for him.

J Pitts, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This Very Square 'Do

This Very Square 'Do

The look leaves just one question: did he cut it square, or was this just a divine occurrence? 

Surely, it was divine. 

"Hi-top fade: A New Jack Swing vintage style: BRYAN O'QUINN"/ImagePros/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

This Big Hair and Bigger Bow

This Big Hair and Bigger Bow

Look at all that hair! And the size of the bow!

There’s a good chance she had to walk sideways through doors.

(Image via Midjourney)

This Mushroom Look

This Mushroom Look

Doesn’t it make you want to just smooth your hand over the top of her head? 

No? Us either. 

(Image via Midjourney)

These Wavy Bangs

These Wavy Bangs

The swoop in these bangs is truly awe-inspiring. 

Maybe she’ll let us borrow her Aqua Net to try it out ourselves. 

(Image via Midjourney)

This Side-Swept Rat Tail

This Side-Swept Rat Tail

Since the bangs and sharp hair cut weren’t enough, she threw in a rat tail on the side. 

And it is magically horrendous.

Gerd Seidel (Rob Irgendwer), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This Timeless Jheri Curl

This Timeless Jheri Curl

It’s a classic.

That’s all there is to say about it. 

Taft High School, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This "Finger in the Electrical Outlet" Look

This "Finger in the Electrical Outlet" Look

We’re so glad she survived being electrocuted and was able to sit for her school picture. 

Hope the picture turned out good!

(Image via Midjourney)

This Surprisingly Impressive Style

This Surprisingly Impressive Style

How was this even possible? 

Someone teach us.

Will Scullin from Sunnyvale, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This Supervillain Style

This Supervillain Style

If there were a supervillain in the 80s, it was absolutely this lady. 

Those bangs are just devious. 

User:© 2014 Kourilova, FAL, via Wikimedia Commons

This Statement Maker

This Statement Maker

We can’t pull our eyes away. 

It’s like Wiley Coyote shot himself on a rocket right into a rock wall. 

(Image via Midjourney)

This Neon Look

This Neon Look

Color this bright has never been seen, nor will it ever be seen again. 

Honestly, that’s a blessing.

(Image via Midjourney)

This Punk Mullet

This Punk Mullet

Rock on sister. 

We see you, and we agree you’ve got the raddest cassette collection in town.

Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This Triangular 'Do

This Triangular 'Do

Another look that leaves you puzzling over the thought process. 

Why did you do this to yourself?

(Image via Midjourney)

This Sweat Band and Big Hair Combo

This Sweat Band and Big Hair Combo

He was prepared for any impromptu physical challenge that came his way. 

Whether the sweatband kept his big hair out of his face is questionable, though.

"He was also chill."/Zoe/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

Whatever THIS Is (Part 2)

Whatever THIS Is (Part 2)

Good lord, it’s like something out of a horror movie. 

How was this even achieved?!

(Image via Midjourney)

Whatever THIS Is

Whatever THIS Is

Oh, why did you make these poor life choices? 

We can never unsee this. 

"Big Hair 2"/Terry Wing/Public Domain/Flickr

This High Side Ponytail

This High Side Ponytail

It was spunky and cute at the time.

 Now it’s just an unfortunate trend innocent girls fell for.

(Image via Adobe)