Alternative Hairstyle With Mint and Pink Hair Colorsunique womens haircuts
women's edgy haircuts
alt bangs hair

Photo @hairbyashleyfilip

If you want your hair to look somewhat different from the rest of the population, then alt hairstyles are for you.

Alt hair can be defined as any hair color or hairstyle that goes beyond the norm.

This means it is not traditional, often consisting of unnatural colors, wild haircuts, and unique hair, like dreadlocks and fully shaved hair.

Table Of Contents

50 Most Popular Alt Hairstyles

Alternative Mullet

Mullet unique haircut women
unique haircuts female
unique hairstyle

Photo @shrunknheads

The mullet’s popularity peaked during the late 80s and early 90s. It was every boy’s haircut of choice back then. However, the mullet faded into obscurity during the 2000s.

These days though, it seems like the mullet is making a modern comeback. It may not look quite like the original, but the “business up front and party at the back” look has made a triumphant return.

Alt Mullet Featuring Shaved Sides

Mullet Featuring Shaved Sides unique female haircuts
unique hair cut
unique haircut for women

Photo @lyndadidit

This is a modern take on the traditional mullet, a typical clean men’s haircut but with the back left long. This new style has the sides of the head cut with a high skin fade and the top and back are still left quite long.

Short and Fluffy Alternative Hairstyle

Short and Fluffy short haircuts alt
trendy edgy haircuts
uncommon hairstyles

Photo @supvalerie

The short and fluffy style is undeniably quite cute. The hair is cut short, right up to the back of the neck, with a slight fringe in front. The key to pulling off this look is volume. Use volumizing hair products to make your hair “fluff” out the way you want it to.

Long Alternative Mullet Hair

Long Mullet radical hair styles
short alt haircut
short edgy hairstyles

Photo @danivanburenhair

This was popular for women in the punk rock scene in the 80s, as the legendary Joan Jett popularized it. To get the same look, have the sides and top of the head trimmed to a medium length.

Add texture by layering the lock. Leave it at whatever length you want and add a similar texture for the back.

Alternative Wolf Cut

Wolf Cut long edgy hairstyles
medium length alternative haircuts
quirky hairstyles

Photo @shrunknheads

The wolf cut first became popular in 2021. It is a shaggy hairstyle that relies on lots of volume and layers to achieve the right look. It is low-maintenance, as you do not need to brush quite as much and can tweak it easily to suit any hair texture.

Alternative Crimped Hair

Alternative Crimped Hair fluffy alt haircuts
long alt haircuts
long alternative haircuts

Photo @shell.vega

Crimped hair was popular in the early 2000s, with almost all the pop stars wearing it. Now, as most hairstyles do, the crimped hair is coming back. Break out those old hair irons and start putting them to work again.

‘90s Grunge Crimped Alt Hair

‘90s Grunge Crimped Alt Hair edgy long haircut
edgy short haircuts
edgy women's haircuts

Photo @braidedroots

As the name suggests, this hairstyle was popular during the 90s grunge rock era. It is a mix of the then-popular crimped hairstyle but not nearly as prim and proper.

In the vein of the grunge lifestyle, it seems somewhat unkempt but still looks like it was appropriately styled. Just crimp your hair in several places, as its purpose is to add more texture to it.

Asymmetrical Bob

Asymmetrical Bob edgy haircuts female
edgy hairstyles for over 50
edgy long hair styles

Photo @supvalerie

This hairstyle is similar to the classic bob cut, but one side is slightly longer. This asymmetrical cut gives the classic hairstyle a modern and quite edgy twist.

Baby Bangs Alternative Haircut

Baby Bangs edgy feminine haircuts
edgy hair color ideas
edgy haircut 2023

Photo @shrunknheads

Traditional bangs are cut just above the eyebrows. However, alternative-style baby bangs take it to the extreme. Here, the fringes are cut more than an inch above the brows, giving the style a menacing look.

