How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 1980
Sweety Karlak
In 1980, women’s hair care revolved around bold volume, perms, and layered cuts. Hair trends prioritized style, fullness, and shine, with less emphasis on long-term hair health. Products and routines were heavily styling-focused, and natural hair care was still largely uncommon.
This blog explores the most popular hair care routines, treatments, and trends women followed in 1980.
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Hair washing focused on cleanliness and shine:
40–50% washed hair daily
25–30% washed every 2–3 days
Dry shampoo was rare
Women valued polished, shiny hair, often at the expense of natural oils.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Conditioning was basic, with deep treatments almost nonexistent:
35–40% used conditioner regularly
2–4% applied hair masks weekly
Detangling and shine were the main goals rather than repair or hydration.
3. Oils & Serums
Hair oils were niche and primarily for shine:
5% used oils occasionally (coconut or mineral)
Serums were uncommon and mostly for frizz control
Styling products dominated over nourishment.
4. Heat Styling — Widespread
Heat styling and perms were heavily used:
55–60% used blow dryers regularly
40–45% used curling irons or hot rollers
Heat protectants were almost nonexistent
Big, voluminous hairstyles were a defining feature of the decade.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Haircuts emphasized layers and body:
40–45% got trims every 8–12 weeks
Layered cuts, feathered styles, and perms were extremely popular
Volume and lift were prioritized over sleekness
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Protective styles were very rare:
Only 3–5% wore braids, buns, or other protective styles
Curly hair was often permed or brushed out for volume
7. Scalp Care
Scalp care was minimal:
Fewer than 10% used scalp oils or scrubs
Focus was on styling and shine rather than scalp health
8. DIY Hair Treatments
Home treatments existed but were rare:
3–5% tried egg, mayonnaise, or yogurt masks
Most relied on salons for perms, trims, and styling
9. Color Care
Hair coloring was growing in popularity but less common than in later decades:
20–30% colored hair at home or in salons
Highlights, streaks, and perms were major trends
Color-preserving shampoos were rarely used
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Night routines were minimal:
5–10% tied hair in loose buns or braids
Silk pillowcases were uncommon, leading to frizz and breakage
11. Product Trends
Styling products dominated daily routines:
Mousse, gel, hairspray, and volumizing sprays were heavily used
Focus was on body, lift, and shine rather than hair health
Minimal-product or natural routines were not yet mainstream
In 1980, women’s hair care emphasized:
Frequent washing
Heavy styling with heat and perms
Salon-based treatments for volume and shine
Styling-focused routines over hair health
Big, bold, and voluminous hair defined the decade, with protective and natural routines nearly nonexistent.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (1980)
40–50% washed hair daily
35–40% used conditioner regularly
2–4% applied hair masks weekly
5% used oils/serums
55–60% used heat styling regularly
40–45% got trims every 8–12 weeks
3–5% wore protective hairstyles
<10% cared for scalp actively
3–5% used DIY treatments
20–30% colored hair at home or salon
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often did women wash their hair in 1980?
Most women washed their hair daily (40–50%) or every 2–3 days (25–30%). Dry shampoo was rarely used, as shiny, polished hair was a priority.
Q2: Were deep conditioners or hair masks popular?
No, deep conditioning and hair masks were uncommon. About 35–40% used regular conditioner, while only 2–4% tried weekly hair masks. Detangling and shine were the main goals.
Q3: Did women use oils or serums?
Hair oils were niche, used by about 5% of women. Serums were uncommon and mostly applied to control frizz or add shine rather than for nourishment.
Q4: How common was heat styling?
Heat styling was widespread. Around 55–60% used blow dryers regularly, and 40–45% used curling irons or hot rollers. Heat protectants were nearly nonexistent.
Q5: What hairstyles were popular in 1980?
Layered cuts, feathered styles, and perms dominated. Big, voluminous hair was the defining trend. Most women trimmed every 8–12 weeks.
Q6: Were natural or protective hairstyles widely used?
No, protective styles were very rare. Only 3–5% wore braids, buns, or other protective styles. Curly hair was often permed or brushed out for volume.
Q7: Did women care for their scalp?
Scalp care was minimal, with fewer than 10% using oils or scrubs. Focus was on styling and shine rather than scalp health.
Q8: Were DIY hair treatments common?
Rarely. Only 3–5% tried home remedies like egg, mayonnaise, or yogurt masks. Most women relied on salons for perms, trims, and styling.
Q9: How popular was hair coloring?
Hair coloring was less common than in later decades. About 20–30% colored hair at home or in salons, often using highlights, streaks, or perms.
Q10: Did women follow nighttime hair routines?
Night routines were minimal. Only 5–10% tied hair in loose buns or braids. Silk pillowcases were uncommon, contributing to frizz and breakage.
Q11: What were the most common hair products?
Styling products dominated routines, including mousse, gel, hairspray, and volumizing sprays. The focus was on body, lift, and shine rather than hair health.
