We have traveled down hairstyle lane and summarized the hairdos and hairdont’s that have made their mark. Read on to see some of the most iconic (and unappealing) hairstyles of all time.
Hair Extensions
Having hair extensions brings a set of rules with it. You can't be cheap, you can't buy synthetic, and you can't be outdated. For years people have been extending their hair, and for some, it is time to stop.
Using the wrong shade in the wrong length will only make you aggravated, as every day will become a bad hair day.
The Mullet
Who's the hairdresser that came up with this? Interestingly enough, it originates back in the 19th century when fishermen kept the back of their hair long to keep warm. However, it became so popular in the 1980s; everyone looked like leftover mops.
A few well-known stars have had their fair share of this haircut; days we believe they would prefer to forget.
The Farrah Fawcett's Feathered Hair
If there is anything Farrah Fawcett is known for, it's her unforgettable hairstyle. Both men and women feathered their hair back in the '70s and '80s, which worked well with the glamorous disco days. Nowadays, imitating a bird of some sort would probably stand out, and not in a good way.
This piece of hair history will have to be locked away. You don't really want to look for shelter every time it rains. Being dedicated to loads of hairstyle products will be a waste of time and if you don't live on the West Coast, it's not going to hold! Think of something else.
Beehive
1960 gave us, amongst others, the Bee Hive hairstyle. It is hard to believe that the hive was constructed simply with hair as it rose to magnificent heights.
This iconic hairdo did not vanish away together with the other 60 symbols and managed to keep its dignity throughout the years. Amy Winehouse is better known for her outrageous hairstyle, and by looking at it, you can understand why it gets its name.
The Undercut
What is the purpose of the undercut? It's still very unclear. This hairstyle has gone through so many evolutions as if people have not learned their lesson. First introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, it came back in the 1940s and returned (for some reason) in the 2010s.
It may look cool for the first few days. However, as the short part of the hair begins to grow, you are left with two options - you either cut it or cut it out.
The Pageboy
With no roots from past centuries, this hairstyle is a 20th-century original. It is believed to be named after the medieval pageboy. You must have silky straight hair for this one, as a bordering fringe completes this tomboy look. However, no man or woman would be caught with one of these on their head these days.
Today, only young kids would appreciate the look, but back then, even fathers and grandfathers walked around looking like this.
Poodle Perms
Tiny curls rolled and tucked together, creating bunches of stiff poodle look-alike coats. Let's put it this way; poodle perms were not the most flattering hairstyles at the time.
They didn't look good, they required maintenance, and they left women frustrated. It started in the 1960s, lingered on until the 1980s, and thankfully ended there.
The Omelet Fold
No, we are not referring to the action taken when preparing eggs; we are talking about one of the 1940s iconic hairstyles. Imagine your hair divided into silky clusters, then folded back like a blanket of soft eggs and pinned to the top.
Yes, many women looked fabulous in this hairstyle, but the time to arrange, the stress of it being messed up — was it really worth it?
Pompadour
Volume, shine, and outrageousness, this is what the pompadour is all about. King Elvis Presley was the first male known for this hairstyle, and alongside James Dean and other superstars, they proved to the world that pompadours were not "women only."
Keep your comb in your pocket and keep this one for special occasions, as maintaining this style daily would be time-consuming and aggravating. Leave the music and the hairstyling to the professionals.
Punks
If you are unique and creative, you probably won't be too overwhelmed by the punks. Any color of the rainbow would do, and any outrageous outfit will complete the look. The punk statement is usually associated with underground fashion. However, these days, when there are no rules and everything is allowed, a punk could pass you down the road, and you probably won't even notice.
So, now that the punks no longer have ownership over the clothing and the hairstyles, we wonder what else is down the line and has yet to become outrageous.
Overgrown Sideburns
Not all would consider overgrown sideburns a hairstyle. However, they are made of hair, and they have style (or not), so we had to give them some respect. The habit of letting the sideburns loose started in the US, representing masculinity and power. These days, if they are not neat and tidy, they would represent something completely different.
Many first-class celebrities have their own share of overgrown sideburns, overgrown beards, and overgrown hairstyles in general, believing that if they are big stars, they can afford to have big everything.
