Let’s embark on a hilarious journey down memory lane, where hairstyles had their own quirky vocabulary and occasionally shouted for attention. While these funky hairstyles once made waves, it’s safe to say they shouldn’t make a comeback anytime soon.
1. **The Mullet**: With its infamous ‘business in the front, party in the back’ motto, the mullet was the epitome of a hairstyle contradiction. This style screamed, ‘I want to be taken seriously, but I’m also ready to enjoy some weekend fun,’ and while it was a star of the 1980s, it has now become a symbol of outdated fashion trends. It’s often seen at themed parties for laughs but let’s hope it doesn’t re-enter mainstream culture.
The mullet is infamous for its boldness and lack of subtlety. It’s the hairstyle equivalent of wearing a tuxedo jacket with board shorts. While once sported by rock stars and athletes, today it’s more of a running joke than a respected hairstyle. Let’s hope it stays that way.
Product on Amazon: Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Purifying Shampoo, Silicone-Free, 12.5 Fl Oz, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)
Brand: Garnier
Price: 3.97 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 19975
Shopping on Amazon >>
2. **Teased bangs**: Those gravity-defying, sky-high bangs that seemed to defy all laws of physics. Teased bangs were all the rage in the 1980s, making every head look like it was ready for a heavy metal concert—or a wind tunnel. Achieving this hairstyle required a good amount of hairspray, teasing combs, and, presumably, a willful disregard for hair health.
While they added inches to your height and made a bold statement, teased bangs were surely a fire hazard. They are a relic of a time when bigger was better, and more was more. Let’s not bring back the teased mess of hairspray and broken dreams.
Product on Amazon: Dove Shampoo Coconut & Hydration for Dry Hair with Bio-Protein Care Technology and Coconut Oil 28 Fl Oz
Brand: Dove
Price: 8.84 USD
Rating: 4.7 Total reviews: 236
Shopping on Amazon >>
3. **Rat Tail**: Just like it sounds, this hairstyle involved growing a thin piece of hair much longer than the rest of your hair. The rat tail was a peculiar style choice that left us all wondering, ‘why just that one piece?‘ It was unkempt, bizarre, and hopefully extinct.
The rat tail truly challenged the very essence of grooming, demanding a confidence that bordered on obliviousness. Though it may have been an attempt to inject some edge into an ordinary haircut, it ultimately resembled more of a grooming disaster than a daring fashion choice. Here’s hoping we can let this one fade away gracefully.
Product on Amazon: Mars Wellness 4 Piece Professional Comb Set Black – USA MADE – Fine Pro Tail Combs, Dresser Hair Comb Styling Comb – Premium Grade for Men and Women – Parting Teasing and Styling
Brand: Mars Wellness
Price: 7.99 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 5286
Shopping on Amazon >>
4. **Frosted Tips**: Remember when it looked like someone dipped their hair in bleach and forgot to blend it? Frosted tips were a highlight (pun intended) of the late ’90s and early ’00s boy band era. Every pop star and wannabe musician sported this look that was somehow edgy and lovable at the same time.
Frosted tips required constant maintenance and an unnatural amount of bleach. This one may have made you look like you were always on the verge of a beach holiday, but let’s leave it as a memory of our questionable fashion decisions.
Product on Amazon: Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair (8.45 oz Jar)
Price: 14.99 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 62379
Shopping on Amazon >>
5. **The Bowl Cut**: If your mom ever put a bowl on your head and cut around it, congratulations, you’ve experienced a classic bowl cut. This haircut was the epitome of simplicity and was often the go-to for parents who couldn’t quite master the art of hairstyling.
The bowl cut exuded a peculiar medieval charm, reminiscent of something you’d see in a monastery rather than a modern hair salon. It’s best we leave this style in the forgotten past, alongside other questionable fashion fads from our youthful escapades.
Product on Amazon: Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Conditioner Ultimate Moisture for Dry Hair Moisturizing ProteinFusion with Elastin Protein and Green Caviar 33.8 oz
Brand: Nexxus
Price: 15.68 USD
Rating: 4.7 Total reviews: 10468
Shopping on Amazon >>
6. **Crimped Hair**: When straight and curly hair wasn’t enough, crimped hair made its debut. This hairstyle made your hair look like a waffle iron had its way with it. Crimped hair was the go-to style for anyone who wanted to make a statement in the ’80s and ’90s.
While the crimping trend did add texture and volume, it required excessive heat and effort, often resulting in a look akin to an electrical shock survivor. Let’s conserve our energy and leave this hairstyle in the past where it belongs.
7. **Liberty Spikes**: For the punk at heart, liberty spikes were the ultimate rebellion. Each strand of hair was gelled to perfection, standing tall like mini spikes. While they were a staple at punk rock concerts, they’re best left there.
Liberty spikes required dedication, gallons of hair gel, and a willingness to poke someone’s eye out. They may have screamed individualism and rebellion, but in today’s world, they might just scream ‘stay away’. A relic of the punk rock era that should stay there.
8. **The Beehive**: This towering hairstyle left many wondering just how many birds and bees might be nesting within. Gaining popularity in the ’60s, the beehive required ample patience, skill, and an entire can of hairspray to achieve that sky-high look.
Although the beehive added significant height and was once a symbol of elegance, it also presented a logistical nightmare for many. While it may have been the crowning glory of its time, let’s allow it to rest in the past—without any new nests appearing in the future.
Let’s continue our journey through the realm of hair dos and don’ts with some more unforgettable styles that have left a lasting impact—not necessarily in a good way. Buckle up for a hilarious ride through hair history.
9. **Perms Gone Wrong**: Picture this: you wanted the luscious curls of a Hollywood star, but ended up looking like a poodle caught in a rainstorm. Ah, the perm—a daring endeavor that promised volume and curls, yet often delivered frizz and regret. The 1980s made perms popular for both men and women, but achieving the perfect curl was like catching lightning in a bottle.
Perms required a cocktail of chemicals and time, and there was always a risk of emerging with a look that was more ‘electrocuted’ than ‘elegant. While perms have evolved and can now produce more natural looks, let’s keep the over-processed, crunchy curls firmly in the past. No one needs that kind of hair stress.
Fashion is a constantly shifting landscape, and trends that were once celebrated can swiftly become outdated. Reflecting on these hairstyles with a lighthearted perspective reminds us that it’s perfectly fine to let certain styles remain in the past. But who knows? One day, a few of these might just make a surprising comeback. Until then, let’s raise a toast to the hairstyles that bring us laughter, cringes, and cherished memories of the good old days.
Related posts:
63 Stunning Short Hairstyles To Try In 2025
‘Bumpit’ Ponytails Were Everywhere at the Golden Globes—Here’s How to Get the Look
13 Hairstyles Straight From The ’70s That Are Making A Comeback
