24 1980s Power Updo Ideas for Bold Statements
Think of the 1980s, and a vivid, unapologetic aesthetic floods the mind: power shoulders, neon colors, and most iconically, hair that defied gravity. The 80s updo wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a declaration. It spoke of confidence, ambition, and a fearless approach to personal style. In an era where more was more, hair was built up, teased out, and secured with enough hairspray to concern the ozone layer. Today, these power updos are experiencing a glorious revival, remixed with modern techniques for a bold statement that’s both nostalgic and fiercely contemporary.
The Foundation: Teasing, Texture, and Hairspray
Before we dive into the specific styles, understanding the core techniques of 80s hair is crucial. The goal was maximum volume, often achieved through aggressive backcombing or teasing. Sections of hair were gently brushed backward toward the scalp to create a cushion of lift. This “teasing” was the hidden architecture for most updos. Texture was also key—perms were ubiquitous, providing a ready-made base of volume and curl. Finally, the unsung hero (or villain): aerosol hairspray. A firm-hold formula was applied liberally, often as a step during styling, not just at the end, to ensure every hair stayed in its defiant place.
The Iconic Volume: Teased-Out and High-Rise Styles
This category is the heartbeat of 80s hair. It’s all about creating the illusion of twice as much hair as you actually have.
1. The Ultimate Teased Bouffant: The queen of volume. Hair is heavily teased at the crown, then the smooth outer layer is swept up and back, often over a “rat” (a padding made from netting or even old hair), creating a majestic, rounded silhouette.
2. Voluminous Side Ponytail: Don’t think simple. This ponytail is teased to its core, placed high on one side, and often accessorized with a bold, colorful scrunchie. The tail itself would be backcombed for extra fullness.
3. The “Wings” or “Flip” Updo: Hair is styled away from the face at the sides, creating dramatic, winged-out sections that frame the cheeks, before being gathered into a voluminous bun or twist at the back.
4. Big Hair with a Bow: After achieving monumental all-over volume, a giant, satin bow—often black or a shocking color—was placed at the crown or the nape, adding a touch of exaggerated femininity.
5. Half-Up, Teased to the Heavens: The top section of hair is teased relentlessly, lifted, and pinned with decorative clips or a barrette, while the rest flows down in curls or waves.
6. The Rocker Tease: Inspired by glam metal bands, this style features extreme, messy volume all over, with a deep side part and plenty of rebellious texture.
The Structured Statement: Geometric and Angular Updos
The 80s also embraced sharp, almost architectural shapes, influenced by the power-dressing ethos in fashion.
7. The Power Bob Updo: Shorter bobs were pinned into a sleek, upturned “U” shape at the back, often with the ends flicking out. It was clean, sharp, and very corporate-chic.
8. Asymmetric Chignon: A sleek or textured bun placed dramatically off to one side, often low near the ear or high on the crown. The asymmetry made it feel modern and daring.
9. Geometric Fringe with Knot: A strong, blunt, or angled fringe (bangs) paired with a tight, geometric knot or bun at the crown. The contrast between the fringe and the updo was key.
10. The “Lobster Tail” or Fan Bun: Hair is gathered and spread out into a wide, flat fan shape against the back of the head, secured with pins and copious spray, resembling a lobster’s tail.
11. Slicked-Back Sculptural Bun: Using gel or pomade, hair is combed back without a single flyaway into a tight, neat bun positioned high on the head. It’s a minimalist power move.
12. Angular French Twist: A classic twist, but made more 80s by emphasizing sharp angles at the sides and securing it with a dramatic, claw-style clip.
The Romantic Drama: Cascading Curls and Ornate Braids
Even romance was dialed up to eleven. Think soap opera heroines and wedding styles with maximum impact.
13. Cascade of Ringlets: The top and sides are pinned up in a voluminous tease, while a waterfall of perfect, spiral ringlets tumbles down from the back of the updo.
14. Braided Crown with Tendrils: A crown braid encircles the head, but in true 80s fashion, it’s larger and paired with intentionally pulled-out tendrils around the face, softened with hairspray.
15. The “Princess Di” Fringe and Bun: Inspired by the young Princess Diana, this features a full, curly fringe and soft, face-framing layers leading back to a low, textured bun at the nape.
16. Ornate Braided Updo with Ribbons: Multiple braids—French, Dutch, or simple—are woven together into an intricate updo, with ribbons woven in or tied at the ends for a fantastical touch.
17. Voluminous Top Knot with Curls: A high ponytail is twisted into a large, messy knot, while the rest of the hair (or added extensions) flows down in big, soft curls.
18. The “Gibson Girl” Revival: A late-80s take on the Edwardian style, with soft, poufed bangs and a loose, low bun. It was romantic but still had that signature volume.
The Edgy & Avant-Garde: Punk and New Wave Influence
The underground scenes of punk and New Wave filtered into mainstream 80s style, bringing rebellious edge.
19. The Spiky Updo: Using gel, mousse, and spray, shorter hair is styled into sharp, defined spikes all over the head. Colorful streaks were a common addition.
20. Messy Bun with Crimped Texture: Hair is first crimped from root to tip for an all-over zigzag texture, then piled into a high, intentionally messy bun with pieces sticking out artfully.
21. Asymmetric Shaved Detail with Knot: For the truly bold, one side or the nape is shaved or closely undercut. The remaining longer hair is slicked over or styled into a tight knot, highlighting the contrast.
22. Color-Blocked Updo: Hair is sectioned and dyed in bold, contrasting blocks of color (e.g., black and blonde, neon pink and purple) before being styled into a sleek updo to showcase the graphic effect.
23. The “Wet Look” Sculpture: Inspired by music videos, hair is drenched in gel and sculpted into smooth, swirling shapes or slicked-back knots, creating a frozen, high-gloss effect.
24. Punk Rock Bantu Knots: Small sections of hair are twisted and wrapped into knots all over the head, creating a textured, defiant, and geometric look.
How to Wear a 1980s Power Updo Today
Recreating these styles in the 21st century is about balance and adaptation. You can capture the essence without the extreme damage or stiffness.
Modernize the Volume: Instead of harsh teasing, use a volumizing spray at the roots and blow-dry with your head upside down. Velcro rollers or a large-barrel curling iron can add lift without the breakage. Consider a quality volumizing clip-in extension for instant, damage-free height.
Softer Hold Products: Swap the aerosol cloud for a strong-hold mousse at the roots and a flexible-hold hairspray. Texturizing sprays and dry shampoos are your best friends for creating grip and volume that still moves.
Pick Your Element: You don’t need to take on all the traits of an 80s style at once. Choose one focal point—extreme volume, a geometric shape, or ornate braiding—and make that your statement, keeping the rest of your look more contemporary.
Accessorize Strategically: A single, bold accessory can instantly evoke the era. Think oversized barrettes, a jeweled hair cuff on a ponytail, or a statement scrunchie on a high bun.
Conclusion: Power is Back in Style
The 1980s power updo is more than a retro trend; it’s a tool for self-expression that commands attention. In a world that often encourages subtlety, choosing a hairstyle with such intentional volume and structure is a powerful act. It’s fun, it’s fearless, and it reminds us that fashion and beauty should be played with. So, grab your texturizing spray, your strongest pins, and a healthy dose of confidence. Whether you opt for a sky-high teased bouffant, a sleek geometric knot, or an edgy spiked sculpture, you’re not just doing your hair—you’re making a bold statement that echoes an era where style had no limits. Now go out and power up!
