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No matter if your hair is long or short, straight or wavy, or styled conservatively upfront with a wild flair in the back, it’s likely you’ve been swept up by at least one fleeting hair trend. History shows that today’s hottest look could easily become tomorrow’s fashion faux pas. Take a look at these 15 styles that went from fabulous to forgotten.
1. THE BEDFORD CROP
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In 1795, Englishmen’s hairstyles took a political turn when a new tax on hair powder and a flour shortage led to the rejection of powdered wigs. Inspired by the Duke of Bedford, men embraced a natural look, cropping their hair short and using wax to style a side part—no powder needed.
2. TITUS CUT
Portrait of a Young Girl by Baron Narcisse Guerin
Women also made bold statements with their hair in 1795. The Titus cut, the first widely popular short hairstyle for women, featured an upward-brushed look that exposed the neck. This style was more than just fashionable—it symbolized defiance, referencing the French Revolution practice of cutting hair before executions.
3. THE MARCEL WAVE
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The Marcel wave, a forerunner to modern perms, was developed by French hairdresser François Marcel in 1872. Using heated curling irons, this crimped hairstyle became a lasting trend, maintaining its popularity for over 50 years.
4. THE VICTORIAN UPDO
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During the mid- to late-19th century, women grew their hair long but styled it in updos, often featuring a slight pouf and curls framing the forehead. This practical yet elegant look allowed them to manage their household duties without hindrance.
5. SAUSAGE CURLS
Portrait of Marie-Louise, the first Queen of the Belgians, via Wikimedia Commons
In the late 1830s, the mantra 'the tighter the curl, the more fashionable the girl' took hold as sausage curls became a major trend. Though their popularity waned after the Early Victorian era, they made a comeback in the early 1900s, thanks to actress Mary Pickford, known as 'America’s Sweetheart' and 'The girl with the curls,' who revived a gentler version of the style.
6. THE GIBSON GIRL
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At the dawn of the 20th century, the ideal of femininity shifted toward independence and strength, reflected in evolving hairstyles. The Gibson girl look, with hair piled high and loose tendrils framing the face, offered a more relaxed alternative to the rigid Victorian styles, symbolizing the changing societal norms of the era.
7. THE MERRY WIDOW
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The Merry Widow, a large, feathered hat, became a defining fashion statement during the Edwardian era, minimizing the need for elaborate hairstyles while creating a dramatic, voluminous look. This trend gained traction in 1907 after the London production of the operetta 'The Merry Widow' captivated audiences.
8. THE POMPADOUR
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Though pop stars revived the pompadour in the late 1950s, its origins trace back to the 18th century, named after Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV. In the early 1900s, women went to great lengths to achieve the towering height of this style, using techniques like backcombing and adding padding to create volume.
9. THE LOW POMPADOUR
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While the traditional pompadour was often saved for formal events, the low pompadour offered a more practical alternative. This style, achieved by rolling hair over a crescent-shaped pad to create a front pouf, was easier to manage and became a popular choice for everyday wear.
10. THE BOUFFANT
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The bouffant, a hairstyle focused on creating both height and volume, made a comeback in the 1960s and 1970s after its initial popularity in the 18th century. While the teased look could reach extreme heights, the modern version was often more refined and elegant.
11. THE BEEHIVE
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A variation of the bouffant, the beehive became an iconic hairstyle of the 1960s, symbolizing the era’s bold and limitless fashion. Created by a stylist at the request of a beauty magazine, this towering, rounded style at the back of the head perfectly captured the spirit of the decade.
12. DUCKTAIL
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In the 1950s, the ducktail hairstyle, paired with a black leather jacket, was the ultimate bad-boy look. Achieved by leaving hair long around the neck and combing it inward with ample hair grease, the style mimicked the appearance of a duck’s tail—a look that was considered highly desirable.
13. POUF
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Marie Antoinette, known for her love of extravagance, popularized some of history’s most extravagant hairstyles. After she debuted a towering hairdo at her husband’s coronation, French women competed to create the tallest and most elaborate styles, some reaching up to three feet high and decorated with feathers, birdcages, and more.
14. THE VICTORY ROLL
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In the 1940s, Hollywood’s leading ladies embraced the victory roll, a hairstyle featuring large, hollow curls pinned atop the head. Though its popularity waned after World War II, it remains a timeless choice for those seeking a vintage-inspired look.
15. AGGRAVATORS
In the mid-1800s, stylish men sported 'aggravators,' small, tightly coiled curls brushed from their foreheads toward the corners of their eyes. This trend was also humorously referred to as 'the love lock,' though the name may not have been entirely fitting.
