These '80s Hair and Beauty Trends are Going Viral, and it's all Thanks to Rivals

Freya Keeping • June 9, 2026

Fresha

Research conducted by: https://www.fresha.com/

(reproduced with kind permission)

Fresha - Instantly book salons and spas nearby

Visit Fresha click here

These '80s hair and beauty trends are going viral, and it's all thanks

to _Rivals _


The second series of _Rivals_ has certainly lived up to its

predecessor so far. With the next episode set to be released on

Friday, 5th June, fans will then have to wait until October for the

second half of season two to be released. 


According to data from Google Trends, analysed by Fresha [1], the

world's leading beauty and wellness booking platform, online searches

for '80s makeup' skyrocketed by a staggering 421% during the lead-up

to the release of the second season of _Rivals_ on Disney+. 


The data also reveals that searches for the term hit a five-year peak

during the build-up to _Rivals _season two's release. 


Similarly, Google searches for '80s hair' also experienced a notable

increase of 81% during the lead-up to _Rivals _season two. 


Based on the beloved book by Jilly Cooper, it's clear that the Disney+

series, which takes place during the 1980s in the fictional county of

Rutshire, is having a remarkable impact on hair and beauty trends. 


According to the data, one '80s beauty trend is causing a particular

stir in the beauty world.


Online searches for '80s curls' increased by 143% on Pinterest within

the past month. 


Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert from Fresha [1], has revealed how to

re-create the iconic _Rivals_ hair: 


"To achieve those iconic '80s curls, like those seen on Emily Atack's

character in _Rivals,_ Sarah Stratton, teasing is essential. 


"The '80s were all about big, bold hairstyles, which is why teasing

and backcombing are vital when it comes to adding extra volume. 


"Before even starting the curling process, apply a volumising mousse

or root-lifting spray to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush,

gently pulling the hair away from the scalp to create extra lift. 


"Once the hair is dry, use either heated rollers or a medium-barrel

curling tong to add in those sought-after curls. 


"Roll or curl the hair away from the face, focusing on creating lift

at the crown and bounce through the ends. Heated rollers are

particularly good for this style because they give that soft,

glamorous '80s shape without making the curls look too defined or

stiff. 


"After the curls have cooled completely, brush them out gently with a

wide-tooth comb or boar-bristle brush. This is what gives the hair

that fuller look. 


"For extra '80s authenticity, lightly backcomb the hair at the ends

and as close to the scalp as possible. To do this, place your brush

halfway between your hair's roots and your hands, applying gentle

brush strokes downward towards the scalp. 


"Keep repeating this motion two or three times. You don't need to drag

the comb up and down repeatedly, as that's what can cause tangling and

breakage.


"Once you have built the volume, use light pressure to guide the brush

over the top layer of hair so that the backcombed sections are hidden.

 


"To set the look, use a flexible-hold hairspray. While the '80s were

all about big hair, it's important to avoid using too much product, as

this can cause the hair to feel stiff and create breakage. 


"When re-creating '80s hair, it really is all about trusting the

process, especially when backcombing is involved. This is why it's

important to take your time and avoid backcombing excessively, as this

can cause damage to the hair." 


Another beauty trend that is prevalent in _Rivals_ is the iconic red

lipstick.


Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) and Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack)

frequently wear the bold red lipstick colour throughout the series,

which fans have dubbed '_Rivals _red.' 


According to data from Google Trends, red lipstick has had a notable

resurgence, coinciding with _Rivals _season two. 


Searches for 'red lipstick' soared by a whopping 362% during the weeks

preceding the premiere of _Rivals_ season two.


Meanwhile, searches for 'Rivals red' experienced a 79% increase within

the past 12 months, while Google searches for '80s red lipstick'

soared by 1,150% following the release of Rivals' second series. 


To achieve that perfect full-red lip, Annabelle Taurua has offered

some essential tips: 


"To re-create the perfect '80s full red lipstick look, the key is

making it look bold and slightly oversized. 


"Start by prepping the lips by applying a light layer of lip balm for

extra hydration. This helps to prevent any visible cracking once the

lipstick is applied. 


"Blot away any excess lip balm before applying any colour, as this can

cause the lipstick to lose shape. 


"For that classic '80s look, use a red lip liner first. Carefully

outline the lips, slightly rounding the Cupid's bow and softly

overlining just the centre of the top and bottom lip if you want a

fuller effect. Avoid overlining the corners, as this can make the

shape look unnatural.


"Then, apply a rich red lipstick shade. Matte and satin finishes work

best, while a touch of gloss in the centre can make the lips look

fuller.


"Apply the lipstick from the centre of your mouth and move outwards

toward the corners. Start by applying the colour in thin layers, then

build this up as you go.


"If you're worried about any imperfections, then it may even be worth

using a lip brush. However, if you do slip up, then you can quickly

rectify any mistakes by using a Q-tip dipped in cleansing water. 


"Blot the first layer with a piece of tissue, then apply a second

layer. This is what gives the lip that bold look. 


"To make the edges look really sharp, clean around the lip line with a

small brush and a little concealer. This also makes the red stand out

more, which is perfect for an '80s-inspired statement look.


"The final tip is balance. '80s beauty is all about defined brows,

plenty of mascara, and lots of blush. Completing the look will prevent

the lipstick from looking too harsh." 


Speaking about the impact that _Rivals _has had on beauty trends,

Annabelle Taurua commented: 


"It's fantastic to see the impact that _Rivals _is having when it

comes to reigniting hair and makeup trends. Clearly, the release of

the show's second season has caused audiences to feel a sense of

nostalgia for bygone beauty trends. 


"Today, many beauty trends are all about the minimalist 'clean girl

aesthetic', which is the exact opposite of hair and makeup aesthetics

in the '80s.


"_Rivals_ is all about the glamour, creating memorable, bold beauty

looks, which are clearly striking a chord with fans. This is why it's

so exciting to see so many people inspired by the show's beauty

aesthetics and looking to re-create a few '80s looks at home." 


Thanet and East Kent Chamber of Commerce
Web design by SO53
Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain