A History Of Haircuts!
March 16th, 2008 at 9:37 PM.There have been some pivotal moments in haircut history that have influenced our culture. We have compiled a list of what we think are some of the best and funniest haircuts throughout history.
#1. The Jheri Curl
What is it?
Usually spelled “Jerry Curl” or “Jeri Curl”, this haircut was very popular throughout the African American community in the late 70’s and well into the 80’s. Invented by, Jheri Redding (hairdresser, chemist, and entrepreneur), this particular haircut gave a person a glossy, curled style.
Why was it popular?
It was regarded as a “wash and wear” haircut, which minimized time spent getting ready.
Why did it go out of style?
When the hair grew, you’d have to go to the salon for a touch-up which could get fairly costly. It was later replaced by the hi-top fade.
What celebrities wore it?
- Coolio (Rapper)
- Buddy Guy (Blues guitarist)
- Rick James ( Singer)
- Michael Jackson (Pop singer)
- Samuel L. Jackson (a la Pulp Fiction)
- Little Richard (Musician)
#2. Flock of Seagulls
What is it?
Originating from Mike Score (who started A Flock of Seagulls with his brother, Ali), this haircut was formed by combing the back of the hair to the front that cascaded like a waterfall, then, both sides of the head’s hair to the center. It was mimicked and copied in television shows, movies, and radio.
Why was it popular?
For general hilarity purposes as well as the references in the media formed a spike of interest in the hairstyle.
Why did it go out of style?
It was never necessarily “IN” style, however it is still being parodied and copied now and then. It is very popular with the college crowd.
What celebrities wore it?
- Danny Pintauro (actor)
- Mike Score (A Flock of Seagulls)
- The Wedding Singer (On flight steward)
- “Weird Al” Yankovic (In the song “Alburquerque”)
#3. The Mullet
What is it?
A hairstyle that is short in the front, sides, and top of the head, but long in the back. Commonly referred to as “business in the front, party in the back”. It gained popularity in the 70’s and well into the 90’s. From females to males, old people to young, the mullet is a part of our culture that is here to stay whether you may like it or not.
How did it get it’s name?
The Oxford English Dictionary attributes the Beastie Boys to coining and popularizing the name, in relation to their 1994 song “Mullet Head”.
Why did it go out of style?
Don’t worry folks. The mullet is still alive and in full effect. We don’t expect this fading out of style any time soon. For the most part, the folks in the good ol’ southern states are helping fuel the movement.
What celebrities wore it?
- David Bowie (singer)
- Florence Henderson (Actress)
- Gallagher (entertainer)
- Michael Keaton (actor)
- John Stamos (actor)
- Steven Segal (actor)
- Chuck Norris (actor/martial artist)
- Bill Ray Cyrus (musician)
- Macgyver (character)
Other nicknames for the cut:
Achey Brakey Hair, Mississippi Mudflap, Hockey Hair, Tennessee Tophat, Ape Drape, Joe Dirt, Camero Cut
Variations of the Mullet:
- Chullet: A child with a mullet.
- Frullet: back of the head shaved, long fringe draping over the face.
- Rasta mullet: A combination of dreadlocks and a mullet.
- Jheri Curl mullet: Mullets for those with curly hair.
- Fem-mullet: A female wearing a mullet .
- Skullet: Shaved head with long hair draping behind.
#4. The Mohawk
What is it?
The mohawk (or Mohican) is a haircut style that is formed by shaving each side of the head while leaving a strip of longer hair in the middle. They gained popularity amongst the “punk rock” subculture in the late 70’s to early 80’s.
Why was it popular?
It is associated with the “punk rock” edgy and rather snotty attitude which creates a statement of carelessness and non-conformism.
Is it still popular?
Despite being associated with the punk rock subculture, not only are mohawks still popular — they are becoming a part of mainstream fashion. A modified version of this hairstyle, called a fauxhawk became semi-popular in early 2000.
How is it maintained?
Holding agents like egg whites, shoe polish, toothpaste, glue, gelatin, and cornstarch are all products that can be used to maintain the “spike”.
What celebrities wore it?
- Chuck Lidell (UFC fighter)
- Mr. T, P Diddy (rapper)
- and a countless number punk rockers.
#5. The Rat Tail
What is it?
The rattail is a style of haircut that is recognized for it’s tail-like characteristic which stems from the back of the head growing down towards the buttocks. Although it’s not as popular as it once was in the 80’s, now and then you may be able to catch a glimpse on someone. It can be braided, straightened, curled, permed, or even dreaded.
Why was it popular?
The hell if I know.
Is it still popular?
It has recently become less popular, however it still has a decent following in the southern states by predominately white Protestant males.
How is it maintained?
It is relatively easy to maintain, due to the fact that those with this hairstyle generally don’t give a crap about how it looks. Their main concern is that the tail is draping down their back like a waterfall touching their butt.
What celebrities wore it?
- Miroku (InuYasha)
- Dr. Tofu (anime character)
- Kostya Tszyu (boxer)
- Bobb Cobb (inventor of the Cobb salad)
#6. The Afro
What is it?
Often called a ‘fro, this haircut protrudes in a globe-like style ballooning the hair in the form of a halo. Most afros require extremely curly hair, which is why they are typically found on African-Americans. This haircut is all about volume, folks; the denser the hair, the better.
Why was it popular?
Today, afros are used in pop culture for satirical purposes. Long ago, the ancient Egyptians wore hairpieces that resembled the ‘fro’ style. It wasn’t until the 70’s that it gained the height of its popularity. Amidst all the Black Power/Pride movements, it was used to stand apart and stick up against political militance (see: Angela Davis). It started going mainstream when disco and funk music made a breakthrough.
Is it still popular?
Although now it is more of a fashion symbol, it still is popular amongst not only the African community, but the Jewish community as well. “JewFros” are basically afros on Jewish people, and have become quite the popular style.
How is it maintained?
Maintaining an afro is difficult without a professional hair stylist or help from another person since it requires the hair to be frizzed all over. In addition, an afro pick is needed to puff up the hair and give it that “full” appearance.
What celebrities wore it?
- Jesse Jackson (asshole)
- Reggie Jackson (athlete)
- Michael Jackson (singer)
- Angela Davis (socialist organizer)
- Janine Green (actress)
- Macy Gray (singer)
- Jimi Hendrix (guitarist)
Posted in: lists
Tags: afro, flock of seagulls, jerry, jheri curl, mohawk, mullet, rat tail
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