Black Hair in the 80s
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Big, Bold, and Unapologetically Us
If the 70s were the age of the afro, then the 80s were the era of bigger, bolder, and louder. It wasn’t just a decade—it was a mood, a statement, and a full-blown movement. And baby, Black hair in the 80s? It was giving everything it was supposed to give.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane to a time when high-top fades, Jheri curls, and finger waves ruled the streets. When hair wasn’t just a style—it was the ultimate form of self-expression.
The Jheri Curl: Dripping in Confidence You know we gotta start with the Jheri curl. You couldn’t talk about 80s Black hair without mentioning that juicy, glossy masterpiece. It was the hair equivalent of stepping out in a fur coat with shades on—luxury, confidence, and just a little extra.
Remember the movie Coming to America? Soul Glo wasn’t just a punchline—it was a vibe. The Jheri curl said, “I’m here, and I’ve got the drip (literally).”
Every curl was perfectly moisturized, and those who wore it knew how to work it. It wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a flex. Sure, you had to keep a towel on hand for the couch (sorry, Mom), but that was just part of the lifestyle.
High-Top Fades: Fresh, Fly, and Fierce The fellas in the 80s had a moment, too. High-top fades were the it cut, and they weren’t just hair—they were architecture. Whether it was Kid from Kid 'n Play or Big Daddy Kane, the high-top fade was sharp, clean, and unapologetically Black.
It wasn’t just about how high you could go; it was about creativity. Lines, designs, and patterns turned a simple haircut into a walking work of art. It was a time when the barbershop was the place where culture, style, and community met.
Finger Waves and Slick Styles For the ladies, finger waves were everything. You couldn’t tell us we weren’t snatched with those perfectly laid waves glistening under the streetlights. It was the ultimate mix of elegance and edge.
And let’s not forget the asymmetrical bobs. Sis, if your bob didn’t have that sharp diagonal cut, what were you even doing? The 80s were all about precision, and those styles made sure your hair spoke before you even opened your mouth.
The Birth of Protective Styles While we were out here experimenting, we were also innovating. The 80s saw the rise of protective styles like braided extensions and twists. Not only were they beautiful, but they were practical—a way to keep hair healthy while rocking something fabulous.
Styles like micro braids and Senegalese twists became staples, giving us the versatility we’ve always deserved.
The Message Behind the Styles Here’s the thing: Black hair in the 80s wasn’t just about looking good (although we did that effortlessly). It was about owning our beauty in a world that constantly tried to define it for us. It was about saying, “You can’t put us in a box. We’ll create our own lane—and look damn good doing it.”
Every Jheri curl, high-top fade, and braided style was a testament to our creativity, resilience, and pride. We didn’t follow trends; we set them.
Made in Black America: Our Hair, Our Story At Grow Your Edges Back, we carry that 80s energy into everything we do. Our products are designed to celebrate your natural beauty while keeping your hair healthy and thriving. From moisturizing your curls to protecting your edges, we’ve got you covered.
Subscribe to our email list and get 20% off your first order. Let’s keep the legacy of Black hair alive and thriving—together.
The Legacy Lives On The 80s were loud, proud, and unapologetically Black. And today, we carry that same spirit in everything we do. Whether you’re rocking a twist-out, a sleek bun, or braids down to your back, you’re continuing the legacy of Black hair.
So here’s to the boldness of the 80s. Here’s to the Jheri curls, the fades, and the waves. And here’s to every Black woman and man who made it clear: Our hair isn’t just hair—it’s power, culture, and pride.
Keep shining, keep thriving, and keep celebrating the beauty of Black hair. Because no matter the decade, it’s always been about us.