From the runways of Fashion Week to the launch of TV show Rivals, the influence of the 1980s is undeniable in summer 2026. Volume and texture are back with hair-flicking confidence, but making it modern is key.
“The 80s were about individuality, self-expression and the ultimate power look,” says Cos Sakkas, three-times British Hairdresser of the Year and Global Creative Director at TONI&GUY. “People are drawn back to that energy right now and they want hair to reflect that.”
The current obsession with the decade in fashion, TV, music and film is seeing the resurgence of bold colour, sculptural silhouettes and maximalist dressing on the red carpet.
“Big, dramatic hair is glamorous and very on trend right now,” Cos adds. “It isn’t about copying the decade, but using it as a reference and then making it feel completely new and current.”
4 Trending 80s Hair Looks Right Now
According to Cos, there are four signature 80s references dominating hair right now:
Voluminous Blow-Outs: Rounded, full-bodied shape with movement, channelling the classic power blow-dry but softer through the ends.
Soft Curls and Waves: It’s all about loose, touchable texture that gives effortless fullness through the roots. The TONI&GUY Contour Cut celebrates natural curls, designed to enhance texture and movement enhancing your hair’s natural beauty while giving it a modern, sculpted shape.
Fringes and Layers: From the curtain bang to blunt fringes and feathered layers, it’s all about building shape around the face.
High-Shine, Slicked-Back Drama: We saw high shine at LFW with super-glossy hair that looks luxurious rather than severe.
Cos' Top Tips for Creating On-Trend Styles With an 80’s Influence
Start With Great Condition: The 80s original was often heavy with product and high in damage. Today’s version has to feel healthy first. Before you even think about volume or texture, make sure your hair is in the best possible condition.
Build Volume From The Root Up: Authentic 80s volume comes from root lift, not backcombing at the ends. Apply a volumising product to wet hair at the root before you blow-dry, then use a round brush to lift, directing the airflow upward.
Embrace Texture: The key to waves in 2026 is keeping texture tactile rather than crunchy. Use a diffuser if you have natural texture to enhance it, or wrap sections around a large-barrel wand and leave to cool. Finish with a Curl Defining Cream to define and separate without hardness.
Choose Your Hero Product Wisely: The 80s was the decade of maximum product, but for 2026 it’s about creating maximum impact with minimum layers. For the slicked-back or high-shine look, the LABEL.M Fashion Edition Shine Mist was a LFW favourite, as it gives a weightless, reflective gloss.
Set It, But Keep it Flexible: Big hair needs hold, especially in summer heat and humidity. Bin the helmet hair of the 80s and instead finish your blow dry with a light hairspray – it locks in the shape and combats humidity brilliantly, but the hair still feels and moves like hair. Hold with freedom, not rigidity. That’s the whole philosophy of the 2026 take on this look.”
