40 Most Regrettable Hairstyles, Ranked main image
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40 Most Regrettable Hairstyles, Ranked

Admit it: over the years, we’ve seen some pretty bad hairstyles and hairstyle trends. They haven’t all been that bad, of course. Some people really dig the man bun, while others would rather leave their man before being caught dead standing next to him and his bouncy bun. Then there are those that think undercuts were God’s gift to man and others that think it’s just…bad. 

Still, some trends are universally hated. We’re talking about the mullets of the world—sorry Billy Ray Cyrus, they’re bad. Most people hate the mullet, and it’s definitely not a hairstyle someone would pull out today in seriousness. Heck, some Halloween costumes use the mullet in comedy outfits. That’s when you know a haircut is awful.

Today, we’re going to go over some other hairstyles and hairstyle trends that people have grown to regret over the years. We all hate them, and we’d be happy if they stay in the past where they belong. There’s no reason to get any of these again. Well, unless you’re going to a decade party or a Halloween party. Then, getting any of these hairstyle trends will definitely get you an award in that case, at least. Why? Uh, they’re horrifying!

Without further ado, here are 40 hairstyles that are just utterly regrettable and bad.  

40. Dyed Gray

40. Dyed Gray

This one didn’t necessarily look horrible, but that’s an arguable point. It made this list because it was one of the worst things you could do to your hair. 

First, you have to bleach your hair, and then you have to dye it. It caused a ridiculous amount of damage, and for what?

Image via James Devaney/GC Images/Getty Images; Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

39. The Rachel

39. The Rachel

Not the Rachel! Yes, the Rachel. Rachel Green from Friends made this trend shoot up in popularity from ’94 to ’04. Here’s the thing: even in the later seasons, it was apparent they knew how bad the hair was, and that’s why she got an updated look. Plus, those choppy layers didn’t look great on most people’s hair.  

If the person for whom a hairstyle is named can't even pull it off, chance are you won't be able to either.  

Image via NBC//NBCUniversal/Getty Images via Getty Images

38. Bandanas

38. Bandanas

Bandanas are fantastic for getting work done in the garden or around the house. It keeps hair out of your face, but you know what it doesn’t do? Accentuate any outfit. Maybe we’re being harsh because it can look cute when done right. That being said, using the bandana over your whole head is a mistake. 

The one exception for this look would be a Rosie the Riveter costume. Otherwise, leave the bandanas at home and show off that pretty hair of yours. 

Image via Evan Agostini/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

37. Men’s Side-Swept Hair

37. Men’s Side-Swept Hair

Side-swept bangs are necessary for women because growing out bangs will always be a pain. For men—hard pass. This one has become known as the “Justin Bieber,” and if you have a hairstyle worn by this guy, you know you’re in the wrong. 

Not eve Adam Levine could say this mid-2000's TV look. This is a teenager's look that we're all glad we grew out of.

Image via Jason Merritt/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Justin Bieber On set/jake.auzzie/CC BY 2.0/Flickr

36. Casual Tiaras

36. Casual Tiaras

A tiara is another thing that should be worn exclusively by royalty or little girls. There is no in-between, but occasionally, casual tiaras pop up as a hair trend. 

If it’s a casual event (I.E., not a wedding), then ditch the tiara. 

Image via Taylor Hill/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

35. The Paintbrush

35. The Paintbrush

This is the most modern style on the list, and it’s becoming a real problem. We’re calling it the paintbrush because it looks like you can literally pick the kid up, dip his hair into some paint, and rub it on a piece of paper or wall. 

Here's proof that anyone can have bad hair, no matter how handsome you are. If these celebrity hunks can't rock this look, no one can. 

Image via Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; Brendon Thorne/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

34. Zig-Zag Parts

34. Zig-Zag Parts

Early 2000s Christina Aguilera needs to stop! Zig-zag parts popped up at the same time as crimped hair. What was it with zig-zag crap during this age? Thankfully, this trend also died, and hopefully, it stays that way.

Super cute for the ska era-- not so much anymore. 

Image via Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

33. High-Top Fades

33. High-Top Fades

Shorter high-top fades don’t look bad, but the super tall ones? No. Just quit it. It was a trend that popped up in the ’80s, and it’s kinda stuck around. Sure, it isn’t as popular, but every now and then, we’ll see someone with this style and cringe. 

This was certainly a look, emphasis on 'was.' Nowadays this cut is only for those hoping to come off like a pencil top. 

