Hairstyles have undergone significant transformations through the decades. What once graced the heads of trendsetters now serves as a nostalgic reminder of times gone by.
In this blog post, we delve into forty hairstyles that, while once the talk of the town, now appear comically outdated. Join us on this amusing journey through hair history.
1. The Mullet
The mullet, once a sign of ultimate cool in the 80s, now seems odd with its “business in the front, party in the back” vibe. This dual-style cut was beloved but now looks like a relic of its time.
2. Beehive
The beehive, towering and elaborate, was once the pinnacle of chic elegance in the 1960s. Though iconic, its extreme volume is now more funny than fabulous.
3. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips, once all the rage among pop stars in the late 90s, now evoke chuckles. This edgy blonde highlight trend, paired with spiky hair, screams outdated, yet it’s a nostalgic reminder of youthful rebellion.
4. Permed Hair
Permed hair, with its tight curls and voluminous style, was a defining look of the 80s. Today, the perm appears overdone and awkward. What was once a hair revolution is now a playful nod to that vibrant decade.
5. Rat Tail
The rat tail, a long strand of hair at the nape, was once a quirky statement. Today, it’s seen more as an odd choice than a style statement. However, it remains a memorable part of hair history.
6. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair, popularized by Farrah Fawcett, was the epitome of glamour in the 70s. Its fluffy layers look excessive and impractical today, though it still holds a special place in the heart of 70s enthusiasts.
7. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair, with its zigzag waves, was a staple of the 90s. Now, it seems more like a frizzy mess than a fashion statement. This playful style, once a favorite, is now a lighthearted reminder of past trends.
8. The Emo Fringe
The emo fringe, synonymous with the emo music scene of the early 2000s, involves long, side-swept bangs that cover one eye. This hairstyle was often paired with dark clothing and eye makeup to complete the look.
9. Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, an easy DIY hairstyle for many, was once a childhood staple. Now, its symmetrical, blunt shape is more laughable than stylish. It’s a classic example of practicality over aesthetics.
10. Afro Puffs
Afro puffs, with their bold spherical shape, were a vibrant expression of 90s style. A daring choice, once celebrated, now appears exaggerated.
11. Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes, an iconic punk hairstyle, were bold and rebellious. Now, these gravity-defying spikes seem theatrical and impractical. They remain memorable despite their over-the-top look.
12. Shag Haircut
The shag haircut, with its layers and choppy ends, was a casual cool trend. Today, it looks more like a haphazard style. Its effortless vibe was once envied, now simply a quirky reminder of past fashion.
13. Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl, characterized by its glossy, loose curls, was once a symbol of status. Now, it seems overly shiny and high-maintenance. Loved in the 80s, it’s a distinct, albeit dated, look from a glamorous era.
14. Mohawk
The Mohawk, a bold punk statement, was once a rebellious fashion. Its daring spikes and vibrant colors made it an unforgettable style, though now more suited for costume parties.
15. Bouffant
The bouffant, with its voluminous top, was a fashion staple in the 60s. Today, it feels overwhelmingly excessive. Once a symbol of elegance and grace, it now serves as a dramatic nod to vintage glamour.
16. Ducktail
The ducktail, slicked back with precision, was the hallmark of 50s greasers. Today, its meticulous structure appears overly contrived. This once-cool look, reminiscent of rock ‘n’ roll, now seems like a stylized relic.
17. Pompadour
The pompadour, with its high and mighty lift, was a favorite in the 50s. Today, its grandeur seems over-the-top. Once a sign of stylish rebellion, now it’s a fun, nostalgic trip back to rockabilly days.
18. Pageboy
The pageboy haircut, with its smooth curves and neat appearance, was once chic. Today, it seems childlike and overly simplistic. A hairstyle of order, now a quirky nod to 60s style simplicity.
19. Cornrows
Cornrows were a creative, intricate style that gained popularity in the 2000s. While still culturally significant, they’re often seen as outdated when overly adorned.
20. Victory Rolls
Victory rolls, with their intricate twists, were a 40s icon. Today, they’re more theatrical than practical. Once celebrated for their style and grace, they now offer a whimsical nod to vintage pin-up charm.
21. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk was a subtle nod to punk without the full commitment. Today, it seems indecisive and passé. Its once edgy flair is now a gentle reminder of the early 2000s experimental phase in hairstyles.
22. Flat Top
The flat top, with its geometric precision, was a bold 80s choice. Today, its rigid shape appears more cartoonish. Once a hip-hop staple, it now serves as a humorous look back on the era of precise angles.
23. Cornrow Braids
Cornrow braids, once a trendy statement, are now seen as overdone when overly adorned. While culturally significant, the early 2000s embellishments seem excessive by today’s standards.
24. Spiky Hair
Spiky hair, once edgy and daring in the 90s, now appears chaotic and unruly. This gel-heavy style was a rebellious choice that symbolized youth. Today, it’s a lighthearted reminder of the era’s daring spirit.
25. Shaggy Layers
Popular in the 2000s, shaggy layers were all about effortless cool. Today, they seem messy and unkempt. This laid-back style was once a hit, now a nostalgic nod to less structured, carefree hairstyles.
26. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut, a no-fuss style, was popular for its simplicity. Now, it seems overly utilitarian and lacking flair. Once a symbol of discipline, it’s now more associated with practicality than trendy hairstyles.
27. Side Ponytail
The side ponytail, often paired with bright scrunchies, was an 80s sensation. Today, it looks juvenile and quirky. This playful style was once adored, now a whimsical reminder of youthful fashion exuberance.
28. Hair Metal Perm
Hair metal perms, with their wild curls, were a rockstar staple in the 80s. Now, they appear overly dramatic and unruly. This once rebellious and glamorous look is now a humorous nod to rock’s excess.
29. Slicked Back
Slicked back hair, a 30s classic, was about suave sophistication. Today, its greasy appearance feels outdated. Once the epitome of elegance, now more suited for themed parties, it remains a symbol of vintage charm.
30. Sideburns
Sideburns, popular in the 70s, were a bold facial statement. Today, they’re perceived as outdated and excessive. Once a mark of rugged style, now they offer a playful look back at a daring decade.
31. Teased Hair
Teased hair, a staple of the 1980s, was all about volume and drama. This hairstyle involved backcombing the hair to achieve immense height and fluffiness, often held in place with copious amounts of hairspray.
The look was popularized by rock stars and celebrities who embraced its bold, statement-making appeal. However, the excessive teasing left hair damaged and brittle, leading to a decline in its popularity.
32. Finger Waves
Finger waves were the height of sophistication in the 1920s, creating a sleek and polished look with S-shaped waves. This style was often seen on flappers who paired it with their glamorous, carefree lifestyle.
The intricate process involved molding the hair into waves using fingers and a comb, often with the aid of gel and clips. While finger waves exuded elegance, they required significant effort to maintain.