The fans

• Between 1987 and 1989, the majority of listeners of glam rock or 80s hair-metal rock were teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 21. Hair styles changed overnight with the introduction of bands such as Poison, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. Teenagers were going to school with full hair and tall bangs that defied the laws of gravity. Tight acid-washed jeans, concert t-shirts and long sweaters were all the rage during this style trend.
  
  

The hair

• The most recognizable aspect of 80s hair metal was the hair. Whether male or female, the hair had to be big and bold, yet natural at the same time. Natural brown or platinum blond were the "in" colors for this era. Hair was never meant to be straight and sleek--a natural wavy style with a slight curl was the look to have. Long hair was a must and long bangs were the preferred style. Men's hair was generally shoulder length (or longer) with prominent bangs. The longer the hair on a rock star, the more sex appeal they had. The most popular and sought-after hair style was worn by Sebastian Bach, the lead singer for 80s hair-metal band Skid Row. Sebastian showed off a very natural style of long hair that was more teased than permed. For bangs on women, the hair was curled tightly and then combed and teased until height and a straight edge was formed.
  
  

The bands

• Some of the most popular 80s hair-metal bands included Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Dokken, Britney Fox, Cinderella, Whitesnake and Great White. In music videos as well as concerts, the bands wore skin-tight jeans, tight leather pants and ripped concert tees. Often times, they wore no shirts at all. While most 80s hair metal was performed by men, there were a few female rockers. Some of the most popular female singers were Lita Ford and the band Vixen.
  
  

Iconic solo singers

• Many solo singers broke several hearts during the age of 80s hair metal and some also broke from the band as well. Two of the most popular are David Lee Roth and Kim Wilde. Starting off with the band Van Halen, Roth served diligently in the band beginning in 1974. As years went by, his highly publicized personal issues with the band made waves and he was asked to leave in 1985. He was later replaced by Sammy Hagar. David Lee Roth quickly gained the reputation of being a glamorous rock bad boy. With his big hair and rock-and-roll attitude, he topped the charts in 1986 with "Yankee Rose" and in 1988 with "Just like Paradise." Although a solo artist, Kim Wilde made her presence with her 80s big hair and heavy-metal attitude. She topped the charts in 1987 with the remake of the song "You Keep Me Hanging On," which was originally performed by The Supremes.
  
  

80s hair metal songs

• When many hear the words "80s hair metal" they are often drawn back to certain songs they associate to that time. Songs that have a prominent retro effect on people are "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard, "Talk Dirty to Me" by Poison, Sweet Child of Mine " by Guns and Roses and "Don't Know What You Got Till It's Gone" by Cinderella. These songs were what teenage girls adored and a fantasy teenage boys wanted to live out. Most songs were fantasy-like in nature and revolved around love, heartache and concert groupies.