Image via NBC/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

32. Drastic Asymmetrical Cuts

32. Drastic Asymmetrical Cuts

Asymmetrical cuts can look pretty good. However, the super drastic ones cross the line. It looks like you got attacked by a hairdresser and barely got out with your life. They have sharp scissors, you know.

Pick a length and stick with it. You may be indecisive, but your hair shouldn't have to reflect that. 

(Images via Pinterest 1 & 2)

Prince Williams/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

31. Butterfly Clips

31. Butterfly Clips

Were butterfly clips useful? Yes. It kept hair out of your face. Were they a good look? Nope, no, and not at all. It was just a lazy way to style your hair, and now, it’s synonymous with being a young girl. This trend was one of the worst. 

Take out the colorful clips and hand them over to your four-year-old niece. She'll pull them off better than you will, trust us. 

Image via Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images; Justin Goff\UK Press/Getty Images

30. ’80s Perms

30. ’80s Perms

The ’80s were all about bigger is better, and nothing said that more than the hair. Whether a guy or girl, ’80s perms were horrible. Nowadays, most stylists discourage perms because of the damage to your hair. You want to have hair at 50, right?

We will give perms one thing: they'll make you stand out for sure. It just probably won't be the way you want to.

Mitchell Gerber/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images; Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

29. Huge Hair Bumps

29. Huge Hair Bumps

Any hairstyle from Jersey Shore is a bad one. There was even a commercial for you to put a piece of plastic in your hair to get an even larger hair bump. It looked like a skull malformation, not a good hairstyle.

If your hair has people questioning whether or not you're okay, it's time to find a new hairstyle. This bump that resembles a Looney Tune injury does exactly that. 

Image via Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

28. Two Face-Framing Pieces

28. Two Face-Framing Pieces

If your layers consist of two single pieces of hair that frame your face when your hair is up, then that’s a mistake. The thing about face-framing layers is that it’s supposed to compliment your face and accentuate your features, something that can’t be done with just two tiny tufts of hair.

Julia Stiles tried to pull off this look as Kat in 10 Things I Hate About You, but she ended up just giving us one thing to hate about her. Well, two things if you count being jealous that she got with Heath Ledger.

 

Image via Archive Photos/Moviepix/Getty Images

27. ’90s Side Ponytails

27. ’90s Side Ponytails

No, we don’t mean side, low ponytails. We mean the ones that are high up on the head like a little knob. Little girls mostly wore this trend, so we can’t hate on them too much. All kids have bad hair at one point in their lives. Instead, we’re going to drag women like Mariah Carey, who wore it as a grown woman. 

You'd almost look better with a ponytail hanging down in front of your face. At least that way, people wouldn't be able to tell who you were. 

Image via Ben Gabbe/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

26. Crimps

26. Crimps

Hey! We’ve got a good idea! Let’s smash our hair into a zig-zag, boxy pattern. That won’t look childish and hurt our hair at all. Thank goodness crimps went out of style in the early 2000s. Hopefully, they never come back.

A good rule of thumb for a hair style: you shouldn't make people wonder if you actually know how to use a flat iron or not. 

Image via Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage/Getty Images; Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

25. Feathers

25. Feathers

Feathers shouldn’t be hung in hair. Beads? Fine. We can accept that, but feathers are where we draw the line.

Did a bird get stuck in your hair, or did you do that on purpose?

Images via Lester Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

24. Huge Mohawks

24. Huge Mohawks

We’re not talking about the smaller mohawks. While we don’t like them, the shorter ones weren’t as egregious as the giant ones. If you need half a bottle to keep your hairstyle in place, it doesn’t look good. This one should stay in the ’80s where it belongs.

Since the goal for a mohawk is to make someone look more hardcore, at least you can say they're effective. Nothing is more punk than not caring about the way you look, and you'd have to really not care if you're willing to leave the house looking like this. 

Image via Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images

23. Liberty Spikes

23. Liberty Spikes

Um, what is this? Who started this craze and why? The punk scene of the ’80s caused this to spike in popularity, and even people with mohawks hate it. That’s how bad this style is. It gets even worse when someone does liberty spikes all over their head.

No one will ever pass a volley ball or blow bubbles around you when you look like this, so is it really worth the gallon of gel it takes every morning to keep your spikes standing tall?

Image via Gary Miller/FilmMagic/Getty Images

22. Slicked Back

22. Slicked Back

Slicked back hair was super popular in the early 2010s, but you know what it looked like? It honestly seemed like the person hadn’t washed their hair in weeks, and they could then use their natural grease to slick their hair back.

