The phrase “old lady hairdo” isn’t the most sensitive thing one can say. But some of us can still picture specific hairstyles when we hear it — and it isn’t used in a flattering way most of the time.

If you’ve seen Hulu’s limited series “Candy” — or even spotted ads for it — you know that Jessica Biel sports a short, tight perm that is many light years away from her natural flowing mane. You’ve ...