The Hair Accessories That Made Every ’80s Girl Feel Stylish

Relive the glory days of scrunchies, bows, and banana clips.

The 1980s weren’t just a decade—they were a mood. Everything was bigger, brighter, and bolder, and nowhere was this more apparent than in the fashion department, especially when it came to hair. Back then, your hair wasn’t just hair; it was a statement, a personality, a masterpiece perched atop your head. And the secret to achieving those gravity-defying styles? Hair accessories.

For ’80s girls, hair accessories were the ultimate way to express ourselves. Whether you were going for Madonna chic or a Debbie Gibson vibe, your choice of scrunchies, bows, and barrettes said everything about who you were—or who you wanted to be. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the iconic hair accessories that made every ’80s girl feel like a style queen.

Scrunchies: The MVP of ’80s Hair

No conversation about ’80s hair is complete without mentioning the humble scrunchie. Made of fabric-covered elastic and available in every color and pattern imaginable, scrunchies were the ultimate hair accessory. Whether you were rocking a high side ponytail, a low bun, or a classic half-up style, there was a scrunchie for every occasion.

The beauty of the scrunchie was its versatility. Neon scrunchies for roller rink nights? Check. Velvet scrunchies for school dances? Double-check. Leopard print scrunchies for when you were feeling daring? Oh, you know it.

Every ’80s girl had a collection of scrunchies big enough to fill a small suitcase. And if you didn’t match your scrunchie to your outfit, were you even trying?

Giant Hair Bows: Bigger Is Better

If scrunchies were the MVP, then hair bows were the overachieving best friend who always stole the spotlight. And in the ’80s, bows weren’t just accessories—they were statements.

Made famous by stars like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, giant bows perched atop teased hair were the height of cool. They came in satin, lace, sequins, and sometimes all three at once. The bigger, the better—because in the ’80s, subtlety was for the birds.

These bows were often paired with teased bangs and copious amounts of hairspray. If your bow didn’t add at least three inches to your height, you weren’t doing it right.

Barrettes: Functional and Fabulous

Barrettes were the unsung heroes of ’80s hair. They weren’t as flashy as bows or scrunchies, but they had their own quiet charm. From sparkly rhinestone designs to pastel plastic flowers, barrettes came in endless varieties, perfect for keeping those feathered layers in check.

A true ’80s girl knew how to use barrettes strategically. One on each side to frame your face? Classic. A row of them lined up on one side of your head? Bold. Holding back just your bangs for that “effortless” look? Perfection.

Barrettes were also a favorite for DIY embellishments. Who didn’t glue a fake pearl or two onto a plain barrette to jazz it up?

Banana Clips: The Innovator’s Choice

Ah, the banana clip. This glorious contraption was the key to creating the illusion of cascading, voluminous hair, even if you weren’t blessed with thick locks.

Shaped like a curved comb, the banana clip let you gather all your hair into a sleek yet dramatic ponytail. It was chic, practical, and perfect for showcasing your new shoulder pads.

Banana clips came in metallics, neons, and even tortoiseshell for when you were feeling particularly sophisticated. And while they weren’t always the most secure (a rogue clip could snap open with alarming force), the payoff was worth the risk.

Headbands: Preppy Perfection

Headbands were a favorite among ’80s preps, thanks in part to movies like Heathers and Pretty in Pink. Whether they were padded, braided, or covered in satin, headbands added a polished touch to any outfit.

These weren’t your basic stretchy bands—they were accessories in their own right. A wide headband with a bow? Classic. A skinny metallic band for a night out? Glamorous. A rainbow-striped headband for gym class? Iconic.

Headbands also had a practical side: they kept your hair out of your face while simultaneously announcing, “I’m fashionable and I have my life together (mostly).”

Hair Combs: The Underrated Star

Hair combs were like the Swiss Army knives of ’80s hair accessories. They could hold up a French twist, secure a half-up style, or add a decorative flair to any look.

These weren’t your grandmother’s boring black combs—they were decked out with rhinestones, pearls, and intricate designs. Some even had dangling charms, because why not?

While mastering the art of the hair comb required some trial and error (and occasionally a tangle or two), once you nailed it, you felt like a hairstyling wizard.

Ribbons: Straight from the Gift Wrap Aisle

Ribbons weren’t just for wrapping presents—they were for wrapping ponytails, braids, and buns, too. In the ’80s, adding a ribbon to your hairstyle was the easiest way to look instantly put-together.

Whether you tied a simple bow around the base of your ponytail or wove a ribbon through a French braid, this accessory was both affordable and versatile. Bonus points if the ribbon matched your scrunchie or socks.

Ribbons also became a go-to for cheerleaders, whose perfectly coordinated ponytails became the envy of every girl in school.

Feather Clips: Boho Chic Meets Glam Rock

If you were a free spirit—or just wanted to channel your inner Stevie Nicks—you probably rocked a feather clip or two. These whimsical accessories featured feathers (real or faux), often attached to beads or ribbons for extra flair.

Feather clips were perfect for music festivals, school dances, or just a regular Tuesday when you felt like embracing your wild side. They added a touch of boho chic to any look and paired beautifully with teased waves and smoky eyeliner.

Glitter Gels and Sparkly Pins: Add Some Shine

In the ’80s, if your hair didn’t sparkle, you were doing it wrong. Enter glitter gels and sparkly hairpins, the accessories that let you literally shine.

Glitter gels were slathered on bangs, ponytails, and even roots for a magical, fairy-like effect. And sparkly pins added just the right amount of bling to any hairstyle, whether they were shaped like stars, hearts, or butterflies.

These accessories were particularly popular for special occasions, like school dances or holiday parties, but let’s be honest—every day was a good day for a little glitter.

Hair Wraps: Vacation Vibes All Year Long

Hair wraps were the ultimate souvenir from a trip to the beach or a summer camp adventure. Created by twisting embroidery floss around a small section of hair, often with beads or charms at the end, hair wraps were equal parts craft project and fashion statement.

They gave off a carefree, vacation-ready vibe and made you feel like a bohemian queen—even if you were just hanging out at the mall.

Why We Loved Them (And Still Do)

Hair accessories in the ’80s weren’t just about looking stylish—they were about self-expression. They allowed us to experiment, have fun, and show off our personalities. Were you a preppy headband kind of girl or a rebellious feather-clip queen? Did your scrunchie collection rival your sticker book?

Looking back, it’s clear that these accessories weren’t just fashion statements—they were confidence boosters. They gave us the courage to try new things, stand out, and own our look, no matter how over-the-top it might have been.

And let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to bring back the joy of matching your scrunchie to your socks?

The Legacy of ’80s Hair Accessories

Today, ’80s hair accessories are making a comeback, and it’s no wonder. They’re bold, fun, and unapologetically fabulous—just like the women who wore them.

So here’s to the scrunchies, bows, and banana clips that made every ’80s girl feel stylish. They weren’t just accessories; they were symbols of an era when bigger was better, brighter was bolder, and every day was a chance to make a statement.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to dig out my velvet scrunchie collection.

Want our stories delivered to you? Sign up for our newsletter, then follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook for regular updates and a lot of other silliness.