Mohawks Defined

The venerable mohawk is one of the world’s most iconic hairstyles. Long a favourite choice of trendy nonconformists, it expresses both courage and exuberance. The classic mohawk has the head shaved except in the middle where a strip of hair (usually longer hair) is visible from the front of the head to the back, creating a distinctively masculine and aggressive look.

As we illustrate below, the venerable mohawk can also be calibrated to fit a broad range of professional settings as well. For this reason, it’s regarded more like a family of hairstyle variations. It has been worn to great effect by trend-setting actors, athletes, and even businessmen in recent years. This has made mohawks a hot property among ambitious young urban men eager to assert themselves on the world stage.

If you’re a fan of Hollywood movies, you have no doubt seen variations of the mohawk worn by A-list actors including Brad Pitt, Colin Farrell, Jared Leto, Jim Carrey, and Zac Efron. More of a soccer fan? Fauxhawks, a modern variation of the mohawk, are also a favourite of professional footballers, and you don’t need to look hard to find pictures of greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham rocking one.

Mohawk Origins: from Classic to Modern

Although the hairstyle’s name originates from its questionable association with the indigenous Mohawk tribe of North America, the hairstyle itself has been used across the world throughout the ages. For example, the body of a man found in Ireland that dates back to the Iron Age had a well-preserved mohawk hairstyle.

The mohawk’s simplicity and unmistakable strength of character have even attracted military personnel across the globe. Over the decades, numerous male celebrities have sported this look, and many more continue to do so. In the late twentieth century, Hollywood productions debuted a number of tough men rocking mohawks.

Spiky Modern Mohawk

Over the past couple of decades, lighter and more subtle variations of the mohawk have been increasingly seen in the workplace. Thus, in today’s world, we see the mohawk on IT gurus, masters of sales, and dealmakers. Whatever your chosen career, a mohawk can give you that distinct edge when it comes to making a powerful first impression.

Mohawk with Short Hair

Yes, it’s possible, even if your hair is short, you can still go for a mohawk that turns heads. This is where we get into the territory of the fauxhawk, an understated version of the mohawk.

If you dropped the idea of having a mohawk because you have short hair, then you definitely need to reconsider. There are many out there who rock the mohawk look with short hair. A good stylist can shape a classy look to suit men of all ages. This hairstyle exudes a particular charm, and maintaining it is relatively easy compared to styles with longer hair.

If you have hesitated to try a mohawk hairstyle because of your curly (or permed) hair, this is for you. This low-maintenance hairstyle can give you a lively and creative look. Keeping it short will convey classiness, while longer variants show off your willingness to experiment. Your stylist will cut your curly locks to the desired length, and work in fades on the sides.

Mohawk with Medium Hair

Ready to become an icon? Medium-length mohawks turn up the volume on an already commanding hairstyle. One approach is to fix the hair on sides with hairspray while leaving the hair on top at a medium length. Using hair gel as the base product, you can turn the hair towards the middle for a timeless look. Combine with an undercut and beard for more edge.

This trendy fauxhawk variation features a critical step and a sensational blur. Despite the blur beginning near the top of the sides, it rapidly fades into a skin shave as it progresses downwards. Ideal for getting noticed while making an entrance without sucking all of the air out of the room or causing a riot!

Mohawk with Long Hair

Stand back everyone—the man is here! That’s what happens when you rock a long-haired mohawk. Attention finds you and people can’t help but have a reaction of some kind. Classic punk style made aggressive use of the long-haired mohawk with colourful spikes. Another approach is to let your hair have some movement. The possibilities are truly endless, but one thing is for sure—you won’t be forgotten!

Ready to go uptown? This mohawk hairstyle is styled to create a quiff reminiscent of Elvis and other prominent men with classic looks. It is set off by a cowlick at the front. The gorgeous volume and structure of this look beg the question: “Are you rock ‘n’ roll royalty or just here to take over and run the show?”

If you want to live dangerously, then colour your hair on top to stand out even further. Let them know who's boss!

Low Fade Mohawk

If you want to balance between private life and work, this is a perfect hairstyle. It feels subtle yet classy. The low fade mohawk is a versatile hairstyle option for men who want to stand out. This style leaves plenty of hair on top for styling and playing with.

Taper Fade Mohawk

If your job demands that you avoid overly funky looks, then this sharp and versatile hairstyle might just be for you. It provides for long hair at the top while being shorter on the sides and back. The shortened part can vary depending upon the shape of your face. If you’re someone who wants to balance and rock both your party look and office look, this is a perfect choice.

Fades are generally shorter and may use fading down to the skin at any point to visually minimize the hairline. With a taper, the length of your hair on the sides and back gradually gets shorter from top to bottom. A taper is a type of fade. However, a fade is not a kind of taper. So, if your stylist asks if you want a “taper fade,” they are probably referring to a tapered haircut.

High Fade Mohawk

This variation of the mohawk features a high fade on the sides. It can be combined with any style of mohawk, whether you have permed, wavy, or straight thick hair. It also works for short, long, flat, and wide mohawks. The longer your hair on top, the more styling options you will have. On one day, you can try tousled, loose hair. Then, the next day, go for a slick, combed-over look.

If you are a young, bold challenger, this is a style that speaks volumes. Everybody will know that you see the world differently. A favourite of creative individuals over the decades, this style lets you show your true colours. Throw people off by changing your hair colour every now and then. This style works great when worn with darker clothes that make the shade of your hair stand out even more.

Want to show that you’re wild yet possess a sensitive side? The contrast of drastically different lengths makes the wide and long mohawk a striking visual spectacle. However, somehow, it isn’t overpowering and shows that you are both a lover and a fighter.

How to Order the Mohawk Hairstyle at Barber Salon

As you have seen so far in this article, there is a myriad of possibilities when it comes to mohawk hairstyles. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you do your research and have a clear idea of what you want. Bring a few photos of the kind of look you are seeking.

However, remember that your barber or hairstylist is a seasoned professional, and they can see things that you can’t. Thus, rather than giving them an order, ask them if they wouldn’t mind giving you their opinion and advice on what would be the best approach for you.

Not every hairstyle suits every man. There are many variables that an experienced hairdresser will take into consideration, including facial shape and features, hair type, length, and consistency, and the kind of undercut you are interested in.

DIY Mohawk Styling Process

1. Styling wax is one of several products that can work well for styling mohawks. If you’re up for trying it, we recommend raising the back of the hair by brushing it upwards.
2. Apply wax to your fingertips and run them upwards and forward.
3. Experiment with brushing up the bangs and creating hair bundles randomly to enhance the shape.

Since there are so many different types of mohawk hairstyles, there is no single approach to styling. So, once your stylist has completed your cut and is going into the styling phase, ask them to explain the techniques they are using.

Hair Products for Mohawk Hairstyle

You’re savvy enough to recognize the importance of correctly using appropriate hair styling products to achieve the desired results. However, there is no single product that will suit all hairstyles and all hair types.

Therefore, it’s essential to ask your barber or stylist to recommend the right products for you. For example, within our range of hair styling products are numerous options that are ideal for the mohawk variations described above.

Here are some examples to get you started: