20 Outdated Hairstyles That Are Aging Women Over 50 (Plus 10 That Scream It’s Time for a Change)

Let’s be honest—some hairstyles should come with a time machine.

What once turned heads in ’84 might now turn them for… other reasons.

While confidence never goes out of style, your hair might be throwing off signals your personality didn’t sign up for.

If your cut has more history than your last three relationships combined, it’s probably time for a refresh.

1. The Permed Poodle

Ah, the 1980s—when perms were big and so were shoulder pads.

But if your curls are still channeling poodle at a pageant, it might be time to rethink.

The super-tight perm tends to add volume in all the wrong places, making your hair look like it’s auditioning for a retro sitcom.

Instead of wrestling with frizz that fights back, try soft waves or a modern layered cut that respects your face shape.

Trust me, your reflection will thank you—and so will your brush.

Leave the crunchy curls to vintage Barbie dolls and opt for texture that moves when you do (not two minutes later).

2. The Helmet Hair

This one’s for the hairspray warriors who could survive a wind tunnel without a single strand moving.

Helmet hair may have held up in the ’60s, but today it just looks like your hair is trying too hard to protect your thoughts.

Let’s free your follicles, shall we?

Ditch the stiff shell and flirt with light layers or soft volume that says “I woke up fabulous” without actually requiring a fire extinguisher to style.

Your hair should bounce with joy—not bounce off the wall when you take it down.

3. Bouffant Revival

Unless you’re headed to a Mad Men-themed gala, the towering bouffant might be aging you more than you’d like.

While it once symbolized sophistication, nowadays it looks more like your hair is hiding something… possibly a sandwich.

Try toning it down with a little volume at the crown and some relaxed waves.

The goal? Look like you’re embracing life—not levitating above it.

Bonus: you won’t need scaffolding to style it and your neck will be eternally grateful.

4. The Bowl Cut

The bowl cut: a hairstyle that screams “my mom did this with a kitchen utensil.”

While it might have been endearing in third grade, it now flattens your vibe—literally and metaphorically.

This look lacks shape, volume, and well… hope. Instead, aim for soft layers and a bit of texture to break the monotony.

You deserve a haircut that says “I’ve got stories to tell,” not “I still eat dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets.”

5. Mullet Madness

Business in the front, party in the back?

More like confusion all around.

The mullet is a hairstyle that refuses to pick a side—like someone wearing flip-flops with socks.

Modernize it with balanced layers and blended lengths.

Keep the attitude, lose the awkward.

Because unless you’re fronting an ’80s cover band, there’s no excuse for a neck curtain in 2025.

6. The Beehive

This towering monument of hair was once all the rage—but unless you’re storing snacks up there, it’s time to dial it down.

The beehive can age you faster than a tax audit.

Try a tousled updo that adds volume without threatening airspace clearance.

Your head will feel lighter and so will your whole presence.

Plus, no one misses the three cans of hairspray.

7. Feathered Layers

Feathered hair is like that one friend who peaked in high school—living off past glories.

It can drown your features in fluff if not handled carefully.

Update the look with modern texturizing.

Think breezy rather than bushy.

A cut that whispers, “I’m still fun,” without yelling, “I just stepped out of a time capsule.”

8. The Pageboy

Straight edges, rounded ends, and a fringe so precise it could double as a level—this haircut has control issues.

And let’s be real, no one needs their hair to look like it’s following traffic rules.

Opt for angles, asymmetry, or even a messy edge to inject some vitality.

Think less boarding school, more brunch with flair.

9. Tight Ringlets

Tight, springy curls have a tendency to veer into doll territory if overdone.

It’s the kind of look that says, “My curls are rehearsing for a Victorian play.”

Instead, loosen them up.

Embrace a curl pattern that flows instead of forming a marching band on your scalp.

The result? A style that feels alive—not auditioning for an antique portrait.

10. The Ducktail

Popular in the ’50s, the ducktail looks like it belongs in a diner next to a jukebox—not in your current hair rotation.

It shapes the hair so precisely it could be mistaken for origami.

Give it a glow-up with soft waves or gentle curls.

Think less “Grease Lightning,” more “I own the room, not just the dance floor.”

11. The Rat Tail

This one tiny strand hanging in the back feels like your hairstyle missed a meeting.

It doesn’t add personality—it just adds questions.

Blend it in with layers or turn it into something that actually belongs on your head.

Your hair deserves better than a lone survivor from a bygone rebellion.

12. Mushroom Cap

Unless you’re planning a picnic in a fairy tale, this rounded style might not be the most flattering choice.

It’s heavy, dated, and risks giving you mushroom realness in all the wrong ways.

Break it up with feathered ends or choppy texture.

You’ll go from “forest creature” to “fabulous” in no time.

13. Finger Waves

Once a symbol of glamour, now often mistaken for helmet hair with rhythm.

Finger waves can lock your personality behind a glass wall of precision.

