How the Entertainment World Is Influencing Men’s Haircuts
Looking to switch up your look but still seeking inspiration? Today, it’s time to turn the spotlight on the guys! Here, we’re going to discuss some of the men’s hairstyles that are shaking up the entertainment industry today. Whether they’re brand new or modern twists on classic throwbacks, if you look to the stars, you’re sure to find a look you love!
The Entertainment Industry’s Influence on Fashion Trends
When it comes to onscreen fashion trends, does art imitate life or vice versa? The way that film and television impact our culture cannot be understated, and the entertainment industry’s influence on the popularity of certain hairstyles is no exception.
While people can often name a dozen iconic women’s hairstyles from TV and film right off the bat (Farah Fawcett’s feathered beach blonde waves in the seventies hit Charlie’s Angels, for example, or Jennifer Aniston’s famous haircut on Friends), men’s haircuts tend to receive less attention from the general public.
However, that doesn’t mean that men aren’t looking to the entertainment industry for fashion advice. The following haircuts started out on screen, but they have proven quite popular in day-to-day life.
David Beckham’s Faux-Hawk Makes a Comeback
David Beckham may not be an actor, but you’d be mistaken to say he was never a TV star as one of the most popular soccer players of all time. His marriage to Victoria, who, at the time went by Posh Spice, further cemented his status as a celebrity persona.
Now, you may have read the words “faux-hawk” and immediately been triggered by memories of geeky haircuts of the early 2000’s. However, David Beckham continues to be a sex symbol, so his haircut has been imitated and evolved to the present day. Zayn Malik updated the look by increasing volume while closely cropping in the sides, which remains a popular trend.
Cillian Murphy’s Peaky Blinders Haircut
Peaky Blinders, a gritty period gangster drama that takes place on the streets of Birmingham, England in the 1920s, stars Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby, sporting a very distinctive haircut. Although Murphy himself reportedly doesn’t see what all the fuss is about, it’s become one of the most popular men’s haircuts of 2017.
What’s so distinctive about the look? The undercut sides and textured length on top look ultra-contemporary, but they are, in fact, correct for the 1920’s. Contemporary and vintage at the same time, the look achieves a certain timelessness that other haircuts can’t quite capture.
Donald Glover’s Soft Afro
A talented actor, comedian and rapper, Glover isn’t afraid to keep his hair uncropped. You came to love him in comedies like Community and as the rapper Childish Gambino. His newest TV series, Atlanta, has received praise from the critics and numerous awards, including two Golden Globes and two Primetime Emmys. Glover’s style and signature haircut suggests a relaxed art school chic.
Will Smith’s High-Top Fade
The 90s are back with a vengeance, and one haircut in particular is resurging in a big way. Will Smith may have played a loveable goofball on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but his haircut left a lasting impact on contemporary hair-styling. The high-top fade, characterized by the tight undercut around the sides of the head and sculpted height with a flat top, has seen many reiterations in the past few years. Will Smith paired his haircut with loud colors and funky prints, but the effect of the high-top fade changes entirely when paired with muted tones and textures. In 2017, the look has become entirely sleek and contemporary.
Mahershala Ali’s Sculpted Fade from Moonlight
The 2016 coming of age drama Moonlight brought tears to its audiences’ eyes, but it may also have inspired a new way to wear a fade. Mahershala Ali played Juan, a Cuban drug-dealer who helps guide the protagonist Chiron through his formative years in Miami. Ali’s hair is a tight fade on the sides with a little bit of height on the top. The look is subtler than the high-top fade, but combined with confidence, it can give its wearer an air of sophistication.
Dev Patel’s Loose Curls
While Patel was significantly younger when he starred in the award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire in 2008, he has updated his look considerably with his most recent feature, Lion. Patel now wears his hair in longer, loose waves around his face, and, while the look seems effortless, pomade or styling cream is essential to avoid a puffy shape.
In a decade where close crops seem to be very in style, Patel’s looser look, paired with facial hair, comes together for a playful but mature appearance.
The James Dean Effortless Slick-Back
Of course, any list citing iconic men’s haircuts would be remiss not to mention James Dean’s slick but wild pompadour in Rebel Without a Cause. This hairstyle has never gone out of fashion. When he played Edward in the teen hit franchise Twilight, Robert Pattinson sported a modern take on the style.
This look keeps the volume with a medium length on top with shorted sides for contrast. The classic style is always in fashion, but you will need some pomade and a hairdryer to style it to perfection.
Conclusion: From close crops to unkempt waves, there is no shortage of contemporary and vintage looks for the modern man. With the right haircut, you’ll feel confident and perfectly coiffed in every endeavor.
