WPDH Big Hair Scare is Back!

Its to the Wayback Machine, and back to the era of spandex, mullets and big...big hair.

80s hair metal-also called glam metal, was a flashy, loud, and wildly popular subgenre of rock that exploded during the 1980s. It combined the catchy hooks of pop with heavy riffs of metal, and it was just as much about the look as the sound.

Also See: Former Guns N' Roses Bassist Set for Hudson Valley Show

🎸 Core Characteristics

• Big hair: Teased, sprayed, and voluminous hairstyles—hence the name.

• Spandex and leather: Tight pants, makeup, leopard print, and lots of accessories.

• Anthems and ballads: Songs were either hard rock party anthems or emotional power ballads.

• Guitar solos: Virtuoso shredding was essential—think tapping, dive bombs, and whammy bars.

• Production: Glossy, high-budget sound with layered vocals and clean guitar tones.

🎤 Top Bands

Some of the biggest hair metal bands of the '80s include:

• Mötley Crüe – Sleazy, rebellious LA rock with hits like "Girls, Girls, Girls"

• Poison – Glam kings known for "Every Rose Has Its Thorn"

• Bon Jovi – More mainstream but massive, with hits like "Livin’ on a Prayer"

• Def Leppard – UK band with polished arena rock anthems like "Pour Some Sugar on Me"

• Ratt – Sleazy LA metal with "Round and Round"

• Twisted Sister – Famous for "We're Not Gonna Take It"

Other hair metal bands that were influential acts include:

• Cinderella

• Warrant

• Quiet Riot

• Skid Row

• L.A. Guns

📈 Rise and Fall

• Early '80s: Grew out of the L.A. Sunset Strip scene.

• Mid to late '80s: Huge commercial success, MTV helped boost visibility.

• Early '90s: Grunge (Nirvana, Pearl Jam) arrived and made hair metal look outdated overnight.

🔥 Legacy

• Often mocked for excess and superficiality, but loved for its energy and fun.

• Still has a loyal fanbase; many bands still tour.

• Influenced modern glam, hard rock, and even pop-punk aesthetics.

Get our free mobile app

WPDH Big Hair Scare Returns to the Airwaves

A once popular feature on 101.5 WPDH, Poughkeepsie, New York's Home of Rock n Roll, the Big Hair Scare returns on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6:35pm. The new version of the Big Hair Scare will feature a double dose of your favorite 80's/90s hair metal each weekday.