17 Hair Colors That Were Trendy Before Hair Dye Was Even Cool
Oh, absolutely—there’s nothing quite like the confidence boost (or existential crisis) that comes with a bold new hair color. We’ve all had that shade—the one that made us feel like a total rockstar while also low-key looking like we lost a bet.
Before salon-quality dye kits lined the shelves, people were getting creative—and sometimes chaotic—with Kool-Aid, food coloring, and whatever magic concoction would stick.
And yet, those wild shades? Iconic. Whether it was the rebellious blue of a punk rocker, the electric pink that screamed ’80s glam, or the sun-bleached blondes of beach bums and heartthrobs, each color told a story. These hues weren’t just fashion—they were full-blown moods.
So grab your teasing comb, crank up some retro tunes, and join us as we relive 17 unforgettable hair colors that didn’t just turn heads—they made history. (And maybe stained a few pillowcases in the process.
1. Platinum Blonde à la Marilyn Monroe
Remember the OG blonde bombshell: Marilyn Monroe. Platinum blonde wasn’t just a hair color; it was a lifestyle choice, demanding dedication, peroxide, and a personality that could rival the sun’s brightness. The allure of those shimmering locks has persisted through time, and if you’ve ever tried to bleach your hair at home, you know it’s not just a color but a commitment.
This iconic hue paved the way for countless blondes to express themselves, turning heads and breaking hearts with every swish of their golden tresses. Channeling Monroe meant embracing glamour, sophistication, and a sprinkle of rebelliousness that made everyone want to be blonde, even if just for a day.
Whether you achieved it in a salon or with a bottle of peroxide in your bathroom, one thing was sure: It was never just hair—it was a statement of elegance and attitude.
2. Jet Black Goth Chic
Before we had Hot Topic and all things gothic, there was jet black hair. We’re talking about the kind of black that can make you disappear into the night or stand out in a crowd. Achieving this look wasn’t for the faint of heart. Legend has it that some brave souls resorted to using ink and shoe polish to achieve the darkest of dark hues.
Jet black hair was more than a color; it was an attitude, an entire subculture that embraced the darker side of life with a touch of mystery and a whole lot of eyeliner. This shade made waves amongst those who dared to express their inner goth long before it was a mainstream aesthetic.
If you ever tried to rock this look, you’ve likely got some stories about stained pillows and accidental smudges. Embrace the dark side; it’s not just a phase—it’s a vibe.
3. Lucille Ball Red
Lucille Ball wasn’t just a comedian; she was a fiery-haired pioneer of television. Her signature red wasn’t just any red; it was Lucille red—bright, bold, and cheeky. In a time when TV was still black-and-white, her hair color was a statement that transcended the screen and became a part of her comedic charm.
This vibrant hue brought energy and fun into every room, much like Ball herself. It was a color that didn’t just sit there; it performed. For those daring enough to emulate her, it was about channeling that same vivacity and humor that made her a household name.
If you’ve ever tried to capture the essence of Lucille’s red, you know it’s not just about the color. It’s about embracing life with a laugh and a wink, making every day a stage.
4. Punk Rock Green
Punk rock wasn’t just a music genre; it was a lifestyle, complete with green mohawks that could pierce the sky. In the late ’70s, punk kids were dyeing their hair with food coloring, Kool-Aid, and a lot of rebellious spirit. Hair salons? Who needs ’em when you’ve got attitude and creativity on your side?
This striking green wasn’t just about standing out; it was about making a statement against the norm. It was a badge of honor, symbolizing individuality and a desire to break free from societal expectations.
If you dared to sport punk rock green, you were part of a community that thrived on DIY culture and unapologetically loud music. The hair wasn’t just a color; it was a revolutionary act, a middle finger to conformity, and an invitation to embrace chaos.
5. Bleached Blonde Surf Kid Hair
In the ’60s and ’70s, there was a time when surfers let the sun and sea work their magic on their hair, creating the quintessential bleached blonde look without any chemicals. Saltwater and sunshine became the ultimate hairstylist, giving every beach-loving kid that effortlessly cool vibe.
