15 Popular 90’s Tends That Are Unfortunately Long Gone

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The 1990s were a wild ride of iconic trends, unforgettable music, and cultural phenomena that shaped an entire generation. From the funky fashion choices to the tech gadgets we couldn’t live without, the 90s were a unique time. But let’s be honest: not everything from that decade has aged gracefully.

Some trends and behaviors are downright cringeworthy by today’s standards. So, grab your favorite scrunchie, pop in a cassette, and let’s take a trip down memory lane as we explore 15 things from the 90s that are big no-nos now.

Frosted Tips

frosted tip
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Remember when frosted tips were the epitome of cool? This hairstyle, with its bleached blonde tips on dark hair, was all the rage thanks to 90s boy bands. But nowadays, it screams “stuck in the past” rather than stylish. Today, people prefer more natural and subtle hair color choices, leaving frosted tips in the dust.

Using a Dial-Up Internet Connection

dial up internet
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Ah, the nostalgic sound of a dial-up modem connecting to the internet! While it might bring back fond memories, waiting minutes for a single webpage to load is a big inconvenience in today’s fast-paced world. High-speed broadband is the norm now, and dial-up connections are a relic of the past.

Overplucked Eyebrows

eyebrows
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Thin, overplucked eyebrows were the height of beauty in the 90s, inspired by celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Drew Barrymore. However, today’s beauty standards favor fuller, more natural-looking brows. Overplucking can damage hair follicles and result in sparse, uneven brows, making this trend a definite no-no now.

Using Cassette Tapes

cassette tapes
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Cassette tapes were once the go-to choice for listening to music, but they’ve been replaced by digital streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. The hassle of rewinding, fast-forwarding, and dealing with tangled tape is a thing of the past. Today, music lovers prefer the convenience of digital formats like putting on Spotify!

Chain Wallets

chain wallet
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Chain wallets, popularized by 90s punk and grunge culture, were both a fashion statement and a practical accessory. However, they’re now seen as bulky and unnecessary, with modern wallets offering slim designs and RFID protection. The clinking sound of chains is more likely to annoy than impress in today’s fashion landscape.

Surge Soda

surge soda
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Surge soda, known for its high caffeine content and bold citrus flavor, was a beloved beverage of the 90s. However, concerns about sugar content and artificial ingredients have led to a decline in the popularity of sugary sodas. Today, healthier beverage options are in the spotlight.

Baggy JNCO Jeans

jnco jeans
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JNCO jeans, with their ridiculously wide legs and oversized pockets, were a fashion staple of the 90s rave and skater scene. But today’s fashion trends lean towards more fitted and tailored styles. Baggy jeans may have been edgy back then, but now they’re seen as sloppy and outdated.

Smoking in Public Places

person smoking
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In the 90s, smoking was ubiquitous, with people lighting up in restaurants, bars, and even airplanes. However, attitudes towards smoking have shifted dramatically, and many countries now have strict smoking bans in public places. Today, smoking is widely recognized as a health hazard, and public smoking is a big no-no.

Butterfly Clips

butterfly clips
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Butterfly clips were a must-have accessory for 90s girls, adorning hairstyles with colorful plastic butterflies. While they were once considered cute and trendy, they’re now seen as childish and dated. Today’s hair accessories tend to be more subtle and sophisticated.

Using a Walkman

walkman
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The Sony Walkman revolutionized portable music in the 80s and 90s, but it’s now kind of useless with smartphones and streaming services. Carrying around a bulky device and swapping out tapes seems archaic compared to the convenience of streaming music from your phone.

Tanning Beds

tanning bed
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Tanning beds were all the rage in the 90s and even the early 2000s, promising a sun-kissed glow year-round. However, the health risks associated with indoor tanning, including skin cancer and premature aging, have led to their decline in popularity. Today, sunless tanning products and spray tans offer a safer alternative.

Frosted Lipstick

frosted liptick
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Frosted lipstick, with its metallic sheen and shimmering finish, was a makeup staple in the 90s. However, today’s beauty trends favor matte and satin lipsticks for a more modern and sophisticated look. Frosted lipstick can often appear dated and unflattering.

Mullets

mullet
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The mullet, with its short front and sides and long back, was a hairstyle icon of the 90s. But now, it’s widely regarded as one of the biggest fashion mistakes of the decade. Modern hairstyles favor more uniform and versatile cuts, leaving the mullet firmly in the past. No one wants business in the front and party in the back anymore, I guess.

Using a Pager

pager
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In the 90s, pagers were essential for staying in touch, especially for professionals like doctors and businessmen. However, with the rise of smartphones and instant messaging apps, pagers have become obsolete. Today, carrying around a separate device just to receive text messages seems impractical.

Casual Racism in Media

civil rights movement
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The 90s saw its fair share of casual racism in movies, TV shows, and advertising, with harmful stereotypes perpetuated for comedic effect. However, as society becomes more aware of the importance of diversity and representation, such portrayals are no longer acceptable. Today, there’s a greater emphasis on inclusivity and sensitivity in media.

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