Evolution of Men's Hairstyles, 1930's to Today
At Clyde's Barbershop in Onarga, Illinois, we love to keep you looking sharp and stylish. Today, I want to take you back through time,to explore how men's hairstyles have evolved from the dapper 1930's all the way to the trendy styles of today.
The Suave '30s: The 1930's were all about sophistication and slick vibes. Think Clark Gable and Carey Grant with their sleek hair and sharp side parts. It was a time when well-groomed hair spoke a great deal about a man's character. It was all about looking dapper, and there was always a comb in every man's pocket.
The Classic '40s: James Stewart and Humphrey Bogart were keeping it short and snazzy, ready to take on anything life threw at them. It was an era where oil-based pomade (grease) was a man's best friend, creating that polished and sophisticated finish. With World War II came military-inspired cuts such as the crew cut, the flat top, and the high and tight.
The Rebellious '50s: The greaser style roared onto the scene. Hello, James Dean! It was all about those greased-up pompadours and cool quiffs that we saw Elvis sporting. Men were using their combs with a little bit of pomade, creating that rebellious, yet effortlessly cool look that we still adore today. These styles were all about confidence with an edgy touch.
The Swinging '60s: As the world embraced a cultural revolution in the 1960s, so did men's hairstyles. The Beatles influence was undeniable, with the mop-top haircut becoming an iconic symbol of the era. This carefree and playful style reflected the spirit of the times, which was quite different from the structured looks of previous decades.
The Groovy '70s: This funky era brought us some wild and adventurous hairstyles. Men embraced their wild side with the long and flowing locks of hippies, shaggy hair, and big afros. Flowing locks became the norm, influenced by rock stars like David Bowie and disco kings like John Travolta. Men embraced their inner free spirit. It was all about self-expression and breaking the rules.
Rocking the '80s: Big hair, don't care! The '80s was the era of excess, and men's hairstyles were no exception. We saw the rise of punk-inspired spikes, mohawks, unforgettable perms, Jheri curls, and even the infamous "mullet" - business in the front, party in the back. Rock stars like Bon Jovi set the stage for hair that was as wild as the music. It was a time of experimentation and pushing boundaries.
The Minimalist '90s: Cue the Nirvana playlist! The '90s brought about a shift with grunge vibes and minimalism. Kurt Cobain's messy locks became one of the biggest influences of the era. The effortless, I-don't-care styles took over, making flannel shirts and messy hair the ultimate combo. And, let's not forget the faded high top and the curtain cut with a middle part which have come back in recent years.
The Early to Mid 2000s: Frosted Tips, Spiky Hair, and Man Buns Spiky, frosted tips were all the rage, inspired by boy bands like *NSYNC and the dreamy looks of early 2000s heartthrobs. From Justin Timberlake's ramen noodle curls to the edgy emo cuts. It was a time of self-expression and embracing individual style. David Beckham brought us the popular faux hawk. Man buns made their grand debut - love them or hate them, you can't deny their popularity.
Modern Times – Versatility Rules: Today, men's hairstyles are all about options and personal style. Blending styles from the past with more recent trends to create new looks. The undercut, fade, and textured crops are among the popular choices today. And with the rise of social media influencers, men are more inspired than ever to try new looks and express themselves through their hair. For inspiration on your next haircut, take a look at 15 Trending Haircuts For Men in 2024.
As a barber, it's truly exciting to witness the cycle of trends and how they continue to reinvent themselves. At Clyde's Barbershop, we take pride in helping clients find the perfect style that suits their personality and lifestyle. Whether you're a fan of the classics or eager to try the latest trend, remember that your hairstyle is a form of self-expression, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. We strive to stay on top of the latest trends and techniques to keep you looking your best. We can't wait to see what styles the future holds. What's your favorite men's hairstyle? Let us know in the Comments below!
Works Cited:
Business Insider. "How Men's Hair Has Changed in 50 Years." 2015, www.businessinsider.com/how-mens-hair-has-changed-in-50-years-2015-11.
Sartorial Magazine. "History of Men's Hair." 2023, https://sartorialmagazine.com/lifestyle/2023/10/12/history-of-mens-hair.
Classic Cuts Valpo. "The Evolution of Men's Hairstyles from Classic to Contemporary." https://www.classiccutsvalpo.com/blog/the-evolution-of-mens-hairstyles-from-classic-to-contemporary.
What an intriguing journey through the evolution of men's hairstyles, Clyde's Barbershop! Your detailed exploration from the suave '30s to the versatile styles of today is not only fascinating but also a testament to the ever-changing landscape of fashion and self-expression.
ReplyDeleteI love how you highlighted iconic figures from each era, from Clark Gable to James Dean, illustrating how hairstyles often reflect the spirit of the times. It's remarkable to see how trends have shifted over the decades, from slick sophistication to rebellious flair and everything in between.
Your insights into the different products, techniques, and influences behind each era's hairstyles add depth to the narrative, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in men's grooming.
As a barber, your commitment to helping clients find the perfect style that suits their personality and lifestyle shines through. It's clear that you take pride in staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques to ensure your clients always leave looking and feeling their best.
Thank you for sharing this insightful journey through the history of men's hairstyles. It's a reminder that hairstyling is not just about looks but also a form of self-expression and identity. Here's to embracing the diversity and creativity that men's hairstyles offer, both past and present!
What an exciting blog post. The 30s, with the sophisticated, slick back, had me trying to reference movies I saw growing up, like ‘’Grease.’’ This was a time when men understood and took self-care and men grooming to a new level. From the Groove to Modern Time became more relatable because I know those eras and men's hairstyles. Growing up watching ‘’ The Temptations, The Five Heartbeats, and listening to Motown record artists with my mother and siblings, the hair was a significant part of the wardrobe. I like how you explained each time and planted a picture in the minds of your readers. It’s like a glimpse into the past with an educational lesson. As a licensed cosmetologist, I ENJOYED it and can’t wait to hear more from your expertise in men’s haircutting and styles.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the journey back in time! As I was reading each era, I smiled thinking about the one I related to personally and the ones I would have loved to be part of from a fashion perspective. You have inspired me to dig up some of my husband's old photos, reminisce, and embrace the styles.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading more about your journey as a female in the barber industry.