Some hairstyles age like fine wine.
Others… more like forgotten leftovers.
2020 gave us creativity in chaos—DIY bangs, mystery color kits, and layers stacked like Jenga towers. But let’s be honest: not every trend deserves a comeback tour.
Your hair speaks before you do.
If it’s still whispering “quarantine chic” or screaming “box dye disaster,” it might be time for a loving intervention.
We asked stylists who’ve weathered every trend meltdown to dish on the looks that should officially retire.
From over-snatched ponytails to color jobs that never quite healed, they’ve seen it all—and they’re not holding back.
Ready to check if your go-to ‘do is still working for you—or just clinging to its 15 minutes of fame?
Let’s cut to it.
Excessive Layers
Excessive layers can lead to a dated look reminiscent of early 2000s pop stars.
The trend, once a favorite for its volume-enhancing properties, now stands out as overly dramatic in contemporary settings. When layers become too pronounced, they lose their natural flow and appear forced.
Stylists often recommend blending layers more subtly to maintain movement and elegance.
A softer transition between lengths can provide the desired volume without the outdated vibe. Consider opting for a more modern approach to layers, allowing for natural texture and ease of styling.
Chunky Highlights
Remember the chunky highlights that screamed early 2000s? They’re still making appearances, but perhaps they shouldn’t be. Thick, contrasting highlights can create a stark effect that lacks the subtlety of modern color trends.
Today’s stylists favor balayage or babylights for a more seamless blend. These techniques allow for a sun-kissed, natural appearance, avoiding the harsh lines chunky highlights often form.
Updating your highlight technique can refresh your look, steering away from an era best remembered in photographs.
Overly Asymmetrical Cuts
Asymmetry in hairstyles once symbolized rebellious individuality, yet extreme versions now seem out of sync. Dramatic differences in length can disrupt balance and make everyday styling a challenge.
Modern alternatives focus on subtle asymmetry that compliments facial features without overpowering them.
A slight difference can add interest without overshadowing your natural beauty. Balance is key, turning a bold statement into a versatile, chic choice.
High Fashion Mohawks
Mohawks have been a symbol of counterculture and individuality. In 2020, the high fashion mohawk took center stage with its daring presence.
While striking, this look may not transition well into everyday life.
For those who enjoyed the mohawk’s edge, consider a softer undercut or faux hawk for adaptability.
These variations maintain the rebellious spirit while offering more styling options. Embracing a less extreme version can keep your look fresh and versatile.
Over-Processed Curls
Over-processed curls often result from the quest for perfect definition, leading to dryness and frizz. This quest for perfection can damage hair, leaving it lackluster and brittle.
Stylists recommend nurturing curls with moisturizing treatments and gentle styling techniques.
Embracing natural texture can enhance curls without the need for excessive processing. A balanced approach to curl care can lead to healthier, bouncier locks.
Flat Iron Sleekness
In the quest for sleek perfection, many have turned to flat irons, leading to hair that appears lifeless and rigid. The pursuit of absolute smoothness often strips hair of its natural body and volume.
Today’s trends favor natural movement and soft waves over pin-straight locks. Embracing texture and using heat sparingly can rejuvenate your hairstyle, adding vitality and dimension.
A modern approach respects the natural bounce of your hair, creating a more dynamic appearance.
Vibrant Neon Colors
Neon colors once symbolized bold self-expression and creativity. However, these vivid hues can be challenging to maintain and often clash with everyday outfits.
For those seeking color, softer pastels or earth tones offer an elegant alternative. These shades provide a pop of color without overwhelming your look.
Experimenting with less intense colors can still reflect your personality while being more adaptable to various styles.
Ultra-Short Bangs
Ultra-short bangs made a daring statement in 2020, drawing attention to the eyes and forehead.
However, their starkness can be overwhelming and challenging to grow out.
Opting for longer, wispy bangs can soften facial features and offer more versatility.
This approach allows for easier styling and blending with various hairstyles. A gentle fringe can frame the face beautifully without the commitment of constant maintenance.
