What is a Flock of Seagulls hair? Everything to know about this 80’s hairstyle

When we talk about fashion, the one decade that is known for it’s crazy, out-of-whack, and almost notorious style is the 1980’s.

This decade showcased some legendary stars across the movie and music industry who made bold statements through their fashion choices. The ’80s was all about going big (and bright) or going home. This was the era of leg warmers, white jeans, neon colors, and of course big hair.

The ‘Yuppie Decade’ saw some insane hairstyles. Kudos to everyone – men and women alike – who dared to sport these ‘badass’ hairdos of those times (I wonder what they think about it when they look back on old pictures).

The Whale Spout, permed crinkled hair, the mullet, the mohawk, the jheri curls, and ‘A Flock of Seagulls’ hair are some of the most iconic hairdos of the 80s.

What Is ‘A Flock of Seagulls’ Haircut? And its Backstory

‘A flock of seagulls’ hair is basically an over-the-top, dramatic hairstyle of Mike score (musician), which resembles the wings of a bird in flight on either side of the head with a downward facing swoop in the middle, that covers one eye. Although the hairdo does resemble a seagull in flight, that is not how it got its name.

This is how the story goes…

Mike Score, was a hairdresser in Liverpool, England. In 1979 he quit his job and decided to put together a band with his brother and other friends, called ‘A Flock Of Seagulls’.

One night while the band was dressing up for a show, Frank Maudsley (a member of the band – the bass player) and Score were fighting over the mirror while the latter was trying to recreate the David Bowie’s poof mullet.

Their friendly scuffle for ‘mirror time’, led to Maudsley punching Score’s mullet right in the center, just seconds before they needed to make their appearance on stage, which led to Mike Score’s hairstyle looking like the picture above. Those of you reading might think – DISASTROUS! Right? Well, the audience at that time didn’t really think so.

The crowd loved the hairdo and ever since it became Score’s signature style. Funny how this style became popular, isn’t it? It took an entire decade for the craze to fade.

How to do The ‘Flock Of Seagulls’ Hair?

With all the backstory about the hairstyle in question, you might want to try it out. It is still a popular hair-do in pop-culture. You could put this look together quite easily, it is not rocket science. The good thing about this hair-do is that it is unisex and can be done by both, men and women.

Here’s what you need:

• A jar of hair mousse
• A bottle of hair spray
• Hair powder/dry shampoo
• A hair dryer
• A hairbrush

Here’s how to do it:

1. Apply hair mousse (I recommend this or this for best results) to your short or medium hair generously. Massage a palm full of mousse into your hair. Wait for a few seconds, and repeat.

2. Using a hair dryer allow the mousse to settle in.

3. Use a hairbrush and pull the top part of your hair, up, such that it is standing.

4. Comb the two sides such that they slightly flop to the back and spray them so that they stay in place.

5. Flatten the center part and comb a flick such that it rests on your forehead and slightly covers the eye.

6. Apply the hair powder and blow dry again to keep the style in place.

Hairstyle Spotting – Who Wore ‘A Flock Of Seagulls’ Hair Apart From Mike Score?

Well, however insane this hairstyle looks, and however much you wish it was left behind in the 80s, there are some who take inspiration from Mike Score, till date. Take a look:

Elly’s Tribute

Eleanor Jackson, from La Roux, has been seen sporting this hair-do a few times – she sports it with such élan. It suits her elongated face and actually gives it so much character.

The Chandler F.R.I.E.N.D.S Wave

If F.R.I.E.N.D.S validates something it has got to be legit! A flashback episode of this very funny tv show had Chandler Bing sport the 80s iconic ‘A Flock Of Seagulls’ hairdo. Do you think he carries it off well?

Not just celebrities.. Some Common People too tried this style.. Have a look

Bald Is Beautiful

This man took this signature hair-do and gave it his own twist. He shaved off the downward sweep and kept the wings. He does carry this off with a whole lot of confidence.

I ‘Wanna-Be’ Mike Score

Whether it is his love for birds or love for the band ‘A Flock Of Seagulls’, there’s no stopping this guy! He doesn’t look too impressed though, does he? (Experiment failed.)

A Chic Seagull Mohawk

He definitely takes tons of inspiration from the 80s. An amalgamation of the mohawk and the seagull, this hairstyle does suit this man a lot.

Parodies/Memes Surrounding this Big Seagull Hairdo:

Well of course with a hairstyle like this you are bound to face some backlash too.

While back in the day, Mike Score did get a little annoyed with all the attention his hair got, it is something that made his band memorable.

In fact, all four boys in the band dressed dramatically, and that made them stand out. While they inspired many, they also managed to tickle a funny bone of a few. Here are some really funny memes doing the rounds on the internet:

The Inside Joke

Based on one of the bands chart-busting songs, called ‘I ran’, this one is truly an inside joke. When you run with the big hair, this is how your hair is ought to become. Have you ever faced a situation like this?

That Bugs Him Bunny

Well, this cute little bunny has definitely got his 80s groove on. He closely resembles our man – Mike Score – or at least the hair certainly does!

And many more..

Jokes aside, A Flock Of Seagulls is legendary, no one can take that away from them. They were a pioneering act that truly captured the essence of those times.

People might joke about the ‘seagull hair’, but it is iconic and will always be fondly remembered. Here’s to the brave Mike Score and his signature hairstyle without which this article wouldn’t have been written :).

Would you dare to try this hairstyle? Tell us in the comments

cover image: bbci.co.uk