13 Hairstyles from the Past That Disappeared for Good
From towering beehives to perms that screamed the '80s, these once-popular hairstyles vanished as fast as they came.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Trends come and go, and hairstyles are no exception. What was once all the rage can now seem downright bizarre. This list takes a nostalgic look at 13 hairdos that defined their eras before quietly fading into history.
1. The Beehive (1960s)
Margaret Vinci Heldt on Wikimedia Commons
Stacked high and sprayed stiff, the beehive was a towering symbol of glam in the ‘60s. It required serious teasing and a can of hairspray the size of your arm.
2. The Mullet (1980s)
Alan Garzón on Pexels
Business in the front, party in the back — the mullet was unapologetically bold. Worn by rock stars and rebels alike, it somehow ruled the ‘80s.
3. The Bowl Cut (1990s)
mfa on Wikimedia Commons
Simple to the point of absurdity, this haircut looked like someone literally used a bowl as a guide. It was especially common among boys and made childhood photos memorable for all the wrong reasons.
4. The Rat Tail (1980s-90s)
Bmuzyka on Wikimedia Commons
This odd detail saw otherwise normal cuts sporting a lone strand of long hair at the nape. Popular with kids and teens, it gave off an edgy, rebellious vibe.
5. The Finger Wave (1920s-30s)
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Elegant and structured, finger waves hugged the scalp in perfect, glossy curves. A staple for flapper fashionistas, it screamed vintage sophistication.
6. The Pageboy (1950s)
Mike Powell on Wikimedia Commons
Neatly rolled under at the ends and topped with bangs, this tidy cut once graced Hollywood starlets. It was prim, proper, and ultra-feminine.
7. The Afro Perm (1970s-80s)
Maegan Tintari on Wikimedia Commons
Borrowed and adapted from natural styles, the chemical afro perm created huge, fluffy halos. Often seen on both men and women, it epitomized disco-era cool.
8. The Liberty Spikes (Punk Era)
Laughlin Elkind on Wikimedia Commons
Nothing screamed punk louder than these dramatic, stiff spikes styled into sharp points. Often dyed in bright neon shades, they were defiant and wild.
9. The Flipped Bob (1960s)
patricia m on Flickr
Curled outward at the ends and paired with bouffant volume, this style was perky and playful. Think of TV moms from the ’60s — it was all the rage.
10. The Ducktail (1950s)
Rockbillyboogie on Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “DA” (Duck’s Ass), this slicked-back style with a central ridge was pure greaser. Elvis wore it best, comb in pocket and all.
11. The Spiky Gelled Hair (Late 1990s - Early 2000s)
Ирина Сороколетова on Pexels
Every teen boy wanted sharp, gelled spikes sticking up in all directions. It required a mountain of product and zero wind.
12. The Crimped Hair (1980s)
Hair Spies on Wikimedia Commons
Crimped waves looked like hair ran through a paper shredder — in a good way, back then. Electric and zany, it made a loud statement.
13. The Victory Rolls (1940s)
cottonbro studio on Pexels
A wartime staple, these rolls added volume and flair to otherwise simple styles. Patriotic and glamorous, they reflected the spirit of the time.