Overly Gelled Styles
Heavily gelled hairstyles can appear stiff and artificial, reminiscent of past decades. The rigidity of gel can lead to a style that feels more helmet-like than natural.
Today’s preferences lean towards softer, touchable styles using lighter products.
Styling creams or mousses can maintain hold while allowing movement. This shift creates a more relaxed and approachable appearance, enhancing your natural hair texture.
Bubble Ponytails
Bubble ponytails were a fun 2020 trend, adding playful volume to a classic style. However, their novelty can wear off quickly, leaving a look that feels gimmicky.
A sleek, classic ponytail offers timeless elegance and is easier to maintain. Adding subtle waves or a slight twist can modernize the traditional ponytail without the extra fuss.
Simplifying your approach can lead to a more sophisticated yet playful look.
Extreme Side Parts
Extreme side parts can create dramatic volume on one side, but often result in an uneven look that feels unbalanced.
This style can inadvertently draw focus away from facial symmetry.
A softer part allows for a more even distribution of hair, complementing facial features.
Center or slight side parts provide a balanced, modern aesthetic that suits various face shapes. Adjusting your part can subtly enhance your overall appearance, creating harmony.
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs have made a comeback, bringing a vintage flair to modern fashion. Yet, their charm lies in subtlety, and when overdone, they can overshadow rather than enhance.
A well-blended fringe adapts to various styles, adding softness and framing the face without dominating it.
Maintaining a natural flow with the rest of the hair ensures a cohesive look. This style offers versatility, suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Undercut Designs
Undercut designs offer a canvas for creative expression, with artistic patterns shaved into the hair. However, these designs require frequent maintenance to remain sharp and defined.
Simplifying the design or opting for a classic undercut can ease upkeep while retaining edge.
This approach allows for artistic flair without the constant need for touch-ups. A balance between creativity and practicality can keep the style impactful yet manageable.
Mullet Revival
The mullet’s resurgence brought nostalgia but also controversy. While it offers a throwback appeal, its stark contrast can be polarizing and challenging to pull off.
Modernizing the mullet with a softer transition and reduced length difference can make it more approachable.
This update maintains a nod to the past while fitting seamlessly into today’s fashion landscape. Adjusting the mullet’s extremes can elevate its charm.
Long Extensions
Long extensions offer instant length and glamour but can appear unnatural if not blended properly with natural hair.
The weight of excessive extensions may also cause discomfort and damage.
Opting for high-quality, well-blended extensions can create a seamless look. Gradual layering and careful color matching ensure the extensions enhance rather than overpower.
This attention to detail can transform length into a graceful asset.
Flat Top
The flat top resurfaced as a bold style choice, echoing past decades. However, its geometric precision can be difficult to maintain and feels dated against modern aesthetics.
A softer fade or tapered sides can update the flat top while preserving its iconic silhouette.
This approach reduces maintenance and fits more seamlessly with contemporary styles. Retaining the essence of the flat top in a modern way can keep it relevant.
Frosted Tips
Frosted tips bring to mind boy bands of the late 90s and early 2000s. While they offer a distinct look, the stark contrast often fails to blend naturally with the base color.
Modern approaches prefer subtle highlights or ombré techniques, providing a more gradual transition.
These methods can achieve brightness and interest without harsh lines. Evolving frosted tips into softer highlights can keep the nostalgia while appealing to current trends.
Sky-High Beehive
Once a symbol of vintage glam, the sky-high beehive can now feel more like a towering relic.
This voluminous style not only demands immense amounts of hairspray but also risks overshadowing the wearer’s features. Imagine entering a room and your hairdo arrives a minute before you – that’s the beehive for you.
While it was all the rage in 2020, modern styles are leaning towards more natural and effortless looks.
Stylists recommend embracing a softer, more laid-back approach, allowing your natural beauty to shine. Did you know? The beehive was first created in 1960 by Margaret Vinci Heldt.