The 1980s were a groundbreaking decade for Black hairstyles, marked by bold creativity and cultural pride. Black hairstyles in the 80s were more than just fashion statements - they were powerful expressions of identity and resilience.
If the 70s were the age of the afro, then the 80s were the era of bigger, bolder, and louder. It wasn’t just a decade-it was a mood, a statement, and a full-blown movement. Black hair in the 80s? It was a time when high-top fades, Jheri curls, and finger waves ruled the streets.
Iconic Styles of the 80s
The Jheri Curl: Dripping in Confidence
You know we gotta start with the Jheri curl. You couldn’t talk about 80s Black hair without mentioning that juicy, glossy masterpiece. Remember the movie Coming to America? Soul Glo wasn’t just a punchline-it was a vibe. Every curl was perfectly moisturized, and those who wore it knew how to work it. It wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a flex.
Jheri curls brought soft, shiny curls into the mainstream during the 80s. Michael Jackson famously sported the Jheri curl, making it a symbol of pop culture and style. Jheri curls are achieved by first applying a chemical softener to loosen the hair. Then the hair is wound into perm rods, and more chemical solution is applied. The final steps are to rinse the solution and apply a neutralizer to set the curls.
High-Top Fades: Fresh, Fly, and Fierce
Учебник по стрижке для мальчиков | Пошаговый метод легкого затухания
The fellas in the 80s had a moment, too. High-top fades were the it cut, and they weren’t just hair-they were architecture. It wasn’t just about how high you could go; it was about creativity. Lines, designs, and patterns turned a simple haircut into a walking work of art.
Read also: Style, Culture, and Identity in 1930s African American Hair
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. This style was symbolic of urban culture, worn by icons like Will Smith and Kid ‘n Play. A hi-top fade is a type of haircut characterized by straight lines formed when the hair is cut close to the scalp. It started as a military style known as an "Eighth Grade Haircut". Later on, barbershops adopted the style, and it became popular with African American men.
Finger Waves and Slick Styles
For the ladies, finger waves were everything. You couldn’t tell us we weren’t snatched with those perfectly laid waves glistening under the streetlights. And let’s not forget the asymmetrical bobs. Sis, if your bob didn’t have that sharp diagonal cut, what were you even doing?
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. 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.
The Birth of Protective Styles
While we were out here experimenting, we were also innovating. The 80s saw the rise of protective styles like braided extensions and twists.
Box braids became a hallmark of Black hairstyle in the 80’s girl rebellion and street style. Worn by artists like Janet Jackson in movies like Poetic Justice, box braids embodied freedom and self-expression.
Read also: Stylish Pixie Cuts
Other Popular 80s Hairstyles
- The Afro: Symbolized Black pride and natural beauty.
- Cornrows: Expressed heritage and were low-maintenance.
- Bantu Knots: Traditional African hairstyle used as a style and heatless way to create curls.
- Pompadour: A bold, dramatic hairstyle requiring skillful styling.
- Messy Updos: Voluminous and slightly undone looks.
The Message Behind the Styles
Here’s the thing: Black hair in the 80s wasn’t just about looking good (although we did that effortlessly). It was about owning our beauty in a world that constantly tried to define it for us. It was about saying, “You can’t put us in a box." Every Jheri curl, high-top fade, and braided style was a testament to our creativity, resilience, and pride.
The Legacy Lives On
The 80s were loud, proud, and unapologetically Black. And today, we carry that same spirit in everything we do. So here’s to the boldness of the 80s. Here’s to the Jheri curls, the fades, and the waves. Keep shining, keep thriving, and keep celebrating the beauty of Black hair.
Read also: Hairstyles of the 1950s African American Community