Space Buns Alternative Hairstyle

Space Buns alternatives to bangs
cute short alt hairstyles
edgy curly haircuts

Photo @shell.vega

The space buns look was a style popularized by the black community in the 90s. It has found its way into the mainstream and is worn by everyone regardless of hair texture.

To get this look, part your hair down the middle and take a section from each side. Style each section into tiny and loose buns.

Half-Up Space Buns

Half-Up Space Buns alternative short hair
alternative women's haircuts
alternative womens haircuts

Photo @shell.vega

The traditional space bun hairstyle has the hair styled up, but this variation is a bit looser. Style your hair “half-up,” take two sections from the top and style them into space buns.

Big Bold Curls Style

Big Bold Curls Style alternative girl haircuts
alternative haircuts for long hair
alternative hairstyles women

Photo @shrunknheads

It is time to let it all hang loose if you have naturally curly hair. This style can remind you of the classic afro but with color highlights and bigger and looser curls.

Alternative Short Shag

Short Shag alt hairstyles for short hair
alt hairstyles for thin hair
alt pixie cut

Photo @shrunknheads

The short shag haircut is yet another classic hairstyle experiencing a renaissance. Give it an alternative and modern twist by using layered bangs. You may also give your hair a color-blocked look.

Modern Long Shag

Modern Long Shag alt hair cut
alt hairstyle names
alt hairstyles 2023

Photo @supvalerie

This modern take on a classic style is suitable for most women. Multiple layers and volume will give this hairstyle a refreshing look and feel that is different but still familiar. Add bursts of color to give the illusion of more volume.

Two-Toned Alternative Bob Hair

Two-Toned Bob Alternative Hair2023 edgy haircuts
alt black girl hairstyles
alt girl haircut

Photo @supvalerie

When talking about alternative hairstyles, it is not just about radical cuts and styling. Sometimes, it is about coloring. Giving your hair a bright and loud two-tone coloring will make the traditional bob cut more modern.

Colorful Face-Frame Alternative Hairstyle

Colorful Face-Frame Alt Hairunique hair styles
unique haircut
unique women's haircuts

Photo @shrunknheads

This is yet another way to make your hairstyle look alternative. You can achieve this by coloring just the fringes in front. This will give the edges of your hair lots of contrast from the rest.

Color-Blocked Alternative Hair

Color-Blocked Alternative Hair unconventional hairstyles
unique hair cuts for ladies
unique hair ideas

Photo @supvalerie

This is a trend that is getting rather popular nowadays. The idea is to block off a section of your hair and dye it a contrasting color. It does not need to be a natural color.

The most popular trend nowadays is to part the hair down the middle and dye them into two separate colors.

Face-Framing Alt Braids

Alternative Face-Framing Braids medium alt haircuts
modern edgy haircuts
short edgy haircuts

Photo @g1ftedhands

As the name suggests, you can achieve this look by making twin braids on each side of your face. Don’t touch the bangs. This style is essentially black hair with highlights but only at the front. You can then add a bit of texture spray to them to complete the look.

Mohawk Pixie

Mohawk Pixie Alt Haircut edgy hair cut
haircut unique
long alt hairstyles

Photo @shrunknheads

If you want to give the traditional pixie cut a bit more attitude, leave the top quite long. You should then cut it into a faux hawk.

Punk Mohawk

Punk Mohawk Hairalternative shoulder length hairstyles
cool alt hairstyles
edgy hair 2023

Photo @shrunknheads

If you want a hairstyle that is extreme and loud, nothing says it more than the traditional punk mohawk style. Part your hair into three, with a 3 to 4-inch section running down the middle of your head, from front to back.

Isolate this middle section and shave off the rest. Use a strong hold hair gel to keep the hair standing on end.

Curly Alternative Mohawk Hair

Curly Mohawk alternative hair style
alternative haircuts with bangs
alternative medium hairstyles

Photo @dynasty_barbers

This is the traditional mohawk cut, but you should leave the long middle section. You also have to give the hair a bit of texture using a curling iron. Unlike the traditional mohawk, the curly mohawk allows the hair to drop down the sides of the head.