Soften them into romantic ripples, or try a more relaxed version that breathes.

Let your waves talk—but maybe not shout in Morse code.

14. The Flapper Bob

This style is as sharp as it is historical—but unfortunately, so are its aging effects.

With hard lines and no forgiveness, it’s not doing your features any favors.

Add movement with layering or a sweeping side fringe.

You can keep the spirit of the Roaring Twenties without looking like you’re literally from them.

15. Crimped Extravaganza

Crimped hair had its moment—in a roller rink, under a disco ball, surrounded by neon leg warmers.

But today, it’s less “fun throwback” and more “frizz with an attitude.”

Tone it down with subtle texture or use crimps as a playful accent instead of going full zigzag.

The goal is to look adventurous, not like you fell asleep on a waffle iron.

16. The Shag

The shag’s heyday was loud, proud and often partnered with bell-bottoms.

While it still has potential, unkempt layers can make you look more frazzled than fierce.

Revamp it with strategic layers and modern styling.

The new shag whispers cool confidence—not “I just got caught in a leaf blower.”

17. Victory Rolls

These iconic curls once symbolized victory—but in 2025, they’re declaring war on subtlety.

Unless you’re in a WWII reenactment, they might be a bit much for a coffee run.

Keep the charm with looser, romantic curls.

The essence remains, but now you’re more “vintage vixen” than “time traveler.”

18. The Comb Over

Usually reserved for desperate attempts at cover-ups, the comb over tends to announce exactly what it’s trying to hide.

It’s the hair equivalent of using a sticky note as a curtain.

Embrace volume and texture instead.

Let your hair do what it wants—but with a little direction, like a good jazz band.

19. The Pompadour

It’s bold, it’s dramatic, it’s… a bit too much.

The pompadour can make your head look like it’s auditioning for a lead role in a musical.

Soften the height and introduce movement.

Let the style lift your features—not levitate off your scalp.

20. Braided Crown

Elegant, yes.

But if too tight or too elaborate, you risk looking like you’re prepping for a royal wedding—or a Viking conquest.

Try a messier, more relaxed braid to keep it current.

Still charming, just less “Game of Thrones.”

21. Spiky Pixie

Spikes can be fun—unless your hair looks like it’s actively trying to escape your head.

The aggressive angles can come off a bit cartoon villain.

Smoothing the edges or adding texture can keep the fun without the fright.

Think “cool aunt,” not “porcupine in a mood.”

22. The Flip

Flipped-out ends are flirty, but when they stiffly poke out like antennae, the charm vanishes.

Especially if they seem to defy gravity for no clear reason.

Soften the flip with layers or blend it into a more fluid style.

You’ll keep the bounce but ditch the cartoon vibe.

23. Slicked Back

There’s slick… and then there’s slick.

When your hair looks like it could repel water, it might be time to let up on the styling gel.

Add a little volume, let a few strands roam free.

You’re going for allure—not aerodynamic.

24. Frosted Tips

Frosted tips walked so that modern highlights could run—but that walk was wobbly.

The contrast can be too harsh, like your roots are throwing shade at your ends.

Blend the color naturally through your hair for a sun-kissed look that’s grown-up and graceful—not boy band reunion.

25. The Liberty Spikes

Liberty spikes: because sometimes your hair wants to shout “I own a leather jacket and a loud opinion!”

But as fun as they are, they’re not exactly practical unless your calendar is filled with punk festivals.

Try a softer interpretation that nods to rebellion without declaring it.

You’ll still look cool—just without the risk of poking someone’s eye out in an elevator.

26. High Ponytail

The high ponytail has energy—but too much and it starts to scream cheer captain from 1987.

If it’s pulled too tight, it may also be contributing to your “facelift by accident” look.

Introduce gentle waves or a bit of movement to take it from rigid to radiant.

You’ll still look lively, but with far less tension—literally and figuratively.

27. The Top Knot

Great for workouts, not so great for every life occasion.

When it’s perched too high or too tight, it can look like you’re hiding a secret inside.

Loosen it up, add some volume, and suddenly your hair says “I’m laid-back but still showed up.”

Win-win.

28. Poker Straight

Perfectly straight hair is sleek in theory—but in reality, it can be as unforgiving as a fluorescent fitting room mirror.

It highlights everything—usually not in a helpful way.

Introduce a gentle wave or face-framing layers.

Your style should feel alive, not flatlined.

29. The Floral Fascinator Extravaganza

Floral fascinators are cute at tea parties or royal weddings.

Everywhere else? It’s giving “permanent plus-one to a garden brunch.”

Swap the show-stopper blooms for simple pins or clips that quietly flatter rather than steal the whole conversation.

30. The Colorful Mohawk Fusion

This hairstyle is basically shouting in all caps.

Electric colors + mohawk = guaranteed attention.

But is it the right kind of attention?

Tone it down with earthier hues or subtle streaks.

That way, you still stand out—just not like a traffic cone with attitude.