This natural highlight was the crown jewel of every surf enthusiast, a testament to days spent riding waves and soaking up rays. It was the color of freedom, summer, and endless possibilities.
If you were a surf kid, you didn’t need a salon to achieve this look. All it took was a board, an ocean, and a love for the outdoors. Bleached blonde surf hair was more than just a color; it was a way of life, a connection to nature, and an emblem of carefree spirit.
6. Lavender Rinse Granny Hair
Who would’ve thought that grandmothers were the original trendsetters of pastel hair? The lavender rinse wasn’t just a way to keep silver locks from turning yellow; it was the start of a pastel revolution. By embracing the subtle purple tinge, older women inadvertently set a trend that would make its way down to younger generations.
This soft lavender hue was all about adding a touch of flair to natural beauty, a gentle nod to individuality that defied age stereotypes. It was a statement of grace, wisdom, and an unexpected twist on tradition.
If you’ve ever found yourself enchanted by pastel hair, you have grandmas to thank for pioneering the look. The lavender rinse was more than a color; it was a testament to embracing one’s age with style and a hint of rebellion.
7. David Bowie’s Fiery Orange Ziggy Stardust Era
David Bowie wasn’t just a musician; he was an intergalactic icon with hair that spoke volumes. His fiery orange hue during the Ziggy Stardust era wasn’t just a color; it was a cosmic declaration. Nobody knew exactly what he was doing—except that it totally worked.
This blazing shade wasn’t just about making waves in the music scene; it was about redefining what it meant to be a rock star. It was a color that embodied the spirit of innovation, creativity, and nonconformity.
For those who tried to recreate Bowie’s iconic look, it was about more than hair dye. It was about channeling that same energy and fearlessness that made him a legend. Bowie’s orange was more than a color; it was an invitation to explore the unknown and embrace the extraordinary.
8. The Ronald McDonald Red Clown Wave
Believe it or not, clown-inspired red hair had a moment of glory in the ’80s, transcending fast-food mascots and becoming a pop-punk symbol. This was no joke—the bright red hue was weirdly iconic and made a statement all its own.
This outrageous color was about embracing the bizarre, stepping into a world where conventional beauty standards were flipped upside-down. It was a celebration of individuality, creativity, and a touch of playful absurdity.
If you dared to don this electric red, you were part of a subculture that thrived on the unexpected and the unconventional. It was more than just hair color; it was a badge of honor for those who refused to be ordinary. The clown wave wasn’t just a trend; it was an adventure in self-expression.
9. Strawberry Blonde — the Accidental Trend
Somewhere between red and blonde lies the enchanting realm of strawberry blonde. This accidental trend was the perfect blend of two worlds, creating a shade that many sought after without even trying.
Strawberry blonde became aspirational, a color that symbolized warmth, charm, and a touch of whimsical romance. It was the kind of hue that seemed effortlessly beautiful, like a sunset captured in strands.
For those lucky enough to sport this natural shade, it was more than just hair color; it was a rare gift that embodied grace and uniqueness. Those who admired it knew that strawberry blonde was a fleeting treasure, one that couldn’t be easily bottled or replicated. It was a gentle reminder of the beauty in imperfection.
10. Sun-In Streaky Blonde
Remember the days of spraying Sun-In and hoping for sun-kissed highlights? It never quite worked as expected, but that brassy, uneven orange became a trend of its own.
This streaky blonde look was a rite of passage for many, a summer experiment that often resulted in a unique shade that defied salon standards. It was the kind of color that told stories of pool parties, beach days, and youthful misadventures.
For those who experienced the Sun-In phenomenon, the memories of over-sprayed locks and unexpected hues are reminders of carefree days and attempts at DIY beauty. It wasn’t just about the end result; it was about the journey of experimentation and the fun that came with it. Sun-In blonde was more than a color; it was a nostalgia trip.
11. Cher’s Blue-Black Goddess Mane
Cher wasn’t just a performer; she was a goddess with hair that could command a room. Her blue-black mane shimmered with mystery and an allure that was impossible to ignore.
This shade was about more than just the color; it was about the depth of its beauty, a perfect blend of elegance and edge. It was the kind of hair that didn’t need any embellishments; it was the statement.
