13 Hairstyles That Were a Public Safety Hazard
Hairstyles that were bold, unforgettable, and sometimes risky enough to cause real problems.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Hairstyles have always been a way to stand out, but some went so far they could almost count as a danger to those around them. Each one tells a story of fashion pushing limits without much thought for safety. Looking back, they are equal parts funny, wild, and unbelievable.
1. The Giant Perm Cloud
Cold Wave on Wikimedia Commons
The bigger the hair, the closer to fashion heaven — or so the saying went. Perms were teased and sprayed until they formed massive clouds that could block a friend’s view or fill a small room. Anyone sitting behind you at a concert probably saw nothing but curls. It was glamorous in its own way but also a hazard to anyone standing too close.
2. Spikes That Could Hurt Someone
User Lyo on en.wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
Spiky hair was a rebellion against the norm, and it looked fierce under club lights. The problem was that those rock-hard spikes could literally scratch someone during a hug or dance. People learned to keep a safe distance or risk getting jabbed in the cheek. It might have looked cool, but it was like carrying a head full of safety pins.
3. Mohawk Like a Razor Blade
Eughhh on Wikimedia Commons
The mohawk was a symbol of attitude, rebellion, and a lot of hairspray. Styled to stand perfectly upright, the edges could be so sharp that they scraped anyone too close. Getting into a car or putting on a hat was almost impossible without messing it up. It made a statement for sure — just not one about safety.
4. Hair That Covered the Eyes
Aldo Parulian on Pexels
Some people thought covering half their face with hair looked mysterious. It did, but it also made walking, driving, or even crossing a street risky. The world became a blur behind those heavy bangs. Cool points were high, but so were the chances of bumping into a wall.
5. The Beehive Tower
Manfred Werner - Tsui on Wikimedia Commons
The beehive was one of the most iconic hairstyles of the 1960s — and one of the most dangerous for tall people. Built high with layers of teased hair and hairspray, it often brushed against lamps and ceiling fans. Some women even slept sitting up to preserve it overnight. It was elegant, but you had to navigate doorways with caution.
6. The Wild Mullet
Mathimed on Wikimedia Commons
The mullet was the ultimate mix of business and chaos. Short up front and long in the back, it looked fine until that back part got tangled in something. People caught their mullets in seat belts, zippers, and even fans. The hairstyle was already divisive, but adding danger made it legendary.
7. Aquanet Fire Hazard
FruehL on Wikimedia Commons
The 80s were practically fueled by hairspray, and that made hairstyles highly flammable. A single spark near a candle or lighter could have disastrous results. The stiff, shiny finish looked glamorous under lights, but it also smelled like aerosol doom. Style over safety was the unspoken rule of the decade.
8. Buns So Tight They Hurt
Stilfehler on Wikimedia Commons
Perfect ballerina buns looked refined and clean, but they often came at a painful cost. Hair was yanked so tightly that it pulled the scalp and caused pounding headaches. Some even developed bald patches after years of the same look. Beauty was pain, and this style proved it literally.
9. Braids That Got Caught Everywhere
Astrid Sosa on Pexels
Long, elaborate braids were beautiful but not exactly practical. They easily caught on bag straps, car doors, and even other people’s jewelry. Each snag felt like a surprise attack on your scalp. Anyone rocking this look had to move carefully, or risk leaving a few strands behind.
10. The Teased Explosion
Hartmut Schmidt Heidelberg on Pexels
Teased hair was all about volume, but too much teasing turned heads for the wrong reasons. It took hours to build that puffed-up masterpiece and seconds to get it stuck on something. A sudden gust of wind could make it collapse into chaos. Once the teasing began, there was no turning back.
11. Heavy Dreadlocks
Krlamar on Wikimedia Commons
Dreadlocks can look stunning, but when they reach extreme lengths, they can become a literal weight to carry. Some were so heavy they caused neck strain or pulled on the scalp. The style required strength and balance, not just patience. It looked effortless, but wearing it was a full workout.
12. Slicked-Back Slippery Hair
Tabercil from Canadian on Wikimedia Commons
Slicked-back hair gave off that cool, movie-star shine, but it left a trail of trouble. Too much gel made hair greasy enough to stain clothes and furniture. Leaning back against anything smooth was a risky move. You might have looked stylish, but everything you touched ended up paying the price.
13. Hair That Took Up Too Much Space
Ammar Asyraf on Pexels
Some styles were so large they became their own presence in a room. People sitting behind you at theaters or concerts had no chance of seeing the stage. Every hug or photo required strategic positioning. It looked bold in pictures but chaotic in real life.