Quick answer: the 80s hair that Stranger Things brought back relies on volume, layers, mullets, teased bangs and perms. In a technical reading, these elements set the era and help tell who each character is — the volume of someone who wants to be noticed, the mullet of someone who breaks rules. The intentions here are hypotheses, not backstage facts. For everyday wear, the key is to borrow one element, not all of them.
Few series have done as much for a decade’s comeback as Stranger Things. With the fifth season, 1980s Hawkins is once again a reference for costume and, above all, for 80s hair. Mullets, voluminous bangs, permed curls and hairspray-set styles appear as markers of the era — and as clues to each character’s personality.
This article is a technical reading. I do not speak for the production, cite backstage details or attribute intentions to the hair and costume teams. I use the characters as examples to explain cutting technique, volume and visual language — and show how to adapt the reference for today. I discuss the characterisation, not the actors’ appearance.
Why is 80s hair so recognisable?
The decade was marked by intentional excess: more volume, more layers, more hairspray, more colour. In visual language, volume enlarges the silhouette and attracts attention. Some technical features:
| Element | How it was done | What it communicates |
|---|---|---|
| Volume on top and at the sides | Upside-down drying, blow-drying, hairspray | Presence, boldness |
| Mullet | Short at the front and sides, long at the nape | Rebellion, "business in the front, party in the back" |
| Perm | A chemical treatment creating small, full curls | Energy, exuberance |
| Teased bangs | Blow-dried upwards and sprayed | Attitude, the era’s modernity |
| Choppy layers | Razor-cut, feathered | Movement, rock |
A technical reading of the characters as examples
Volume that wants to be noticed
One of the series’ most talked-about hairstyles is Steve Harrington’s full, high quiff. In a technical reading, it is a cut with length on top, medium sides and lots of root volume, achieved with directional drying and product. The visagism hypothesis is that the volume suits a character who, at least at first, cares about his image and wants to be seen — and that his hair becomes almost a mark of identity over the seasons.
The mullet of the challenger
The mullet appears on characters associated with rebellion, such as Billy in earlier seasons. Technically, it is short at the front and sides and long at the nape, creating a line that "flows" backwards. One possible reading is that the cut reinforces the image of someone who breaks rules and wants to impose his presence.
Long, wild hair
Eddie Munson, from the fourth season, wears long, curly, heavily layered hair in line with heavy-metal style. The hypothesis is that the free, voluminous texture expresses the personality of someone who does not fit the school’s mould — and does not try to.
From shaved to growing out
Eleven started with a shaved head, which the series presents as a consequence of life in the lab. In later seasons, her hair grows and takes shape. One possible reading is that the growing hair follows the character’s journey towards a more "ordinary" life and the construction of her own identity.
Long red hair as a signature
Max is recognisable from afar by her long red hair, often worn loose. Strong colour and length work as a visual signature, whatever the cut.
These examples show something important: hair sets the era, but it also tells who the character is. It is the same logic I use in visagism, as I explain in visual language: seriousness, credibility or lightness.
Costume: denim, colour and layers
Costume completes the reading: denim jackets, sweatshirts, plaid shirts, bold colours, leather jackets and band T-shirts. Broadly, vibrant colours and layering reinforce the decade’s youth and energy; leather and black, rebellion. Again, these are hypotheses about visual language.
How do you adapt 80s hair without looking like fancy dress?
The golden rule: one element at a time.
The modern mullet
- sides less closely shaved, with a soft transition;
- moderate length at the nape;
- natural texture, little product.
It works best on wavy hair and on oval or triangular faces. See men’s versions in men’s haircuts 2026.
Shag and layers
Today’s shag is a direct heir of 70s and 80s choppy cuts: feathered layers, a light fringe and movement. See women’s versions in women’s haircuts 2026.
Volume without a helmet
- dry upside down, with a diffuser or a brush at the roots;
- texturising spray instead of heavy holding spray;
- volume on top, not all over.
Bangs with attitude
Full curtain bangs or wispy bangs bring the decade’s spirit without excess. See which suits you in bangs for your face shape.
Today’s perm
Perm-style waves and curls are back in lighter versions, with bigger rods. Because it is a chemical treatment that changes the hair, it requires an assessment of hair health, a strand test and hydrating aftercare. It is not recommended on very damaged hair.
How much does an 80s look cost to maintain?
Upkeep varies a lot with your choice:
| Look | Cut maintenance | Styling time |
|---|---|---|
| Modern mullet | Every 4 to 6 weeks | 5 minutes with a light cream or pomade |
| Layered shag | Every 6 to 8 weeks | 10 minutes with a diffuser or air-dried |
| Teased bangs | Trim every 3 weeks | 5 minutes of blow-drying |
| Light perm | Redo every 4 to 6 months | Curl styling, 10 to 15 minutes |
| Blow-dried volume | Cut every 8 weeks | 15 to 20 minutes |
If you have little time in the morning, choose options that work air-dried, such as a shag or a mullet on wavy hair. Big blow-dried volume is beautiful, but it depends on the hairdryer every day.
How do you ask for it at the salon?
Bring photos of current versions, not just the character. Explain that you want "the 80s reference, but wearable day to day", say how much time you have for styling and ask your stylist to keep the nape length or the bangs a little longer on the first cut. It is easier to take more off later than to wait for it to grow.
What to avoid
- Copying the character’s entire look;
- Too much holding spray, which stiffens and ages the look;
- A very pronounced mullet in formal settings, if that bothers you;
- Perming bleached or fragile hair.
A reference is a starting point
For official news about the series, Stranger Things on Netflix Tudum brings together news and images. But remember: the character’s cut was designed for that face, that story and that camera. Yours needs to be designed for your life.
Frequently asked questions
The mullet (short at the front and sides, long at the nape), big volume with lots of hairspray, teased bangs, tight full perms and choppy layers. Many have returned in softer versions.
Choose the modern version: sides that are not shaved too close, a soft transition from front to nape and moderate length at the back. Natural texture and little product keep it current.
Yes, in lighter versions with bigger curls and loose waves, done with gentler techniques. It is still a chemical treatment that changes the hair, so it requires an assessment of hair health and aftercare.
No. It is a technical hair and visagism reading based on what appears on screen and on the characters’ personalities. The intentions mentioned are hypotheses, not behind-the-scenes information.
Bring back the 80s your way
If you want an 80s touch without looking like fancy dress — a modern mullet, a shag, bangs with attitude — the Visagism Consultation analyses your face, texture and routine and recommends the version of the trend that suits you, with the reason behind each choice.
I want my version of the trend →
A hairdresser who wants to master mullets, shags and layers on every texture? The Cutting Technology Course offers 16 hours of practice with visagism applied to cutting.
Nelma Faleiro holds a degree in Visagism and Hair Therapy Technology from Anhembi Morumbi University, where she taught for 10 years, and received the SINVISA 2025 Trophy at the 3rd International Visagism Seminar. Technical, opinion-based reading; it does not represent the series’ production.
