Classic Or Cliche?
It's hard to let things go, whether they be childhood toys or your favorite hairstyle. Hair can act as a security blanket for many people, and changing up styles to accommodate hair thinning, aging, or a changing face shape can be daunting. Luckily, we've compiled a list of hairstyles that are more dated than daring while providing some enticing alternatives.
1. Tight Curls
We're not pointing fingers at the spiral perm here, but it's definitely one of the main culprit. While bouncy curls and waves can make you look younger by adding volume and giving a Botticelli angel look, too tight of curls can do the opposite. Highly styled and artificial curls can make you look uptight and old-fashioned.
2. Long Straight Hair
While some people may be able to pull of the long straight look for seemingly forever, that simply isn't the case for everyone. For those with oval faces, long hair can drag their features down even further. Additionally, fragile and damaged hair will only grow moreso the longer it gets, and we mean that literally.
3. Blunt Bob
Blunt bobs look super cool, but they often only look that cool because of a few key factors: 1) constant upkeep, 2) excellent bone structure, & 3) money. Celebrities may be able to afford weekly trips to the salon for shaping along with the most expensive cameras money can buy, but this simply isn't sustainable for average people.
Thirteen Of Clubs on Wikimedia
4. Finger Waves
Finger waves are one of the most iconic looks to come out of early Hollywood. These highly stylized s-curve waves can be a daring look for influencers and runway models, but they really are a young woman's hairstyle. Older women still holding onto this style run the risk of appearing stiff and stodgy.
5. The Rachel
The hairstyle of the 1990s and one of the most famous haircuts of all time, the Rachel had its decade in the sun, and now we should let it rest. 90s and y2k revival styles have been all the rage among young people as of late, but this feathered face-framer hasn't seen much of a revival. The choppy, intricate layers can look tight around the face.
Brett Cove at https://www.flickr.com/photos/brettdcove/ on Wikimedia
6. Pigtails
Pigtails are adorable on little girls...not so much on grown women. Yes, you could argue that there is a bit of French girl style to them when worn low and relaxed, but most of the time they come off as precocious, leading to an image of arrested development.
7. Crimped Hair
Crimping peaked in the 1980s and, if we're being honest, it should have been left there. This frizzy style halfway between curls and waves is simply not it for anyone. When worn if gives the wearer the look of someone who peaked in high school several decades ago and doesn't know how to let go.
8. Flipped Out Bob
Inspired by the 60s, this retro-inspired 'do can quickly turn into a don't. Like many high-concept looks, this style looks fabulous on red carpets but can look artificial and wiggy in real life.
9. Angled Bob
Angled bobs and other asymmetrical hairstyles look trendy but don't last. The severity of this style can make faces look stern or unbalanced. At worst, you can lean a little too far into Karen stereotype territory.
Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia
10. Long Pixie
Wispy pixies look cute, but they can be the bane of thin hair. Even with luscious locks, this look can look dated and droopy. And, lest you think we're being too hard on short hairstyles, don't worry, we have more positive to say about them than negative.
Now that we've gone over a few styles that will make you look stuck in the past, let's take a look at a few timeless cuts that will never go out of style.
1. Faux Bob
Unlike a lot of red carpet-ready styles, a faux bob is actually wearable in daily life. If you don't want to commit to short hair but still want to get some of that weight off your face and neck, you can pin it up for a chic style and no one will be the wiser. Classy and timeless.
2. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are stylish while still being low-maintenance. Of all the retro-turned-new styles that have been making headlines recently, this one may be our favorite, not just because of how little upkeep it requires, but because it flatters virtually every face shape.
3. Feathered Pixie
Unlike long pixies, feathered pixie cuts are a great way to add some texture and volume to thinning hair without drawing attention to it. This style is light and airy and will make you feel youthful without making you look like you're holding onto something out of reach.
4. Long Layers
There's no reason to give up gorgeous long hair if you don't want to, but there's also no reason why you shouldn't add a little texture to spice things up a bit. Long layers will keep you hair from growing monotonous and can add volume toward the top of your head. When waved, you can also use layers to "point" to striking features like eyes or cheekbones.
5. Polished Pixie
While most people associate pixie cuts with youth, they can also be stately and demure. Choppy pieces at the front can be easily swept to the side for a more formal look depending on the occasion, Plus, this look dries in minutes and requires very little upkeep.
6. French Bob
One of the most popular styles in recent years, we believe that the French bob looks good at any age, with any hair texture. Inspired by flappers and Coco Chanel, this timeless look has enormous versatility. The French bob is perfectly between an the sharp angles of a more severe bob and a shaggy lob.
Joop van Bilsen / Anefo on Wikimedia
7. Wavy Bob
Bobs aren't just for straight or artfully tousled hair. Similar to the French bob, a wavy bob will add fullness and shape to any face shape. This style also gives a vintage feel without feeling too antiquated.
nikoretro from Ft. Myers, FL, USA on Wikimedia
8. Crown Braid
Regal crown braids are always in style. In addition to making you look like royalty, they're also a great way to handle hair that's grown a little bit too long between cuts. They may take a bit of time to master, but we promise they're worth it.
9. Freestyle Curls
if you have naturally curly or coily hair, rock it as is.The bounce of these hair textures will make you look fun-loving and free. While short crops of curls provide excellent framing for the face, long manes will keep you from looking (and feeling) weighed down.
10. Old Hollywood Waves
Maybe it's contradictory to call out some styles for being too formal or arty for daily wear, but we're not suggesting you wear this particular 'do out grocery shopping, unless you want to of course. When it comes to high-class events, a big, beautiful blowout in the style of Veronica Lake is timelessly chic.