With hair stuck to your head like this, you'll look like you belong more in a Sci-Fi movie than a fashion magazine. 

Image via Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images

21. The Gibson Girl

21. The Gibson Girl

Oh-ho-ho. We’re going old school with this one. It was a trend in the 1900s, and it looked like a huge bird’s nest. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if a bird legitimately landed on someone’s head and laid an egg or two.

Frankly, if you can even construct a hairdo like this, kudos to you. The laws of physics shouldn't even let this happen, let alone the laws of fashion. 

Image via Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd (active 1897-1916), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

20. Dip-Dyed Hair

20. Dip-Dyed Hair

If done right, dying half of your hair can look great. Balayage is beautiful because it fades into your natural hair. You know what doesn’t fade or look good? Dip-dyed hair. The name indicates it all—it looks like you just took your hair, dipped it into some dye, and then called it a day. Even celebs were guilty of this one. 

The idea for this style was just as half-baked as it looks. We're all for experimentation, but you have to accept it when something doesn't work. 

Image via Nicki Minaj/hnnssy25/CC BY 2.0/Flickr

19. Spikes

19. Spikes

Nothing said attractive like…short, crunchy spikes. Apparently, this is what we thought was cute in the early 2000s because it was the typical “attractive dude” look of the era. Today, it’s evolved into something more attractive (thank god), but they’re just one spike twist away from looking like they belong in the Backstreet Boys. 

Why we all let this happen? Who knows. Let's just agree to never let it happen again. 

Image via Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images; Vera Anderson/WireImage/Getty Images

18. Extremely Long Hair Extensions

18. Extremely Long Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be a gift from God but be realistic about the length. Even as early as last year, incredibly long hair extensions were a trend that stormed Instagram. If your hair touches your butt, you probably need a haircut. If it touches your thighs, it may take a machete to get the job done. 

If your hair hangs too long, you may end up looking like Cousin Itt from the Addams Family,  more hair than human!

Image via Taylor Hill/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images

17. Adult Pigtails

17. Adult Pigtails

Any adult that wants to emulate a child is in the wrong. Yes, we’re talking about you Britney Spears. This was a trend in the early 2000s that should never, ever see the light of day again. They’re just some styles that are reserved for children, and this is one of them.

You may think these look cute, but to for everyone else, you'll just remind them of Harley Quinn. Don't be surprised if you notice people turning around when they see you coming their way. 

Image via Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; TSM/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images

16. Scene Hair

16. Scene Hair

This was a style that was incredibly popular in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Even though you may not know the name, you’ve seen it. It’s the ultra-teased, ultra-damaged, feather hair that’s always in the person’s face. Not cute or useful.

This isn't to say that you can't get down with your favorite pop punk tunes every once in a while, but be careful not to let them influence your fashion decisions. 

Image via David Livingston/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; Marc Andrew Deley/FilmMagic/Getty Images

15. Skunk Hair

15. Skunk Hair

Two-toned hair was always pretty bad, but in the early 2000s, the skunk hair reigned supreme. Women would dye their hair white or black, and then get black or white “highlights.” We’re not sure how this trend became dumb, but man, we’re happy it’s over. 

Are they black with white stripes or white with black stripes? Either way, they're tacky all around.

Image via KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images; Tim Mosenfelder/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

14. “The Karen”

14. “The Karen”

Also known as “Can I speak to the manager” hair, the Karen is a mix of a few different styles, which puts it on this list. It’s got spikes, asymmetrical lengths, and an undercut. It’s just confusing. Now, it’s the style that warns food service and retail employees that there will be problems.

This look is the perfect way to let anyone Know that you're more than happy to ruin other people's fun, all while crossing the line between combover and duck's behind. 

Image via Michael Kovac/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Kathy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

13. Crunchy Gelled Curls

13. Crunchy Gelled Curls

Thank you, Mr. JT, for showing us what Ramen noodles would look like if it came to life. This style was a definite trend when ‘Nsync got super popular. Thankfully, it’s stuck in the ’90s where it belongs. Hair shouldn’t be crunchy.

It's usually a bad sign when you've got more product on your scalp than actual hair...

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

12. Comb Overs

12. Comb Overs

This one is an unintentional trend, but it’s definitely a trend. Listen, guys. There’s nothing wrong with being bald. What’s unattractive is when you hang onto those three hairs and grow them out long in the hopes you can trick others into thinking there’s more up there. 

No matter how you feel about the previous president, we can all agree not to look to him for style advice. Him or Homer Simpson, for that matter-- another classic comb over. 

