We’ll pretend you’re familiar with the mohawk, the verdant, pointed headgear popularized by punk bands and adopted in various forms by celebrities like David Beckham, Travis Bickle, and Mr. T. It appears robust. The imposter hawk, its second cousin and, has been fashioned twice could be more challenging to recognize.
The faux hawk hairstyle is less intimidating and more functional. You won’t have any trouble passing through doorways or getting through job interviews with it on. For instance, consider Beckham in the aughts, Zayn Malik pre-shave, and Brad Pitt post-wine aging. They all looked great in their imposter hawks.
We’ve got you covered if you want to rock this faux hawk hairstyle.
WHAT DOES A FAUX HAWK HAIRSTYLE DO?
A mohawk is achieved by shaving the top of the head, leaving a large section of hair in the center. While it does adhere to some of the same guidelines, the hawk hairstyle is less likely to frighten older people. In addition to being more accessible and lucrative, it will only partially remove the possibility of you emerging victorious from a dirty bar.
Celebrity hairstylist Jason Collier describes a faux hawk as having longer hair on top and shorter hair on the sides and back. Collier has styled Justin Timberlake’s and Damian Lewis’s hair, among others. Although it lacks the length of a pompadour, the top hair is long enough to be styled into a point or spiked.
“It would be easier for more people to pull off than a mohawk, and it has a sleek, urban sophistication that makes it much more wearable.”
In contrast, a hawk typically has longer sides and backs than a real one, and a cluster of spikes located midway between the head and body will be present. The fun factor at the peak is up to you. This cut will not be shocking, but it will not be uninteresting either.
HOW TO PICK THE BEST FAUX HAWK
You should think about two important things before getting the faux hawk put on your head: the shape of your face and how you live your life.
If you have a longer face shape (rectangular or triangular), ensure that the top of your hawk is short and the sides are tight enough. The effect will be to lengthen your face even further. Elevate the crown and shave the sides to accentuate a round or heart-shaped face. It would be best to consider how to balance your face when obtaining a haircut. This is something that only girls with square faces need to worry about, guys.
Another heads-up: those carefully messy hawks you see on celebrities’ crowns are not the result of rolling from bed to the red carpet. It will take more work to get your hawk in the right place and keep it there the longer it stays on top. If you have little time, go quick.
HOW TO DRESS A FAUX HAWK
Collier says you don’t need to cover your head in industrial-strength hair gel to make this punk spin-off stand out. You need to prepare and use the right tools to do it right.
Collier says, “Keep it simple to style the hawk.” “If your hair is thin or straight, let it dry normally before styling. But if your hair is thick or wavy, you might want to blow dry it and brush it through for a smoother look.”
Be careful when using this product. If you’re too rough, you’ll end up with rock-hard spikes instead of a well-planned mess. “For this style, the best product is a strong-hold hair wax. Take a pea-sized amount and warm it up between your palms. Then, spread it out on your hands and heat it.”
You will only need a little time in the mirror or styling tools to get the hawk right because it’s meant to be quick and messy. “All you have to do is use your fingers to push the hair up,” says Collier. “Make changes until you’re happy with how the area looks.” “You could make every part of your hair spikey and separate them; however, a little disheveled and pulled-up look is the way to go for this cut. Just the right amount of “done.”
FADED FAUX HAWK HAIRSTYLE
The ideal worn-out imitation fades hawk would reveal just enough of your head to pass without drawing the attention of passing elderly women. It retains the original look’s perfect amount of punk attitude.
TAKE ACTION TO GET IT
Tell your barber to set the clippers to 0 to get a faded hawk. Then, use 0.5 to 2 grades to fade the hair into a grade. The head of a top UK barbershop school, hairstylist Joseph Lanzante, has said this.
“The hair on top should be the same length all over but layered.” Apply the finishing touch by shaping and dividing your hair with the paste.
SHORT FAUX HAWK HAIRSTYLE
hairnerdsstudiobandung/instagram
Men who want to avoid hawk should get this short haircut. Even though the top has a lot of different textures, you can still wear it to work and not get an angry email from Sarah in HR.
