36 Retro Hairstyles Trends That Make Us Say ‘Why?
Step into a time machine and revisit the eccentric world of retro hairstyles that have left us puzzled and amused. From sky-high bouffants to perplexing perms, these 36 hairstyles are the epitome of fashion’s bold yet questionable choices of the past.
1. The Mullet Madness
Ah, the mullet—a hairstyle that’s business in the front and a party in the back. It rocked the 80s but left many scratching their heads. With its distinct duality, it became a symbol of rebellious fashion choices.
2. The Beehive’s Tall Tale
Towering above the rest, the beehive was a gravity-defying masterpiece. Women in the 60s embraced this audacious height, making heads turn. Though iconic, it puzzled many with its architectural complexity and need for endless hairspray.
3. Permed Perplexity
The perm brought the curl craze to new heights, literally. Often resulting in frizz rather than fabulous, this trend swept through salons globally. Despite its unpredictable nature, some swore by its volume and bounce.
4. Feathered Flair
Feathered hair, with its soft layers and wings, captured hearts in the 70s. Inspired by Farrah Fawcett, it required constant maintenance. Loved by many, it highlighted the era’s flirtation with voluminous, free-spirited styles.
5. Cornrow Quandary
Complex and intricate, cornrows demanded patience and skill. While culturally rich, they became a polarizing trend when adopted without understanding. The 90s saw celebrities flaunting this hairstyle, sparking both admiration and debate.
6. The Rat Tail Riddle
The rat tail, a peculiar strand of hair left long at the nape, puzzled many. Popular in the 80s, it was often an act of defiance. Despite its odd appearance, it proudly symbolized individuality and rebellion.
7. Jheri Curl Journey
Known for its wet, glossy look, the Jheri curl became a staple among musicians and stars. This hairstyle, while stylish, demanded constant care and product application. Its shine became synonymous with 80s glam.
8. Buzz Cut Boldness
The buzz cut defied norms by embracing simplicity and boldness. While typically associated with men, women in the 90s began adopting it as a statement of empowerment. Its minimalism was both shocking and liberating.
9. The Pageboy Puzzle
The pageboy cut, with its blunt edges and smooth finish, was a nod to medieval styles. In the 60s, it became a unisex trend, loved for its neatness. Yet, its severe look often made it a subject of debate.
10. Frosted Tips Fad
Frosted tips, with their bleached ends, lit up the late 90s. Initially a boy band staple, this trend spread like wildfire. Though vibrant, its contrast left many perplexed, questioning the logic behind the icy look.
11. The Bowl Cut Conundrum
The bowl cut—simple yet controversial. Often a childhood rite of passage, this haircut resembled the shape of a bowl. Its straightforwardness was both a blessing and a curse, sparking mixed reactions from parents and children alike.
12. Pompadour Paradox
The pompadour, with its voluminous front, reigned supreme in the 50s rock ‘n’ roll scene. Its suave appearance was admired but required meticulous styling. While iconic, its upkeep often deterred the faint-hearted.
13. The Shag Mystery
The shag, with its uneven layers, embodied the carefree spirit of the 70s. Effortlessly cool yet chaotic, it was both loved and loathed. The hairstyle’s wild nature mirrored the era’s bold fashion choices.
14. Crimped Hair Craze
Crimped hair added a zig-zag flair to any look, making waves in the 80s. While undeniably unique, it often resulted in a frizzy mess. This playful trend still evokes nostalgia for its bold, texture-rich appearance.
15. The Liberty Spikes Surprise
Liberty spikes, a punk statement, stood tall and defiant. Achieving this gravity-defying look required dedication and copious amounts of gel. While not mainstream, it symbolized a rebellious spirit and individuality within the punk subculture.
16. Bowl and Beyond
The bowl cut made its mark as an easy-to-maintain style for kids. Simple yet striking, it often drew mixed reactions. Loved for its practicality, it stood out in family photos, whether cherished or chuckled at.
17. The Flat Top Phenomenon
The flat top, with its levelled appearance, became an 80s sensation. Its geometric precision set it apart, often seen in music videos. While stylish, maintaining its shape was a challenge, requiring frequent touch-ups.
