Lykkers, have you ever wondered how men's hairstyles have changed over the decades? Our hairstyle is like a second face—it defines our style and reflects the trends of the time.
From neat Ivy League cuts to bold long hair and stylish slick-backs, men's hair has gone through an incredible transformation over the past 70 years. Let's take a fun trip down memory lane and explore the most iconic men's hairstyles from the 1950s to today!
The 1950s were all about the Ivy League look—a clean and sophisticated style inspired by American Ivy League colleges. This haircut involved trimming the sides short while leaving a slightly longer top with a subtle fringe. Think of modern stars like Ryan Gosling or Daniel Craig—they perfectly embody this timeless style.
According to top barber Joe Pomper, "In the 1950s and 1960s, Ivy League colleges on the East Coast of the United States still regulated students' hairstyles. This look, derived from regulation haircuts, became the go-to style for many young men."
The 1960s saw the rise of the French Crop, a minimal and effortless hairstyle that echoed the boldness of youth culture. While Elvis Presley's slicked-back pompadour was making waves, another trend emerged among the stylish "Mods" who rode Vespa scooters in custom suits and regulation-style coats.
This clean, no-fuss haircut had a short fringe and tapered sides, offering a simple and natural look without the need for styling products. Paul Burfoot, founder of Fish Hairdressing in New York's SoHo, describes it as "a classic style inspired by French movie stars, with short, sharp edges and minimal layers."
The 1970s broke away from the clean cuts of the past and embraced long, textured hair. Influenced by the hippie movement and anti-war sentiments, men started to grow their hair longer and experiment with softer, more natural styles.
Mikey Pearson, Director of Communications at Clerkenwell, highlights that "the 1970s was an exciting era that saw men breaking free from traditional grooming standards. The long hair trend reflected a newfound sense of freedom and expression."
The 1980s marked the rise of hip-hop culture and introduced one of the most unforgettable hairstyles—the flat-top fade. This bold, structured look became popular in New York's inner-city neighborhoods, where young people expressed themselves through music, dance, and fashion.
The style was famously rocked by Will Smith in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." To achieve this look, you'd need enough hair length to create a flat, even surface, often enhanced with curls or waves for extra volume.
The 1990s brought the messy, grunge-inspired look to the forefront, thanks to the rise of British rock bands. Leading the pack was Liam Gallagher from Oasis, whose thick, unstructured haircut became a global trend.
Liam Campbell, a senior barber at Nomad in Shoreditch, explains, "Gallagher was the epitome of cool in the '90s. His hair reflected his youthful, rebellious rock spirit, inspiring millions of fans to embrace the messy, no-rules style."
The early 2000s were all about experimenting with hair color, and bleached blonde hair became a major trend. Pop icon Justin Timberlake led the way, making his platinum locks a global sensation.
However, Denis Robinson, Artistic Director at Ruffians, warns, "While bleaching creates a striking look, it involves using strong chemicals that can damage the scalp if not done properly. Always choose an experienced hairstylist to avoid unnecessary harm."
By the 2010s, slicked-back styles paired with disconnected sides and full beards became the ultimate masculine look. This style involved shaving the sides clean and keeping the top longer, slicked back using pomade for a polished finish. Adding a thick beard created a rugged and stylish balance.
This trend gave men a powerful, well-defined appearance that was both modern and timeless. Whether left sleek or slightly textured, this look offered endless possibilities to match different personalities.
Looking back at these iconic hairstyles, it's clear that men's hair trends have constantly evolved to reflect changing social and cultural vibes. From the classic Ivy League cut to the rebellious long locks of the '70s and the sharp slick-backs of today, each decade has left its mark on men's grooming.
So, Lykkers, which of these styles speaks to you? Are you ready to embrace a classic look or try something bold and new? Whatever you choose, let your hairstyle reflect your unique personality and confidence!