Alternative Buzz Cut

Alternative Buzz Cut Haircutalt short hair
alternative female haircuts
alternative girl hairstyles

Photo @shrunknheads

This would not be considered an alt haircut for men. However, if you are a woman, it can be pretty extreme of you to lop off your tresses. However, a buzz cut can look quite good if you have the head shape.

Buzz Cut With Design

Buzz Cut With Design Alternative Haircutalt hairstyles long hair
alt hairstyles with bangs
alt long hairstyles

Photo @shrunknheads

One way to spice up an already extreme (on ladies, anyway) haircut like the buzzcut is to carve designs. Start by buzzing the hair on the thicker side, like a #2 guard, and then draw your preferred pattern. Make sure to get a hairstylist with steady hands.

Alternative Black and White

Long Half Black Half White Hairstyle
alt haircuts for straight hair
alt hairstyles for long hair
alt hairstyles for straight hair

This is another take on the face-frame hairstyle. This is ideal for brunettes as they only need to dye/bleach the fringes of their hair.

Asymmetrical Long Bob

Asymmetrical Long Bob alt hair ideas
alt hair short
alt haircut names

Photo @shell.vega

This is similar to the classic long bob haircut but with one side styled shorter than the other.

Gothic-Style Chop Featuring an Undercut

Gothic-Style Chop Featuring an Undercut unique hair cut for ladies
unique hair styles for ladies
unusual haircuts

Photo @shrunknheads

This style was also quite popular in the 90s underground rock scene. If you’re a goth, this style might suit your taste. To give you an idea of what this looks like, it’s like a bowl cut up front and a mullet at the back.

Choppy Layered Bob

Choppy Layered Bob edgy haircuts for curly hair
medium length alternative hairstyles
unique female hairstyles

Photo @supvalerie

This haircut looks great on any hair, whether straight or frizzy. This is a typical bob cut with much weight removed from the ends.

Short Dreadlocks

Short Dreadlocks alternative long hair styles
alternative mid length hairstyles
cool alternative hairstyles

Photo @braidedroots

This hairstyle looks great on black men and women. Their naturally curly hair is easy to turn into dreadlocks. The micro locs can be made using a simple crochet hook, so you can do it yourself at home.

Spiky Pixie

Spiky Pixie alt hairstyles for curly hair
alternative hair ideas
alternative haircuts for women

Photo @shrunknheads

Ideal for alternative girls, the spiky pixie is an alternative take to the classic haircut. Ask your hairstylist for a pixie cut but leave the top a bit longer. To style your hair, use hair wax to style it upward.

Flat Side-Swept Bangs

Flat Side-Swept Bangs alt curly haircuts
alt curly hairstyles
alt hair 2023

Photo @dreamhairbycelaa

This is similar to the styles that the Kardashians usually wear. The hair is combed and styled so much that it looks like it is stuck on the sides of the face. The defining features of this style are the sharp edges and corners.

Undercut Featuring Designs

Undercut Featuring Designs edgy hairstyles for women
2023 alt hairstyles
alt boy haircut

Photo @shrunknheads

This hairstyle is a great way to express yourself while still letting you hide it when needed. You need to have relatively long hair to pull this style off.

You can have the undercut at the sides of your head or the back. As mentioned earlier, pick a stylist with steady hands when it comes to design.

Haircut Featuring Green and Blue Shades

Haircut Featuring Green and Blue Shadesedgy haircuts women
edgy hairstyle
edgy hairstyles for long hair

Photo @supvalerie

These days, it is pretty trendy to color your hair in wild and highly contrasting hues. Green and blue colors are popular, thanks to musicians like Billie Eilish wearing them. You can use blue and green to color block your hair or use them to add streaks of color.

Half Black Half Red

Red And Black Colored Long Straight Hair 
edgy hair cuts
edgy hair styles
edgy haircuts for long straight hair

This is a type of hair color blocking where you (considering that you’re a brunette) bleach half of your hair into a bright red color and leave the rest black. This is ideal for those looking for an emo and stylish hairstyle.

