Stranger Things has a lot going for it. The Netflix powerhouse feels too big to fail, with the brand-new season four — Volume 1, which comprises two-thirds of the nine-episode season, dropped on Friday — poised to smash viewing records on a purported budget of [checks notes] $30 million per episode.
The apparent success of the series shouldn’t come as much of a shock. The critically-acclaimed Duffer Brothers’ vehicle has masterfully chartered the fleeting cultural phenomenon waters, emerging as a serious contender in the “favorite show ever” conversation due to in part to quality writing, a topsy-turvy, genre-bending plot line, and a slew of compelling performances by a cast of talented young actors and seasoned veterans alike.
Perhaps not so expected, however, has been the fevered reception to Stranger Things‘ heavy-handed ’70s and ’80s influences. The show has capitalized on the decades’ resurgence in both fashion and pop culture for many an inspired style moment — ringer tees, horny mullets, mall shopping — that have captured the hearts and minds of the collective viewing consciousness.
Yet, no get-the-look moment has had quite as much staying power as the ongoing fascination with Steve’s insane hair. (Well, technically Joe Keery’s hair, as he plays the charmingly unsuspecting bully-turned-hero). The internet hemmed and hawed at the sheer, unadulterated, gravity-defying volume of Keery’s locks when they first hit the small screen in 2016, spawning a years-long debate on how the hell to replicate his magical mane.
But this time around, it’s not just Keery who’s serving up some serious hairspo. The ensemble cast has been kicking ass and taking names in the press lead-up to season four, channeling the ’80s via a variety of ridiculous, humongous, and dare we say, shockingly stellar haircuts for their reprisals as the Hawkins gang. From bowl cuts (it’s not what you think, we promise) to high flattops to the most serious case of hair-metal hair since Aerosmith, the pure grooming intrigue of this season has us on high alert and itching for a trim.
So, if the first thing that comes to mind post-bingeing — or taking a peek at the various press imagery — is “maybe a mullet wouldn’t be so bad,” know that you’re not alone. We’ve cropped together a variety of godly grooming moves, all inspired by season four. Below, five ways to flex some fierce ’80s flow, courtesy of the cast of Stranger Things.
The Serious Shag
The shaggy-forward style might be the most on-trend haircut Stranger Things has to offer (think Timothée Chalamet with bangs), and it’s been front of mind since we laid eyes on Finn Wolfhard’s abundantly curly coif. If you’re blessed with curls or waves, this cut is well within reach — it just requires some grow-out patience and light layering — but even the voluminously challenged can replicate with some sea-salt spray or similar texturing product.
The (Almost) Bald Buzz
A buzz isn’t a strictly ’80s move, but Jim Hopper’s (David Harbour’s) skin-close cut — something only a 0.5 clipper can achieve — immediately caught our eye as an ideal way to clean up for the warm months ahead. His grown-out Rambo stubble only adds to the “fighter fade” thing going on, and while you might not be toughing it out in a Siberian prison camp, you absolutely can pretend to be.
The Better Bowl Cut
Few haircuts have gotten a worse rap than the infamous bowl cut. But worked with some intention and direction, like Noah Schnapp’s above, the bold look can be a surprisingly solid choice. A uniform bang looks best with a contrasting base, so a close fade or some over-the-ear fringe both add the much-needed texture to the Caesar-esque style.
The Finessed Flattop
If your hair lends itself to the flattop, then you’re in good company. Lucas’s (Caleb McLaughlin) extra-tall style is very ’80s, and very, very cool. Be forewarned: Clean lines and a tapered fade make the crisp cut even more appealing, so frequent trips to your barber are highly encouraged.
“The Steve”
We’d be remiss not to include the quiff king himself on this list. If you can replicate even a fraction of the power that Joe Keery’s do exudes, you’ll be sitting pretty. Start by cycling out your shampoo usage (every two or three days to start, and if you can hack it, cutting it out completely, like Keery), introduce some extra-strong hairspray, and for God’s sake, don’t touch it.
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