10 of the More Eyebrow Raising Hairstyle Trends of the Last 50 Years

Hairstyles have always been a powerful form of self-expression, reflecting societal norms, cultural shifts, and individual preferences. Over the past half-century, we've witnessed an array of daring, innovative, and downright questionable hairstyle trends emerge and fade away. While some have stood the test of time as iconic symbols of their era, others have left us cringing in disbelief. Let's take a journey through time and explore some of the worst hairstyle trends of the last 50 years and the hair care tools you can use to fashion this look if you’re looking to raise a few eyebrows.

During the 1970s, the "rat's nest" hairstyle gained popularity among women seeking voluminous hair with a lived-in, tousled appearance. Achieved by backcombing or teasing the hair to create a tangled, unkempt look, this trend often resulted in damaged hair and an overall disheveled appearance. While it may have embodied the carefree spirit of the era, the rat's nest hairstyle ultimately left many wondering if they had taken the pursuit of bohemian chic a step too far.

Recommend Haircare Accessory: A strong-hold hair spray is crucial for maintaining the structure and volume of the teased hair. 

Ah, the infamous mullet – business in the front, party in the back. This polarizing hairstyle became a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s and continued its reign well into the 1980s. With its short, neatly trimmed front and sides paired with a long, flowing mane at the back, the mullet represented a curious juxtaposition of sophistication and rebellion. While it found favor among some, for many, it remains a symbol of questionable fashion choices. Today we are seeing the mullet look come back in all its glory.

Recommend Haircare Accessory: Quality hair clippers are essential for creating the distinct layers of a mullet. 

Recommend Haircare Accessory: Perm rods are the core tools for creating a perm.

Synonymous with rebellion and punk rock culture, the spiky hairstyle of the 1980s and 1990s involved styling the hair into sharp, pointed spikes using copious amounts of gel or hair wax. While it may have been a statement of defiance against mainstream fashion norms, the spiky situation often left wearers resembling porcupines rather than fashion icons. Additionally, the excessive use of styling products led to crunchy, stiff hair that was anything but touchable.

Recommend Haircare Accessory: Hair gel is excellent for creating sharp, defined spikes.  

In the 1990s, frosted tips – bleached or dyed strands of hair at the tips – became a ubiquitous trend among men seeking to add a dash of edginess to their look. Popularized by boy bands and teen heartthrobs of the era, this hairstyle often left individuals resembling rogue members of a '90s boy band. While it may have seemed cool at the time, the frosted fiasco is now viewed as a regrettable relic of the past.

Recommend Haircare Accessory: Bleach powder and developer are essential for lightening the tips of the hair.

The emo subculture of the 2000s brought with it a distinctive hairstyle characterized by long, side-swept bangs covering one eye, paired with layers of dark, dyed hair. Embraced by angst-ridden teenagers and alternative music enthusiasts, this brooding hairstyle was meant to convey a sense of nonconformity and emotional depth. However, for many, it simply obscured vision and led to a perpetually moody appearance.

Recommend Haircare Accessory: An iron or hair straightener is very important to achieve this look.

The Pouf (2000s):

Popularized by reality television star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi of "Jersey Shore" fame, the Snooki pouf became a signature hairstyle of the early 2000s. Characterized by a voluminous bump of teased hair atop the crown of the head, paired with long, cascading locks, this gravity-defying style aimed to add height and drama to the wearer's look. However, its over-the-top nature often drew comparisons to an oversized helmet, making it one of the most memorable – and maligned – hairstyle trends of the decade.

Recommend Haircare Accessory: A rat-tail comb can come in handy for sectioning and teasing your hair.          

Recommend Haircare Accessory: Bleach and hair dye, for obvious reasons.

The Man Bun Menace (2010s):

As the 2010s rolled around, the man bun emerged as a divisive hairstyle trend, garnering both praise and ridicule in equal measure. This hairstyle involved gathering the hair into a bun or knot atop the head, often paired with an undercut or shaved sides. While some hailed it as a bold fashion statement, others derided it as an impractical and unsightly trend that left men looking more like samurai warriors than modern-day trendsetters.

Recommend Haircare Accessory: Hair elastics or bands that are strong enough to hold your hair in place without causing breakage or damage.

In the era of social media influencers and viral trends, the 2020s witnessed the rise of various hairstyle fads fueled by platforms like TikTok. From DIY bangs to quarantine haircuts gone wrong, many found themselves experimenting with their locks at home, often with disastrous results. The pressure to keep up with ever-evolving trends led to a proliferation of regrettable hairstyles that will undoubtedly be cringe-worthy reminders of this tumultuous decade.

Recommend Haircare Accessory: For achieving voluminous curtain bangs, a good blow dryer paired with a round brush is essential.

While these hairstyle trends may have had their moment in the spotlight, they now serve as cautionary tales of the perils of following fleeting fashion fads. As we look back on the last 50 years of hairstyling history, let us learn from these missteps and approach our future coiffures with a healthy dose of skepticism and self-awareness. After all, as trends come and go, true style remains timeless.

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