In the ever-evolving world of fashion, staying current with your hairstyle is essential for maintaining a vibrant appearance. While some hair trends may seem timeless, others quickly become outdated, giving your look an unintentional retro vibe.
Knowing which hairstyles to avoid is crucial whether you’re aiming for a chic makeover or simply want to refresh your style.
1. The Mullet
Known for its bold statement, the mullet is a classic ‘business in the front, party in the back’ style. However, its popularity peaked in the 80s and hasn’t made a successful comeback.
This cut can seem dated and unrefined, especially if not styled with modern touches. Consider a textured crop for a current look.
2. Rat Tail
The rat tail features a single strand of long hair at the nape, a relic of the 1980s. It’s often viewed as an awkward transition from childhood to adulthood.
This style lacks sophistication and sharpness, often appearing messy. For a more polished look, try a sleek undercut or fade.
3. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair, characterized by its soft, layered waves, was once a staple in the 70s. Today, it feels more costume-like than contemporary.
If you want your hair to feel light and fresh, opt for modern layers with a bit of edge, adding movement without looking outdated.
4. Beehive
The beehive is an iconic updo from the 60s, known for its towering height. While it was once the epitome of chic, today it can seem overdone and impractical.
To elevate your style, consider a sleek bun or a low chignon, providing sophistication without excess volume.
5. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips involve lightening the ends of short hair, creating a stark contrast. This trend took off in the late 90s but now appears brash and artificial.
For a more subtle approach, try balayage or subtle highlights to blend with your natural hair color and add depth.
6. Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, infamous for its helmet-like appearance, was once a childhood staple. Despite its convenience, it lacks flair and sophistication.
This cut often feels stiff and unflattering. A more contemporary option would be a textured crop or tousled layers for added movement and style.
7. Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes involve styling hair into upright, pointed spikes. Popular in punk cultures, they can seem extreme and outdated in everyday settings.
For a bold yet modern look, experiment with faux hawks or textured styles that maintain individuality without the rigidity of sharp spikes.
8. Permed Hair
Permed hair, defined by its tight curls, was a major trend in the 80s. Today, the overly styled appearance can seem artificial.
Instead of perming, consider embracing natural waves or soft curls with modern curling techniques that enhance texture without stiffness.
9. The Mohawk
The mohawk, with its dramatic shaved sides and central strip, was iconic in punk fashion. However, it can feel aggressive and dated now.
For a contemporary twist, try a tapered faux hawk or a quiff, which maintains the edge but with a more versatile, polished touch.
10. The Shag
The shag features choppy layers and a messy look, popular in the 70s. Although it’s made minor comebacks, it can still appear unkempt.
To modernize, opt for a long layered cut with subtle texture, offering the volume and movement of a shag without the disarray.
11. Cornrows
Cornrows, a traditional African hairstyle, involve braiding hair close to the scalp in rows. While culturally significant, it can be perceived as outdated when not styled with care.
To update, mix cornrows with loose braids or twists, adding a contemporary flair that retains cultural roots.
12. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair, with its zigzag texture, was a hit in the 80s but now feels reminiscent of retro parties.
For a fresh alternative, explore soft beach waves or gently tousled curls, which provide texture and volume without the harsh lines of crimping.
13. The Poodle Cut
The poodle cut, known for its tight curls and round shape, was once a symbol of fashion-forward thinking. In modern times, it feels overly structured.
To refresh this look, try looser curls or waves, allowing for movement and avoiding the rigidity of a poodle-like silhouette.
14. Victory Rolls
Victory rolls, with their large, sculpted curls, were a wartime classic. However, outside themed events, they can seem theatrical.
For a contemporary alternative, explore side-swept curls or voluminous blowouts, offering glamour without the vintage connotation of victory rolls.
15. The Ducktail
The ducktail, or D.A., involves slicking back the hair to meet at the nape. Popular in the 1950s, it can appear greasy and old-fashioned today.
Consider a modern pompadour or slicked-back undercut, which provides a clean, stylish look without the excessive use of product.
16. The Pixie with Long Bangs
The pixie cut with long, dramatic bangs was once seen as edgy. However, the contrast can now feel disjointed.
For a balanced update, try a soft pixie with shorter, textured bangs that blend seamlessly into the cut, offering a cohesive and contemporary style.
17. The Pageboy
The pageboy, with its straight lines and smooth finish, was once a chic, minimalist choice. However, it can feel rigid and outdated today.
For a modern take, incorporate gentle waves or layers, adding dimension and movement to a classic shape, avoiding the static appearance of the original.
18. The Bouffant
The bouffant, known for its voluminous top and sleek sides, was a hit in the 60s. Today, it can seem overwhelming and high-maintenance.
To modernize, opt for a voluminous blowout or layered cut that adds body without the structural intensity of a bouffant.
19. The Farrah Flip
The Farrah Flip, with its large, outward curls, was iconic in the 70s. However, it can feel too retro for today’s fashion.
For a current look, try soft layers with gentle waves that frame the face, providing the allure of the flip without the excessive curl.
20. The Hi-Top Fade
The hi-top fade, featuring a flat top and short sides, was a hallmark of 90s hip-hop. While nostalgic, it can feel stuck in the past.
Consider a low fade or textured top for a modern style that retains the essence of the original without being overly defined.
21. The Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl, with its glossy, soft curls, was a major trend in the 80s. However, the upkeep and oily appearance feel dated now.
Instead, embrace natural curls with hydrating products that enhance texture without the excessive shine and maintenance of the Jheri curl.
22. The Pompadour
The pompadour, known for its high, rolled top, has cycled in and out of fashion. Though stylish, it can feel formal and high-maintenance.
For a relaxed version, try a tousled quiff or textured volume that captures the essence of the pompadour without the rigidity.
23. The Comb Over
The comb over, often used to cover thinning hair, can appear obvious and dated. It lacks the natural flow of modern styles.
For a more current approach, embrace shorter cuts that enhance natural texture or use volumizing products to subtly add fullness without concealment.
24. The Beehive Bouffant
Combining the height of the beehive with the volume of a bouffant, this style can feel like a relic of the past.
To refresh, try a lifted crown with sleek sides, maintaining volume without the heavy structure, offering an updated elegance for formal occasions.
25. The Flattop
The flattop, known for its level surface, was once a symbol of precision. However, it can feel rigid and uniform today.
For a contemporary version, explore a shorter cut with added texture or angles, providing movement and breaking away from the strict lines of the flattop.
26. The Rattail with Braids
This combines the outdated rattail with small braids, creating a style that seems overly complex and unfashionable.
For a sleek, modern look, try a single braid or a tapered cut, allowing for a clean style without the confusion of multiple conflicting elements.