The 2000s, also known as the Y2K era or “naughty aughties,” might be experiencing a revival in many ways. From low-rise jeans and jelly sandals to chunky thong sandals and mini skirts, fashion from the early 2000s is making a comeback, especially among Gen Zers and millennials. And, as with fashion, the hair trends of that era are also resurfacing. While we’re loving some of the nostalgia, there are a few trends from the 2000s that should probably stay locked away in the past.
Dark Extensions
Christina Aguilera, a style icon of the 2000s, was known for her dark, contrasting hair extensions. These extensions, often drastically longer than her natural hair, were a trend that also found popularity with celebrities like Nicole Richie. The sharp contrast between natural hair and extensions often resulted in a jarring effect. This look may have been trendy at the time, but it’s best left behind.
Bumpit
If you’ve ever seen the Bumpit infomercial, you know exactly what we’re talking about. This hairstyle involved placing a rounded clip at the front of your hair to create a big bump, often worn with a high ponytail or loose hair. Celebrities like Rihanna, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and even Beyoncé rocked the Bumpit. While it was versatile, it’s hard to deny how cringe-worthy it was in retrospect.
Spiky Hair
Ah, spiky hair. Fueled by excessive amounts of hair gel, this trend was especially prominent among rockers like Ryan Cabrera, Travis Barker, and Benji Madden. While it made a strong statement, it wasn’t always the most flattering. The look, often overdone, has gone down in history as one of those “why did we do that?” styles.
Chunky Highlights
The chunky highlights trend, immortalized by Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) and famous in the early 2000s, should have never seen the light of day. These thick, uneven streaks of blonde often clashed with the natural hair color and were a staple of the “Rachel” haircut. Lindsay Lohan’s infamous chunky highlights in Freaky Friday are a perfect example of this regrettable trend.
The Swoop-dee-Doop
This style, made famous by Justin Bieber, involved sweeping bangs across the forehead in a dramatic swoop. Other stars like Zac Efron and Pete Wentz also rocked this look, often styled to one side, making it one of the most iconic (and widely mocked) trends of the time. While it was impossible to escape, we can all agree that it’s best left in the past.
Crimped Strands
Crimped hair was one of the most memorable trends from the early 2000s, where hair was styled with a crimping tool to create zig-zag waves. While the look had its moments, it often looked messy or uneven. Hilary Duff’s character Lizzie McGuire on Disney Channel often sported crimped hair, which, in retrospect, didn’t always blend well with the rest of her style. The crimped look is one trend we definitely don’t need to revive.
Some 2000s hair trends were fun while they lasted, but the time has come to let them rest. While nostalgic fashion trends are making their way back, these outdated hairstyles can stay where they belong—in the past.
