The 1980s were a groundbreaking decade for Black Hairstyles, marked by bold creativity and cultural pride. From the iconic Afro to intricate cornrows and shiny Jheri curls, black hairstyles in the 80’s were more than just fashion statements – they were powerful expressions of identity and resilience. In this article, YogHair will provide the most iconic Black Hairstyles in the 80’s, their cultural significance, and the hair care essentials that made these looks possible.
The history of black hair
Black hairstyle in the 80’s has always been much more than just a style, it’s a powerful symbol of culture, identity, and heritage. The 1980s were a particularly vibrant era for Black hairstyles, reflecting a mix of pride, creativity, and bold self-expression. Influenced by music, movies, and cultural movements, hair in the Black community became a statement of individuality and social empowerment.
During the 80s, Black hair trends gained mainstream attention thanks to the explosion of hip-hop and R&B music, as well as popular television shows featuring Black actors and actresses. Hairstyles were not just about appearance, they told stories of resilience, community, and style innovation that still inspire today.
10+ Black Hairstyles in the 80’s That You Should Know
The ’80s Afro Hairstyle
The Afro is arguably one of the most iconic 80s Black Hairstyles Male and Female. It symbolizes Black pride and natural beauty, standing as a defiant statement against societal norms that favored straight hair. The ’80s Afro was larger and often more sculpted, embracing volume and shape that highlighted the natural texture of Black hair.
Many activists and celebrities sported the Afro, turning it into a powerful emblem of the civil rights movement and Black empowerment. The look required regular care to keep the hair soft, moisturized, and shaped.
Timeless Cornrows Hairstyle
Cornrows have a rich history dating back centuries in African cultures and were revived in the 80s as a stylish yet practical choice of 80s black hairstyles female . This braided style involves weaving the hair close to the scalp in straight lines or creative patterns.
In the 1980s, cornrows became popular among both men and women, often accessorized with beads or shells. It was a way to express heritage while maintaining a low-maintenance look that suited active lifestyles. Celebrities like Janet Jackson helped popularize cornrows in mainstream culture. To make this hairstyle, you can explore Weft Hair Extensions Burmese Curly at YogHair.
Bantu Knots Hairstyle
Bantu knots are another traditional African hairstyle that gained popularity in the black hairstyle in the 80’s. This style involves sectioning the hair and twisting it into small, coiled knots. The look is both edgy and elegant, often associated with cultural pride and creative flair.
Bantu knots were not only worn as a style themselves but also used as a heatless way to create curls. Celebrities such as Lisa Bonet brought the Bantu knots into the spotlight, adding a touch of bohemian cool to the decade’s aesthetic.
Box Braids Rebellion Hairstyle
Box braids became a hallmark of Black hairstyle in the 80’s girl rebellion and street style. These individual braids are sectioned into small squares (“boxes”), allowing versatility in length and decoration.
Worn by artists like Janet Jackson in movies like Poetic Justice, box braids embodied freedom and self-expression. This protective style helped preserve hair health while allowing wearers to experiment with different looks by adding beads, cuffs, or colored extensions.
Finger Wave Revival Hairstyle
The finger wave, a vintage style from the 1920s and 30s, saw a revival in the Black hairstyle in the 80’s woman who wanted to mix classic elegance with modern flair. Characterized by smooth, sculpted waves created with gel or mousse, this style was often chosen for formal occasions and photo shoots.
Diana Ross and other divas embraced finger waves to add a polished, glamorous edge to their appearance, proving that old-school styles could easily be refreshed and relevant. Weft Hair Extensions Baby Curly Natural Color is an essential for you to do this hairstyles.
The Pompadour Diva Energy Hairstyle
The pompadour was a bold, dramatic hairstyle in the black hairstyle in the 80’s, characterized by hair swept high on the crown and flattened on the sides. This style conveyed confidence and diva energy, frequently spotted on female artists like Patti LaBelle.
The pompadour required skillful styling and plenty of hair spray, creating a look that was both elegant and attention-grabbing. It became a favorite for performances and special events.
Salt-N-Pepa Hairstyle
Salt-N-Pepa, one of the pioneering female rap groups of the 80s, popularized a unique style combining attitude with fashion. Their hairstyles often featured elements like short cropped cuts, twists, and playful accessories that complemented their rebellious spirit of the Black hairstyle in the 80’s women.
