MomSkoop
Choosing the right hairstyle can make a huge difference in how you present yourself to the world. While everyone has their own unique taste, certain men’s hairstyles consistently get negative reactions from women. Understanding which styles tend to be unpopular can help you make better grooming choices and avoid common fashion mistakes that might hurt your overall appearance.
1. The Greasy/Unwashed Look
Nobody likes hair that looks like it hasn’t seen shampoo in weeks. When your hair appears greasy and oily, it sends a message that you don’t care about basic hygiene or personal grooming. Women notice these details immediately, and it can completely overshadow even your best outfit or personality.
The shine from unwashed hair isn’t the healthy kind—it’s the kind that makes people want to keep their distance. Even if you have a trendy cut underneath all that oil, nobody will notice because they’re too distracted by the greasiness. Regular washing is essential, not optional.
If you struggle with naturally oily hair, consider using dry shampoo between washes or switching to a clarifying shampoo. Taking care of your hair shows respect for yourself and those around you. Clean hair always looks better than any specific style could.
2. The Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back—this famous phrase describes one of the most controversial hairstyles ever created. The mullet enjoyed its heyday in the 1980s, but most women today find it more laughable than attractive. Sure, some people wear it ironically or as a fashion statement, but genuine appreciation is rare.
The dramatic contrast between short and long sections creates an awkward, unbalanced appearance that many find confusing. Women often wonder why anyone would intentionally choose such an outdated look when so many modern options exist. Even celebrities who’ve tried bringing it back get mixed reactions at best.
If you’re considering a mullet, understand that you’re taking a significant risk with your appearance. Most women will see it as a red flag indicating poor fashion judgment or an inability to move past the past.
3. The Bowl Cut
Picture a bowl placed on someone’s head, hair cut around the edges—that’s exactly how this unfortunate style got its name. The bowl cut screams childhood haircuts given by parents trying to save money at the salon. Women generally associate this look with immaturity and poor style choices rather than anything remotely fashionable.
The blunt, circular shape lacks sophistication and makes even attractive faces look less appealing. Modern hairstyling has evolved far beyond such simple, unflattering cuts. Unless you’re deliberately going for a retro or quirky vibe, this style will work against you in the dating world.
Barbers and stylists cringe when someone requests this cut because they know how unflattering it typically looks. If you currently have a bowl cut, consider asking your stylist for a more contemporary shape with texture and layers that flatter your face.
4. The Rat Tail
Imagine keeping all your hair short except for one skinny strand hanging down your neck like a rodent’s tail. That’s the rat tail, and women almost universally dislike it. This bizarre style choice seems to serve no purpose other than drawing confused stares and negative attention.
The thin strip of long hair contrasts sharply with the shorter surrounding hair, creating an unbalanced and frankly weird appearance. Women often wonder what possessed someone to think this looked good. Even in the 1980s and 1990s when it had some popularity, it was considered questionable at best.
This hairstyle signals poor judgment and an unwillingness to let go of outdated trends. If you have a rat tail, consider cutting it off immediately. Your dating prospects will likely improve overnight once that strange little tail disappears from your appearance.
5. Overly Gelled/Crunchy Hair
Hair shouldn’t crunch when touched or look like it’s been dipped in shellac. When guys use way too much gel, mousse, or pomade, their hair transforms into a stiff, unnatural helmet that women find extremely unappealing. The excessive shine and rigid texture make it obvious you’ve gone overboard with styling products.
Women want to run their fingers through soft, touchable hair—not something that feels like plastic. Overly gelled hair also tends to look greasy even when it’s technically clean, which creates a double problem. The dated 1990s boy band vibe doesn’t help matters either.
A little product for hold and style is perfectly fine, but moderation is key. Use just enough to achieve your desired look without making your hair feel fake or stiff. Natural texture with some control beats a crunchy, immovable sculpture every single time.
6. Patchy or Unintentional Comb-Overs
Thinning hair happens to many men, but trying to hide it with obvious comb-overs rarely works as intended. Women can always tell when you’re strategically sweeping hair across bald patches, and it actually draws more attention to the problem you’re trying to conceal. The deception feels more awkward than just owning your natural hair situation.
Wind, rain, or even slight movement can expose the reality underneath, creating embarrassing moments. Women appreciate confidence and authenticity far more than elaborate cover-up attempts. Many find men who embrace their hair loss with shorter, cleaner cuts much more attractive than those clinging desperately to every strand.
Consider talking to a stylist about cuts that work with thinning hair rather than against it. Buzz cuts, closely cropped styles, or even fully shaved heads often look far better than patchy comb-overs ever could.
7. Extremely Long, Unkempt Hair
Long hair on men can absolutely look fantastic—when it’s well-maintained and styled properly. However, when it becomes a tangled, frizzy, uncombed mess, women quickly lose interest. The difference between attractive long hair and unappealing long hair comes down to grooming effort and regular care.
Matted, knotted hair signals laziness and poor hygiene habits that extend beyond just hairstyling. Women wonder if someone can’t manage their hair, what else are they neglecting? Split ends, dryness, and general dishevelment make even potentially handsome faces look sloppy and unattractive.
If you want to rock long hair successfully, invest in proper hair care products and regular trims. Condition frequently, brush daily, and consider occasional styling to keep everything looking intentional rather than accidental. Well-maintained long hair shows dedication and self-respect that women find appealing.
8. The Very High Fade with No Blend
Fades have become incredibly popular in recent years, but execution makes all the difference between stylish and sloppy. When the fade sits too high or lacks proper blending between different hair lengths, it creates harsh, unflattering lines that women find unappealing. The result looks more like a botched haircut than a deliberate style choice.
A skilled barber creates smooth transitions that complement your head shape and features. Amateur or rushed fades, however, can make your head look oddly shaped or draw attention to imperfections. Women notice these details even if they can’t articulate exactly what’s wrong with the haircut.
If you want a fade, invest in a quality barber who understands proper technique and blending. Show reference photos of well-executed fades you admire. A good fade should look seamless and natural, enhancing your overall appearance rather than creating awkward contrasts.
9. The Man Bun (When It’s Messy or Forced)
Man buns walked so modern men’s long hairstyles could run—but not all man buns are created equal. A neat, intentional bun on someone with genuinely long hair can look quite attractive. However, forcing barely shoulder-length hair into a tiny, messy knot on top of your head rarely impresses women.
The “trying too hard” vibe of a forced man bun is obvious and off-putting. When loose strands stick out everywhere and the bun itself looks sloppy, it suggests you can’t commit to either long hair or short hair. Women often see poorly executed man buns as fashion desperation rather than genuine style.
If your hair isn’t long enough for a proper bun, consider other styling options while you grow it out. When you do create a bun, make sure it’s secure, neat, and looks intentional rather than like an afterthought.
10. Mohawks/Spikes Done Incorrectly
Punk rock isn’t dead, but poorly executed mohawks and extreme spikes definitely should be. When done correctly by someone committed to an alternative aesthetic, these styles can work. However, half-hearted attempts or outdated versions from the early 2000s tend to make women cringe rather than admire.
Overly stiff spikes pointing in every direction look cartoonish and immature. Messy mohawks that lack proper shaping or commitment appear confused rather than edgy. Women often interpret these styles as attention-seeking behavior or an inability to develop a more mature personal style.
If you genuinely love edgy hairstyles, research modern interpretations that feel current rather than dated. Work with a stylist who specializes in alternative cuts. Otherwise, consider whether you’re holding onto a rebellious hairstyle from your youth that no longer serves your current life and goals.