12 Short Hairstyles You Should Not Try in 2025, According to Stylists

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of hairstyles can be tricky, especially with trends evolving at lightning speed. As we head into 2025, you’ll want to avoid these 12 short hairstyles that stylists unanimously agree are best left in the past. Whether for practical reasons or purely aesthetic ones, these styles are not making the cut, pun intended! Read on to find out why these outdated cuts should be skipped, along with some fun prompts to envision the styles in a creative light.

1. The Bowl Cut

The bowl cut, reminiscent of childhood haircuts, is one style that experts say just doesn’t translate well into modern adulthood. Often associated with a DIY feel, it can lack sophistication and style. Stylists argue that the harsh, blunt lines don’t complement the natural contours of the face, leaving it looking unnatural and dated.

2. The Mullet

While the mullet had its quirky comeback, 2025 is not the year for this ‘business in the front, party in the back’ cut. Stylists mention that it tends to emphasize an unbalanced look, making it challenging to fit various fashion trends. It’s also a hairstyle that demands a specific personality to pull off, making it unsuitable for most.

3. The Rat Tail

Once popular in certain circles, the rat tail is an addition to short hair that’s best avoided. It tends to give off an untidy appearance and can be difficult to maintain. Additionally, the narrow braid at the back doesn’t harmonize well with most modern aesthetics, leaving an impression of unfinished or awkward style.

4. The Spiky Tips

Spiky tips made a splash in the early 2000s, but according to stylists, they’re now considered more of a fashion faux pas. The deliberate gelled spikes can appear overly rigid and unnatural, and they rarely flatter the face shape, leaving you looking more like a relic from the past than a trendsetter.

5. The Pixie Mohawk

Combining two bold styles, the pixie mohawk might seem like a daring choice, yet it’s regarded as a risky gamble that may not pay off. Stylists often highlight its lack of versatility and how it can be challenging to grow out gracefully, limiting styling options for the future.

6. The Shaved Designs

Though undeniably artistic, shaved designs can be impractical for everyday wear in 2025. They require frequent touch-ups to maintain the pattern and, if not done right, can look messy as hair begins to grow back. For those not wanting high maintenance hair, this style is best passed on.

7. Super Asymmetrical Bob

While asymmetry can be chic, going too extreme often results in a hairstyle that’s hard to manage and maintain symmetry in. Stylists note that these bobs can make facial features appear uneven, and the drastic difference in length can be cumbersome to style every day.

8. The Cropped Top Knot

The cropped top knot, while trendy in some circles, doesn’t offer much in terms of versatility or appeal, according to stylists. It can make the head appear too small and often doesn’t stay in place, leading to a disheveled appearance that contradicts its minimalist intention.

9. Extreme Undercut

The extreme undercut may offer a bold statement, but stylists caution that it eliminates too much hair, reducing styling options drastically. It can also create an unbalanced look when the hair on top is left too long, making everyday styling difficult.

10. The Curly Fauxhawk

The curly fauxhawk merges two bold styles but often ends up looking awkward rather than edgy. According to experts, maintaining the curls while keeping the fauxhawk shape can be time-consuming. Moreover, it’s a style that doesn’t offer much flexibility for different looks.

11. The Short Shag

The short shag, characterized by its choppy layers, can quickly become unruly and hard to control. Stylists often suggest avoiding this style if you prefer a polished look, as it tends to appear haphazard rather than effortlessly chic. The maintenance required can also outweigh the benefits.

12. The Flat Top

Once a symbol of high style in the ’80s and ’90s, the flat top has seen better days. In 2025, stylists often advise against it unless you’re channeling a very specific retro vibe, as it can be difficult to maintain and doesn’t always play well with more contemporary fashion choices.