1. The Mall Bangs Explosion
Back in the ’80s, the bigger the bangs, the better. Teasing, spraying, and layering were all necessary steps to achieve that sky-high look, and if your hair didn’t defy gravity, were you even trying? It wasn’t just about height—it was about volume, too. The more your bangs looked like a wave cresting at the top of your forehead, the more stylish you were. This look took dedication, often requiring Aqua Net in industrial amounts. Walking through a mall, you’d see plenty of perfectly shellacked bangs, each competing for the tallest crown. The more dramatic, the more admiration you got shares Her Campus.
Try stepping out today with a can’s worth of hairspray sculpting your bangs, and you might get some confused stares. Styles have softened, and people prefer a more natural look now. The idea of spending that much time and effort on just one section of your hair feels excessive. And let’s not even talk about the environmental concerns with all that hairspray. If you do see someone still rocking this look, odds are they never left the ’80s behind. It’s impressive, in a nostalgic kind of way, but definitely not fashionable anymore.
2. The Jheri Curl
In the ’80s, having a Jheri curl meant you were in with the coolest crowd. It was a high-maintenance hairstyle that required a dedicated routine of curl activators and moisturizers, but the payoff was undeniable. Celebrities like Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie made it iconic, and soon, anyone wanting that wet, glossy curl look was hitting up their stylist. The upkeep wasn’t easy, though—those curls needed constant care to stay hydrated. And let’s be honest, Jheri curl juice stains on furniture and clothes were a real problem. Still, if you had this style, you were seen as someone who kept up with trends shares Popsugar.
Fast forward to today, and the Jheri curl has mostly disappeared, except for the occasional retro look. The ultra-wet, shiny appearance that once screamed sophistication now just looks greasy. The amount of maintenance alone makes it unappealing, especially in a time when effortless styles are preferred. No one wants to risk leaving a trail of curl activator wherever they go. These days, people embrace more natural curls without all the chemicals and daily upkeep. If someone showed up with a full Jheri curl today, it’d probably get more chuckles than compliments.
3. The Rattail
If you had a rattail in the ’80s, you were either a trendsetter or at least trying to be. It was a bizarrely popular look, with one long strip of hair extending down the back while the rest was short. Some people braided it, some let it hang free, and others went the extra mile by dyeing it. It wasn’t just for kids—adults rocked the rattail, too, believing it added a bit of rebellious flair. It wasn’t exactly a mainstream hairstyle, but it had a loyal following. If you had one, you were probably considered cool in your circle adds Dazed.
Nowadays, the rattail has been relegated to a punchline. It’s one of those styles that people look back on and wonder, “What were we thinking?” In a world where sleek and sophisticated hairstyles reign, an intentional rattail is bound to turn heads for all the wrong reasons. There’s just something unsettling about a lone strand of hair dangling while everything else is neatly trimmed. It doesn’t have that edgy appeal anymore—just an outdated, awkward vibe. If you see one in the wild today, you can bet it’s either ironic or a deep commitment to nostalgia.
4. The Mullet
Ah, the infamous “business in the front, party in the back” look. In the ’80s, the mullet was everywhere—from rockstars to your next-door neighbor. It was the perfect mix of respectable and rebellious, making it wildly popular across different social groups. Whether styled sleek or with a bit of wave, the mullet meant you had personality. Some took it further with perms, adding volume for extra impact. This was a haircut that told the world you knew how to have a good time says InStyle.
Today, mullets exist mostly as a joke or a throwback style. Sure, there’s been a small revival in certain subcultures, but it’s far from the power move it once was. Now, seeing someone sport a mullet is more likely to make you do a double take—mostly out of confusion. It just doesn’t have the same charm in a world that favors more polished looks. If you wear a mullet today, you either have a great sense of humor or a serious commitment to retro style. Either way, it’s not the status symbol it once was.
5. The Perm
A tight, bouncy perm was the ultimate flex in the ’80s. The bigger and curlier, the better, as volume was everything. If you weren’t born with naturally curly hair, you had to get a perm to stay on-trend. The process itself was long and smelled awful, but the end result was worth it—at least back then. A good perm could take an average hairstyle and transform it into something dramatic. Celebrities and everyday people alike swore by it.
Fast forward to now, and perms aren’t exactly a hot commodity. People prefer natural texture or loose, effortless waves instead of tightly wound curls. Plus, the damage perms caused wasn’t ideal—fried, brittle hair isn’t a good look. If you walked into a salon today asking for a full ’80s perm, you might get some raised eyebrows. The style just doesn’t translate well anymore. What once symbolized fashion-forward confidence now feels like a relic of the past.
6. The Frosted Tips
If you had frosted tips in the ’80s, you were probably trying to look like a pop star. This hairstyle involved bleaching just the ends of your hair, creating a sun-kissed effect that was supposed to make you look effortlessly cool. Guys with frosted tips were often seen as stylish and trendy, and it was a common sight among skaters, boy band members, and anyone who wanted to stand out. The process took time and effort, involving peroxide or bleach, but people swore by it. The contrast between dark roots and blonde ends was seen as edgy. Some even added a little gel to spike up the tips for extra drama.
Fast forward to today, and frosted tips feel like a strange fashion experiment gone wrong. The sharp contrast between dark and light looks more outdated than trendy. These days, people prefer subtle highlights or natural-looking color rather than the chunky, artificial look. If someone walked into a room with fresh frosted tips now, they’d probably get some puzzled glances. It’s hard to believe this was once the pinnacle of cool. Now, it just screams “early reality TV contestant.”
