Hairstyles have always been more than just trends—they are cultural statements that reflect the spirit of their time. Over the last 50 years, certain hairstyles have stood out, becoming symbols of rebellion, sophistication, or even excess. Some of these looks were instant classics, while others became infamous for their bold (or questionable) style choices. From the voluminous locks of the 80s to the sleek minimalism of the 2010s, each decade has left its mark on hair fashion. These hairstyles not only shaped beauty trends but also influenced music, film, and pop culture. While some of these styles have made a comeback, others remain relics of their era, remembered more for their daring nature than their lasting appeal. Whether they were admired or ridiculed, each of these hair trends defined a moment in time. Here’s a look at 10 hairstyles that made history—some for all the right reasons, and others for the wrong ones.
1. The Farrah Fawcett Feathered Waves (1970s)
Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hairstyle became the ultimate symbol of effortless glamour in the 1970s. Her cascading layers, styled with soft curls and plenty of volume, became the go-to look for women seeking a chic yet natural aesthetic. Inspired by the California surf-girl vibe, this hairstyle was all about movement and bounce. It required plenty of blow-drying, round brushes, and the perfect balance of hairspray to hold the shape while keeping it soft. The look became so iconic that women everywhere rushed to salons, requesting “The Farrah.” According to Wikipedia, Farrah Fawcett’s hairstyle was a defining feature of 1970s fashion.
Despite its popularity, this style wasn’t the easiest to maintain, requiring regular trims and styling tools. However, it remained one of the most copied hairstyles of all time, influencing later trends in layered cuts. Even today, modern adaptations of the feathered wave continue to resurface, proving its timeless appeal. The Farrah was more than just a hairstyle—it was a cultural phenomenon that defined 70s beauty. Few hairstyles have had such a lasting impact on how women style their hair.
2. The Perm Explosion (1980s)
If there was one defining hair trend of the 1980s, it was the perm. Big, voluminous curls dominated the decade, with both men and women embracing the chemically enhanced look. The goal was simple: the bigger, the better. The perm gave hair extra body and texture, making it the perfect companion to bold fashion statements of the time. From pop stars to everyday women, it seemed like everyone was rocking massive curls, often paired with teased bangs for an even bigger effect.
However, not all perms were created equal—some turned out bouncy and full, while others left hair looking frizzy and overprocessed. Maintaining a perm required constant touch-ups and deep conditioning to prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle. Despite its high maintenance, the perm became one of the most recognizable hairstyles of the decade. While it faded in popularity by the early 90s, modern versions of the perm—featuring softer, more natural curls—have recently made a comeback. Though infamous for its extreme volume, the perm remains a nostalgic symbol of 80s excess. As noted on TutorialsPoint, perms were a staple of 1980s hairstyles, adding curl and texture to hair.
3. The Rachel (1990s)
Jennifer Aniston’s layered cut from Friends—better known as “The Rachel”—became one of the most requested hairstyles of the 1990s. The shoulder-length cut featured face-framing layers with plenty of movement, creating a polished yet casual look. Women everywhere rushed to copy the style, hoping to achieve the same effortlessly chic appearance. It was one of the first times a celebrity hairstyle had such a massive influence on mainstream beauty trends.
However, despite its popularity, even Aniston herself admitted that maintaining “The Rachel” was a nightmare. The style required frequent blowouts and the perfect technique to keep the layers looking voluminous but not overly styled. Many who attempted the cut found that it didn’t suit every face shape or hair texture, leading to plenty of regrettable hair moments. While the trend eventually faded, its legacy remains, and layered cuts continue to be a go-to style. “The Rachel” proved that a single haircut could define an era and influence millions. As noted on Mental Floss, “The Rachel” became a global phenomenon, symbolizing the show’s cultural impact.
4. The Spiky Frosted Tips (Late 1990s – Early 2000s)
Few hairstyles are as infamous as the spiky frosted tips that dominated the late 90s and early 2000s. Popularized by boy bands like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, this look involved bleaching the tips of short hair and styling it into stiff, gelled spikes. It was meant to be edgy, cool, and slightly rebellious—at least in theory. The reality, however, was that many ended up looking like they had dunked their heads in a tub of hair gel and peroxide.
The excessive use of hair products often makes hair crunchy and unnatural-looking. Despite its questionable appeal, this trend spread like wildfire among teenage boys and young men who wanted to emulate their favorite pop idols. While it eventually fell out of fashion, frosted tips became a symbol of early 2000s nostalgia. Today, they are often remembered with a mix of amusement and embarrassment, proving that not all hair trends stand the test of time. As noted on Reddit, this hairstyle remains a nostalgic reminder of the early 2000s, with some even hoping for its return.
5. The Emo Side-Swept Bangs (Mid-2000s)
The mid-2000s saw the rise of the emo movement, and with it came one of the most distinctive hairstyles of the decade. The signature look featured long, choppy bangs that covered one eye, often dyed jet black or accented with neon streaks. This dramatic, moody hairstyle was a reflection of the emo subculture’s aesthetic, which embraced dark clothing, heavy eyeliner, and a melancholic attitude. Bands like My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy helped popularize the look among teenagers.
While the emo hairstyle became a defining symbol of teen rebellion, it wasn’t the most practical choice. The constant need to sweep bangs out of the face and maintain deep black dye jobs required serious dedication. Many people also ended up with unflattering bowl-shaped cuts if the layers weren’t done correctly. While emo culture has faded, modern versions of the side-swept bangs still appear in alternative fashion trends. The look remains an iconic reminder of a time when hair was just as expressive as the music people listened to.