Punk Alternative Updo Hair

Punk Updo alternative haircuts women
alternative hairstyles for women
alternative women's hairstyles

Photo @negoreyart

This style is for grunge girls. It may look complicated, but it is pretty simple to do. Start with giving yourself some bangs. Isolate the bangs, then part the rest of your hair down the middle. Style each side of your head into loose buns.

Alternative Shag With Ombre

Alternative Shag With Ombre alt girl haircuts
alt haircuts short
alternative curly haircuts

Photo @lemastyyles

The shag hairstyle was quite popular in the rock and roll scene in the 80s and 90s. You can still rock it today but give it a modern touch and an illusion of more volume by getting an ombre color job before styling your hair.

Emo Braids

Emo Braids edgy womens haircuts
uncommon haircuts
unique hairstyles for women

Photo @braidedroots

These are similar to cornrows but are usually thicker and limited to just two rows. To do this, part your hair down the middle. Start your braids around the temples of your head and continue towards the back.

Short Rainbow-Colored Pixie Cut

Short Rainbow-Colored Pixie Cut alternative short hairstyles girl
edgy haircut women
edgy haircuts long hair

Photo @shrunknheads

Adding numerous colors to an already fun haircut will make it even more fun and incredible. One way is to add colors in streaks, but you can also go with splotches of color here and there.

Peekaboo Hair

Alternative Peekaboo Hairalternative haircuts 2023
alternative hairstyles 2023
alternative hairstyles for short hair

Photo @supvalerie

The peekaboo hairstyle is where the top is your natural color. However, underneath, the hair is colored in bright hues.

Faux Undercut Teased Pompadour

Faux Undercut Teased Pompadour Hairunique haircuts women
alt bob haircut
alt hairstyles for medium hair

Photo @anthonythebarber916

This is called a faux undercut because instead of shaving the side of the head, you style it in a tight skin braid. Tease up the rest of the hair using products to heighten it.

Half-and-Half Bubble Ponytails

Half-and-Half Bubble Ponytails edgy low maintenance haircuts
long edgy haircuts
short alt haircuts

Photo @braids_by_christy

This works great if you have two-tone hair. This means one half is colored differently from the other. Start by parting the hair down the middle. Grab a section from both crown halves and style them using bubble ponytails.

This means you will tie up the sections of hair using several hair ties.

Half And Half Dyed Wavy Haircutalt girl hairstyles
alternative short haircuts
edgy long hair

Photo @supvalerie

Platinum Fringed Framealternative women's haircut
long alternative hairstyles
radical hairstyles

Photo @shrunknheads

Long Purple Waves And Braided Garlandalternative long haircuts
alternative long hairstyles
alternative short hairstyles

Photo @supvalerie

Two Colored Wavy Bobunique haircuts for women
alternative curly hairstyles
alternative haircuts for curly hair

Photo @supvalerie

Half Braided Alternative Bunshort alternative hairstyles
alt short haircuts
edgy haircuts 2023

Photo @shell.vega

Alternative Bob And Shaved Sidealt hair cuts
short alt hairstyles
short alternative haircuts

Photo @nicoleashleyartistry

Wavy Pink Haircut With Whirl Bangsunique haircuts for ladies
alt hair styles
edgy hairstyles 2023

Photo @shell.vega

Spiky Tirquoise Mohawkalternative hairstyles for long hair
edgy haircuts for long hair
edgy hairstyles female

Photo @officiall.leobarber

Retro Mulletedgy haircuts for women
unique hair cuts
alternative hair styles

Photo @shrunknheads

Medium Taper And Dyed Spikesalternative hairstyles female
edgy long haircuts
alternative hair cuts

Photo @shrunknheads

Dyed Bold Curly Topunique haircuts
edgy hairstyles
unique hairstyles

Photo @negoreyart

Best Hair Colors for Alternative Hair

The great thing about alt hairstyles is that you can do whatever with your hair. This means you can use whatever bright color you want. Just ensure that your chosen hair color will make you look unique and different so your style will be considered alt.