The Mop Top
The Beatles (in their early days) gave the inspiration for this hairstyle, and even these days, no matter how you style it, no matter what hair sprays you use, it will always look as if you were pulled out of the 1960s.
The even sides of this look with the bordering bangs on top of the brows gave an evergreen child-like appearance, and in one interview, one member of the band was asked what the name of his haircut was, and he replied "Arthur." The everlasting child indeed.
Side or High Ponytails
It didn't work then, and it doesn't work today. Side ponytails in the 80's always looked as if a real horse's tail was glued to the top of the head, and the older you were, the higher the tail was. The 1990s carried along with their own interpretation of this incident and only emphasized the fact a pretty face is not enough.
As the years went by and evolution kicked in, the ponytails were aligned with the face line, and a new era of pigtails came alive.
The Bob
The bob goes back to the days of Jeanne D’Arc. If the bob is stylish and well-cut, it may work. However, we have come across some bob hairdos which resemble a mushroom top or helmet more than any stylish look.
Let's leave whatever belongs to history in history and focus on what works here and now. Today bobs can be curly or straight; either way, if it's not spot on, it will not work.
Over the Top Highlights
Let's talk highlights. The Greeks were the first to shed some light on their hair, and when they saw it was good, the rest of the world followed. Sitting in the sun with olive oil and gold-coated hair was the way it was done in ancient Greece (not very efficient but done like that for years).
If you're going to highlight your hair, do it with style and grace like the Greeks. Bottom line — keep them calm, keep them elegant and make sure they are done professionally.
Spikes
The number of gels and mousses used by teens when the spikes were trendy only came in favor of those who counted the dollars. This is why we tend to believe that hair salons had a secret agreement with fashion influencers.
Now spikes can be tolerable as they have been around since that method of styling hair kicked in humanity, but strolling the streets as if it's 1980 all over again? We think not.
Asymmetrical Haircuts
Bored with neat, tidy hair? Let's go asymmetrical. Yes, it is innovative, and yes, no one else will look like you, but how imbalanced in life can someone be? It feels as if the hairdressers in charge of this chaos are really experimenting on these heads....something to think about next time you visit the salon.
We can count on one hand the number of people that actually pulled this off (Victoria Beckham), and it's probably not because it looked good, but literally, because she's Victoria Beckham.
The Victorian Updo
For a queen, only majestic hairstyles will do. Sophisticated and neat, for daytime or special events, these Victorian women were really invested in looking good. We can assume that the gents of the old days appreciated the time Victorian women spent doing their hair. Nowadays, they would probably barely notice.
Victorian ladies were not as occupied as men, apparently, so it is not surprising that they could assemble this hairdo (or ask their maids to put it together) and let the men simply stare at them, and be amazed at how wonderful they look. (We're talking about Victorian days, you couldn't pull it off today.)
The Zig Zag Parting
There are two speculations regarding the zig-zag parting. It's either an OCD issue or an attempt at a regular straight parting that went sideways. Both literally and figuratively. It's a teen thing, and if you think that having a zig-zag parting will knock off a few years, you are wrong.
Either way, this hairstyle had its days, and it is up to us to assure this doesn't happen again.
Two-Toned Hair
If you're on your way to a Halloween party, we can live with this; however, trying to make a statement or believing it's okay to double dye your hair? What would happen after the roots kick in? You're not Sia, not Hilary Duff, and you're not Pink. Please, stick to one shade.
Dyeing hair has been around for centuries, but this time it has gone a little bit too far.
Georgian Hair
Up until the Georgian days, hair was usually worn in a natural way. Then the rules changed. Big, puffy, and powdered hair was all the rage back then. White hair meant money. And like everything, it came with a complete outfit of dresses, jewelry, and cakes (remember Marie Antoinette's bread issue?)
If only they would have known that in the 21st century, white hair would mean you have no money to buy hair dye.
The Rachel Look
In the early 90s, Rachel's lookalikes were all over the place as the beloved sitcom "Friends" left its mark through one of its favorite characters. Young girls and women from all over the globe had the new "Rachel Look" even if it didn't suit them (where are those hairdressers who committed that crime?)
You know what the funny thing is? Jennifer Aniston herself wasn't a big fan of this look either.