Their look influenced many young women who wanted to express strength and independence through their hair, setting a trend for urban style that blended music and fashion.
Koroba Braids Fever Hairstyle
Though less mainstream, Koroba braids were another distinctive style in the 80s, often worn in intricate patterns combining both cornrows and box braids. This hybrid style allowed for creativity and showcased the artistry of braiding.
Koroba braids were popular within certain communities and became a symbol of cultural identity, blending tradition with contemporary street style.
Messy Updos Vibes Hairstyle
The 80s also saw a rise in messy updos, where hair was teased and styled into voluminous but slightly undone looks. This style offered a playful contrast to more polished hairstyles and fit the decade’s love for bold volume and texture.
Women often combined messy updos with accessories like headbands, scarves, or big earrings, making these styles perfect for casual and party settings.
High Tops Hairstyle
The high top fade became one of the most recognizable black hairstyle in the 80’s men, especially among young men in the hip-hop scene. It featured hair shaved short on the sides with the top section shaped into a flat, high square.
This style was symbolic of urban culture, worn by icons like Will Smith and Kid ‘n Play. It represented creativity and a break from traditional grooming, making it a cultural phenomenon still referenced today.
Jheri Curls Hairstyle
Jheri curls brought soft, shiny curls into the mainstream during the 80s. This style required a chemical treatment to create glossy, loose curls that were easy to maintain with regular moisturizing sprays.
Michael Jackson famously sported the Jheri curl, making it a symbol of pop culture and style. Though it required a lot of upkeep, the look was worth it for the smooth, flexible texture it gave to natural hair.
Cultural Impact and Legacy of Black Hairstyles in the 80’s
Black Hairstyles in the 80’s were more than just fashion trends; they played a crucial role in shaping cultural identity and social movements within the Black community. This era was marked by a surge of pride and self-expression, as hairstyles became symbols of empowerment and resistance against mainstream beauty standards that often marginalized natural Black hair.
Television shows such as The Cosby Show and A Different World helped bring these hairstyles into living rooms across America, normalizing and celebrating Black beauty. These programs showcased a wide array of styles, from Afros to cornrows, making them aspirational for millions and influencing broader fashion trends.
The rise of hip-hop culture also amplified the visibility of Black Hairstyles in the 80’s. Artists and rappers sported bold, innovative styles like high top fades and Jheri curls, using their hair as a canvas for cultural storytelling and creativity. Events such as Freaknik, a cultural festival in Atlanta, became hotspots for showcasing avant-garde and street-inspired hairstyles, further cementing their importance as cultural markers.
This legacy continues today as many contemporary hair trends draw inspiration from the 80s, with Black Hairstyles in the 80’s being celebrated not only for their aesthetics but also for their deep roots in history, resistance, and identity. These hairstyles remind us that hair is not just about beauty, it is a powerful form of personal and political expression.
Popular Hair Care Products of the 80’s
Maintaining the diverse and often elaborate Black Hairstyles in the 80’s required a variety of specialized hair care products tailored to the unique needs of natural and chemically treated hair. The right products were essential to achieve the signature looks of the decade while protecting hair health.
- Styling gels and pomades were indispensable, especially for holding intricate styles like finger waves, high top fades, and pompadours. Brands such as Murray’s Pomade and Eco Styler gel gained popularity for their strong hold and shine. These products helped create the sleek, sculpted looks that defined much of 80s Black hair fashion.
- Moisturizers and oils played a critical role in keeping hair hydrated and shiny. Ingredients like castor oil, coconut oil, and shea butter were commonly used to nourish the scalp and prevent dryness, which was crucial for maintaining healthy Afros, braids, and curls. Many women and men also used curl activators to revive and maintain their Jheri curls, keeping the glossy texture fresh throughout the day.
Conclusion
Black Hairstyles in the 80’s were truly a vibrant celebration of culture, individuality, and innovation. These styles not only defined a decade but also became enduring symbols of empowerment and creativity within the Black community. From the voluminous Afros to the sleek finger waves and daring high tops, each hairstyle told a unique story and contributed to a rich legacy that still influences hair trends today.
For those inspired by the bold and iconic Black Hairstyles in the 80’s, YogHair offers a range of high-quality hair care products designed to help you achieve and maintain these timeless looks with ease. Embrace your style and heritage with YogHair’s trusted solutions made especially for textured and natural hair.
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Ms. Jenifer
