These 5 greatest female hair rock bands of the ‘80s had it all—killer talent, unforgettable charisma, and pure rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Their music wasn’t just about big hair and wild outfits; it was packed with creativity, energy, and raw power. From powerful vocals to electrifying performances, these bands left a lasting mark on rock history!
5. Precious Metal
Precious Metal rocked some of L.A.’s hottest venues, including FM Station, Club Lingerie, Whisky a Go Go, and The Roxy. Their rising fame caught the attention of KROQ DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, who gave their music airtime. Soon after, Polygram Records executive Russ Regan signed them, leading to their 1985 debut album, Right Here, Right Now, on Mercury Records.
4. The Nymphs
The late 1980s and early 1990s were rocked by the crazy, theatrical alternative rock group known as The Nymphs. They were known for their rebellious attitude and contempt for record labels under the leadership of Inger Lorre. Before breaking up in 1992, they signed to Geffen Records and put out their sole album in 1991. Cliff Jones played bass, Alex Kirst played drums, Lorre sang, Geoff Siegel played guitar, and Sam Merrick played guitar.
3. Saraya
Sandi Saraya from New Jersey contributed powerful female vocals to this polished rock group that was well-suited for radio play. She and keyboardist Gregg Munier founded the group, which was originally called Alsace Lorraine, before changing its name to Saraya and moving to Los Angeles, hoping for a successful career. Unfortunately, they returned home destitute and disheartened from a difficult time on the West Coast. Their mentor Sandy Lizner helped them find management and a major label deal after.
2. Vixen
EMI signed this all-female rock band, which was formed in Los Angeles in 1981. Combining pop-metal and hard rock, Vixen members Jan Kuehnemund played guitar, Roxy Petrucci played drums, Share Pedersen played bass, and Janet Gardner sang and played guitar. They broke up in 1991 as grunge took hold, but they got back together for new music in the late 1990s. They released a live compilation in Sweden in 2008 after releasing their fourth album in 2006.
1. Lita Ford
American guitarist, singer, and songwriter Lita Ford, whose real name is Lita Rossana Ford, was born in Britain. As the lead guitarist for the rebellious hard rock band The Runaways, which had a punk edge, she became well-known in the late 1970s. They became very popular abroad, particularly in Japan, even though they didn’t do well in the United States. Ford established herself as a rock legend with a successful heavy metal solo career following the band’s breakup in 1979.