14 Hairstyles From High School Yearbooks That Defined an Era
High school yearbooks are a treasure trove of style snapshots, capturing the hair trends that defined each era. Just one glance at those photos can instantly transport you back to your school days.
Here’s a look at 14 popular hairstyles that nearly everyone sported in their high school yearbook photos. Whether you’re in the mood to reminisce, laugh, or find inspiration, these iconic looks bring back all the memories.
Mohawk Styles
Mohawks made a bold statement in high school yearbooks. Shaved sides with a strip of hair down the center gave an instant edgy look.
You didn’t have to go extreme—softer versions like short fades or textured crops with a mohawk vibe were popular too. These styles balanced boldness with neatness.
Mohawks now come in many variations, from braided styles to sleek, modern takes. Whether you want something wild or more subtle, there’s a mohawk for you.
Scrunchie-Pulled Hairstyles
Scrunchies were everywhere in the ’90s and early 2000s. These soft, fabric-covered hair ties were essential for pulling hair back into high ponytails or messy buns.
You could go simple with one scrunchie or stack a few for a playful twist. Bright colors and different textures made it easy to match your scrunchie to your outfit.
Scrunchie styles were versatile—half-updos, braids, or low ponytails all got a boost from these accessories. They’re easy to do and still look great today.
Bring back some nostalgia with trendy scrunchie hairstyles from guides like Styleoholic.
Voluminous Curls
Voluminous curls brought natural bounce and life to yearbook photos. The bigger and more textured, the better.
You could use a diffuser or set your hair with rollers overnight to get the look. The key was keeping curls full and lively.
Embracing volume meant less heat styling and more confidence in your natural texture. Styles like the pineapple updo made curls stand out even more.
Slicked-Back Hair
Slicked-back hair gave a neat, polished look that stood out in yearbooks. Combing hair straight back with gel or pomade kept everything in place.
This style worked for fine or medium hair and paired well with undercuts or fades for a modern twist. It was easy to switch from casual to formal by adjusting the product.
Permed Hair
Permed hair was a staple in many high school yearbooks. It gave lasting curls or waves that held up for months.
Tight curls or bouncy waves made hair look bigger than life. Some perms were super tight, others had a looser, more natural look.
Bold Bangs
Bold bangs always turned heads in yearbook photos. Thick, blunt bangs or sharp micro bangs gave a cool edge.
They framed the face and highlighted the eyes, offering a fashionable change. Bold bangs are a fun way to experiment with your look.
Trying bold bangs can be a confidence booster. Collections of trendy hairstyles for 2025 feature plenty of bold bangs options.
Side Ponytail
The side ponytail is a timeless favorite from high school yearbooks. It’s easy to do and gives a playful, youthful look.
Wear it high for extra energy or low for a touch of elegance. Braids or twists can add interest before pulling your hair to the side.
This style works with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Dress it up for special occasions or keep it casual for everyday school days.
For inspiration, browse side ponytail hairstyles for new ways to wear this classic look.
Big Hair with Aqua Net
Flip through any yearbook from the ’80s and big hair jumps out at you. Towering hairstyles were everywhere, thanks to generous amounts of Aqua Net hairspray.
Teasing and spraying made sure your hair stayed high all day. The bigger your hair, the more you nailed the look.
Aqua Net was an essential tool, keeping everything in place from sky-high bangs to wild curls. Mimicking rock stars or standing out in the crowd, this hairspray was the secret weapon.
Feathered Layers
Feathered layers were a standout in many yearbooks, giving hair a soft, airy movement. The ends were cut to fan out like feathers, adding volume without heaviness.
This style worked for straight or wavy hair and was easy to maintain with just a brush and blow dryer. Whether you preferred curtain bangs or layers throughout, feathered cuts were adaptable.
Feathered layers fit both polished and casual vibes. They’re still trendy today if you want a fresh take on a classic.
Shaggy Cuts
Shaggy cuts were everywhere in high school yearbooks. Messy layers and a textured look made this style feel effortless.
Whether your hair was short or long, shaggy cuts added volume and movement. They created a laid-back vibe that was both casual and chic.
You could wear them tousled for a carefree day or style them sharper for an edgier look. Shaggy hair let you show off a relaxed side while staying trendy.
Parachute Pants Hair Flip
If you wore parachute pants, the hair flip was likely part of your signature style. This look brought the carefree energy of the ’80s and early ’90s, with a flick of the hair for extra flair.
Medium-length, feathered or layered hair worked best for the flip. It added a dynamic edge and made your style seem effortless.
You’d spot this in yearbook photos where teens wanted to show off their fun personalities. The flip was all about confidence and nostalgia.
Modern versions of the parachute pants hair flip show that some trends never fade. Keep your hair light and bouncy for that classic feel.
Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down hairstyle brings back memories of school days and yearbook photos. It balances casual and polished, making it a go-to for days when you want to look put-together but keep things simple.
Maybe you wore it with a small ponytail or a clip holding back the top section of your hair. Adding a braid or twist could give it a little extra flair.
This style works well whether your hair was straight, wavy, or curly. It keeps hair out of your face while letting your locks flow freely.
Accessories like scrunchies or barrettes were popular ways to customize the look. For fresh ideas, you can find easy tutorials and inspiration for half-up, half-down styles.
Bandana Headbands
Bandana headbands made a statement in school photos and everyday outfits. A simple bandana instantly adds flair to any look.
Tying a bandana around your head frames your face and keeps hair out of your eyes. Whether folded into a thin strip or worn wide, it changes your vibe in seconds.
Bandana headbands come in many colors and patterns, so you can match them to your outfit or mood. They work great with loose hair, ponytails, or braids.
Try folding the bandana and tying it with a knot at the top or back for a nostalgic touch. Tutorials can help you get the perfect look.
This accessory is still around, ready for a fresh twist. For inspiration, check out creative bandana hairstyles to brighten up your everyday style.
Mullet Hairstyles
The mullet is a hairstyle that became a staple in high school yearbooks. It’s known for being “business in the front, party in the back.”
This means the hair is short and neat at the front but longer and looser in the back. Many people wore a mullet with their favorite band tee and jeans.
It stood out because it balanced professionalism and fun. The style became a symbol of rebellion and creative expression in the ’80s and ’90s.
Though it sparked mixed reactions, it was embraced across different social circles. If you want to revisit the style today, there are modern takes that keep its spirit alive while updating the look for now.
For more details, check out this guide on iconic 80s mullet hairstyles.