7. The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut was a practical choice in the ’80s, especially for kids whose parents wanted a no-fuss haircut. It was exactly what it sounded like—a style that looked like someone put a bowl on your head and cut around it. Some people rocked it intentionally, thinking it gave them a clean, geometric look. Others had no choice because it was the go-to haircut from barbers who didn’t want to get too creative. Celebrities and even some rock stars gave it a brief moment of credibility. If your hair was thick and straight, this look was practically inevitable.
Today, the bowl cut is more of a joke than a hairstyle anyone would wear on purpose. It’s associated with bad school pictures, questionable home haircuts, and general awkwardness. The clean, straight edge that once seemed futuristic now just looks stiff and unnatural. Modern styles focus on layering and texture, making the bowl cut feel like a relic from another time. If someone walked into a party with a fresh bowl cut today, they’d probably get a mix of laughter and concern. Some styles just don’t age well, and this is definitely one of them.
8. The Half-Up, Half-Down Scrunchie Look
A staple of ’80s fashion, the half-up, half-down style was a way to show off both volume and length. The key ingredient? A scrunchie, preferably neon or bedazzled. This look was all over teen movies, music videos, and school hallways. It gave off a playful yet polished vibe, making it a favorite among preppy and sporty types alike. You could leave the top section loose and poofy or pull it into a tight ponytail for extra drama. The scrunchie wasn’t just an accessory—it was a statement.
Nowadays, while scrunchies have made a mild comeback, this specific style feels stuck in time. The high poof on top, mixed with flowing curls or straight strands, just doesn’t fit modern hair trends. People have moved on to sleek buns, effortless waves, or messy ponytails that don’t require an oversized fabric band. If someone rocked the full ’80s half-up scrunchie look today, it would feel more like a costume than an everyday style. Unless you’re headed to an ’80s-themed party, this one is best left in the past.
9. The Liberty Spikes
For the punk crowd, Liberty spikes were the ultimate rebellious statement. The taller, the better, and bonus points if they were dyed a wild color. This wasn’t just a hairstyle—it was a commitment. Getting your hair to stand straight up required serious gel, hairspray, and sometimes even glue. The look was meant to be intimidating and unconventional, a clear rejection of mainstream styles. If you had Liberty spikes, you weren’t afraid to stand out.
Today, seeing someone with Liberty spikes is a rare sight outside of niche punk scenes or cosplay events. While edgy styles still exist, they tend to be more subtle and versatile. Walking into a coffee shop with two-foot spikes might get you more stares than respect. Not to mention, people now prefer hairstyles that don’t require an entire morning routine and half a can of hairspray. Liberty spikes had their moment, but they don’t quite fit into today’s world of effortless, natural looks.
10. The Feathered Look
Feathered hair was a status symbol in the ’80s, made famous by heartthrobs and leading ladies alike. Think Farrah Fawcett’s signature waves or John Stamos’ perfectly layered locks. Achieving the feathered look required strategic blow-drying, a round brush, and a lot of patience. The goal was to create a light, bouncy effect that framed the face just right. If done well, it looked effortless—but in reality, it took serious styling.
Today, feathered hair has been replaced by more modern layering techniques. Soft waves and tousled looks are in, but the structured, fanned-out layers of the ’80s seem overly styled. Plus, with today’s humidity and minimal product trends, keeping feathered hair in place feels like a full-time job. If someone walked in with perfectly feathered layers now, they’d probably look more like a TV character from a past decade than a fashion-forward individual. It had its time, but that time has passed.
11. The Side Ponytail
The side ponytail was the ultimate “fun” hairstyle. It was playful, flirty, and effortlessly cool, especially when paired with bright scrunchies or ribbons. If you wanted to show off your personality, you pulled all your hair to one side and secured it high on your head. It was a go-to look for aerobics classes, school dances, and everyday style. Some even curled or crimped their side ponytails for extra flair.
Now, a high side ponytail just feels…off. It doesn’t blend well with modern fashion, where low and sleek ponytails or effortless buns reign. The extreme asymmetry of the side ponytail makes it stand out in a way that feels dated rather than stylish. If you saw someone wearing this today, you’d probably assume they were joking or going for an ’80s-themed look. It was cute in its time, but it’s hard to take seriously now.
12. The Flat-Top Fade
A crisp flat-top fade was a sign you had a sharp sense of style. This high-maintenance haircut was all about precision, with the hair standing tall and perfectly even on top. It was especially popular in hip-hop and basketball culture, and if you had a flawless flat-top, you were seen as someone who cared about details. Keeping it sharp required frequent trims and a steady hand with the clippers. The best ones looked almost like geometric masterpieces.
Today, while fades are still popular, the ultra-flat-top version is much rarer. The style has softened, and people prefer more natural movement in their hair. A super-defined flat-top can come off as too rigid in an era where textured styles are in. It’s still a cool throwback, but it doesn’t have the same mainstream appeal it once did. If you’re rocking this look now, it’s more about nostalgia than fashion-forward thinking.
13. The Crimped Hair Explosion
Crimped hair was the ultimate way to add volume and texture in the ’80s. Achieved with a crimping iron, it gave hair a zigzag pattern that stood out in any crowd. The bigger, the better—people would tease it, spray it, and even stack it in layers for maximum drama. Celebrities and pop stars embraced it, making it a go-to for school dances, concerts, and casual wear. If you had crimped hair, you were trendy, bold, and ready to turn heads.
These days, crimped hair feels more like a novelty than an everyday style. The harsh, angular texture looks unnatural compared to today’s preference for soft waves and effortless curls. While you might see a subtle crimp here and there in high-fashion shoots, the full-on crimped explosion is a relic of the past. It takes too much effort for too little payoff, and let’s be honest—most of us are still recovering from all the frizz it caused. Some things are better left in the ’80s, and this is definitely one of them.