Once upon a time, your bathroom shelf was a jungle of crunchy gels, mousse mountains, and hot-oil ampoules.
Now? Half that lineup has vanished without a trace—and no one talks about it.
Hair care has moved on, leaving behind a trail of once-loved products that ruled the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s like royalty.
Remember spritz bottles that doubled as weapons?
Or thick pomades that promised shine but delivered grease?
They were everything—until suddenly, they weren’t.
As sleek serums, sulfate-free this-and-thats, and air-dry creams took over, the classics got shoved to the back… and stayed there.
In this nostalgic deep dive, we’re revisiting 18 hair products that once held prime real estate in every woman’s routine—only to fade into near extinction.
Miss them or not, you’ll remember every single one.
Hair Crimper
Remember the days of bold, crimped hair? The hair crimper, a must-have in the 80s, added texture and volume like no other. Its zigzag pattern was iconic. With sleek, flat hair taking center stage, the crimper’s distinct style slowly faded.
Yet, for a while, it was the ultimate tool for expressing individuality. Today, sleek and polished looks are preferred, leaving the crimper in nostalgic memory. Still, its influence on hair fashion remains undeniable.
Did you know? Crimped hair made a brief return but couldn’t reclaim its former glory. A bold trend, now merely a memory.
Hair Mousse
Hair mousse, once the volumizing hero of the 80s and 90s, was a staple for adding lift and body. Its airy texture made hair seem fuller and more vibrant. However, as beauty trends shifted towards natural textures, mousse took a backseat.
Modern alternatives like styling creams and serums offer a more natural hold. The mousse’s sticky residue is no longer desirable. Despite its decline, it paved the way for innovations in volumizing products.
Interestingly, mousse is still favored in theatrical settings for its dramatic effects. A backstage essential, yet a bathroom rarity.
Banana Clip
The banana clip, a 90s favorite, effortlessly held thick hair in place. Its unique shape and vibrant colors made it a standout accessory.
As hairstyles evolved, the need for such a structured clip waned. The rise of loose, flowing hair marked its decline. Despite this, the banana clip remains a nostalgic symbol of youthful exuberance.
Fun fact: The banana clip was originally inspired by the need for a quick, yet chic, hairstyle change. Though rare today, it occasionally resurfaces in retro fashion revivals.
Sun-In Hair Lightener
Sun-In promised sun-kissed locks without the salon visit. Popular in the 90s, it was a go-to for effortless highlights. Its ease of use made it a hit among teens.
With the shift towards professional color treatments, Sun-In slowly lost its charm. Concerns over uneven bleaching further diminished its popularity. Despite this, it holds a place in the hearts of those who long for simpler beauty solutions.
Did you know? Sun-In’s citrus smell was often associated with summer adventures. A nostalgic scent, now a rare bathroom find.
Hair Setting Lotion
Hair setting lotion was once essential for achieving perfect curls. Applied before styling, it ensured a firm hold and lasting style. This product was particularly popular before the rise of hair sprays.
As technology in hair care evolved, setting lotions were replaced by more versatile sprays and styling products. For those who remember its strong hold, it remains a symbol of classic hairdos.
Interestingly, it’s still used in vintage-inspired styling. A niche product now, but once a cornerstone of hair maintenance.
Teasing Comb
Teasing combs were indispensable for achieving sky-high volume and dramatic styles. They were the secret behind many iconic looks of the 60s and 80s.
However, the damaging effects of backcombing led to its decline. Today, products promoting healthy hair discourage such aggressive styling.
The comb remains a nostalgic tool for those who remember its transformative power. Although rare in modern bathrooms, it occasionally finds use in retro-themed events.
Dippity-Do Hair Gel
Dippity-Do hair gel, with its distinctive jar, was a staple for setting styles in the 60s and 70s. Its thick formula provided hold and shine, perfect for the era’s polished looks.
As flexible styling products emerged, rigid gels like Dippity-Do were phased out. Today’s trends favor softer, more natural hair textures.
Despite its decline, it’s cherished by those who experienced its heyday. Fun fact: Dippity-Do’s vibrant colors and unique scent made it memorable for generations.