How to Get and Maintain Alternative Haircuts

Choose a style you like 

The one thing you need to remember about alt hairstyles is that most are pretty radical. This means they typically require drastic changes to your hair, so be careful in choosing a style. Also, if you’ll be dyeing your hair, get some hair color ideas beforehand.

Get an alt hairstyle that you can groom differently

For instance, you can opt for the shag hairdo because you can style it as it was meant. You may also apply some hair products to tame the strands and make your style ideal for formal events. You can’t say you can do the same with a mohawk.

Maintain the style properly

When you get an alt hairstyle, you will also be dyeing your hair in bright colors. Use shampoo and other products that protect your hair against damage and prevent the color from fading too quickly.

Use the best products for alt haircuts

You will need those that can hold your hair in place. This means you will need a good amount of wax for teased-up hair and volumizing products for shag haircuts.

Common Alt Hairstyle Mistakes

The biggest alt-hairstyle mistake people make choosing a style that is so extreme that they regret it later. This is why you need to think about what alt-hairstyle you want to get. Ensure that it suits you and your overall look and personality.

Alternative Hair Accessories

For some alternative hairstyles, you will be using quite a lot of hairpins and ties. You may need these accessories, especially if your chosen hairstyle requires you to braid your hair.

FAQs

What are some alternative hairstyles for curly hair?

If you have curly hair, there are several alternative styles that you can try. Among them are short dreads, space buns, and any hairstyle that requires styling your strands.

What’s an alternative to a pixie cut?

You can get a short bobcut if you want to style your hair short but don’t want it as short as a pixie cut. This will still give your hair some volume, but you won’t have to deal with a heavy head of hair.

How long does an alternative hairstyle take to create?

It depends on what style you are aiming for. If you are getting a buzz cut, it will take less than fifteen minutes. However, if you want designs carved into your buzz cut, it would take more than an hour on the barber’s chair.

How long does an alternative hairstyle last?

Again, this will depend on what style you choose. For instance, if you get a shag hairstyle, your hair will grow back to its original length in a couple of months. On the other hand, if you get a pixie cut, it would take more than a year to grow your hair back.

How often do you need to trim an alternative hairstyle?

If you are getting something as extreme as a mohawk, you must get the sides of your head trimmed and shaved several days a week. On the other hand, there are styles where you do not need to get a trim, like the short dreadlocks, that you can leave to grow.

What are some alternative hairstyles that are easy to style?

One of the easiest to style is the short and fluffy haircut. It is just a short bob with a slight fringe. To style it, use a bit of mousse to add volume and tease it to your desired shape.

What are some common alternative hairstyle myths?

One of the silliest myths about alt hairstyles is that if you cut your hair too short, it will not grow back to what it initially looked like.
Remember that hair is hair. This means it will grow back like before, provided you keep nourishing your body with what is good for your hair.

What is an edgy haircut?

An edgy haircut refers to a bold, unconventional hairstyle that often incorporates unique or daring elements.

These styles are typically characterized by sharp angles, asymmetrical cuts, vibrant colors, or unexpected details that make a statement.

People who opt for edgy haircuts may want to express their individuality, creativity, or rebellious spirit through their hairstyle choice.

This haircut can help someone stand out from the crowd and showcase their personal style in a distinctive and eye-catching way.

How do you draw alternative hair?

Artists often experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired look when learning how to draw alternative hair.

This may involve using varying line weights, adding texture with cross-hatching, or incorporating unique color combinations.

Alternative hairstyles can range from bold and edgy to soft and whimsical, offering artists a wide range of creative possibilities to explore.

Anthony Giannotti

About the author: Anthony Giannotti

Anthony Giannotti is a senior writer and editor for Beardoholic and a licensed barber for more than 13 years. He owns 3 barbershops and has his own hair care product line that is sold in barbershops worldwide. Known for his impeccable technique and skills, Anthony is an expert in hair and beard care and he knows the best products and tools to get rid of all beard problems and have an amazing beard.

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