The Gibson Girls-style
The Gibson girl hairdo resembles an early-day form of femininity. The hair was relatively loose yet radiated sophistication and wisdom. Luckily today, there is no need for blown-up, full of pins, overloaded stiffening spray hairdos.
Plus, if you can put together this hairdo, there is a good chance you could put together anything. Let's keep the good thing these magnificent girls left us with, and let's ditch the hairstyle.
Dreadlocks
Rastafarians are not the only ones with dreadlocks. They have become, over the years, a symbol of spirituality, devotion, and Bob Marley.
A bunch of ropes slowly mature on the head, turning into something that can only be dealt with a pair of scissors. There is a world record for growing the longest and most matured dreadlocks. Not for us, thank you very much!
Chignons
The word chignon originates from French, chignon du cou, which translates into the nape of the neck. Basically, it's a twisted bun pinned up above the nape and preserved usually for special occasions.
Unless you are a sophisticated businesswoman or if it's not your best friend's wedding, stick to a simple blow dry or bun. You won't really impress anyone with this look nowadays, and besides, who can assemble this anyway?
The George Costanza Look
Picture this — an egg with 2 sideburns. Now think of George Costanza in one of the episodes of Seinfeld, trying out a new wig which only emphasizes how his haircut was probably not the worst ever. Really, the image of him with the hair extension only proves that there is worse.
It's part of his character, as George Costanza would not be George Costanza with another hairstyle.
Cornrows
The one who thought of the geometrical design of the cornrows probably didn't take into consideration how people might abuse this hairstyle. Even David Beckham, who can practically get away with anything, had his share of wrong hair decisions.
Maybe this style is efficient on the soccer field, but what do you do when you're off the soccer clock?
The High Top Fade
The top fade is when the hair on the sides of the head is cut really short, and the top is kept long. This masculine hairstyle can look really attractive if it is done properly, but what happens when the short is too short and the length is too long (or not long enough)?
Hip hop trends are most likely to be associated with this hair technique. However, once this was adopted by basically anyone, embarrassing results soon followed.
The Mohawk
The Mohawk, to most of us, will be associated with punk culture. However, this overwhelming appearance goes back to the days of the Mohawk nation in North America. Since then, this hairdo has made its mark and statement, and if you ask around — you better be careful walking in and out of your car.
Mohawks come in all shades, colors, and sizes. They have been totally adapted to the 21st century.
Chonmage Hair
Best associated with Samurai and Sumo wrestlers, this hairstyle started off as a way to keep a warrior's helmets still. Since then, it has become a symbol of strength and dedication in Japanese culture.
With all beauty in the Japanese culture, we wonder why the helmets weren't kept, as this style of hair better stay covered.
Devil Lock
Remember the mullet hairdo? Then, take the mullet and now reverse it. Kept short at the back and sides while the front part of the hair is kept long. It began as a symbol of rock and was later adopted by pop, but how on earth did it become part of mainstream culture?
You don't have to be a heavy metal lover or a Satan follower; all you need is a big load of guts to have a haircut like this!
Fontange
Popular in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, the fontange basically took anything that came its way and piled it on the head in different structures, such as bowties and a wire framework.
People were obviously bored out of their minds if they had time for this. Believe it or not, this foolish scene of style was formed because a woman lost her hat one day while hunting with the king.
Rats and Cats
Getting its time in the sun during the 1980s, this is probably the worst haircut for either male or female.
The rattails are eye-catching, no doubt, but why would anyone want to trim their entire head and leave a rat's organ behind? There is no reason whatsoever to have one of these.
Bangs
Also known as the "fringe," nothings is worse than uneven or crocked bangs. This tradition of framing one face has escalated through the years, and nowadays, unstraightened bangs, uneven fringes, and misunderstood purposes are all around us.
Young children are known for trying out this style with the first attempt of cutting their own hair.
Marcel Waves
This technique is not only unsafe but can also end up resembling curtains attached to the top of the head. The good old 20s are gone, and so are the heated rolls used for this creation.
If you're not into dressing up as Dolores Costello, please, put the rolls aside.
The Comb-Over
This will affect balding men usually, and if they aren't bald yet, they are getting there. Amusing images are spread all over the internet, so you can all understand the obsession.
Instead of accepting reality and the fact that "hair blessed" was not on the list, stubbornness and persistence can sometimes look a little off.
