Fashion in hairstyles is notoriously cyclical, yet some trends from the past now appear quite dated and even alarming to modern eyes. Looking back, it’s fascinating to observe the styles that once captivated the masses but have since fallen out of favor, often due to their impracticality or the damage they inflicted on the hair. This retrospective highlights how beauty standards evolve and what was once considered chic can now be viewed with a sense of bewilderment.

One prominent example is the era of “crazy curls,” characterized by extreme volume and perms that were particularly popular in the late 1970s. Women flocked to salons to achieve these tightly coiled looks, often unaware of the significant damage these chemical treatments caused to their hair. The harsh perms frequently left hair brittle and damaged, sometimes necessitating drastic haircuts that didn’t always improve the overall aesthetic. This trend eventually faded as softer, more natural styles gained prominence.

The voluminous bob of the 1960s represents another hairstyle that seems disproportionate by today’s standards. While beloved by many women and even embraced by actresses of the time, this style often created an overly large and somewhat unnatural volume around the head. Modern preferences lean towards sleeker and more balanced silhouettes, making the exaggerated bob a rare sight in contemporary fashion. This shift reflects a broader move towards more understated elegance in hair trends.

The “aurora” haircut, inspired by American actresses, also enjoyed a period of significant popularity. Women eagerly sought to emulate their idols, often overlooking the somewhat awkward appearance of the style. Attempts to enhance the aurora with backcombing and perms, while intended to elevate the look, frequently resulted in damaged and unhealthy hair due to the intensive use of chemical treatments and styling products. This highlights a recurring theme where the pursuit of a trendy style could compromise hair health.

Finally, the “garçon” haircut, a bold move for many women who opted to cut off their long hair, and the towering “babette” of the late 1960s, inspired by Brigitte Bardot, both illustrate past trends that haven’t endured. The garçon haircut, while a statement of modernity at the time, evoked mixed reactions and didn’t suit everyone. Similarly, the babette, often achieved through excessive backcombing and hairpins, frequently looked messy and unrefined in amateur attempts. These examples underscore how hairstyle trends can be subjective and heavily influenced by celebrity culture, sometimes with less than desirable results.