What haircuts for men have passed the test of time? Nowadays, it is difficult to distinguish between classic and modern cuts.
Hairdressing, like fashion, is cyclical. She does not hesitate to draw her inspiration from the past, and to revisit the classics by adding a touch of modernity.
The influence of the American TV series "Retro" is also strongly felt... An absolute must, Don Draper's "Business Dandy" cut in Mad men, or how to impose his sex appeal through a cleverly studied hairstyle!
Likewise, a haircut that has fallen through the cracks can become fashionable once it has been dusted. This is the case for the banana of the fifty-sixties embodied on the big screen by John Travolta in Grease, the undercut of the 80s, or the wild mid-length hair worn by Kurt Cobain in the 90s.
The modern dandy doesn't hesitate to jump into the past to borrow the elegance of the hairstyles of yesteryear, while bringing a more sophisticated twist. (Recondition required!)
As a result, these retro hairstyles take on a timeless character. Revisited throughout the seasons, past fashionable but always revived, they embellish the most varied styles, sometimes chic and sometimes casual.
1. The Pompadour Cup
It takes its name from Madame de Pompadour, "favorite" of King Louis XIV. It consists of pulling the combed hair high on a clear forehead.
Re-launched in the 1950s by the Rockabilly wave, of which James Dean and Elvis Presley are the greatest ambassadors.
It has been making a strong comeback lately, with possible variants such as the "Quiff" cut. It is an all-terrain cut that can be worn with a casual dress style, or on the contrary in a more formal, even chic environment.
2. The Quiff cup
More extravagant than its big sister "Pompadour", the "Quiff" cut requires a longer hair length to wrap the end of the wick and create a banana effect.
It requires a certain dexterity for the setting up (it is necessary to create volume) and an adapted clothing style. If Bruno Mars has successfully tamed it by combining it with a three-piece suit, there are no 35 ways to wear it... Black leather, white T-shirt and blue jeans, at the Fonzie!
3. The Slick back Cup
The Slicked back cup originated in the United States at the time of prohibition. It was also very much appreciated by German officers of the Second World War.
It requires a long hair length on the top of the head and a lot of shine, or gomina to maintain a shiny, even damp appearance.
It is a timeless, chic cut, seen on screen in many films and mythical series (Boardwalk Empire, Les Incorruptibles, Les Intouchables, Le Parrain...).
By adopting this cut you send a strong message: "Be careful not to walk on my flowerbeds". The Slicked back cut may be associated with the Undercut style.
4. The Undercut cut
Very fashionable in the music and sports world, it was originally adopted in the 30-40s by American soldiers.
It consists of shaving very short hair on the ribs and back of the head, and keeping a longer hair length on the top of the skull.
Hair can be styled or folded on one side, or even styled back with gel or shine. Some people do not hesitate to create a more pronounced demarcation between the top and sides on the razor's edge. It was revived and popularized in the 80's by David Bowie! Today it is one of the most popular cuts of the show business (we see it everywhere).
5. Le mi-long grunge
Popularized by the grunge icon of the 90's Kurt Cobain, the mid-length has been making its comeback for a few years now. Wearing it with a skate in the middle allows a natural fall. Its charm lies in its youthful character, so the beard will not be an indispensable accessory.
It should be noted that this style adopted in the nineties by many surfers, skaters and snow sports enthusiasts, could find its origins in texts more sacred than those of Kurt Cobain... Indeed, the engravings and representations of Christ depict a man with medium-length hair...
6. The Business or Harvard Clip Cup
She draws all her essence from the skate,"side-part" in English. She immediately gives you a kind of "good family boy."
Gominate, this cut brings a certain elegance of yesteryear, a little vintage air for a gentleman's look. Inherited from the United States during the period of the glorious Thirty, she is embodied on screen by the character of Don Draper in Mad Men.
A true dandy cup, it can be found on the catwalk podiums and in all the jet-set parties. As you can see, this cup requires a lot of elegance and a refined wardrobe with a rather well furnished wardrobe!
7. The Caesar Cup
The cup derives its name from the Emperor Julius Caesar, which the illustrations often depict as a crown of laurels. It has reappeared, thanks to genre films such as "Peplum".
It is particularly noticeable in Hollywood super production Gladiator, carried by Russell Crowe. Other actors like Gerard Butler have adopted it.
Easy to care for, and accessible to all men who want to keep their hair short, it gives them an assertive and confident look.
And yet, she is the hairdo of choice for men with early baldness. Perfect for concealing a recession in the front line.
8. Le Man bun
Formerly reserved for the Samurai, the "Chon Mage", this traditional Japanese hairstyle was meant to keep the helmet in place during the fights. It later became a distinctive sign reserved for the noble families of Japanese society.
Today, he is adopted by a dozen stars, from Jared Leto to Brad Pitt and the local hipster baker. But beware, to keep a virile look, it is important to follow some rules.
Let yourself grow the beard and moustache, clear your ears, and keep the bun on the top of your head, or in the centre at the back of your head.
But above all, don't wear it aside or you will break the fragile balance that would cause you to tip over to the feminine side of the cup. Note that it is possible to wear it with an Undercut, i. e. by shaving the sides and back of the head like Colin Farrell.
9. The High & Tight Cup
This cut is a variant of the "Crew Cut" which was adopted in the 19th century by the crews of American military and pleasure ships. Its advantage was that it did not interfere with the sailors' eyesight in the event of strong winds, and consequently made complex maneuvers more secure.
It is adopted in the United States by soldiers of all corpses, as well as by the police, fire brigades, prison services... Many stars love it and continue to wear it because it remains a sure value and a pledge of virility.
10. The Spike Cup
The Spike Cup is inherited from the Punk protest movement of English youth in the 1970s. The aim was to shock public opinion and shake up the conventions by opting for a radical, recognizable style.
The Spike is still a symbol of rebellion, and therefore well suited to its potential target: the teenager. It can however be found worn by singers or musicians of rock bands, such as Green Day.
In conclusion, if you want to change your style or adopt a more modern hairstyle, take inspiration from the classics. You probably won't innovate, but you will be able to readapt existing hairstyles and make them your own by adding a more personal touch. As this article illustrates, you can mix one or more styles.
To your good heart, gentlemen!