We’ve all seen those photos that make us cringe, wondering what we were thinking when we decided to sport certain hairstyles. Hair trends come and go, and some don’t age well. Join me as we explore 29 hairstyles that were once the height of fashion but now seem utterly ridiculous.
1. The Mullet
The mullet, business up front and party in the back, was once the epitome of cool. Yet today, it feels like a bad joke. You may remember icons sporting this look proudly. Nowadays, it’s a reminder that some trends should stay in the past.
2. Beehive
Towering to the skies, the beehive was a symbol of elegance. It required effort and plenty of hairspray. But looking back, its exaggerated height seems comical. Such hairstyles remind us that sometimes, less truly is more. Opt for simpler styles.
3. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips burst onto the scene with boy bands leading the charge. As cool as they seemed then, the bleached ends now feel forced and unnatural. If you’re reminiscing about this look, remember that hair can go back to basics and still shine.
4. Rat Tail
A single strand of long hair, the rat tail, was an odd choice even in its heyday. Popular among kids, it stood out but not always for the right reasons. Today, it seems more like a quirky mistake than a lasting style.
5. Permed Mullet
The permed mullet added curls to an already questionable style. It combined two bold trends into one unforgettable look. Reflecting on it now, the extra volume does little to improve the style. Sometimes, combining trends isn’t the best idea.
6. Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes represented the punk rebellion, each spike meticulously crafted. However, outside the concert arenas, they can appear over-the-top and impractical. We’ve learned that self-expression doesn’t always require extreme measures like this distinctive hairstyle.
7. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was iconic in its time, giving volume and texture like no other. Despite its popularity, it’s now an odd relic of the past. When revisiting old styles, a softer, more natural look often works wonders.
8. Bowl Cut
The bowl cut was a childhood staple for many, easy to maintain but lacking in flair. Looking back, it lacks the individuality we often seek in hairstyles. Cutting hair in a straightforward manner doesn’t always equal timeless style.
9. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair framed the face in layers, a staple of the 70s and 80s. Yet, its overstyled appearance now seems outdated. As trends evolve, natural movement and flow in hair are prized over stiff layers.
10. Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl, known for its shine and bounce, was a cultural phenomenon. However, the upkeep and greasy residue leave it behind in the dust of hair history. Sometimes, low-maintenance styles are just as appealing.
11. Poodle Perm
The poodle perm brought curls to extreme heights. It dominated many heads in its prime. These tight, springy curls now seem more poodle than chic. When considering volume, softer waves often have a more timeless appeal.
12. High Top Fade
The high top fade was a prominent feature in hip-hop culture. Its geometric precision stood out. As trends moved on, the exaggerated height became less appealing. Balance in style often trumps extreme shapes.
13. Shag Haircut
The shag haircut offered layers and texture, popular among rock stars. While it defined an era, the disheveled look can now appear unkempt. In modern times, a more polished approach to layers often looks best.
14. Spiky Hair
Spiky hair was all the rage, requiring loads of gel to defy gravity. Nowadays, the stiff spikes feel contrived. Embracing natural texture and movement often surpasses artificially constructed styles like this one.
15. Pageboy Cut
The pageboy cut featured sleek lines and a clean finish. It was a mod favorite but now appears too rigid and severe. As fashion evolves, softer, more adaptable hairstyles often capture our attention.
16. Cornrow Mohawk
Combining cornrows with a mohawk, this style was a bold statement. While innovative, the stark contrast can seem excessive today. Blending styles needs subtlety to maintain elegance and uniqueness without going overboard.
17. Devil Horns
The devil horns involved gelling hair into two distinct spikes. This playful, edgy style, while fun, might now feel more like a costume. Expressing individuality can be achieved with styles that stand the test of time.
18. Hair Mascara Streaks
Temporary streaks of color using hair mascara were a trend for expressing creativity. However, the lack of permanence often resulted in messy outcomes. Today, more sustainable methods exist for experimenting with hair color.
19. Ducktail
The ducktail was a cool, greased-back look, iconic in the 50s. While it symbolized rebellion, the oily finish now feels outdated. Modern styles often prefer a matte, clean approach without compromising on the cool factor.
20. Finger Waves
Finger waves were the height of sophistication in the Roaring Twenties. Despite their intricate design, they now appear too formal for everyday wear. Casual yet chic styles have since taken the spotlight.
21. Pompadour
The pompadour, with its voluminous top, was a statement of style and personality. Yet, the maintenance and height can seem excessive today. Simplifying such bold looks can often lead to more versatile, wearable styles.
22. Asymmetrical Bob
The asymmetrical bob was daring and modern, breaking conventional styles. While it made waves, asymmetry doesn’t always age well. Many find that balanced, even cuts offer an enduring elegance that asymmetrical styles might lack.
23. Fauxhawk
The fauxhawk was a subtle version of the mohawk, appealing to those wanting edge without commitment. However, it can appear indecisive today. Embracing a full style choice can often make a stronger impact.
24. Victory Rolls
Victory rolls symbolized victory and glamour post-WWII. Their intricate design was a marvel, yet today they feel overly nostalgic. Modern glamour often involves less complexity, offering styles that are easier to wear daily.
25. Bouffant
The bouffant was a voluminous staple, a testament to the era’s love for big hair. Its structured height is now more theatrical than practical. Many prefer more natural volume for everyday styles.
26. Flat Top
The flat top, a symbol of precision and style, peaked in the 80s and 90s. Its stark lines can feel harsh now, as softer shapes have taken precedence. Hairstyles that incorporate natural movement often feel more contemporary.
27. Rattail with Beads
Adding beads to a rattail brought personal flair to this style. While it allowed for creativity, the overall effect now feels more like a fun experiment. Simple, cohesive styles often remain timeless.
28. Skater Hair
Skater hair, with its long bangs and laid-back vibe, was a teenage staple. Yet, it can seem unkempt and impractical today. Opting for styles that balance length and manageability often offers a fresher look.
29. Mohawk
The mohawk was a rebellious icon, with its bold, vertical spikes. While it once symbolized defiance, it now feels more costume-like. Subtler styles can often convey individuality without the need for extreme presentation.