The Beatles not only revitalized rock music, they also revolutionized how men grew and cut their hair; their iconic mop top haircut became known as a Beatle haircut. Leslie Cavendish, one of the many barbers mentioned in Penny Lane, has long been credited with giving the Beatles their signature haircuts – but he wasn’t responsible for this trend alone.
The Bowl Cut
While The Beatles are best-known for their musical output, many fans also admire them for their distinctive mop top haircut that remains popular today. The Beatle “mop top” haircut was created by Astrid Kirchherr – Astrid Sutcliffe’s then fiance. They all sported it until Brian Epstein changed their image in 1963. This style, often known as the “string mop,” was popular during the 1960s among young boys, especially in college campuses. It became an emblem of youth counterculture and inspired a whole generation to grow their hair long. You may recognize this look from movies or television programs featuring Leonard Nimoy (Spock on Star Trek) or Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker on Eight Is Enough). Artist Agnes Varda often donned this cut.
The Mop Top
Long hair was seen as a symbol of rebellion during the 1960s. The Beatles changed not only through music, but also their fashion sense; their iconic mop-top haircuts, featuring long back and sides with fringe bangs that resemble household mops, inspired many men to grow out their locks even further. Astrid Kirchherr was initially responsible for creating Stuart Sutcliffe’s iconic hairstyles when the Beatles were rehearsing in Hamburg, taking some iconic photos and also helping inspire his hairstyle, John Lennon’s and Ringo Starr’s. This style works best on people with straight, though wavy or curly locks may also work into it. Use pomade or hair mousse to form the mop top and use a hair dryer for additional volume if necessary. A great look for boys when combined with Beatles-themed apparel!
The Long Hair
As part of their residency in Hamburg, the band met photographer Astrid Kirchherr who soon became Stu Sutcliffe’s lover and was responsible for their mop top haircuts; though not too unconventional on Merseyside at first sight; it represented an exciting change from their previous greaser-esque image before meeting Brian Epstein. After leaving Hamburg, The Beatles started growing out their hair longer and with long fringes. Additionally, they let their sideburns grow out fully; and this marked when they officially began adopting full beatnik looks. Longer hair was a major trend during the early 1960s, led by beatniks and Bob Marley’s iconic dreadlocks which quickly became fashion for reggae music. Additionally, this style became fashionable among rock bands.
The Beatnik Look
When most people think of “beatniks”, they usually picture bored-looking bohemian girls wearing berets, and men in turtlenecks with small goatees wearing turtlenecks with weird little goatees – both stereotypical depictions that may contain some truth, yet fail to capture fully what was characteristic of the Beat Generation and its style. Beatniks were known for wearing simple yet form-fitting clothing that highlighted their figure. Dark hues like black and gray were popular choices; you can achieve this look by layering together several pieces. Start off by gathering up some essentials: A crew neck sweater or T-shirt is essential. If you don’t want to invest in new apparel, thrift stores often stock black turtleneck or T-shirts in your size – perfect! Add slim pants like Everlane’s Go Weave Crop Trouser in black and navy wool, for an effortlessly beatnik look. Wear these with an under-PS8 black long-sleeved top from Pretty Little Thing for a long-sleeved top from Pretty Little Thing as well as ballet flats to complete this ensemble.
