Discover 30 hairstyles that you might want to reconsider before heading to the salon. Each style comes with its own set of challenges, from maintenance headaches to face shape mismatches.
Explore this comprehensive guide to ensure your hairstyle complements your individual look and lifestyle, making every day a good hair day.
1. Stiff Gel Spikes
Stiff gel spikes may have had their moment, but the rigidity and unnatural look can be quite off-putting. The style can often make hair appear plastic-like and overly processed.
Spikes can also lead to scalp issues due to the heavy use of gel products. If a sleek look is what you’re after, try using a lighter mousse or pomade to achieve more flexible and touchable spikes.
2. Overly Voluminous Blowout
An overly voluminous blowout might seem like a good idea for adding drama, but it can overwhelm your face and features. Instead of highlighting your natural beauty, this style might create an unbalanced look.
To achieve a more flattering appearance, opt for a balanced volume that enhances rather than hides your features. Consider using a round brush and a blow dryer with a diffuser to control the volume.
3. Extreme Asymmetrical Bob
The extreme asymmetrical bob can often be impractical, as its sharp lines and angles require ongoing salon visits for upkeep. This style can be harsh on certain face shapes, emphasizing angles in a way that may not be flattering.
Instead, a softer, more blended cut can offer a chic but manageable style. Embrace a more symmetrical look for greater versatility.
4. Mullet Revival
Though enjoying a nostalgic comeback, the mullet is a style that can be challenging to pull off without looking like a throwback. It can become unruly if not styled properly, requiring frequent trims to maintain shape.
Instead of a full mullet, consider a modern shag or layered look that nods to the trend without overwhelming your appearance.
5. Severe Middle Part
The severe middle part can be quite harsh, often making faces appear longer and narrower. This style doesn’t flatter every face shape, and can sometimes feel outdated.
Experiment with a softer side part or add layers for movement. These adjustments can help balance facial features, providing a more harmonious appearance.
6. Overly Tight Ringlets
Overly tight ringlets can often lead to heavy frizz and breakage. The maintenance required to keep them looking polished is substantial, involving a variety of products and styling tools.
Try loosening your curls for a more relaxed and natural look. This can be achieved with a larger barrel curling iron or by using products that promote curl elongation.
7. Bleached Buzz Cut
While striking, a bleached buzz cut often leads to substantial hair damage, given the harsh chemical processes involved. The maintenance to prevent brassiness and root regrowth is demanding.
Consider opting for a natural color buzz cut, which can highlight your features without the damaging effects of bleach. Embrace a more subtle, sophisticated look.
8. Retro Beehive
The retro beehive requires substantial product and teasing, which can lead to breakage and scalp discomfort. This style can feel dated and doesn’t fit seamlessly into modern fashion.
Instead, a voluminous blowout or soft updo can provide height and elegance without the extreme volume. It’s a modern twist that keeps the glamour alive.
9. Wet Look Hair
Wet look hair can be tricky to pull off, often appearing greasy rather than sleek. The heavy use of gel or mousse can weigh hair down, making it appear flat and lifeless.
Opt for a more natural, voluminous style that incorporates shine without the wet appearance. This can be achieved with lightweight, shine-enhancing products.
10. Undercut with Graphic Designs
While eye-catching, an undercut with graphic designs demands high maintenance. As hair grows, the designs blur and lose their impact. Regular shaving is required to keep the look fresh.
Consider a simpler undercut that allows for more versatility in styling. This way, the focus can remain on the overall hair rather than the fading design.
11. Pineapple Top Knot
The pineapple top knot, while quirky and fun, often comes across as lazy or unkempt. It fails to offer structure and can appear as if little to no effort was invested in styling.
For a polished look, explore other updo variations like the classic bun or a sleek ponytail. These styles offer simplicity with sophistication.
12. Excessively Layered Shag
An excessively layered shag can easily become unruly, with layers that don’t fall smoothly. The style demands constant attention to ensure it looks intentional rather than messy.
Consider reducing the number of layers for a more controlled look that still offers movement and texture. This adjustment can help maintain a refined appearance.
13. Unflattering Color Choice
Choosing the wrong hair color can be a subtle yet significant mistake. An unflattering color choice may clash with your skin tone and distract from your natural charm.
This misstep often results from following fleeting trends without considering personal undertones.
14. Brushed Out Curls
Brushed out curls can lose their definition, resulting in a frizzy, undefined look that seems unfinished. This style can also add unnecessary volume that can overwhelm certain face shapes.
Maintain your curls’ definition by using a curl cream or gel, ensuring they stay well-formed and frizz-free throughout the day. This approach enhances natural beauty.
15. Ultra-Straightened Hair
Ultra-straightened hair can often appear limp and lifeless, lacking the natural movement that breathes life into a style. The heat damage also poses a risk to the hair’s health and vitality.