6. The Pixie Cut (2000s-Present)
The pixie cut is one of the most timeless short hairstyles, but it saw a major revival in the 2000s thanks to celebrities like Halle Berry, Natalie Portman, and Rihanna. The cut is known for its bold, edgy appeal, featuring short layers that frame the face and highlight the cheekbones. While pixie cuts had been popular in earlier decades, the 2000s version had a more modern and versatile look. It became a symbol of confidence and individuality, offering an alternative to long, traditionally feminine hairstyles. Many women embraced it as a way to break free from beauty norms and showcase their style.
Despite its striking appeal, the pixie cut isn’t for everyone—it requires frequent trims and can be difficult to grow out. However, those who rocked it often found it to be both liberating and stylish. Over the years, different variations have emerged, from textured pixies to asymmetrical cuts, making it adaptable to changing trends. Even today, the pixie cut remains a go-to choice for women seeking a chic, low-maintenance hairstyle. Its ability to remain relevant across generations proves its enduring impact on the beauty world.
7. The Scene Hair (2000s-2010s)
The scene hairstyle took the emo side-sweep to the next level, combining extreme volume, bold colors, and heavy layering. Popularized by MySpace culture and alternative music fans, scene hair featured teased crowns, long side-swept bangs, and brightly dyed streaks. The look was all about standing out, often incorporating neon pinks, blues, and purples to create a unique, rebellious aesthetic. Flat irons and hairspray were essential tools, as the style required constant maintenance to keep its exaggerated shape.
Though iconic within its subculture, scene hair was not a practical everyday hairstyle. The heavy teasing often led to damaged hair, and maintaining the vibrant colors required constant bleaching and re-dyeing. By the mid-2010s, the look had largely faded as social media trends evolved, but its influence can still be seen in modern alternative styles. Elements of scene hair, such as choppy layers and bold colors, continue to inspire current edgy and punk-inspired hairstyles. While it may not be making a full comeback, its mark on 2000s fashion is undeniable.
8. The Kardashian Blowout (2010s-Present)
The sleek, ultra-glamorous blowout popularized by the Kardashian family defined hair trends throughout the 2010s. This look features long, voluminous hair with perfectly smooth waves, often achieved with extensions and high-end styling techniques. Unlike previous decades’ trends that focused on bold haircuts, the Kardashian blowout emphasized hair length, shine, and flawless styling. It became synonymous with luxury and high-maintenance beauty, setting the standard for modern glamour.
Achieving this look requires significant effort, including regular salon visits, expensive hair products, and skilled blow-drying techniques. Despite the high maintenance, it remains one of the most sought-after styles, with many beauty influencers and celebrities continuing to wear variations of it. The rise of social media and beauty tutorials has made it more accessible, with countless guides on how to replicate the perfect Kardashian-inspired waves. While trends may shift toward more natural hair textures in the future, the obsession with sleek, voluminous hair isn’t disappearing anytime soon.
9. The Undercut (2010s-Present)
The undercut is one of the boldest modern hairstyles, featuring shaved or closely cropped sides with longer hair on top. This edgy look first gained popularity in alternative fashion circles before becoming a mainstream trend for both men and women. Celebrities like Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson, and Ruby Rose helped bring the style into the spotlight, making it a symbol of confidence and individuality. The contrast between the shaved sides and the longer top creates a striking effect that can be customized with different textures and lengths.
While undeniably stylish, the undercut isn’t the easiest style to maintain. Growing it out can be awkward, and regular trims are necessary to keep the shape looking sharp. However, its versatility has kept it in fashion, with variations ranging from subtle side shaves to extreme, geometric designs. Today, the undercut remains a staple in the world of bold, modern hairstyles. It’s a look that continues to push boundaries, proving that edgy, unconventional haircuts can still have widespread appeal.
10. The Curtain Bangs Revival (2020s-Present)
Curtain bangs first became popular in the 1970s, but their recent resurgence has made them one of the hottest hair trends of the 2020s. This style features long, face-framing bangs that blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, creating a soft, effortless look. Unlike blunt or side-swept bangs, curtain bangs are more versatile, allowing for easy styling and a natural, lived-in feel. Celebrities like Dakota Johnson and Margot Robbie have embraced this trend, bringing it back into the mainstream.
Part of the appeal of curtain bangs is their ability to flatter almost any face shape. They add dimension and movement to the hair without the high maintenance of traditional bangs. Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, tutorials on achieving the perfect curtain bangs have helped fuel their popularity. The style continues to dominate hair trends, proving that classic hairstyles can always make a stylish comeback. Whether worn with sleek hair or loose waves, curtain bangs are the go-to choice for those seeking an effortlessly chic update to their look.
From bold statement cuts to effortlessly stylish trends, the past 50 years of hair history have seen an incredible range of iconic and infamous hairstyles. Some, like the mullet and scene hair, were extreme and unforgettable, while others, like curtain bangs and the pixie cut, have remained timeless. Many of these styles have gone through phases of reinvention, proving that fashion is always evolving. Whether these hairstyles were loved or mocked, they each played a role in shaping beauty trends and personal expression. As new generations rediscover and reinterpret past looks, the cycle of hair trends will continue. No matter how styles shift, hair will always be one of the most powerful forms of self-expression.
