Ah, the swinging 60s, the groovy 70s, and the extravagant 80s! These decades were all about pushing the boundaries of fashion and style, especially when it came to hair.
While some looks were iconic, others left us wondering what went wrong. Here’s a nostalgic look back at 41 hairstyles from these eras that we hope to never see again.
1. Beehive
The beehive was all about height and drama. Women in the 60s embraced this look, teasing and spraying their hair to gravity-defying heights.
It was a labor of love, requiring hours in front of the mirror. Despite its popularity back then, this hairstyle often looked like a bird’s nest gone wrong.
2. Mullet
The mullet: business in the front and party in the back. Popularized in the 80s, this hairstyle was a rebellion against conventional styles.
While it made a statement, it often became the butt of jokes. Its uneven proportions and awkward length didn’t suit everyone, making it a memorable but regrettable choice.
3. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips were the highlight of the 80s hair scene. People would bleach the tips of their hair, giving it a sun-kissed look.
Although it was trendy, it often resulted in uneven color and damaged hair. The contrast between dark roots and bleached ends was anything but subtle.
4. Afro Puffs
Afro puffs became a signature look in the 70s. The style involved pulling the hair into tight puffs on either side of the head.
While it celebrated natural hair, the excessive use of products and tight bands often led to breakage. It was bold, beautiful, but not always practical for daily wear.
5. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair was a staple of the 70s, made famous by Farrah Fawcett. The style involved layers that framed the face in a feather-like pattern.
While it added volume, it was hard to maintain. The layers could quickly lose their shape, leaving one with an unruly mane rather than a stylish do.
6. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was all the rage in the 80s, characterized by a zig-zag texture. Achieved by using a crimping iron, this look was unique but damaging.
The excessive heat and tight crimps left hair frizzy and fragile. Despite being fun for a night out, it was a nightmare for hair health.
7. Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl was synonymous with the 80s. This glossy, curly look was achieved using a chemical process.
While it promised effortless curls, the reality was greasy and high-maintenance. The constant need for reapplication of activator made it expensive. It left wearers with stained pillowcases and oily shoulders.
8. Rat Tail
The rat tail was a peculiar trend of the 80s, where a thin strand of hair was grown long at the nape. This odd choice was often paired with otherwise short hair.
It was unique, yes, but also awkward and difficult to style. It quickly fell out of favor as trends evolved.
9. Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, often the result of home haircuts, became a staple in the 60s and 70s. This style was exactly as it sounds: hair trimmed evenly around the head.
It was easy to maintain but lacked any style or flair. More a practical choice than a fashion statement, it was often regretted.
10. Perm
The perm was a defining hairstyle of the late 70s and 80s. Curling hair into tight, springy coils, it offered volume but at a cost.
The chemical process was harsh, leading to dry and brittle hair. Maintaining those curls required constant upkeep, making it a time-consuming and often regrettable choice.
11. Shag
The shag was a rock-and-roll staple of the 70s, characterized by choppy layers and bangs. It offered an effortlessly cool look but could easily veer into messy territory.
Without regular trims, it often lost its edge, resulting in a tangled look. Despite its popularity, it was not for everyone.
12. Bouffant
The bouffant was all about volume and sophistication in the 60s. Hair was backcombed and set into a rounded, elevated shape.
It was glamorous but required significant effort and hairspray to maintain. The result often seemed too stiff and artificial, leaving many to prefer more relaxed styles.
13. Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes were a bold statement of the 80s punk scene. Hair was styled into multiple long spikes, often with vibrant colors.
Achieving this look was time-consuming, requiring ample gel and patience. Though iconic in punk culture, it was impractical for everyday fashion, making it a rebellious yet fleeting trend.
14. Pageboy
The pageboy, with its sleek, rounded edges, was a 60s favorite. This cut framed the face with curled-under ends.
While chic, it was difficult to maintain the precise shape without regular salon visits. Often, it ended up looking flat and lackluster without the right styling products and techniques.
15. Flat Top
The flat top was a geometric marvel of the 80s. Hair was cut and styled to form a flat, horizontal plane.
While it was a popular choice among athletes and musicians, it required constant maintenance to keep the lines sharp. The style was bold but not suitable for all hair types.
16. Cornrows
Cornrows, with their intricate patterns, were a cultural statement. Popular in the 70s, this style involved tightly braiding hair close to the scalp.
Though visually striking, it could lead to scalp tension and hair breakage if worn excessively. Despite its beauty, the upkeep and potential damage made it challenging.
17. Pompadour
The pompadour, though originating earlier, saw a revival. Hair was swept upwards and back, creating height.
While stylish, it required a lot of product and regular touch-ups to maintain its form. The style could become greasy with too much pomade, making it a high-maintenance choice not for the faint-hearted.
18. Waterfall Bangs
Waterfall bangs were a romantic yet tricky style of the 70s. Bangs were layered and feathered, cascading around the face.
While they added softness, they often required daily styling to prevent them from looking limp. The style was delicate and needed just the right conditions to look effortless.
19. Ducktail
The ducktail, or DA, involved slicking back the sides and leaving a ridge down the center. This 50s-inspired look gained some traction later on. It was neat but required copious amounts of gel, leading to stiff, crunchy hair.
The effort wasn’t always worth the look, making it a fleeting trend.
20. Bowl Mullet
The bowl mullet was an unfortunate fusion of two ill-fated hairstyles.
With a bowl cut in the front and a mullet in the back, it offered neither the charm of a classic bowl nor the rebellious spirit of a mullet. This odd combination lacked harmony, leaving wearers with a perplexing style.
21. Slicked-Back
Slicked-back hair was the epitome of 80s corporate power. Hair was combed back with copious amounts of gel, achieving a shiny and controlled appearance.
