'80s Star Paula Abdul Will Never Give Up This Retro Hair Trend

Paula Abdul is one of the '80s and '90s' most notable pop stars. With hits like "Straight Up" and "Opposites Attract," the dancer-turned-singer had an undeniable impact on the pop charts in the late '80s. Given her presence in the entertainment industry, Abdul was at the forefront of some of the biggest trends of the time. While many old-school fads are firmly out of fashion, some retro trends aren't outdated anymore in 2026 — and Abdul is trying to make a case for scrunchies to make a comeback. During an interview with People, the "Vibeology" singer confessed that she still wears the nostalgic accessory. "I'm still a scrunchie girl. I started with a half-up, half-down [style]. I still do that," Abdul said.

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Abdul was often spotted rocking scrunchies during the height of her pop career. At the 1990 Grammy Awards, she even wore a glittery gold scrunchie that coordinated with her Bob Mackie dress. Like many of the other things people found attractive in the '80s, scrunchies were a maximalist accessory that found their way into the mainstream for celebs and everyday people alike. Abdul was (and still is) one of the hair tie's biggest champions. While the accessory experienced a brief revival in 2020, they weren't as over-the-top as the scrunchies that dominated the '80s. Given the other controversial clothing items that have made their way back into fashion over the past few years (we're looking at you, shoulder pads!), Abdul's maximalist scrunchies may become the next retro accessory to re-enter the trend cycle.

While Paula Abdul is known for her stunning style and iconic '80s hair, the singer surprisingly keeps her beauty routine relatively pared down. When asked about how she stays so youthful, Abdul often attributes her stunning looks to genetics. "I always say, 'Thank you, Dad.' My dad's Syrian and Brazilian," Abdul told Page Six. "And my mom had [a] beautiful fair complexion." The singer told Us Weekly that she also relies on humor, friendship, family, and her dogs to keep herself content. 

However, her beauty routine isn't just genetics and joy. Abdul revealed to NewBeauty in late 2025 that she employs the use of the celebrity favorite anti-aging LYMA Laser to maintain her skin's health. "One of the best things I've added to my routine — I feel like my skin has never looked better," Abdul said of the procedure. "It's amazing for prepping my skin before events or red-carpet moments. My favorite part is that I can even use it over makeup and SPF, which makes it so easy to stay consistent." There are many ways to look fresh-faced when you don't have makeup, but celebs like Abdul are employing lasers to streamline their skincare routine. 

One of Abdul's biggest haircare secrets is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections; in an Instagram video for hair restoration clinic Bauman Medical, the star discussed how years of performing, styling, heat, and wigs impacted her hair's health. Like other celebrities, Abdul uses PRP therapy to keep her natural hair healthy. "It's still fun to wear wigs once in a while, but I want my own hair health to be right on point," she said.