Hairdos have always played an essential part in an individual’s style. Many now bear specific names. Learning these names may be helpful when discussing your hairstyle with a stylist or explaining a haircut to others. Here are some of the most commonly used words.
1. Pompadour
The Pompadour style is an elegant option for contemporary men. It emphasizes texture and creates an eye-catching appearance without excessive volume. This variation of the pomp haircut maintains a sleek look while highlighting texture. The hair at the back and sides is usually clipped short, creating a fade or a uniform length while leaving longer distances at the top. Initially a women’s hairstyle, it gained popularity among men through iconic figures like Elvis Presley and James Dean. The modern version requires less maintenance, making it suitable for busy individuals who want to save time on styling.
2. Mohawk
The Mohawk hairstyle involves shaving off both sides of the head while leaving longer locks in the center, which can be braided or styled. It is named after the Mohawk tribe of Kanien’keha: ka indigenous people who inhabit parts of New York State and Canada. Although some credit Hollywood, especially Henry Fonda in “Drums Along the Mohawk” (1939), for popularizing this style. To avoid confusion with the Mohican tribe from another area, the pronunciation for this hairstyle is ‘moh-hawk.’ The Mohawk has become famous for nonconformists, musicians, and actors who embrace rebelliousness.
3. Ponytail
A Ponytail is a hairdo where most of your hair is pulled back and secured at the back or base of your neck. The style resembles the tail of a pony. You can make a statement with this style at casual lunch dates or social gatherings. Adding accessories like turban headbands, beaded braids, or oversized bows can give it a unique twist. You can also try Billie Eilish-inspired textural variations for shorter or shag haircuts. To enhance the look, use hairspray to shape the hair and apply shine serum for extra health and shine.
4. Ivy League
The Ivy League hairstyle is a sophisticated variation of a classic crew cut that can make a strong impression in any setting. It is clean-cut and sophisticated yet casual enough for everyday wear. This style works well with curly or straight hair and can feature a hard parting for added dimension. While the side-swept Ivy League look is timeless and classic, you can try trendy options like a pompadour or textured quiff. It suits various face shapes and pairs well with haircuts, including fades. Celebrities like Orlando Bloom often sport this style, which can be paired with a beard for a coordinated ensemble.
5. Psychobilly Wedge
Psychobilly is a music subgenre that combines 50’s rockabilly and 70’s punk styles. It incorporates themes of horror movies, violence, and sexuality. The Psychobilly scene is known for its close-knit community attending concerts, tattoo festivals, and vintage car shows together. Men in this scene typically wear dark rolled-up jeans and leather jackets featuring band logos or patches. The hairstyle associated with Psychobilly is the wedge quiff, combining elements from the Mohawk and Pompadour styles. For a classic Psychobilly quiff, the back and sides of the head need to be completely shaven, and the top hair is styled into an off-center, reverse shark fin-like wedge shape using a strong hold pomade. Women in the Psychobilly scene often emulate the iconic pinup model Bettie Page, with short “fetish” bangs.
