Big Hair, Don't Care: Side-By-Side Pics Of '80s Stars' Voluminous Styles Vs. Today

The colorful '80s were known for so much. Fashion was all about taking risks, music changed thanks to the introduction of synthesizers, and pop culture was blossoming with songs like "Thriller" and films like "Back to the Future." During this decade, life was as loud as it could be, as Xennials were dictating what the trends were all about. And when it comes to hair, the trends were clear: volume all the way.

The most iconic '80s hairstyles often featured plenty of height, usually created by backcombing the hair and embracing any natural texture it might have. In fact, there are plenty of '80s hairstyles that celebs are still rocking today, proving that some of the trends set in the decade have turned out to be timeless. "The hairstyles of the '80s were all about natural texture in its fullest, boldest form," hairstylist Dusty Schlabach explained to Allure in October 2025. "Instead of chasing perfect definition, curls and waves were a huge flex in their raw, organic state, typically amplified with a 'bigger is better' attitude. The look was about freedom, individuality, and the confidence that came with letting your hair take up space." 

Plenty of '80s stars rocked the decade-defining look, embracing the frizziness and asymmetry, both of which only enhanced the dramatic volume the trends were all about. Decades later, plenty of '80s stars have changed their hair routine, embracing more slicked-back and perfectly styled hair, while others have kept some of that wild freedom that '80s hairstyles were best known for.

The Queen of Pop, Madonna has rocked so many hair trends over the years, but in the '80s the singer was best known for her shoulder-length messy waves, often styled in half-updos to create even more dimension and height. While her "Like a Virgin" hair from September 1984 is an iconic '80s look many have recreated over the years, the pop star embraces a more modern and sleek hairstyle today. In June 2026, Madonna is all about a middle part and soft waves. 

While Molly Ringwald's best hair looks from her '80s heyday and beyond showcase just how versatile the actor's look truly is, there's no denying that her hair was at its most voluminous four decades ago. Ringwald's short layers at the Academy Awards in March 1987 might just be her most recognizable look. The "Breakfast Club" actor has since toned the volume down, rocking more modern looks with straight-across bangs, like the hairstyle she wore to the 2026 Gotham TV Awards.

Today, country star Reba McEntire is often known for rocking wigs, but back in 1987, the "Is There Life Out There" singer rocked a short, wavy mullet. Because the front and top pieces of her hair were shorter, they helped the musician create dramatic volume, ensuring her red hair was the first thing anyone noticed. Decades later, McEntire still loves hair volume, and while she stuck to her signature red hair, she has ditched the mullet haircut, going for blown-out styles like the hair she had at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Model and actor Brooke Shields was a teen when she entered the '80s, and at the time, the star of "The Blue Lagoon" was all about rocking voluminous old Hollywood curls, à la the hairstyle she wore to a jewelry store event in November 1983. While Shields' hairstyle has changed since, the star's beauty has remained. Today, Shields usually has her hair styled in a sleeker manner, even rocking slicked-back, wet-looking hair to a SAG-AFTRA event in May 2026. Still, back in the '80s, the young star was known for her luscious locks with lots of crown volume.

Rock legend Stevie Nicks certainly never feared a daring look. In the '80s, the Fleetwood Mac singer often rocked teased, crimped hair that gave her all-around volume, like the style she rocked in April 1987 at a hairstyling event. While Nicks isn't sporting the same look today, the "Silver Springs" singer is still embracing her natural curls, and we adore the texture of her hair at the 2026 Met Gala. As much as backcombed hair was a classic '80s vibe, we're glad the singer ditched the hair trends, as teasing can cause hair breakage.

Hollywood star Goldie Hawn has always been known for her beautiful blond hair, which, in 1984, certainly didn't lack volume. Often styled in that signature '80s nonchalant way, with a parting that easily moved from side to side, Hawn's beautiful locks took everyone's breath away. Decades later, the "Death Becomes Her" star is still fond of volume in her look, often rocking blown-out layers with heavy bangs and plenty of volume at the roots, like her 2026 Academy Awards hairdo.

Music legend Diana Ross is one of the few celebs who have remained loyal to her '80s hair over the years. Back in the fun decade, the "Upside Down" singer rocked her natural curls in a layered haircut that gave her lots of volume and movement — both elements truly shining whenever Ross performed on stage. In fact, during her concert in Central Park, New York, in July 1983, all eyes were on her hair. More than four decades later, Ross' curls look as beautiful as ever, and at the 2026 New Year's Eve celebration, they were once again the center of attention.

"Scarface" actor Michelle Pfeiffer has stuck to long blond hair throughout most of her career, but photos of the star in the '80s and 2020s reveal that the way she styles it has certainly changed. In early 1989, Pfeiffer rocked a deep side part, which helped her achieve root volume around her face. Today, she has swapped the look out for a Gen Z-inspired middle part that certainly feels more modern, as her 2026 Fragrance Foundation Gala hairstyle shows.

Dolly Parton's hair transformation through the years showcases that volume has always been important to the country star, even becoming a significant part of her signature look. Back in 1987, Parton loved a voluminous curly look, a hair trend that was very popular throughout the decade, especially as hair perms were a beloved choice. In the mid-2020s, Parton still prioritizes volume in her hairdos, but now, the "Jolene" singer most often achieves it by wearing wigs. A shag haircut is another '80s look popular with Parton today, as shown at a January 2025 performance in Nashville, Tennessee.

Cher has truly been a hair chameleon throughout her career, rocking a variety of colors, cuts, and textures. In June 1981, the "Believe" singer rocked dark hair, often styled in bouncy curls, which looked slightly teased for over-the-top volume. Since then, the iconic pop star has embraced more modern hairstyles, often rocking wigs to switch up her look. Blond hair with a middle part, like her 2026 Met Gala look, is a choice she often goes for. This look is also a distinct departure from her '80s style.