These 14 Outdated Hairstyles Should Be Retired for Good

Hairstyles can come and go out of fashion at lightspeed. One minute, we are all cutting our hair into short bangs, and then the next minute, we are all searching for pink hair dye. Hair trends are a fun way to show your personal style. However, some trends should probably be retired. These 14 styles were pretty popular a few years ago, but now they are at the center of ridicule. Make sure you avoid falling into the trap of asking for one of these next time you are at the hairdresser.
The Mullet

While this hairstyle had its moment in the spotlight, it is now considered outdated. It’s rare to see anyone today rocking a full-on mullet, and for good reason. The dramatic contrast between the short front and the long back is a bit too much for modern tastes. If you want to experiment with shorter hair in the front and longer hair in the back, there are more subtle ways to achieve this look without going full mullet. A soft, layered cut can give you the same vibe without feeling out of place. The mullet is a great piece of 80s history, but it’s time to move on.
Big, Teased Hair

Back in the 80s and early 90s, bigger was always better when it came to hair. Women spent a lot of time teasing their hair to add as much volume as possible. While big hair was a major trend back then, it’s not as fashionable today. Teased hair can look messy and outdated, especially when paired with certain styles. Today’s trends lean more toward sleek, smooth, and polished looks. If you love volume, there are modern ways to achieve it without teasing. Soft curls, waves, or using a volumizing spray can add body without looking too old-school. Big, teased hair had its time, but now it’s all about effortless, natural volume.
Tight Ringlet Curls

Tight ringlet curls were once a popular go-to look for women in the 90s and early 2000s. However, these ultra-defined, stiff curls often look unnatural and are no longer in vogue. Today’s curly hair trends favor soft, loose waves or natural curls with more movement and texture. If you love curls, opt for larger barrel curls or beachy waves that flow more naturally. This creates a softer, more effortless style that fits today’s aesthetic, giving you a fresh and flattering look.
Bowl Cuts

The bowl cut was a classic go-to hairstyle for kids and even some adults in the 90s. It was known for its simple, rounded shape that resembled the outline of a bowl placed on the head. While it may have been easy to maintain, the bowl cut is not a style that’s considered fashionable today. The blunt, straight edges of a bowl cut don’t have the softness and texture that are popular now. If you’re looking for something similar but more modern, opt for a textured bob or layered cut. These styles still offer simplicity without looking too harsh or outdated. The bowl cut is one old-school look that hasn’t made a comeback—and probably won’t.
The “Poof” Bump

The poof, or “bump,” hairstyle was extremely popular in the early 2000s, often worn with the crown of the hair teased and pinned up high. While it added volume and drama back then, the poof has since fallen out of style. Today’s trends lean towards more natural volume and softer looks without the exaggerated height. The overly teased bump can come across as outdated and artificial. If you still love some lift at the crown, try subtle backcombing or volumizing products for a more modern, polished look. This will give you height without the outdated, overly teased style. A sleek ponytail or soft waves with a little lift at the roots can achieve the same effect while looking current.
The Beehive

The beehive hairstyle was all the rage in the 60s, with its towering height and sleek finish. While it was a glamorous look back then, it’s not something you see much of today. The beehive required a lot of teasing and hairspray to achieve, making it impractical for everyday wear. Modern styles are more focused on effortless looks that don’t take hours to create. If you love the vintage vibe of the beehive, try a simple updo or a messy bun for a modern twist. These looks are easier to manage and still have that chic, classic appeal. The beehive is a fun piece of history but not a practical choice for today.
Choppy

Back in the early 2000s, a choppy, layered haircut was a big trend. It gave your hair lots of volume, but now it can look a bit harsh. Too many layers can make your hair seem uneven. These days, people prefer softer, more natural layers that blend in better. You can still have layers. Just go for a style that’s smoother and less choppy. It keeps your look fresh without feeling outdated. Small changes like this can really make a difference in how modern your hair feels. A softer style will always look more current.
Crimped Hair

Crimped hair was a trend in the 80s and early 90s. While it was a fun and playful look, crimped hair has fallen out of fashion. Today’s trends lean more towards natural waves and curls rather than the sharp, zig-zag texture that crimping creates. If you love texture in your hair, you can achieve a similar look with beachy waves or soft curls. These styles look more effortless and modern without the stiff, crimped effect. Crimped hair was fun while it lasted, but it’s time to embrace a softer, more natural wave.
Frosted Tips

Frosted tips were a major trend for men in the late 90s and early 2000s, especially for those wanting to add some edgy flair to their look. The style involved bleaching the ends of the hair while leaving the roots darker. While it was a cool, rebellious look at the time, frosted tips have since become a fashion faux pas. The harsh contrast between the light tips and dark roots feels outdated. Today, men’s hair trends are more focused on natural blends of color or subtle highlights. If you want some contrast in your hair, try a softer balayage or lowlights for a more modern, polished look.
The Perm

Permed hair was incredibly popular in the 80s, with its tight curls and voluminous shape. While perms are still around in more modern forms, the old-school, overly curly perms are no longer in fashion. The tight, frizzy curls that were once stylish can now feel too harsh and unnatural. Today’s perms are softer, with looser waves that look more relaxed. If you’re interested in adding curls to your hair, consider a modern perm that focuses on creating a natural, beachy wave. This gives you the volume and texture without the outdated, over-curled look.
Shag Haircuts

The shag haircut was a major trend in the 70s and 80s, with its choppy layers and messy finish. While some modern versions of the shag have come back, the old-school version feels too unpolished for today’s trends. The original shag could sometimes look like you didn’t put any effort into styling, which isn’t the vibe most people want today. If you like the look of layers and texture, a more polished, modern shag might be a better option. It’s a great way to keep the volume and movement without the messiness of the original style.
The Rachel

Inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s character on Friends, “The Rachel” haircut was the go-to style of the 90s. With its layered cut and face-framing highlights, it became iconic. However, while it was stylish back then, this haircut feels dated today. Hair trends have moved towards more natural, blended layers rather than the sharp, distinct layers of The Rachel. If you love the idea of a layered cut, go for something softer and more blended. A modern layered cut will give you the same volume without looking like you’re stuck in the 90s. The Rachel had its time, but it’s time to let it go.
Mermaid Hair

So many of us fell in love with the colored hair trend. We were all reaching for those pink hair dye bottles and breaking out our inner Barbie. The colorful mermaid hair was definitely fun! But it is a trend that has slowly faded away. Now, your rainbow hair will make you unique and bold rather than trendy. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is something to consider before you start dying your locks a bright shade of pink.
Platinum White Hair

Dying our hair white was an interesting choice. It was almost as if we all wanted to age a little faster and get to the white hair stage of our lives as soon as we could. While we enjoyed seeing ourselves with bright white hair for a few months, this trend is no longer around. Wait to get white hair naturally in your older age. It will look beautiful then and may not be so necessary now.
Hairstyles evolve just like fashion, and what was once trendy can easily become outdated. The key is to find a style that makes you feel confident and modern. While these old-school hairstyles had their moment, there are plenty of updated options that keep you looking fresh and on-trend. It’s not about completely abandoning the past but about finding new ways to make classic styles work for you today. A simple update to your hairstyle can make a big difference in how you feel and how others see you. After all, your hair is one of the first things people notice, so why not keep it current? Embrace change, and you’ll always feel your best.