Hairstyles immortalize eras and create icons. From Jennifer Aniston’s iconic ‘the Rachel’ haircut to The Weekend’s meme-worthy ‘cat’ haircut, hairstyles have defined individuals. Throughout history, various trends have come and gone, reflecting the culture and aesthetics of their time. While some vintage hairstyles evoke nostalgia and admiration, others would undoubtedly raise eyebrows if revived in today’s beauty scene. Here are 12 vintage hairstyles that would ignite controversy and spark discussions today:

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The Gibson Girl Updo

The whimsical Gibson Girl hairstyle, characterized by its voluminous updo and soft curls, was prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Created and popularized by Charles Dana Gibson, the updo was admired for its elegance and sophistication and was responsible for setting the beauty standards of the time. Although this iconic hairstyle was loved by many during its peak, it would have a hard time being revived in the modern beauty scene to compete with the new beauty standards.

Victorian-era Sausage Curls

Sausage curls, tightly wound ringlets popularized during the Victorian era, were considered fashionable for women of the time. At first, this hairstyle was meant only for little girls but later became popular amongst women. Curling one’s hair was not as easy as it is today during the Victorian times, without the curling irons. Women of this era were expected to have long hair, and girls above the age of 16 who wore their hair down were considered indecent. With the evolution of trends across centuries, indecency is not characterized by hair anymore, and rightfully so.

Marcel Waves

Designed in 1872 by Francois Marcel, a French Hairdresser, Marcel made this hairstyle achievable by all, not just the affluent. The waves were a hallmark of 1920s glamour. While celebrated for their elegance and sophistication, the labor-intensive process of achieving these waves with heated curling irons and chemical treatments raises concerns about the potential damage to hair health and the perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards.

Pompadour

The pompadour, characterized by its voluminous, swept-back style, gained popularity in the 1950s, particularly among men. Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV of France, introduced the style. While it exudes confidence and retro charm, managing the updo in this day and age would take a lot of time and effort. Not to mention, sporting a puff could also damage the hair.

Beehive

The towering beehive hairstyle was popularized and created in the 1960s by some hairstylists in Chicago. The updo symbolized youth, rebellion, and countercultural expression. At one point, every Hollywood diva was seen sporting this hairstyle, including Audrey Hepburn and Aretha Franklin. While it remains an iconic symbol of the era, its impracticality and its reliance on excessive backcombing would be met with condemnation today.

Afro Puffs

This traditional African hairstyle can be styled in various sizes and shapes. It became famous for its rounded, voluminous shape and was a staple of Black hairstyles in the 1970s. Celebrated for its cultural significance and beauty, the song “Afro Puffs” by The Lady of Rage was also inspired by this hairstyle. However, the sheer effort that goes into making this hairstyle is the only factor keeping it from returning.

Geisha Hairstyle

Traditional Japanese geisha hairstyles, such as the elaborate Shimada and Taka Shimada, are intricately styled and adorned with decorative ornaments. While appreciated for their artistry and cultural heritage, wearing these hairstyles without understanding or respecting their significance would be considered cultural appropriation and fetishization.

Mullet Hairstyle

According to some historians, the mullet hairstyle has been around since ancient Greece, though actors and rockstars popularized it around the 1980s. The hairstyle sported a short front and sides and a long back. Associated with working-class masculinity and rebellion, the haircut has a nostalgic appeal, and some things are just better being nostalgic about.

Crimped Hairstyle

In the vibrant ’80s, crimped hair was all the rage, fitting perfectly with the “bigger is better” trend. Crimping became synonymous with edgy, daring looks, embraced by icons like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. In the ’90s, crimped hair remained a standout style but took on a more feminine and girlish vibe. Paired with highlights and playful accessories, it became a staple for stars like Christina Aguilera and Drew Barrymore. But they lack the flair of today’s modern hairstyles.

Emo bangs Hairstyle

Emo bangs, long, side-swept fringes covering one eye, were a defining feature of the emo subculture in the early 2000s—embraced chiefly by teenage girls as a sign of their teenage petulance. They were also a form of self-expression and rebellion against mainstream beauty norms. This hairstyle can be best described as ‘A blast from the past’ and is better off left alone in our old photographs, admired through a lens of nostalgia.

Candy-Colored Hair

Candy-colored hair, characterized by vibrant shades of pink, blue, and purple, gained popularity in the alternative fashion scene in the 2010s. While celebrated for its creativity and individuality, the bleach and ammonia used in those colors excessively damaged your hair. With no healthy alternatives, it’s best to leave this trend in the past.

Man Buns

The man bun, a hairstyle where men tie their hair into a bun at the crown of the head, gained popularity in the late 2010s. While embraced by some as a symbol of masculinity and style, the updo requires you to have hair till your shoulders, at least, if not longer. This specific requirement is the reason that this update would not particularly be hailed if it is revived soon.

16 Famous Comedians Whose Jokes Are Forbidden in Today’s World

Related: In the ever-evolving comedy landscape, societal norms and sensitivities play a significant role in shaping acceptable humor. Over the years, certain comedians who were once celebrated for their wit and sharp humor have found themselves in hot water for jokes now deemed offensive or inappropriate.
Here are 16 famous comedians whose jokes are forbidden in today’s world.