For anyone trying to channel Cher’s iconic look, it was a journey into the realm of sophistication and timeless charm. Blue-black wasn’t just a color—it was an embodiment of grace, power, and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll magic.
12. Mod Blonde with Dark Roots
In the ‘60s, mod culture embraced a look that was all about contrast and bold statements. Blonde hair with dark roots wasn’t seen as an oversight; it was a deliberate choice that added character to the style.
This look was all about embracing the natural growth, celebrating the beauty in imperfection while staying effortlessly chic. It was a time when touch-ups weren’t necessary; the roots were part of the charm.
For those who rocked this look, it was about confidence and a bit of rebelliousness. It was a celebration of authenticity, the kind of style that didn’t demand perfection but rather exuded genuine appeal. Mod blonde with dark roots wasn’t just a trend; it was a reflection of the era’s daring spirit.
13. Crayon Box Punk Colors
Who needs a salon when you have a box of crayons or a packet of Kool-Aid? Punk culture was all about vivid colors that defied conventional boundaries, and it wasn’t unusual to see purples, blues, or oranges achieved through the most unconventional methods.
This DIY approach to hair color was a testament to the creativity and audacity of a subculture that thrived on individuality. It was about embracing every color in the spectrum and turning heads with every step.
For those who dared to dip into the crayon box, it was about more than just color; it was about making your mark, boldly and unapologetically. The rainbow-hued hair wasn’t just a statement—it was a lifestyle, a celebration of the artistry within chaos.
14. Ash Brown with Frosted Tips (Before Boy Bands Took It)
Before boy bands made it a teen sensation, ash brown hair with frosted tips was a style seen on businessmen and suburban dads. This look was all about subtlety meeting flair, a nod to the unexpected blend of professionalism and a touch of rebelliousness.
The frosted tips added a dash of excitement to the otherwise understated ash brown, creating an intriguing contrast that caught attention without trying too hard. It was a trend that balanced work and play with elegance.
For those who sported this style, it was a way to keep things interesting without stepping too far from the norm. Frosted tips weren’t just a teen trend; they were a precursor to the pop culture phenomenon, a stylish whisper of things to come.
15. White Wigged Out Glam Rock
Glam rock was all about extravagance, and nothing said over-the-top like a white wig fit for the gods of rock. Think New York Dolls and the flamboyant energy that defined an era where wigs didn’t have to be real to be sensational.
This style was about creating a larger-than-life persona, where hair became an extension of the performance. It was a time when the artificial was celebrated, and the boundary between reality and fantasy blurred.
For those who donned the white wig, it was about embracing the theatricality and the sheer joy of transformation. It wasn’t just a wig; it was a stage prop, a statement, and an invitation to enter a world of glam-rock fantasy, where music and style collided in brilliant chaos.
16. Auburn Richness from Henna Queens
Before natural hair dyes were all the rage, henna was the go-to for anyone looking to add richness and depth to their locks. Hippies and nature lovers alike cherished this natural dye for its ability to give hair a vibrant auburn hue while keeping it healthy.
Henna wasn’t just about the color; it was about the experience—the ritual of application, the earthy scent, and the connection to ancient beauty practices. It was a way to enhance natural beauty with a touch of nature’s artistry.
For those who embraced henna, it was about more than just changing hair color; it was about embracing a lifestyle rooted in nature, self-care, and a hint of bohemian flair. The auburn richness wasn’t just a hue; it was a journey into the world of natural beauty and timeless elegance.
17. Gray and Proud
Long before silver hair became a chic salon trend, grandmas and silver foxes were proudly rocking their natural grays. This wasn’t just about embracing age; it was about celebrating the beauty and wisdom that come with it.
Gray hair was more than just a color; it was a testament to life’s journey, a badge of honor that spoke to decades of experiences and stories. It was about owning who you are, without the need for dyes or covers.
For those who wore their gray with pride, it was a statement of self-acceptance and authenticity. It was about acknowledging the grace and elegance that come with age, while inspiring others to embrace their true selves. Gray wasn’t just a color; it was a legacy, an ode to the beauty of aging gracefully.