Bouncy, fluffy, and bursting with personality, 80s voluminous curls are back as a joyful way to make your hair the main event. This era was all about height at the crown, plenty of layers, and a bold “more is more” spirit that felt confident rather than perfect.
Below you’ll find twenty gorgeous ways to wear big 80s curls, from perms and shags to ponytails and updos, complete with styling notes and that scroll-stopping Pinterest energy.
80s Rockstar Curly Volume Hair
Rockstar curly volume is unapologetically wild, drawing inspiration from glam rock and hair metal icons who made huge curls their signature. It combines lots of layers, extreme crown height, and wide, expanded curls that almost form a mane.
Teasing and backcombing the roots while leaving the ends defined creates that rebellious “done but undone” energy. Strong-hold sprays keep the towering shape dramatic through a full night out.
If you love bold fashion and loud accessories, this lets your hair match the vibe. On Pinterest, rockstar curls are saved for concerts, themed events, and standout moments.
80s Curly High Side Ponytail
The high side ponytail is one of the most recognizable playful looks of the decade, overflowing with character and volume. Hair is swept to one side and secured high above the ear so curls spill over the head and shoulder.
The roots and crown are backcombed first for that exaggerated round shape on a cushion of volume. Curls are defined with barrel irons or rollers, then finger-separated for extra fullness.
It suits medium and long lengths and feels a little cheeky yet totally eye-catching. On Pinterest, the side ponytail is a favorite for nostalgic, energetic fun.
Classic 80s Big Perm Curls
The classic big perm is the first image many people picture when they think of 80s hair. It’s built on tight to medium spiral curls from roots to ends, created with a chemical perm or narrow rollers.
Modern stylists add long layers to remove bulk, letting curls stack and expand without forming a heavy triangle. Root-lifting mousse and flexible hairspray maintain height without crunchy stiffness.
It’s a high-impact, statement look best for those who love big hair. On Pinterest, the big perm is a forever favorite for iconic 80s drama.
80s Voluminous Curly Shag
The voluminous curly shag combines nostalgic big curls with a heavily layered, rock-inspired cut. Short-to-long layers starting around the cheekbones add height at the crown while longer curls fall past the shoulders.
This layered structure distributes volume evenly, so curls explode outward in a halo. Mousse or curl cream enhances texture, and light teasing at the crown adds even more lift.
Softer edges and movement give authentic 80s fullness while flattering the face. On Pinterest, the curly shag is loved for its slightly messy, lived-in charm.
80s Side Part Voluminous Curls
For instant drama, side part voluminous curls center everything around a deep, exaggerated part that pushes curls up and over to one side. Big curls sweep across the forehead for a glamorous, movie-star feel.
Blow-drying in the opposite direction before flipping creates built-in root volume. Alternating curl directions with an iron keeps texture lively and prevents clumping.
Firm-hold spray at the roots locks in height while ends stay touchable. On Pinterest, side part curls are a favorite for parties and photos.
80s Curly Bangs With Full Volume
Curly bangs with full volume give the face a playful, youthful frame, turning your fringe into a major feature. Bangs are cut straight or slightly rounded, then curled into ringlets and picked out for a fluffy, cloud-like finish.
The rest of the hair stays equally voluminous so the bangs blend smoothly into surrounding curls. Hot rollers or a tight perm create consistent curl, while mousse and a round brush add signature lift.
Regular trims and lightweight products keep it fun and full. On Pinterest, curly bangs are saved for their big, personality-packed charm.
80s Curly Layered Hair With Volume
Curly layered hair with volume focuses on a customized cut that carves out bulk and builds height where you want it most. Layers throughout let curls sit on top of each other and expand outward.
Shorter top layers can be lightly teased or lifted while midlengths stay bouncy and rounded. Modern versions keep ends softer for a large yet flattering, polished silhouette.
Curl creams and diffusers define texture, and flexible hairspray holds without stiffness. On Pinterest, layered curls are a favorite for balanced, wearable volume.
80s Curly Half Up Hairstyle
The curly half up gives you the best of both worlds, keeping your length down while creating serious crown height. The top section is lifted, teased, and pinned back into a mini bouffant.
The bottom half is left loose in voluminous curls, defined with an iron or enhanced with mousse. This contrast between high top and flowing curls opens up the face beautifully.
It works well on medium to long hair, soft for day or bold for a party. On Pinterest, the half up is a favorite for its flattering versatility.
80s Curly Ponytail With Volume
The curly ponytail with volume turns a simple pony into a big, bouncy statement that still feels quick. Hair is gathered high or mid-head, with the crown teased and smoothed for extra lift.
Curls are naturally textured or created with an iron, then fluffed out and misted for signature fullness. A few curly tendrils left around the face soften the look from every angle.
It’s great for busy days, workouts, and nights out. On Pinterest, the curly ponytail is saved for its joyful, practical 80s energy.
80s Curly Hair With Scrunchie Volume
Curly hair with scrunchie volume brings together two core trends of the era, big curls and bold accessories. Hair is gathered into a high or mid ponytail, half up, or top knot, then secured with a colorful fabric scrunchie.
Curls are fluffed around the base for a cloud-like effect that looks even bigger thanks to the fabric lift. A deep side part or face-framing curls add a softer, flattering finish.
