The 1990s were a decade of bold fashion choices, many of which extended to the realm of hairstyles. A time when hair gel was a staple and daring cuts were the norm, the ‘90s gave us some of the most regrettable hair trends. Here’s a look back at twelve of the worst ‘90s hairstyles that barbers allowed to walk out of their shops.
12. The Curtains
The ‘Curtains’ hairstyle remains a quintessential emblem of the ‘90s, reminiscent of a bowl cut with a dramatic center part. This look was essentially a forehead fringe with a nod to a bad haircut joke—think of it as a hairstyle that tried too hard to be edgy but missed the mark entirely.
11. The Top Ramen
Not to be outdone, the ‘Top Ramen’ hairstyle was a disastrous attempt at achieving volume that ended up resembling a noodle pack. Popularized by a young Justin Timberlake, this hairstyle was more about embracing a culinary aesthetic than a flattering look.
10. White Boy Dreads
In a move that did not age well, some ‘90s stars, including Chris Kirkpatrick, sported ‘white boy dreads’. This hairstyle, which often looked awkward and unkempt, was a questionable attempt at adopting a cultural look that did not suit everyone.
9. Chunky Highlights
The ‘Chunky Highlights’ trend looked as if someone had taken a paintbrush to the hair, resulting in clumps of color that resembled bird droppings. This style was an attempt at edgy fashion but ended up as an eyesore.
8. The Ski Jump
The ‘Ski Jump’ was characterized by its extreme, vertical spikes, often achieved with an excess of hair gel. It gave off the impression of an unfortunate prom night decision, with men aiming for a spiked look that resembled a horn rather than a stylish coiffure.
7. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips were an iconic part of ‘90s male fashion, with Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray leading the charge. This look, which involved bleaching just the tips of the hair, made a bold statement but often came off as a desperate attempt to stand out.
6. The Big Bang
The ‘Big Bang’ haircut was popularized by Pete Wentz and was characterized by its voluminous, side-swept bangs. This hairstyle was particularly suited for those who enjoyed an emo aesthetic, where the bangs were so large they could double as an eye patch in the dark.
5. The Cartoon Explosion
This style was an over-the-top concoction featuring asymmetrical bangs and brightly colored dye that made the hair look like a comic book explosion. The aim was to make a striking impression, but it often resulted in a garish, loud look.
4. The Fauxhawk
The ‘Fauxhawk’ was a hairstyle that mixed business with pleasure, featuring shaved sides and a spiked center. This look, especially on balding men, often highlighted the disparity between the two sections, creating a visual disconnect that was less than appealing.
3. The Isosceles Tri-Bangle
The ‘Isosceles Tri-Bangle’ hairstyle was another questionable trend that made it look like you were wearing a wig incorrectly. This haircut’s unique shape often resembled a bad attempt at geometric art on the head.
2. The Updraft
The ‘Updraft’ was a hairstyle achieved by blow-drying the hair upward while wearing a baseball cap, resulting in a hairstyle that looked like a poorly executed attempt to house a small animal. The end result was a look reminiscent of an inverted banana peel.
1. Vestigial Braids
‘Vestigial Braids’ were often sported by those returning from tropical vacations, featuring thin braids adorned with plastic beads. While intended to convey a sense of maturity and style, this look often missed the mark, making wearers appear out of touch with current fashion trends.
These hairstyles serve as a reminder of a bygone era where bold and sometimes misguided hair choices were the norm. Looking back, it’s clear that the ‘90s had its fair share of hair crimes that remain etched in the annals of fashion history.