Step into the world of hairstyles gone wrong. From the DIY disaster of the bowl cut to the infamous mullet, these hairdos were once the height of fashion but now elicit cringes and disbelief. Remember the frosted tips that made us think we were cool? Or the scene/emo fringe that only served to make us look like disgruntled customers? And who could forget the short perm, affectionately referred to as "ramen noodle hair"? Join us as we explore these regrettable choices in hair styling and why they should be left in the annals of history.
The bowl cut
Few hairstyles can rival the DIY aesthetic of a bowl cut. With its absence of layers and texture, this hairdo forms an unflattering shape encompassing the entire head, earning its appropriate name.
Not only does a bowl cut possess an unappealing and unimaginative appearance, but it also offers minimal practicality. As it grows out, annoying sections of hair tend to dangle over the eyes and bulk up around the ears.
At this point, the concept of a bowl cut devoid of definition and character should solely exist within the pages of medieval history books.
The mullet
Professional at the front, party at the back. Regardless of whether one experienced the 80s or not, most individuals can readily conjure a vivid mental image of the classic mullet – often accompanied by a handlebar mustache for good measure.
This particular haircut was all the rage back then, but upon reflection, it appears rather dreadful due to its rigid and square shaping. Additionally, the absence of high-quality styling products resulted in a distressingly dry and wig-like appearance for most men, instead of a natural and textured look.
Frosted tips
Why, oh why, did we ever deem this a good idea? Frosted tips were a defining feature of many summer holidays during our formative years, exuding a sense of teen rebellion and "edginess."
Looking back, these tips did absolutely nothing to enhance the overall appearance of our hair, especially for those who fully embraced the wet look, weighing their hair down and giving the illusion of premature balding during their teenage years.
Undoubtedly, it was a chaotic haircut that our parents astutely discouraged or outright forbade us from getting.
The scene/emo fringe
The long, angled fringe, held in place by hairspray or left freely hanging only to be forcefully brushed away from the eyes. The disheveled top portion stubbornly defying gravity and often styled with exaggerated height. The pointed ends extending along the sides and even beyond the back neckline, adding further dramatic definition.
Edgy and audacious? This iconic look that accompanied the Myspace generation throughout adolescence now predominantly invokes images of "Karens" unleashing their wrath in supermarket parking lots, caught on camera.
The short perm (AKA ramen noodle hair)
Infamously known as "ramen/noodle hair," this haircut imparts a boyish appearance and showcases remarkably curly texture to the point of resembling a fabricated creation. When chemically permed, short and tightly wound curls can appear plasticky and oily, while longer and looser curls tend to appear unruly and stringy.
It is as if the hair possesses a life of its own, obstinately resisting refinement.
In the ever-evolving world of fashion and style, we've seen our fair share of hair trends come and go. From the iconic bowl cut to the rebellious frosted tips, our hairstyles have often reflected the times we lived in. As we reflect on these past trends, we can't help but cringe at some of our choices. But perhaps that's the beauty of it all - the ability to experiment, push boundaries, and ultimately define our own unique sense of style. So, here's to the wild and wacky haircuts of the past, reminding us to embrace our individuality and not be afraid to take risks. After all, it's the moments that make us cringe that often make us smile the widest.
Facebook