Poofy Ponytail
Is it a horse? Is it a hair explosion? No. It's a poofy ponytail! The higher, the fuller, as outrageous as it can be. Thanks to the 90s, history has left its black mark in ponytail evolution. Many A-list celebs have their share is this terrible sense of fashion, believing that they can have it all.
It's not comfortable, it's unappealing, and it is out of fashion, so we wonder what stands behind it.
Ramen Noodle Curls
When God created curls, he forgot to tell humanity that it doesn't look good on every single person. Let alone, curls glued down to a man's scalp.
If a look eventually ends up with a title such as "ramen noodle curls," it says it all.
Flat Twists
Flat twists are like pajamas. Like sneakers. Like sweatpants. They are comfortable and they keep the hair out of your face. However, after spending a few nights with them, you tend to resemble an octopus more than anything else!
Even a slight turn of the head would spread those spaghetti strands and hit anything in their way.
Creepy Crimped Hair
Scattered everywhere through the 90s, the crimped hair made everyone look like a new version of pasta. Some went all the way with a full crimped head, and some only crimped parts of it. Either way, it didn't last for long.
A true symbol of the 80s we are more than happy to say goodbye to.
Frosted Tips
People, haven't you learned anything? The regular spikes didn't work, so why add the blond tips? There are better ways to get attention.
Men all over the globe have tried (or are trying) to look like porcupines, and the only ones who benefited from this were the hair gel producers.
Jheri Curls
Not everyone can admit that they are going to have a perm. Honestly, we don't blame them. In the 1990s, this phenomenon was so hard to swallow, a name had to be given, and that is how the Jheri Curl came to be.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Jheri Curl is exactly that - a perm (images speak for themselves). There is no way out of it. In the 1990s, this is what people willingly did to their hair.
Long Hair on a Bald Head
When to shave your head if you have started going bald, you ask? Right now! And not a minute later. When you start losing the top, it is time to say goodbye to the bottom.
This style of hair doesn't recall any period in history and remains an enigma until this day.
The Hare Krishna
According to this faith's followers, the length and appearance all have a meaning. So, that's great, and we respect all faiths, but we do wish this one could have come up with something more appealing. We are still unsure who is winning the race — Hare Krishna or the Rattail.
It may be great on hot summer days, but the hanging tail in the middle of the scalp might look better under a hat.
Exaggerated Red Hair
According to research, red is apparently the most hated hair color. Why? Not because it doesn't look good, but because it requires maintenance, and who on earth has time for maintenance these days?
If red hair is not looked after, you will probably end up looking like a rusty Muppet, which is probably not the style you envisioned.
Sausage Curls
You think of Shirly Temple; you think of sausage curls. Also known as the ringlet haircut, it symbolized pureness and youth. Though curly hairstyles are still in fashion these days, try avoiding the oversized ribbons that decorated the locks.
This was and still is a symbol of beauty, though we're not quite sure who in the 21st-century climate and habits would know how to handle it.
The Bouffant Look
If you ever want that Jackie Kennedy hair, this is what you have to ask your barber for. This woman stands before her hairdo, that's for sure, and the story she carries makes everything glitter even more. But the hair has to be excused, and no matter how well it worked back then, we still think this style wasn't really necessary.
Jackie Kennedy, in her golden day, has left us much more than just a hairdo. Her iconic style lives on today!
Dyed Gray
It's arguable that this is a matter of personal taste. However, spending half a day in the hair salon (the hair has to be bleached and then dyed) for something that with a little stress and aggravation from the kids will come naturally... you get the point?
Having a gray head with naturally brown or black roots looks even worse than a brown head with gray roots. Don't you think?
Slicked Back
No matter how often the hair is washed, when it is slicked back, it will look like an entire bottle of grease was poured on someone's head.
At first, the intention was to give an attractive wet look. However, in reality, it looked as if one had been slipped (because of the grease) out of a very oily shower. Just wash your hair regularly, and choose a different hairstyle.
The Rainbow
Besides the point of this being really bad for your hair, it is also extremely expensive, so the dream of becoming an outrageous unicorn will have to just fade away.
It can look amazing in professional photographs, but in reality, all colors blend into one another, making you dream of something completely different.