Have you flipped on "That '80s Show" lately? Seen any Brat Pack flicks? Watched some classic MTV? If not, you'd better turn on that TV set -- not for the entertainment value, but to check out the hair styles. Although '80s fashions are on the way out (lose those leggings, ladies!), '80s hair is huge -- especially the hair of '80s rockers.
"Hair styles become popular in cycles," says Amber Stefaniak, stylist and education director at the ultra-hip Milwaukee salon Beauty. "We're leaving the '70s and coming into the '80s. Early '80s styles, like Chrissie Hynde's hair, are hot."
What's making these early' 80s styles so hot is exaggerated animation with a retro edge. The textures and shapes cut into the hair are something that has evolved since they originated 20 years ago.
{INSERT_RELATED}"Hair isn't 'styled' anymore, it's cut into a style," says Amber. "Instead of cutting the hair when it's wet, about 70 percent of the cutting is done while it's dry for these styles. It adds much more texture. Tools like curling and flattening irons only enhance the look now, they don't make it."
Much of the burden being put on the stylist to cut a style into the hair instead of "creating" it with tools is a reflection of our society. People just don't have the time to spend on their hair, so a wash and go style is more practical.
Women aren't the only people that are returning to the age of the '70s and '80s rocker chic. Men are finding a new acceptance of long hair in a long-time butch-only society.
"Twenty years ago, all guys had long hair," says Amber. "Then, all of a sudden it was unheard of. We're seeing a real resurgence of men letting it grow."
The big question is: What will happen to hair when 90s styles become popular?
"That should be interesting," says Amber. "The '90s just stole from everywhere else. We might see soft, romantic styles from the early 1900s, or we might see styles that just push the limits. Either way, it will be interesting."
For 9 to 5 business people, these '80s styles that already seem to push the limit with broken, shattered-edge bobs and interesting color placement, make finding a stylish look that fits into their world seems difficult. But, it can be done.
"There are a lot of ways to update your look, like adding some texture to it or adding some highlights," says Amber. "It's all about what you want. And, you need to be sure to tell your stylist what you don't want.
"Stylists are very visual people, so bring a photograph of a style you like -- magazines like Nylon and Surface are great sources. Even if that particular style can't be done with your hair, your stylist can get an idea of what you like."
So get in an '80s mood before you visit the salon -- pop in a Molly Ringwald classic and a CD by "The Pretenders." But, whatever you do, don't return to the 70s for a Charlie's Angels feathered flip.
"Flipped-out hair styles have got to go away," begs Amber. "They're history -- so stop flipping it out!"
Beauty is located at 1633 N. Farwell Ave. It offers hair cutting, styling, coloring and re-texturizing services, as well as lip, chin and eyebrow waxing, and make-up application. Call (414) 276-5054 for an appointment, or log on to www.beautyworkshop.net.