Hot Rollers
Hot rollers were a favorite for achieving bouncy curls without excessive heat. Easy to use, they offered volume and style with minimal effort.
However, with the advent of curling irons and wands, hot rollers took a backseat. Modern tools offer faster results and greater versatility.
For those who prefer the gentler, classic approach, hot rollers still hold appeal. Did you know? They were once a beloved tool for glamorous Hollywood waves.
Razor Comb
The razor comb, a dual-purpose tool, offered both cutting and styling. Popular in the 70s, it provided texture and movement to hair.
As precision cutting methods advanced, the razor comb became less common. Its use required skill to avoid damaging hair, contributing to its decline.
For those who knew its versatility, it remains a cherished accessory. A relic of innovative styling techniques, now mostly retired.
Hair Fragrance Mist
Hair fragrance mists offered a quick scent refresh, perfect for busy days. Their light, floral fragrances added an elegant touch.
As multi-functional products emerged, the singular purpose of hair mists led to their decline. Consumers now prefer products that offer both fragrance and care.
Despite this, hair mists are fondly remembered for their gracefulness. Did you know? They were a popular accessory for evening outings, adding allure and charm.
Hair Chalk
Hair chalk allowed for vibrant, temporary color without commitment. Popular among teens, it offered a playful way to experiment with hair color.
As semi-permanent dyes became more advanced, the need for chalk diminished. Modern concerns over hair damage further contributed to its decline.
Yet, it still finds occasional use in festive settings and costume events. A fun, yet fleeting trend, remembered for its boldness.
Volumizing Powder
Volumizing powder gave hair an instant lift, perfect for fine hair needing a boost. Its lightweight formula and matte finish were appealing.
However, with the rise of root-lifting sprays and texturizing products, the powder’s popularity waned. Some found its residue hard to manage.
For those who enjoyed its quick fix, it remains a nostalgic product. Once a staple for achieving fullness, now a relic of past hair solutions.
Hair Relaxer Cream
Hair relaxer creams promised sleek, straight hair without heat. Popular in the 90s, they offered a means to manage unruly curls.
Concerns over chemical damage led to a decline in their use. Today, many prefer natural curls or heat styling methods.
Still, they are remembered for their role in transforming hair routines. A product once defining smoothness, now largely replaced by safer alternatives.
Wet-Look Gel
Wet-look gel created sleek, high-shine styles reminiscent of the 80s. Its glossy finish was perfect for bold, dramatic looks.
As matte textures gained popularity, the demand for shiny gels decreased. Concerns over heaviness and residue further contributed to its decline.
Despite this, it’s still used for specific styling needs. A product once defining glossy allure, now a rarity in everyday use.
Velcro Rollers
Velcro rollers offered a gentle way to add volume and curl to hair. Their easy-to-use design made them a household staple.
With the rise of heat styling tools, they became less common. Modern techniques offer quicker, long-lasting results.
Yet, for those who prefer a heat-free method, Velcro rollers remain cherished. Did you know? They were once a favorite for achieving soft, romantic curls.
Texturizing Spray
Texturizing spray added grit and body, perfect for achieving tousled styles. Its rise in popularity marked a shift towards natural, undone looks.
As newer formulas emerged offering more benefits, older versions fell out of favor. Some found them drying, contributing to their decline.
Still, they’re remembered for revolutionizing casual styling. A product once leading the way for beachy waves, now often replaced by modern innovations.
Hair Glaze
Hair glaze provided shine and enhanced color, popular in the early 2000s. It offered a way to refresh hair without the need for dye.
With the rise of more comprehensive hair treatments, glazes became less common. Concerns over buildup and lack of long-term benefits contributed to this change.
For those who loved its quick shine, it’s fondly remembered. A product once adding luster, now overshadowed by advanced care solutions.
Hair Glitter
Once a must-have for every teen heading to a party in the late ’90s, hair glitter added an extra sparkle to every hairstyle. It was commonly found in vibrant colors, complementing the adventurous fashion of the era.
However, as hair care routines became more focused on natural looks and the minimalistic approach took hold, the demand for such flashy adornments faded. Many cited concerns over glitter’s environmental impact, leading to its decline.
Despite its disappearance, hair glitter remains a nostalgic icon of a carefree, expressive time in fashion history.