12 Mohawk Hairstyles & How to Rock It Yourself | GATSBY
Behold the Mohawk! What Is It?
The mohawk hairstyle is a bold and daring haircut that involves shaving the sides of the head and leaving a strip of hair running down the center of the head. The hair on the strip is typically styled upwards, creating a dramatic and striking look. This hairstyle originated among Native American warriors and was later adopted by punk and grunge cultures in the 1980s. Today, the mohawk is still a popular choice for those who want to make a statement with their hair. Many famous celebrities have worn the mohawk, including David Beckham, Zayn Malik, and Jared Leto. It's a versatile look that can be dressed up or down, making it a popular choice among men and women alike.
Although the mohawk is often associated with rebellious and edgy styles, it can actually be worn and modified to suit a variety of professional settings. For example, a well-groomed mohawk can be a stylish and modern choice for a business setting. It can also be a great option for those working in creative fields, such as art, fashion, or design. With the right styling and grooming, the mohawk can be a versatile and fashionable choice for any backdrop.
Popular Mohawk Styles by Hair Length
While the possibilities of a mohawk are only limited by your imagination, when it comes to the workplace, you want to find the right balance. Generally speaking, you want to stand out but not too much. In other words, it’s essential that you select the right variation according to the situations you expect to find yourself in.
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.
Short Mohawk with Fade
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.
Short Curly or Permed Mohawk
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.
Half Mohawk Fade
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!
Up Sweep with High Mohawk
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!
Mohawk Hairstyles with Fade
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.
High Fade with Top Coloured Mohawk
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.
Wide and Long Mohawk
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.
Best Face Shapes for the Mohawk
Mohawks are not a one-size-fits-all style. They tend to fit men with square-shaped faces well. That said, if you have your heart set on getting a mohawk, it’s crucial to assess the shape of your face, your profile (how you look from the side), and even how your head looks from behind. Then, you’ll want to work with an expert barber or stylist to ensure you get the ideal mohawk for your needs.
There are dozens of options out there, so to save you time, we have narrowed them down to focus on those that are favoured by men who are making their mark on today’s world. As you will see, many of them are shorter, and several could even be classified as fauxhawks. But, make no mistake; these are hairstyles that retain their edge, which is why they add excitement to your look, whether in the boardroom, the studio or on your days off.
Wear the Mohawk like a Boss
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.
What Kind of Outfits Best Suit Mohawks?
If you try to search online for advice on what kind of outfits to wear with a mohawk, you will find very little advice. This is because the possibilities are unlimited. However, we know you are a man who likes to get straight answers and take action. Therefore, we will give you some guiding principles to keep in mind when dressing for the mohawk life.
Since mohawks, by their very nature, stand out and have an aggressive appearance, it is unnecessary to wear anything that would be considered “loud” or “eye-catching.” This is because the mohawk does all the work in attracting eyeballs.
Thus, since we are talking about mohawk variants for young working men, you can wear a fairly neutral and ordinary outfit that fits your style and workplace. Your mohawk and any accessories you sport will set the overall tone.
How to Get a Mohawk
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
- 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.
- Apply wax to your fingertips and run them upwards and forward.
- 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:
Styling Wax - Recommended by GATSBY
Have you struggled to find the right styling product? You’re not the only one. Generally, the varieties with strong setting power are regarded as ideal for mohawks. However, we have added extra magic so that you can still re-styling your look as you need. This is the one to use if you would like to be able to reshape your style throughout the day.
Hair Gel
Our hair gel is designed to bind your hair closely together, enabling your hairstyle to hold for hours. It spreads and blends well without stickiness. It also gives a natural shine to your hair while remaining easy to wash off. We have several types that you can use, depending on your mohawk goals.
Styling Clay
You know you want it—a styling product that gives a stronger hold while feeling light and giving that textured matt appearance. Meant primarily for the tips of your hair, styling clay lets you shape your look and freely adjust it throughout the day. It offers a high hold that is flexible. Apply it with ease to dry or damp hair as required.
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.
Make Your Presence Bold with a Stylish Mohawk
The mohawk has been around forever and is going to remain popular for the foreseeable future. Remember that while you’re a rebel, the key to making the right impression with a mohawk hairstyle is understanding how to adjust it to fit your needs. With an optimal combination of the right cut and carefully selected styling products, you can have a mohawk that turns heads for all the right reasons.