18 Hairstyles Older Women Cling To That Are Long Out of Style

Written By Dave Spencer

We’re all aware of how fashion changes, but some older women choose to stick with outdated hairstyles that were once trendy but now seem out of place. They may choose to keep these 18 hairstyles for different reasons, even though they’ve definitely seen better days.

The Beehive

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According to The Guardian, Margaret Vinci Heldt invented the beehive in the 1960s, inspired by the shape of a fez hat. To this day, the beehive remains a nostalgic favorite for many older women. Once seen as sophisticated, it now feels outdated and impractical.

The Bouffant

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With its big, high top and smooth sides, the bouffant was a hit in the late 1950s. This particular hairstyle used to be seen as super stylish and classy, but today, it’s far too fancy. Its neat look stands out compared to the more casual and natural hairstyles seen on younger generations today.

The Bowl Cut

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Something hard to believe is that the bowl cut used to be popular, mainly because it was simple and easy to maintain. Nowadays, its straight lines and lack of layers seem outdated and unflattering, especially as we love to incorporate texture into our modern haircuts.

The Farrah Fawcett Flip

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As you can guess, this hairstyle, which consisted of feathered, flipped-out layers, was inspired by Farrah Fawcett in the 1970s. It still seems to be a much-loved style, as it was once a symbol of glamor, thanks to its big volume and outward flip. Younger people think it looks outdated compared to today’s more understated styles.

Helmet Hair

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You might be surprised to find out that helmet hair, with its stiff and overly sprayed look, was popular in the 1950s and 60s. Many older women still prefer this polished style, leaving younger generations asking why. Its rigid and unnatural appearance is quite different from today’s soft, touchable hair trend.

The Poodle Cut

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It’s not uncommon to find older women with the poodle cut today, where you’ll find their hair in short and tight curls. This style was a hit back in the mid-20th century, and women liked it for its fun and youthful look. However, its overly styled vibe seems out of place with today’s casual hairstyles.

Tight Perms

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If you were around in the 1980s, you’d already know that curly perms were very popular. However, it seems many older women still love this lively and youthful style, even though it’s considered outdated. Nowadays, people prefer loose, beachy waves instead of tight curls.

The Mullet

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Also known as ‘business in the front, party in the back,’ the mullet was huge in the 1980s. People loved it for its quirky appeal, but the hairstyle is now considered outdated, and you won’t find many people walking down the street with it. Today, people prefer hairstyles that are more balanced and put together.

The Pageboy

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Believe it or not, the pageboy haircut was popular in the 1950s thanks to its sleek and straight style with curled-under ends. Women loved that it gave their hair a polished look, but people today feel its too old-fashioned due to its rigid style.

The Shag

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It was common to see the shag haircut everywhere in the 1970s, as it fit in with the decade’s laidback style. Now, it might seem a bit too wild. Women chose the shag cut because it was fun and rebellious back then,  thanks to its choppy layers and messy vibe.

The Ducktail

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One hairstyle women used to love was the ducktail, which was from the 1950s. People loved it for the way its slicked-back sides met at a point in the back. Although it embodied cool, rock-and-roll vibes, its heavily greased nature is far from the more natural looks we now prefer.

The Finger Wave

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You may already know that finger waves, with their sculpted, ‘S’-shaped waves, were a major trend in the 1920s and 30s. Older women might keep this style for its classic elegance. However, the highly stylized waves are less practical and versatile compared to the looser waves and curls preferred today.

The Flipped Bob

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There’s no denying how much hairstyles change and this is true for the flipped bob. It was popular in the 1960s but not so much today. Though it once offered a fresh, playful look with outward-flipping ends, the exaggerated flips now feel dated. Today’s bobs tend to be more streamlined and sophisticated without the dramatic outward turns.

The Marcel Wave

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Did you know that the Marcel wave was created using a heated curling iron to form deep waves in the early 20th century? Women from the time loved it, which means older women today might still favor its refined, vintage appeal, even though it contrasts with the freer, more natural waves that are popular now.

The Pompadour

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It can be hard to believe now, but the pompadour, characterized by its voluminous top and slicked-back sides, was iconic in the 1950s. Despite its striking look, this style’s high-maintenance and bold nature makes it less appealing today. Modern preferences lean towards easier, more understated hairstyles.

The Pageant Curls

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Most older women will agree that pageant curls, defined by their tight, uniform ringlets, have long been associated with beauty contests. They still choose this style for its glamorous impact but the overly perfect curls can look artificial and stiff, a stark contrast to the more natural waves in fashion today.

The Spiky Pixie

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We’ve all heard of the spiky pixie cut, which was popular in the 1990s and featured short, jagged layers for a punk-inspired look. While it offers a youthful, edgy feel, its sharp, angular style can seem harsh. Modern short haircuts today tend to be softer and more versatile, allowing for varied styling options.

The French Twist

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If you’ve been to a fair few formal events, then you may have noticed how popular the French twist is. The style is an elegant updo from the mid-20th century and remains a go-to for older women who might cling to its classic sophistication. However, the French twist’s highly structured and polished nature contrasts with the more relaxed updos preferred today.

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