As we get older, certain trends that once seemed like the perfect fit may start to feel a little out of sync. Hairstyles that worked in your 20s or 30s might no longer match your lifestyle, your vibe, or even your hair’s texture. It’s all part of the natural evolution, but it’s also a great opportunity to refresh your look and find what truly works now.
In this list, we’re looking at hair trends that tend to quietly fade as we age, often without us realizing it. From overly structured styles to the boldest of color choices, some trends simply don’t resonate as much after a certain point. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your hair; it’s more about shifting towards styles that feel better suited to where you are today.
Unicorn Hair Colors
Unicorn hair, with its vibrant spectrum of pinks, purples, and blues, might dominate your twenties. It reflects a carefree spirit willing to embrace whimsy. Yet, as you step into your late thirties, practicality often takes precedence.
For many, maintaining such vivid hues becomes less appealing. The time-consuming upkeep and potential workplace perceptions can influence this change.
While still eye-catching, the allure of unicorn hair tends to fade, leaving room for more natural tones. This transition doesn’t signify an end to creativity but rather a shift towards a different form of self-expression.
Extreme Short Cuts
The edgy allure of extreme short cuts can be thrilling. They convey boldness and a willingness to stand out. Often associated with youth, such styles can lose their charm as one matures.
This isn’t to say short hair loses its appeal, but rather, styles might shift towards softer, more tailored looks. These provide versatility and align with professional settings.
Extreme short cuts require frequent maintenance and specific styling, which can be time-consuming. As life becomes busier post-35, many opt for manageability without sacrificing elegance.
Overly Layered Styles
Overly layered hairstyles can be incredibly dynamic, offering volume and movement that appeal to young adults. However, such styles often demand regular trims and attentive styling.
As responsibilities grow, the enthusiasm for high-maintenance hair diminishes. Many find themselves leaning towards simpler, more streamlined cuts.
Layers can still be part of the equation, but often in a more controlled manner. This balance between style and practicality becomes crucial, making overly layered styles less common beyond 35.
Shaved Designs
Shaved designs can be an exciting form of self-expression, turning heads with their artistic flair. Innovative and bold, they suit a youthful, adventurous personality.
With age, however, such styles may not align with evolving personal or professional identities. The commitment to frequent salon visits for upkeep can also deter continued enthusiasm.
While the appeal of shaved designs doesn’t entirely vanish, they often make way for more classic, timeless cuts that align better with mature aesthetics.
Neon Highlights
Neon highlights offer a fun, electrifying pop to hair that suits vibrant, youthful energy. These bright streaks are attention-grabbing and perfect for making a statement.
As people transition into their mid-thirties, such bold accessories might become less appealing. The upkeep and potential clashes with professional environments often lead to their retirement.
The inclination shifts towards more subtle and sophisticated highlights that blend seamlessly with natural hair tones, offering a polished and mature look.
Super Long Hair
Super long hair can exude fairy-tale charm, often coveted in youth. Its allure lies in its dramatic, flowing nature, reminiscent of enchanting stories.
However, as individuals age, the practicality of managing such length becomes daunting. The time required for care and styling might overshadow its enchantment.
Many transition to shorter, more manageable lengths that still retain elegance but fit better with busy lifestyles. This change reflects a preference for convenience and ease, without losing touch with personal style.
High Ponytails
High ponytails offer a playful yet chic appeal, often associated with energetic, active lifestyles. They provide a youthful lift and are perfect for showcasing facial features.
However, as one matures, the strain of tight styles might lead to reconsideration. Hair health becomes a priority, and gentler styling options are sought.
While ponytails remain a staple, they often shift lower or become part of more relaxed, sophisticated styles that ensure comfort and health of the hair.
Rainbow Ombre
Rainbow ombre hair, with its kaleidoscope of colors, captures a fearless, artistic spirit. It’s a celebration of diversity and creativity, perfect for those embracing change.
As people evolve, the desire for less dramatic hair color transformations becomes apparent. The upkeep of such vibrant styles doesn’t match the priorities of those over 35.
The trend shifts towards more muted ombre transitions, offering a nod to creativity while maintaining a refined elegance. This allows for personal expression without overwhelming maintenance.
Faux Dreadlocks
Faux dreadlocks offer an adventurous, bohemian vibe, often chosen for their unique texture and style. They provide a fun way to explore different cultural aesthetics without permanent change.