While it exuded confidence, it often appeared greasy and required regular upkeep. This look was more about image than practicality, leaving many to seek softer styles.
22. Spiky Hair
Spiky hair was a youthful rebellion of the 80s. Gel was used to create stiff spikes all over the head. While it was a fun and edgy look, it often became crunchy and uncomfortable.
The style demanded daily styling and was susceptible to weather changes, making it a commitment many weren’t ready for.
23. Teased Bangs
Teased bangs were a quintessential 80s teenage look. Hair was backcombed to add volume and height, creating a fluffy, dramatic fringe.
Though trendy, it often led to tangles and damage. Maintaining the desired look was a challenge, requiring patience and plenty of hairspray. It was playful but not always practical.
24. Sideburns
Sideburns were a defining feature of 70s men’s grooming. These thick strips of hair extended down the sides of the face, often paired with other facial hair.
While they added character, they required regular trimming to maintain their shape. The style was bold but wasn’t always flattering or easy to manage.
25. Blowout
The blowout was a glamorous 70s hairstyle, creating volume and bounce. Hair was styled using a blow dryer and round brushes, resulting in full, soft waves.
While stunning, it was time-consuming and required skill to perfect. Without proper technique, it could quickly deflate, leaving hair looking flat rather than fabulous.
26. Flipped Ends
Flipped ends were a playful 60s hair trend. Hair was curled outwards at the ends, creating a lively flip. While it added a fun twist to any cut, it needed daily styling and was sensitive to humidity.
The effect could easily turn from flirty to frizzy, making it a high-maintenance choice.
27. Mohawk
The mohawk was a bold statement in the punk scene, involving shaving the sides and leaving a strip of hair in the middle.
This defiant look was often dyed in bright colors. While it was a symbol of rebellion, it required frequent shaving and styling, making it a daring but demanding hairstyle.
28. French Twist
The French twist was a sophisticated 60s updo. Hair was gathered and twisted upwards, creating a sleek and polished look.
While perfect for formal occasions, it required skill to achieve without stray hairs. Maintaining its elegance throughout the day was a challenge, making it less ideal for everyday wear.
29. Braid Crown
The braid crown was a romantic 70s hairstyle, where hair was braided and wrapped around the head. This bohemian look was both charming and intricate.
While it created a delicate and ethereal appearance, it demanded patience and practice to perfect. The style was fragile, often unraveling without proper securing.
30. Pixie Cut
The pixie cut was a daring 60s style, showcasing short, close-cropped hair. This minimalist look highlighted facial features and offered ease of maintenance.
However, it was not forgiving for all face shapes and required confidence to pull off. Regrowth was a lengthy process, leaving some hesitant to commit.
31. Cornrow Mohawk
The cornrow mohawk combined the structure of cornrows with the boldness of a mohawk. Hair was braided tightly on the sides and left longer in the middle.
This fusion style was striking but required meticulous braiding and regular upkeep. The look was unique, but not always practical for everyday life.
32. Big Hair
Big hair was the emblem of the 80s, characterized by volume and height. Achieved through perms, teasing, and copious hairspray, it was a statement of extravagance.
While it demanded attention, it also required constant styling to maintain its shape. The upkeep was intense, making it a memorable yet cumbersome trend.
33. S-Curl
The S-curl was a popular 70s look, especially among African American men. The style featured loose, shiny curls achieved through chemical processing.
While it offered a smooth and polished appearance, it required regular maintenance to prevent hair damage. The heavy use of product made it a commitment not easily sustained.
34. Wedge Cut
The wedge cut was a sporty 70s hairstyle, featuring stacked layers at the back. This structured look was ideal for active lifestyles but could quickly lose its form if not regularly trimmed.
While it offered a neat appearance, the maintenance required to keep the sharp lines was a challenge for many.
35. Finger Waves
Finger waves, though rooted in the 20s, saw a revival. Hair was sculpted into smooth, S-shaped waves, often set with gel.
While elegant, achieving this precise look was time-consuming and required a skilled hand. The style was delicate, prone to losing its shape, making it more suited for special occasions.
36. Slick Pixie
The slick pixie was a bold adaptation of the classic pixie cut. Hair was kept short and styled flat against the head with gel for a sleek finish.
While trendy, it was unforgiving of any styling errors and required regular trims. The look was striking but left little room for versatility.
37. Victory Rolls
Victory rolls were an iconic 40s hairstyle that resurfaced. Hair was rolled and pinned to create voluminous loops.
While stylish and full of nostalgia, they were tricky to master without experience. The style required patience and plenty of pins, making it more of a commitment than a casual choice.
38. Burst Fade
The burst fade was a daring haircut of the 80s and 90s, featuring shaved sides with a burst of length on top.
This edgy look was modern but needed frequent grooming to maintain its distinct shape. The style was eye-catching but required a commitment to stay sharp and fresh.
39. Roller Set
The roller set was a classic 60s method for achieving bouncy curls. Hair was set in rollers and left to dry, creating voluminous waves.
While effective, it was time-consuming and often uncomfortable. The style was a staple of the era but required patience and effort to achieve the desired results.
40. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots were a distinctive style of the 70s, featuring small, coiled buns across the scalp. This look celebrated natural hair but could be tight and uncomfortable.
While it created a striking appearance, it wasn’t easy to sleep on or maintain for extended periods, making it more of a temporary statement.
41. Rattail Mullet
The rattail mullet was an unconventional blend of two notorious hairstyles. With a mullet on top and a long, thin rat tail at the back, it offered an eccentric look.
This style was a daring choice, often seen as awkward and difficult to pull off in mainstream fashion, catering more to niche subcultures.