Fashion trends come and go, and hairstyles are no exception. While some styles withstand the test of time, others can make you look like you’ve stepped straight out of a different era.
In this post, we explore 31 hairstyles that are so outdated they might just transport you back in time. Buckle up for this nostalgic journey!
1. The Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back— the mullet is a quintessential 1980s staple. Despite its attempt at a comeback, this hairstyle often conjures images of cheesy rock bands.
It’s best left in the past. For a modern twist, keep the length uniform and add texture for a fresh look that nods to nostalgia.
2. Beehive Hairdo
This voluminous style was all the rage in the 1960s, characterized by its towering height and rounded shape. Achieving this look requires a lot of teasing and hairspray.
While iconic, it can appear overly formal and dated. Update it by lowering the height and adding soft waves, lending a nod to its original charm.
3. Feathered Layers
Popularized by Farrah Fawcett, feathered layers were synonymous with the 1970s. This style can overwhelm the face, making it look dated.
For a contemporary take, soften the layers and introduce beachy waves. This keeps the playful essence alive while feeling relevant to today’s trends, offering a nod to its vintage roots.
4. Rat Tail
The rat tail is one of those quirky styles from the 1980s and 1990s that’s best left in the past.
Essentially, it involves a long tail of hair left to dangle behind, while the rest is kept short. For a fresh look, consider a uniform length or a more subtle fade.
5. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair involves using a special tool to create small, zigzag waves throughout the hair. Popular in the 1980s, it can make hair look frizzy and dry.
For a modern twist, try soft, loose waves that enhance natural texture without overwhelming it. This offers a more polished and contemporary vibe.
6. Permed Curls
During the 1980s and early 1990s, permed curls were the height of fashion. These tight, often frizzy curls can appear outdated and damaged. Instead, opt for natural curls or soft perms that emphasize healthy, bouncy hair.
This maintains volume and adds a sophisticated touch without the harshness of old-school perms.
7. Frosted Tips
This bleached hairstyle was a hallmark of the late 1990s and early 2000s, often seen on boy band members. Frosted tips can look harsh and unnatural.
To modernize, try a subtle balayage or highlights that blend seamlessly with your natural color, creating a sun-kissed effect that’s stylish and understated.
8. Bowl Cut
The bowl cut is easy to recognize with its uniform length all around, resembling a bowl placed over the head.
Common among children in the 1980s, it’s now seen as more of a joke than a style statement. For a more modern look, incorporate layered bangs or a textured fringe to add dimension and style.
9. Victory Rolls
Victory rolls were a popular 1940s hairstyle, characterized by rolled sections of hair pinned on top of the head.
While glamorous, it can feel theatrical and outdated for everyday wear. To update, use this technique sparingly with a modern twist, such as integrating a vintage roll into a loose updo.
10. Shag Haircut
The shag haircut, with its choppy layers and rock ‘n’ roll vibe, rose to fame in the 1970s. While it had a rebellious edge, it can look unkempt and dated now.
For a modern twist, maintain the layers but refine the silhouette for a sleeker, more polished appearance that retains its carefree spirit.
11. Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes are characterized by long, upright spikes of hair, often seen in the punk subculture of the 1980s and 1990s.
While bold, they can seem impractical and over-the-top today. For a subtle nod, try a textured crop or undercut, allowing for some edge without the need for industrial amounts of gel.
12. Flipped Out Ends
Flipped out ends were a popular choice in the 1960s and 1970s, often styled with a thick headband.
This look can feel overly structured and dated. Instead, incorporate soft, inward curls at the ends to add a touch of vintage charm without compromising a contemporary and approachable style.
13. Pageboy Cut
The pageboy cut features straight hair hanging down below the ear, with blunt bangs. Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, it’s seen today as overly simplistic.
To modernize, add layers or opt for an asymmetrical variation to introduce some flair while maintaining the clean lines that make this style recognizable.
14. Cornrows with Beads
Cornrows adorned with beads were a cultural staple in the 1990s, especially among young girls. While they offer a unique and playful look, they can feel too youthful for adults.
For a modern twist, try minimalist cornrows without beads or integrate them into a chic updo for a sophisticated touch.
15. The Pompadour
The pompadour, with its high volume at the front and slicked back sides, was made famous by rock ‘n’ roll legends.
While it remains a classic, the style can appear rigid. For a contemporary approach, soften the shape and volume, creating a more relaxed version that nods to its iconic roots.
