1980s Voluminous Feathered Shag: Iconic Retro Glamour

Styling Instructions

Achieving the iconic 1980s Voluminous Feathered Shag requires a combination of strategic layering, ample volume, and a skilled hand with styling tools. This guide will walk you through the steps to recreate this dynamic, retro-glamorous look, focusing on building height and defining those signature feathered curls.

Step-by-Step Styling Guide

1. Prepare for Volume: Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Apply a generous amount of volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray to damp hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. Distribute evenly with a wide-tooth comb. For added texture and hold, a heat protectant spray with some grip is also recommended.

2. Rough Dry for Lift: Begin by rough-drying your hair with a blow dryer until it’s about 80% dry. Use your fingers to lift the roots as you dry, encouraging natural volume. For maximum lift, flip your head upside down during this stage.

3. Section and Blow-Dry with Round Brush: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Using a medium to large round brush, blow-dry each section, lifting at the roots and curling the ends outwards and upwards to create the feathered effect. For the crown area, over-direct sections forward and upward to build significant height and volume. Pin each curled section with a clip or Velcro roller as it cools to set the volume.

4. Tease for Extra Height (Optional but Recommended): Once all sections are dry and cooled, gently remove the clips/rollers. For extra volume, lightly backcomb (tease) the roots of the crown and top sections. Be gentle to avoid damage.

5. Define Feathered Layers: Use a large-barrel curling iron or hot rollers to refine the feathered layers, especially around the face. Curl sections away from your face, holding for a few seconds, then release. For the bangs, curl them upwards and slightly away from the face to create a soft, feathered fringe that blends into the layers.

6. Brush Out and Shape: Once all curls have cooled, gently brush through your hair with a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb to soften the curls and blend the layers, creating that characteristic fluffy, voluminous shag. Use your fingers to further shape and arrange the hair, focusing on creating a rounded, expansive silhouette.

7. Set the Style: Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to lock in the volume and shape. For added shine and to tame any frizz, a light mist of shine spray can be applied, avoiding the roots to maintain volume.

Professional Tips

• Layered Cut is Crucial: This style relies heavily on a well-executed layered haircut. If your hair isn’t already cut into a shag, consider visiting a stylist for the initial cut.

• Don’t Skimp on Product: Volumizing mousse, root lifter, and strong-hold hairspray are your best friends for this look.

• Cool Shot is Your Ally: After blow-drying or curling each section, use the cool shot setting on your blow dryer to set the hair and ensure longevity.

• Velcro Rollers for Lasting Volume: Using Velcro rollers on freshly blow-dried sections while they cool can significantly boost and hold volume.

• Practice Makes Perfect: This is an advanced style. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect on the first try. Practice will improve your technique.