Incorporate a blowdryer with a round brush for a voluminous, yet straight look. This method preserves hair health while adding dynamic movement.
16. Over-Teased Crown
An over-teased crown can quickly veer into extremes, resulting in a hairstyle that’s more distracting than elegant. The teasing process can damage hair, leading to breakage and split ends.
For a sophisticated approach, consider adding volume with less teasing and more natural lift through volumizing products. This creates an elegant and refined silhouette.
17. Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights can be quite dramatic, sometimes appearing unnatural and stark against the base color. The maintenance to keep them from looking brassy can be extensive.
Subtle balayage offers a more blended, natural look that grows out gracefully. It adds depth and dimension without the high upkeep, providing a sun-kissed effect that requires less frequent touch-ups.
18. Reverse Ombre
The reverse ombre can create a harsh contrast that feels stark rather than blended. The dark-to-light transition may not flatter all skin tones and requires frequent maintenance to keep roots in check.
Consider a traditional ombre for a more seamless gradient and a softer, more cohesive appearance. It offers a timeless elegance without the harshness.
19. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail, while unique, can add unnecessary bulk and look juvenile. Creating the bubbles requires precise sectioning and elastics, which can lead to hair breakage.
A sleek ponytail or a braid provides a mature, timeless look that’s easier to maintain. These styles offer versatility and elegance without the fuss of bubbles.
20. Severe Pixie Cut
The severe pixie cut, with its blunt lines and short length, requires frequent trims to maintain shape. On certain face shapes, it can appear harsh and unforgiving.
Consider a softer pixie style with some length and layers to frame the face. This approach can add a touch of femininity and versatility to the classic cut.
21. High Contrast Streaks
High contrast streaks can often appear dated and distracting, pulling focus from the face. The stark difference between colors requires regular maintenance to prevent roots from showing.
Opt for more subtle streaks or highlights that complement your natural color. This offers a modern, sophisticated look that enhances rather than overshadows your features.
22. Short Blunt Bangs
Short blunt bangs can be unforgiving, requiring constant trims to avoid them growing awkwardly. This style can also be overwhelming on certain face shapes, drawing attention to the forehead.
For a softer look, try wispy or side-swept bangs. These alternatives offer a gentle frame to the face while requiring less frequent maintenance.
23. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair, reminiscent of the ’80s, is a style that can appear outdated and overly styled. The heat required to achieve the crimp can also cause significant damage to hair.
Consider a more modern wave or curl achieved with a wand or rollers. This creates a stylish, contemporary look with less potential for heat damage.
24. Super Long Extensions
Super long extensions, although glamorous, can be cumbersome and difficult to maintain. The weight can cause stress on natural hair, leading to breakage and damage.
Opt for extensions that blend more naturally with your hair length and texture. This provides volume and length without overwhelming your look, ensuring a more manageable and sustainable style.
25. Side Ponytail
The side ponytail, while playful, can sometimes appear lopsided and juvenile. This style can also pull uncomfortably on the scalp with prolonged wear.
Consider a centered, low ponytail for an elegant alternative. This style offers sophistication and balance, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions with minimal tension on the scalp.
26. Super Slicked Back Bun
The super slicked back bun offers a sleek appearance but can sometimes seem severe and unapproachable. The tension from pulling hair tightly back can lead to hairline stress.
Try a softer approach by loosening the bun and letting some face-framing strands fall naturally. This creates a relaxed yet polished look that complements any outfit.
27. Frizzy Perm
A frizzy perm can quickly become more of a hassle than a hairstyle, with curls that look uncontrolled and unruly. The chemicals involved can also cause long-term damage to hair health.
Explore modern curling techniques and products that create defined, smooth waves or curls. These options offer the volume and texture desired without the frizz and damage associated with perms.
28. Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes, with their bold and extreme shape, require significant styling effort and product use to maintain. The look can be polarizing and may not fit in well with everyday settings.
For a subtler punk-inspired style, consider soft spikes or a tousled look that embodies the spirit without the rigidity. This offers more versatility and ease of styling.
29. Flat Ironed Bangs
Flat ironed bangs can be a challenging style, often looking too straight and stiff against the natural flow of the rest of the hair. They require constant heat application, which can lead to damage.
Opt for a softer, more natural look by allowing your bangs to follow their natural pattern or using less heat for a gentle curve.
30. Tight Top Knot
A tight top knot can create a severe aesthetic, emphasizing facial features in an unflattering way. The tension on the scalp can lead to discomfort or even breakage over time.
Consider a looser style, such as a low knot or a messy bun, which can provide a chic and relaxed appearance. These styles are both stylish and gentle on the hair.