Image via Anwar Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

11. Hair Glitter

11. Hair Glitter

Say it with me: hair glitter looks like dandruff. Even the larger stars don’t look cute. From a distance, it looks like you’re in a severe need of medicated dandruff shampoo. Not to mention, washing that stuff out can’t be fun. Who will clean out the drain?

Your friends will thank you for cutting this out too. You're not just making a mess for yourself when you go for the glitter; it gets everywhere. 

Image via Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic/Getty Images

10. Frosted Tips

10. Frosted Tips

Frosted tips are another ’90s style—sensing a theme? Unfortunately, this is one that’s actually coming back. In general, getting your hair colored in two different drastic tones just looks bad. Natural colors look better. 

If you still insist on some frosted tips, get with Guy Fieri and go back to Flavortown where you belong. 

Image via Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance/Getty Images; Toglenn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Common

9. Shag Mullets

9. Shag Mullets

"Aren’t mullets the same as shag mullets?" Nah, shag mullets were another beast altogether. Women that loved the rocker style chose this as their go-to trend, but it didn’t look good. Listen, if you have the word “mullet” in the style, then you’re on the wrong path.

There are plenty of other styles that are just as good for headbanging, and they want make you feel so self-conscious after you leave the show. 

Image via Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

8. Chunky Highlights

8. Chunky Highlights

Thanks, Kelly Clarkson, for making this horrendous trend popular. Yeah, she didn’t start it, but the moment she got on American Idol, everyone got this ugly style. It’s been dead and gone, and we’re happy about it.

The name should say it all. "Chunky" isn't really a word you want to describe anything, except maybe a can of soup. 

Image via Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

7. The Ear Cover

7. The Ear Cover

The Ear Cover evolved from the bowl cut. It took the same shape, except it would go past the ears. Honestly, the look is frightening. Can you imagine running across someone with this cut in an alley? They may steal your kidneys.

Where's the creativity? The bowl just got a little deeper, and so should the shame for anybody trying to rock this look. 

Image via Dave M. Benett/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

6. Baby Bangs

6. Baby Bangs

Every now and then, super short baby bangs will come back as a trend. There hasn’t been a single person on Earth that looked good with super short baby bangs. Bangs are difficult to deal with, but they’re also not hard to trim yourself.

Bangs can look great in all kinds of styles, but if you cut them too short, you may end up looking like you started to get a bowl cut and chickened out halfway through. 

Image via Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; Presley Ann/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

5. Curtain Bangs on Men

5. Curtain Bangs on Men

Curtain bangs on men got popular in the ’90s, mostly due to boy bands. They thought it looked good, but it just made them look childish at best. At worst, they sort of looked like someone you should keep your kids away from, if you catch our drift.

Unless you find yourself at a Boy Meets World themed costume party, these should be avoided at all costs.

Image via Barry King/WireImage/Getty Images; ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images

4. The Beehive

4. The Beehive

Beehives were products of their time. By that, we mean the hairstyle didn’t care about the environment or the health of hair. It took a lot of teasing and pounds of hairspray. Let’s think about how light hairspray is, and how much it would take to get a pound of it. Nothing is prettier than crunchy hair, right?

Ms. Winehouse definitely wore it with style, but this look should not be tried at home. 

Image via Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

3. Bowl Cut

3. Bowl Cut

Bowl cuts are easy, and we get that. That being said—dear lord—let’s stop with them. They were pretty big back in the day, but now only kids wear them. Why? Because it’s easy to cut their hair into a bowl cut, but even kids deserve a little self-respect. 

Your hair should make you look good and feel good about yourself, so if you feel good looking like a thumb, go right ahead. 

Image via SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images; Vivien Killilea/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

2. Mullet

2. Mullet

Here’s a question: were mullets ever in style? Let us answer this question for you. No. No, they weren’t. They were a trend, but they were always horrendous. Billy Ray Cyrus will never get that mullet back. Sorry, bro. Naturally, this is one of the worst styles out there.

It's known for being business in in the front and party in the back.  Well, that's some business we want nothing to do with and a party we be happier not to attend. 

Image via Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

1. Rat Tail

1. Rat Tail

People still wear rat tails, and that makes the rest of us want to cut it off. It’s gross and looks horrible. From now on, let’s just not do rat tails—especially those novelty rat tails where the hair looks like a rat. We’re ranking the rat tail as the worst of the worst.

You'd think it's self-explanatory, but we're going to half to say it: you shouldn't try to compare your appearance to that of a rat. 

Image via Noam Galai/WireImage/Getty Image