14 Hairstyles You Might Want to Avoid for an Attractive Look

Fashion
14 Hairstyles You Might Want to Avoid for an Attractive Look
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When it comes to style and self-expression, our hair plays a pivotal role. It’s one of the first things people notice about us, and it can say a lot about our personality. But sometimes, certain hairstyles may not have the desired effect, and instead of enhancing our looks, they might just do the opposite. Let’s dive into a list of 14 hairstyles that could potentially make you look less attractive.

1. The Overly Sleek Gelled Look:

Remember that time when sleek, gelled-back hair was all the rage? While it certainly gives off a polished vibe, it can also come across as too harsh. The key issue here is the overuse of gel, making the hair appear greasy rather than sleek. This style can give off a very rigid impression, removing the natural movement and softness that often make hairstyles more appealing.

The overly gelled look can sometimes make your hair look like a helmet, stuck in one position. Instead, try using a minimal amount of gel or pomade to tame flyaways, while leaving the rest of your hair with its natural texture and movement. This helps in creating an effortless yet stylish look without compromising on softness and approachability.

2. The Bowl Cut:

Once a childhood staple for many, the bowl cut is often associated with a less-than-flattering look. The uniform length all around can make the face appear rounder and broader, and it often lacks the dimension and texture that other styles provide.

Instead of the traditional bowl cut, a better approach might be to ask your stylist for a more textured cut that frames your face gently without the blunt edges. Adding some layers could also help in introducing movement and shape to your hair, giving you a more modern appearance.

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3. Overly Long Hair Without Layers:

Long hair can be stunning, but when it grows too long without any layers, it can weigh down your entire look. Hair that’s all one length can sometimes make your features look drawn and can lead to a lack of volume and bounce.

Adding layers is a fantastic way to bring life back into long hair. It can create volume, movement, and a sense of lightness that makes the hair look more vibrant and healthy. Plus, layers can enhance your facial features, offering a more balanced and attractive appearance.

4. The Rat Tail:

The rat tail is a quirky, uncommon hairstyle that involves a small section of longer hair at the nape of the neck, while the rest of the hair is cut short. It’s often seen as an unusual and less appealing style because it disrupts the harmony and balance of a haircut.

If you’re drawn to unique styles, there are plenty of other ways to express individuality without resorting to a rat tail. Consider opting for an undercut with a design or a fade, which can offer an edgy look in a more contemporary and stylish way.


5. The Flat Top:

Popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the flat top is a high-maintenance style that’s not always flattering. It involves cutting the hair so that it stands up straight and flat across the top of the head, creating a very angular and geometric look.

While this style can work for some, particularly those with very thick, curly hair, it may not be the best choice for others. The angles can be very severe, and the upkeep is intensive, as the hair needs regular cuts to maintain its distinct shape. A textured crop or a fade might provide a more approachable alternative while still keeping some of that edgy flair.

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6. The Comb Over:

Traditionally used to cover thinning hair, the comb over can sometimes end up doing more harm than good in terms of attractiveness. When not executed properly, this style can look outdated and draw more attention to the thinning areas it’s meant to conceal.

A better approach would be to embrace hair loss by opting for a shorter, more modern cut that’s easy to maintain and stylish. Buzz cuts or close crops are often excellent choices for those dealing with thinning hair, as they can make the hair appear fuller and more intentional.

Hairdresser using a comb and spray bottle to style hair in a barbershop setting.
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7. The Perm Gone Wrong:

Perms can offer beautiful curls that add volume and dimension to hair. However, when not done correctly, a perm can lead to frizz and an unnatural curl pattern that looks more like a mishap than a style statement.

If you’re interested in curls, consider softer, more natural waves created with a curling iron or wand. This allows for more control over the style and can be adjusted based on the occasion, ensuring your hair looks healthy and effortlessly chic.

8. The Poodle Perm:

Ah, the poodle perm! Once considered the epitome of chic, it’s a hairstyle that has surely seen its glory days come and go. The tightly curled perm can overwhelm your natural facial features, making them appear smaller and less defined in comparison to the voluminous hair. Instead of enhancing your look, it might just drown it out amidst a sea of curls that don’t always behave.

The poodle perm is also high maintenance. Keeping those curls in check requires constant care, lest they turn into an unruly mess. If you’re craving curls but don’t want the burden of a full perm, consider opting for a looser wave or using styling tools to create soft curls that complement rather than compete with your natural features.

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9. The Extreme Undercut:

While undercuts can be edgy and stylish, an extreme version might take it too far. Shaving the sides and leaving a contrastingly long top can create a discordant look, especially if not blended well. The stark contrast in lengths can make your head appear disproportionate, drawing attention away from your best features.

If you’re into undercuts, try a more subtle approach where the sides are tapered gradually to the longer top. It keeps the style edgy yet balanced, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from your overall look.

10. The Unicorn Multicolor:

Who doesn’t love a splash of color? Yet, the unicorn multicolor hair trend may not be for everyone. With so many hues vying for attention, it can sometimes look more chaotic than chic. Plus, maintaining multiple vibrant colors demands frequent touch-ups that can damage your hair over time, leading to dullness and breakage.

Instead of going for every color of the rainbow, you could opt for a single, bold hue that complements your skin tone and personal style. This way, you still get to play with color but in a way that feels cohesive and sophisticated.

Colorful portrait of a woman with vivid multicolored hair and makeup, expressing creativity and fashion style.
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11. The Wet Slick-Back:

The wet slick-back hair gives off an aura of high fashion, but in everyday life, it might read more ‘just got out of the shower’ than ‘runway ready. Over-gelling to achieve this look can make your hair appear greasy and weighed down. Plus, it lacks the volume and texture that often contribute to an attractive hairstyle.

To keep a slicked-back look without going overboard, use a lightweight serum to add shine while maintaining some natural volume. This gives you a polished look that still feels fresh and approachable.

12. Super Short Bangs:

Bangs can frame your face beautifully, but super short bangs can be tricky. They tend to emphasize the forehead, which might not be flattering for every face shape. Instead of softening features, they can accentuate angles in a less desirable way.

If you’re fond of bangs, try a longer fringe that softly frames your face. This style tends to be more forgiving, allowing for versatility in styling while enhancing your natural beauty.

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13. The Faux Hawk:

The faux hawk walks a fine line between edgy and unmanageable. While it can make a bold statement, the upkeep to maintain its precise shape can be daunting. An improperly styled faux hawk might look uneven or too try-hard, detracting from the effortless vibe many strive to achieve.

For a more refined look, consider a quiff or pompadour, which offers a similar edge but with more sophistication. These styles blend better with a variety of lengths and textures, allowing for both polished and casual styling options.

14. The Bleached Buzz Cut:

A bleached buzz cut can look striking, yet it’s not a universal fit. The starkness of the bleach against the scalp can highlight every bump or unevenness, which might not be ideal for everyone. Furthermore, bleaching can weaken hair, leading to damage that can’t be hidden with such a short cut.

If you wish to keep your hair light and bright, consider softer, warmer tones that complement your complexion without the harshness of bleach. It still gives a bold look but in a manner that’s kinder to both your hair and overall appearance.

Young Man” by Jason Pier in DC is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

In the grand styling salon of life, our hair is a canvas that paints a picture of who we are. These hairstyles may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they still hold a place in the vast tapestry of personal expression. Whether you’re switching up your look or standing by your signature style, the key is always to wear it with confidence and flair. Hair today, gone tomorrow – but the memories, and perhaps a few regrets, will always linger.

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