There comes a time when men decide to change their hairstyles but could not figure out which to choose. The same dilemma goes for choosing a new beard style, but we have got the answers for you in this department – choosing a beard according to your face shape.
Perhaps you might want to take a look at some of the iconic hairstyles that influenced other men in their generation (and even beyond) to adopt. Some of these hairstyles are classic and cool, they have never gone out of style:
1. The slicked back hairstyle
James Dean was, no doubt, a cultural icon of teenage rebellion and disillusionment and social estrangement. Dean’s unique characteristics were demonstrated by films such as the iconic Rebel without a Cause, as well as his overall style.
Therefore, it is no question that James Dean was the epitome of the 1950s “rebellious” style. He popularized the famous slicked-back hairdo, which is also known as the “James Dean haircut.” During his peak of fame, Dean would sport a quiff and sometimes long, unruly locks. He became a figure of youthful rebellion, confidence, a laidback attitude, and unique personal style.
Up to now, men are still in love with this type of hairstyle, which proves that it has stood the test of time.
2. The pompadour
James Dean influenced many guys during his time. One of them was none other than Elvis Presley, who was quite taken by the persona that Dean projected in his films. Elvis copied James Dean’s hairstyle out of respect and admiration for his idol. But later on, Elvis launched a hairstyle of his own by fine-tuning Dean’s quiff. The result was the pompadour: the hair is swept upwards from the face and worn high over the forehead, and sometimes the backs and sides as well.
The pompadour is another hairstyle that has stood the test of time as well: it suits all face shapes and can be styled as simply as a dab of hair gel.
3. The side part
While the side part is not obviously a new trend these days, it wasn’t new in the 1990s, either. But heartthrob George Clooney put the “side part” hairstyle back on the map of the hottest men’s hairstyles. Part of its “classic” status owes to the fact that it’s been worn again and again.
While the side part is quite common (and even bland), it’s the “common-ness” that has brought this hairstyle to its iconic status. Regardless of age, race, and status, any man can sport this type of hairstyle.
4. The undercut
The undercut used to be exclusively a hairstyle for men. Now, both men and women sport this type of hairstyle. It consists of top hair that’s long and parted, while the back and sides of the head are “buzzed” very short.
The undercut first found popularity during the 1910s through the 1940s and experienced a revival during the 1980s. Since then, the undercut is one of the popular unisex hairstyles. You can see from the likes of Brad Pitt and David Beckham (and some female celebrities, such as the singer Rihanna) sporting this cut.
5. The long hair
When you see the phrase “men with long hair,” it automatically conjures up the image of men – usually rock stars, hippies, and the nonconformists – sporting long, usually tousled hair. It became an emblem of the protest and rebellion against the social norms of the day.
One of the of the long variants hair in men is the “shag” haircut, which first became popular during the 1960s and the 1970s. Here’s Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones sporting the shag hairstyle.
The “big hair” exploded during the 1970s through the early 1990s, as popularized by rock groups such as Bon Jovi, Kiss, the New York Dolls (pictured above) and Skid Row.
The long hair was still popular during the grunge era, but was significantly shorter and less “overblown” compared to the long hair of the past era. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana is the perfect example – he sported his hair straight, mid to long, parted in the center, and swept and held behind the ears.