16. The Ducktail
The ducktail, or “D.A.”, was a trendy men’s hairstyle in the 1950s, defined by hair combed back at the sides to meet in the middle.
While nostalgic, it can seem overly styled today. Instead, integrate texture and reduce the sleekness for a more laid-back and modern variation that retains its retro appeal.
17. Hime Cut
The hime cut, originating from Japan, features straight sides and blunt bangs, often perceived as an anime-inspired look.
While distinctive, this severe style can appear costume-like. To update, blend the blunt edges into softer layers or add subtle curls for a more natural and versatile appearance that honors its origins.
18. The Comb Over
The comb over involves using longer hair to cover a balding spot, a tactic embraced by many men in the mid-20th century.
While practical, it often appears transparent and unflattering. A more modern approach is embracing shorter styles that work with thinning hair, adding texture to create a fuller appearance.
19. The Man Bun with Undercut
The man bun, often paired with an undercut, gained massive popularity in the 2010s among hipsters. Although trendy, it can look overly curated and passé.
For a fresh look, embrace a more natural bun without the severe undercut, offering a laid-back style that’s effortlessly cool and less contrived.
20. Zigzag Parting
Zigzag parting was a playful twist on traditional hair parts in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While fun, it can appear juvenile and overly styled.
For a modern approach, consider a deep side part or subtle zigzag effect with softer lines, achieving a creative look that’s more refined and contemporary.
21. Permed Bangs
Permed bangs were a bold fashion choice in the 1980s, often making a dramatic statement. However, the frizzy, overly curly look can seem overly dated today.
Instead, opt for sleek, straight bangs or gentle waves, offering a more polished look that enhances your features without overpowering them.
22. Teased Half-Updo
The teased half-updo was a popular choice for proms and events in the 1980s, characterized by its height and volume.
While fun and dramatic, it can look excessively styled today. For a modern refresh, keep the volume minimal and add soft waves, creating an effortlessly chic appearance that nods to its playful past.
23. Long Rat Tail
The long rat tail was a daring statement in the 1980s and 1990s, often found on adventurous youths.
However, the stark contrast between the short hair and dangling tail can feel out of place today. For a modern edge, go for an edgy undercut or subtle taper fade to maintain individuality without excess.
24. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are small, coiled buns that originate from African tribes and were popularized in the 1990s. While they hold cultural significance, they can feel too bold for daily wear.
To update, consider integrating Bantu knots into sections of a larger hairstyle, offering a contemporary touch that respects its roots.
25. The Rachel
“The Rachel” was iconic in the 1990s thanks to Jennifer Aniston’s character on “Friends.” The choppy layers and voluminous blowout were highly sought after. However, the style can look overly structured now.
To modernize, soften the layers and add beachy waves, creating an effortlessly stylish look that nods to its pop culture legacy.
26. Slicked-Back Hair
Slicked-back hair, often achieved with gel or pomade, was a power move in the 1980s. While sleek, it can appear greasy and dated.
For a more modern take, use a lightweight styling cream to achieve a softer, more natural slicked-back look that retains its polished essence without the excessive shine.
27. High-Top Fade
The high-top fade, popularized in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was a defining look in hip-hop culture. While striking, it can appear stark and outdated.
For a contemporary vibe, lower the height and integrate a fade that transitions smoothly, maintaining the style’s edge without the extreme height.
28. The Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut features short, straight-cut bangs and was revived in the 1990s. While easy to maintain, its rigid lines can seem severe.
To update, add texture throughout the length and soften the fringe, creating a relaxed look that’s both modern and easy to style, preserving its timeless appeal.
29. Curly Mop Top
The curly mop top was popular among 1960s British rock bands. Its tousled look is iconic yet can feel unkempt.
For a modern take, opt for a more structured cut that enhances natural curls while maintaining a neat shape. This allows for a clean, refined appearance that honors the style’s musical legacy.
30. Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs, a trend from the 1980s, provided a wispy, layered look. However, they can appear too voluminous and dated now.
For an updated style, try curtain bangs or soft fringes that frame the face gently, offering a modern twist that’s both fresh and flattering, while subtly nodding to their retro origins.
31. The Flat Top
The flat top, characterized by its clean, boxy shape, was a popular men’s hairstyle in the 1980s and 1990s. While bold, it can seem overly structured today.
To modernize, lower the height and add a fade, creating a more gradual transition that retains the distinctiveness of the style without the severity.