However, as people settle into more defined personal and professional roles, the appeal of faux dreadlocks can wane. The commitment to maintaining them, coupled with potential misconceptions, may also play a part.
Instead, many choose natural textures or styles that reflect their evolving identities, retaining individuality while embracing practicality.
Spiky Hair
Spiky hair once symbolized rebellion and youthful dynamism, offering a stand-out look for the bold-hearted. Its structured peaks and texture made it a go-to for self-expression.
With age, the spiky sensation often mellows. The need for excessive styling products and daily craft doesn’t always fit into a mature schedule.
The trend gently fades into softer, more relaxed hairstyles that require less maintenance and align with a more understated approach to appearance, still retaining a hint of edge.
Bleached Blond
Bleached blond hair, with its striking brightness, captures attention and exudes a daring edge. It often symbolizes boldness and a desire to stand out.
Yet, as individuals age, the harshness and upkeep of this color can become less appealing. Hair health and natural aesthetics gain priority, reducing the desire for frequent bleaching.
Many transition to softer blond tones or embrace natural shades that offer a simpler beauty, allowing for self-expression without compromising hair health.
Crimped Hair
Crimped hair brings a nostalgic wave of texture and volume, reminiscent of playful 80s fashion. It adds a quirky, dynamic flair that stands out in youthful styling.
However, the novelty of crimping can fade as one grows older. The time-intensive process and potential hair damage often lead to reconsideration.
As preferences evolve, smoother, more natural textures take precedence, providing elegance without the fuss. This shift reflects a desire for sophistication and ease while maintaining personal style.
Pastel Colors
Pastel hair colors, with their soft and dreamy hues, bring a whimsical touch to any style. They offer a gentle yet noticeable change, perfect for artistic expression.
As people approach their mid-thirties, the allure of pastel fades. The maintenance and potential workplace constraints often lead to a shift in preference.
Subtle, natural tones or low-maintenance shades become more appealing, aligning with both professional demands and personal ease, while still allowing a hint of creativity.
Micro Bangs
Micro bangs, with their edgy, fashion-forward appeal, can completely transform one’s look. They add a touch of uniqueness, often seen as avant-garde and daring.
However, the commitment to maintaining their precise length and the bold statement they make can become less desirable with age. Many prefer versatile styles that offer flexibility.
The trend often transitions to longer, softer bangs that blend seamlessly with various hairstyles, providing elegance without the constant need for trims.
Mohawks
The mohawk, a symbol of punk rebellion and individuality, captures the essence of daring youth. Its bold structure demands attention and sets the wearer apart.
As life stages change, the practicality and boldness of a mohawk might not align with personal or professional identities. The upkeep and potential stigma in some settings can deter its continued wear.
More subdued styles or faux hawks may take the place, offering a nod to individuality without the full commitment of a mohawk, allowing for expression within a mature framework.
Accessory Overload
Accessory overload, with its playful abundance of clips, pins, and bands, brings a festival of color and fun to hairstyles. It’s a youthful celebration of creativity and individuality.
However, as one ages, minimalism often appeals more. The practicality and ease of simpler styles can become more attractive.
The focus shifts to statement pieces or elegant accessories that complement rather than overwhelm, aligning with a sophisticated, mature aesthetic that still retains personal flair.
Wet Look
The wet look, with its glossy shine and sleek finish, offers a modern, high-fashion statement. It exudes a sense of confidence and sophistication.
Yet, as individuals mature, the intensive styling and product use required for the wet look can become less enticing. Many seek styles that offer ease and versatility.
Natural textures or more subtle, understated looks often replace the glossy allure, providing a polished appearance that suits both day-to-day life and special occasions.
Asymmetrical Cuts
Asymmetrical cuts, with their daring angles and unique shapes, add a modern twist to traditional hairstyles. They attract those with a taste for the avant-garde.
However, maintaining such a precise style can become burdensome as life gets busier. The bold statement might not resonate with a more settled personal or professional image.
Styles may evolve towards more balanced cuts, offering sophistication and ease without losing the creative edge, providing a mature yet stylish appearance.
Bowl Cuts
The bowl cut, with its retro resurgence, provides a quirky and distinct look that can turn heads. It echoes a playful rebellion against conventional styles.
As age brings different priorities, the simplistic yet bold nature of a bowl cut might lose its charm. The desire for versatile, adaptable styles often grows stronger.
More refined cuts take precedence, offering a blend of uniqueness and adaptability that suits a variety of settings, allowing for personal expression without the rigidness of a bowl cut.