TAKE ACTION TO GET IT
“A clipper fade will give you a sharp, uniform look for a short hawk. The shorter the fade, the more contrast there will be,” says Josh Thorner, a stylist at Manifesto Barbers in London. Talk to your barber about how long it should be in the middle, and ask that each side of the link be rounded.
“The top’s length should go from back to front, but the fringe should stay the same length.” A surf spray will help you style your hair by adding texture. Spray it on wet hair; apply a diffuser hair dryer to speed up the drying process, and then add clay for a matte finish.
SHAGGY FAUX HAWK HAIRSTYLE
Men whose hair is usually messy should get the shaggy hawk cut. It will make them look better while letting their natural curls or waves shine. The top of the shaggy hawk has a lot of volume, but the sides don’t have much going on. It looks like you just woke up with this style.
TAKE ACTION TO GET IT
Joe Mills, hair cutter and owner of Joe and Co., says, “The top should be at least 4 inches long and shaved on the sides. I would suggest chopping the top into pieces to add texture, which will help the peak stay in place.”
“To style your hair, spray it with sea salt and work it into clean, damp hair.” Then, dry it quickly with a hairdryer and make a messy quiff by lifting the front with your fingers. Apply a matte paste to finish.
MEDIUM FAUX HAWK HAIRSTYLE
Usually, it’s rude to be afraid of making a promise. But people who want to be safe can wear their hair mid-length. We’ll let them because fence sitting rarely looks this good. This hawk is the perfect compromise between a short and long style—not too frilly or extreme. It’s the kind of style that can be tossed about really readily.
TAKE ACTION TO GET IT
Lanzante says that hair clippers from grade 3 to grade 4 should be used on the back and sides of the hair to get a medium hawk style. “A medium shine paste should be used to define and texture hair on the crown of the head and layer it so that it is all the same length.”
LONG FAUX HAWK HAIRSTYLE
In contrast to the short buzz cut, the long hawk is quite the contrary. Keep it pristine with frequent maintenance; it’s showy, boisterous, and demanding. Lucky dudes with plenty of spare time and an oval facial shape will love it.
TAKE ACTION TO GET IT
Thorner recommends that if you want a lengthy hawk, you should ask for a clipper fades at the back and sides of your head, but you should ensure it is short enough. “Ask your barber to keep the top separate from the sides. The top should be cut from back to front, with the back being the shortest.” Ask for the fringe to be very long.
“Add a styling cream to dry hair to make it smooth.” Please put this on wet hair and then use a hair dryer to dry it back and forth and up and down. If you require more hold, blast the hair with cold air once the hair has been dried. This will seal the cuticle, which will keep the hair upright. Apply a hairspray as a last step if your style cannot last throughout the day.
UNDERCUT A FAUX HAWK HAIRSTYLE
The undercut faux hawk is an impressive style of hair management, so you’ll have to be pleased with your barber if you go for it. Lots of drama and difficulty characterize this style. Long and crooked is the top, while faded yet uncut sides round out the shape.
TAKE ACTION TO GET IT
“This is a tad shorter than the shaggy hawk, but the idea behind it is the same.” There is still a break in the top, but the whole thing is shorter, says Mills. “But you still need enough length so the style doesn’t look like it was a mistake when it’s done.”
“I think at least two inches is a good amount.” The whole point of this haircut is to make it look like you did it yourself. Spray five pumps of a texture spray all over clean, wet hair, and then use a hair dryer to dry it quickly. Use a grooming cream to finish, and use your fingers to add some structure.
END OF THE STORY
The faux hawk is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a statement of style and versatility. Whether you want to add a touch of edginess to your everyday look or need a sophisticated style for a special occasion, the hawk offers a perfect balance. With its roots in punk culture but a modern, adaptable twist, the hawk remains a popular choice for those seeking to stand out with a bit of flair. So, grab your styling products, head to your barber, and embrace the hawk – a contemporary classic.
FAQs
How often should I get a faux hawk trimmed?
To maintain the shape and style of a hawk, it’s recommended to get a trim every 2-4 weeks. This helps keep the sides neat and the top at the desired length.
Can a faux hawk be worn in a professional setting?
Yes, a faux hawk can be styled in a way that is appropriate for professional settings. Opt for a more subtle version with shorter hair on top and a gradual fade on the sides. Use a moderate amount of styling product to keep the look polished and controlled.