Softer scrunchies and lighter creams protect the hair while keeping that nostalgic look. On Pinterest, scrunchie volume is a favorite for retro playfulness.
80s Curly Volume Blowout Look
The curly volume blowout mixes round-brush blowout techniques with curl-enhancing tools for a big, glamorous, salon-like finish. Hair is prepped with mousse, then blow-dried to lift roots and smooth the cuticle.
Curls or large waves are added with an iron or rollers and left to cool completely to lock in shape. A light brush-out softens the curls into big, fluffy body waves that sit away from the face.
Firm yet flexible hairspray and shine spray give that editorial finish. On Pinterest, the curly blowout is saved for its polished 80s glam.
80s Curly Top With Volume For Short Hair
If your hair is short, a curly top with volume lets you embrace big retro curls without extra length. The sides stay shorter while extra length on top is curled tightly and lifted for a high, rounded effect.
The silhouette almost resembles a soft curly crop or mini curly mullet, full and fluffy from every angle. Curl-defining mousse, diffusing, and strategic teasing build height without going boxy.
It’s low-maintenance in drying time but full of 80s spirit. On Pinterest, the short curly top is a favorite for everyday volume.
80s Curly Mullet With Volume
The curly mullet with volume leans fully into “business in the front, party in the back” with big, defined curls. The front and top are cut with shorter layers for lift, while the back stays longer for free-falling curls.
Volume is amplified all over with crown teasing and strong products for a rounded yet elongated silhouette. Modern versions soften the transitions for more wearability.
It’s bold, retro, and surprisingly current. On Pinterest, the curly mullet is saved as a conversation-starting favorite.
80s Curly Feathered Layers With Volume
Curly feathered layers combine classic feathering with big curls for a soft yet dramatic shape. Layers are cut so the ends flick back and away from the face, creating a winged effect that pairs beautifully with round curls.
Heavily layered, slightly shorter top layers build height and make teasing more effective while keeping the look airy. Curls are styled then lightly brushed to merge feathered ends and curls together.
The result frames the face with soft, romantic movement. On Pinterest, feathered curls are a favorite for glamorous yet wearable style.
80s Curly Volume With Headband
Curly volume with a headband uses a simple accessory to emphasize both height and fullness. Hair is styled into big curls first, then gently teased at the crown and sides for that oversized halo effect.
A fabric or stretchy headband placed at the hairline pushes curls up and back while leaving plenty of volume around it. It keeps hair off the face and accentuates the round curl shape.
Depending on style, it can read playful, sporty, or preppy. On Pinterest, the headband look is a favorite for effortless, purposeful volume.
80s Curly Volume Updo Hairstyle
A curly volume updo is perfect for special occasions when you want big curls with a formal finish. Hair is curled all over, then lifted and pinned toward the crown to build height and structure.
Rather than smoothing everything tight, curls stay fluffy and visible, arranged into soft clusters or pinned rolls. Crown teasing and strategic pinning keep it from collapsing, with firm hairspray locking in volume.
It channels 80s glam and pairs beautifully with statement earrings. On Pinterest, the curly updo is saved for weddings and parties.
80s Curly Volume With Crimped Texture
Curly volume with crimped texture takes big hair even further by mixing curls and zigzag crimps for maximum fullness. Hair is crimped near the roots or underneath, then curled or left curly on top so textures lift outward.
Crimping adds tiny bends that act like built-in teasing, expanding the hair without much backcombing. Once fully textured, it’s fluffed and set with strong-hold hairspray for that larger-than-life silhouette.
It’s fun, theatrical, and unapologetically bold. On Pinterest, crimped volume is a favorite for themed events and dramatic nights.
80s Curly Volume Bob Haircut
A curly volume bob shows you don’t need long hair for big, bouncy curls with a retro twist. Cut to chin or shoulder length with generous layering, the ends avoid a heavy line and expand outward for a rounded shape.
Volume is built at the crown with shorter layers and light teasing, while the perimeter stays soft and full. Mousse or gel defines curls, and gentle separation keeps them airy.
It works especially well on naturally curly or wavy hair. On Pinterest, the curly bob is saved for its manageable 80s feel.
80s Curly Volume With Defined Ringlets
Curly volume with defined ringlets leans into tight, springy curls that are big and full but more structured than brushed-out looks. Small sections are curled with narrow irons or rods for uniform spirals from root to tip.
Rather than brushing them out, curls are gently separated with fingers and lifted at the roots to keep their shape while building volume. Lightweight gel or mousse holds definition without frizz.
It’s perfect for those who love big hair with glossy, intentional curls. On Pinterest, defined ringlets are a favorite for polished retro charm.
Final Thoughts
80s voluminous curls are more than a nostalgic trend, they’re a joyful way to celebrate texture, height, and individuality in your everyday routine. From big perms and layered shags to curly mullets, side ponytails, and headband looks, volume can be tailored to any length and level of boldness.
Thanks to modern tools, gentler formulas, and smarter cutting, you can recreate these shapes without sacrificing hair health or curl definition. With the right layers, root lift, curl products, and controlled teasing, you can dial your look up or down while keeping that unmistakable 80s spirit and letting your personality shine.
