The Evolution of Men’s Hairstyles Over the Past Century

The ancient, biblical story of Samson and Delilah proves just how important male grooming can be. In fact, men’s hairstyles throughout history have been depicted by famous sculptors, composers and screenwriters for centuries. From pencil mustaches to today’s famous “man bun”, below is a brief overview of the evolution of men’s hairstyles over the past century:

During the 1910’s, the handlebar mustache and slicked-down hair were all the rage. Inspired by King Edward of England, this particular look provided men with an everyday “pomp & circumstance” style.

The 1920’s offered a more clean-shaven look with less facial hair and a slicked down, center part. Due to the industrial revolution, male grooming gained popularity because consumer razors became much more prevalent offering men a chance to shave regularly.

The 1930’s men everywhere started sporting pencil mustaches, made popular by Hollywood stars like Clark Gable who played the infamous Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind.

The 1940’s boasted the “sailor” look featured in “V-J Day in Times Square,” the iconic photo in Times Square during Victory over Japan Day, was the inspiration for Cut’s 1940s look.

The 1950’s offered the ever famous “greaser” & pompadour look.These men’s hairstyles offered lots of volume with slicked, combed-back sides, and were made famous by celebrities like Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley.

The 1960s saw a lot of longer, “mop-top” men’s haircuts, made popular by the Beatles while slick, gelled back looks of the past lost their popularity.

During the 1970’s, men everywhere started to grow their hair out even longer, demonstrating a freer look that required little male grooming or shaving habits.

Men in the 1980’s however, started sporting a slicked-back men’s hairstyle that mimicked a man of Wall Street due to the growth of 1980’s finance.

In the 1990’s grunge became HUGE due to rock icons like Kurt Cobain. However, similar to the 1970’s this style offered a more matted texture for a less groomed look.

The 2000’s in contrast to the previous decade offered a “boy band” look with short sides and a spiked front known as a fauxhawk.

Today, it’s all about the “man bun” that is a surprisingly versatile men’s hairstyle that incorporates many different elements. Just about anything goes as long as hair from the top of the head can be tied back.