Stereoscopic Seppuku

I don't know what these are made of, but rarely using them might make this more likely. A lot of PU will degrade like this if it just sits around but will last a long time if used regularly.

If you've ever had a pair of shoes with a PU sole that sat in the closet for a year or two and when you went to get them the sole was all gummy and/or crumbly, but you had a pair from the same company that you wore regularly that lasted years, you've experienced this.

Hydrolysis. Allegedly using shoes with PU soles often squeezes moisture out of them, preserving life, but idk if that's actually true. I can definitely say heat combined with humidity will definitely degrade it pretty quick. Density of the PU really matters, though, cause some PU soles that are relatively rigid (like regular Chaco sandals) are basically bulletproof, while the more cushiony forms with air injected (like the Chaco "cloud" sandals i mistakenly bought, or blundstones) will break apart.

Doesn't that mean they are cheap? Faux leather bonding, which is the same thing cheap couches use that flakes as well?

Currently happening on my AudioTechnica’s ATH-M50xBT, nearly $300 headphones, rarely use em.
I had this happen to Sennheiser 448, that I bought 15 years ago for $100. Does that count as cheap? They still sound great, I just had to buy a replacement ear pads.
- Every Sennheiser product I've had has been like this. Excellent sound relative to the price point, but not a lot of longevity.
- $100 for sennheiser does sound cheap, but in a good way, lol. I like them a lot.
- To be fair, if you're willing to spend money on high-quality headphones, you usually upgrade the earpads as well. The ones that come in the box tend to be basic, and as such, only meant to hold you off temporarily.
No, happened to my BOSE. Mostly due to sweat though. Replacements cheap.
Probably. Those headphones look very similar to a cheap set of headphones I had that did the exact same thing. I bought a higher quality set and haven't had an issue. So these are likely a cheap Chinese brand like mine was.
- I thought they were the ATH M50X, but on comparison, they're just similar. Perhaps a cheap knock-off.
That’s why JD Vance only prefers the finest real leather.

I ordered a bag of replacement foam pads for my headphones from china. That was years ago. Still have many. Was a good buy. Cheap too.

IIRC I read several years ago that the selenium in some anti-dandruff shampoos will degrade the plastic found in faux leather and other similar products. If someone's headphones are falling apart like this after light use, it might be worth looking at what kind of shampoo or other hair products are being used... also don't buy super cheap equipment, you only end up spending more in the long run.

I will sometimes go months at a time without using shampoo (no other products besides, well, an electric trimmer), and this still happens; based on the areas that degrade I'm inclined to believe that skin oils are just as bad for pleather as any chemical in shampoo. Faux leather just sucks and makes whatever it's attached to have an artificially short lifespan in my experience.
It's honestly baffling to me that there is anyone on the planet who thinks that the material that breaks down super fast in contact with human skin (product or not) should primarily be used for contact with human skin. Breaking down into black glitter noless. It's infuriating.
Makes sense. They used selenium to kill off invasive species after all
They're cheap headphones. Cheap shampoo should be expected. Don't touch the brand. Likely crap. Products not fit for purpose.

Yes, I would prefer them to use just cloth without that ersatz-leather film

I need to get new headphones for my daughter because her last pair did this.

Suggestions for something under $100?

If the headphones still work and the only reason to replace them are the ear cups deteriorating, try replacing the ear cups.
- I would if I could. I only see Bose and Beats replacements online.
Just replace the ear pads if you can. I’ve used both velour and micro suede pads on my SONY MDR v6 and 600 and it’s been a solid replacement. It’s been eight years now and no issues.
- I need to do this for my AKG 553s. None of the pads fit great though that I've found and I don't want to just buy replacements from AKG and have to replace them again in another 5 years
I have a pair of sennheiser HD250 over ear. Solid for the price
Depends on what you are looking for, wireless/wired, closed back or open.
But I recommend AKG K92s. They are normally around or below that price and sound great, plus they have been around for a little while and have a lot of 3rd party replacement parts in case they break.

Man needs to step up his goon game, way too much sweating at the keyboard going on.