18. The Mohawk Marvel
The mohawk, synonymous with rebellion, stood tall and proud. Its bold silhouette captured attention and symbolized non-conformity. Though striking, it required regular upkeep, making it a true commitment to the punk ethos.
19. Rat Tail Revival
The rat tail, a quirky throwback, saw a resurgence in the 90s. Loved by some for its nostalgic charm, it puzzled others with its lone strand. Despite mixed feelings, it remained a subtle nod to personal style.
20. The Bouffant Bravado
The bouffant, with its towering volume, epitomized 60s elegance. Achieving this look involved meticulous teasing and hairspray. While striking, the hairstyle’s gravity-defying nature left many wondering about its practicality.
21. The Slick Back Sensation
Slicked-back hair, a symbol of 50s cool, exuded a sleek charm. Achieving this look required pomade and precision. While admired for its smooth finish, it often left wearers battling the elements to maintain its sheen.
22. High Top Hysteria
The high top fade soared to fame in the 90s hip-hop scene. Known for its stark contrast and height, it was a bold statement. Though trendy, maintaining its sharp lines demanded time and skill.
23. The Bouffant’s Bold Return
The bouffant made a daring comeback in the 80s, with added flair. Bigger and bolder, it challenged gravity with every spray. While a nod to the past, its voluminous nature still sparked curiosity and admiration.
24. The Pixie Cut Puzzle
The pixie cut, daringly short, symbolized freedom and modernity in the 60s. Its boyish charm appealed to many but required confidence to pull off. This audacious haircut left a lasting impression in the fashion world.
25. The Ducktail Dilemma
The ducktail, or “DA,” was a rock and roll staple, slicked and shaped to perfection. Its name derived from its duck-like rear view. Though iconic, its maintenance involved constant grooming, challenging even the most dedicated stylists.
26. Permed Power
The loose perm, a softer take on its 80s predecessor, offered waves of texture. While appealing, it often resulted in unpredictable curls. This hairstyle’s natural look appealed to those craving carefree, breezy vibes.
27. The Wedge Wonder
The wedge cut, sharp and angled, made waves in the 70s. Its structured shape offered a fresh, modern look. While chic, achieving and maintaining its precision required regular salon visits, challenging those preferring low-maintenance styles.
28. The Rattail’s Return
The rattail returned in the 90s, sparking nostalgia and curiosity. While unconventional, it symbolized individuality among trends of conformity. Despite mixed opinions, it remained a quirky choice for those daring to be different.
29. The Curtain Cut
The curtain cut, with its parted bangs, made waves in the 90s. Known for its middle parting, it was a laid-back look. Though effortless, it required regular trims to maintain its signature flow and style.
30. The Bowl Cut Evolution
The bowl cut evolved with time, blending classic with contemporary elements. Loved for its simplicity, it often evoked nostalgia. Despite its straightforward appearance, opinions remained divided on its aesthetic appeal.
31. Victory Rolls Revival
Victory rolls, with their elegant curves, epitomized 40s glamour. This wartime style required skill to achieve but exuded sophistication. Although complex, these rolls made a comeback, embraced for their timeless, graceful allure.
32. Spiky Punk Sensation
Spiky hair, a punk icon, stood defiantly against conformity. Achieving this look required dedication and copious amounts of gel. While not for everyone, it became a powerful symbol of individuality and rebellion in the 80s.
33. The Flip Flop
The flip hairstyle, with its outward curls, added a playful twist to 60s fashion. This lighthearted look required regular styling to maintain its bounce. Though charming, its high-maintenance nature challenged those seeking simplicity.
34. The Pompadour Comeback
The pompadour saw a resurgence, blending classic flair with contemporary style. Voluminous and sleek, it appealed to modern fashionistas. While admired for its elegance, its upkeep remained a task for only the dedicated.
35. The Afro Ambition
The afro, a symbol of cultural pride, reached its peak in the 70s. Its voluminous shape celebrated natural beauty and identity. While striking, maintaining its form required commitment, making it both admired and respected.
36. The Faux Hawk Adventure
The faux hawk, a gentler mohawk variation, offered edge without the full commitment. While versatile, achieving its look demanded creativity and styling. This trend emerged as a bold expression of individuality, fusing tradition with modernity.
