Men’s Hairstyles Timeline

Sure, Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize in physics, but his long hair and seeming lack of interest in its appearance made his “mad scientist” persona legendary.  (AFP / Getty Images)

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The ancient story of Samson and Delilah shows how important a man’s hairstyle can be. The tale has inspired sculptors, composers and screenwriters, and Samson’s long locks are part of a long list of classic men’s hairstyles.
What follows is a look back at other memorable men’s hairdos throughout history and in pop culture. Read more
--Jenn Harris

Kurt Cobain wore his hair parted down the middle, long and straight. This became "the" haircut for anyone starting a grunge band in their garage.

Kurt Cobain wore his hair parted down the middle, long and straight. This became “the” haircut for anyone starting a grunge band in their garage.  (Richard A. Brooks / AFP/ Getty Images)

The mohawk hairstyle was first associated with ancient mummies and the Native American Mohawk tribe, but it became a popular symbol of rebellion in the punk rock movement during the 1980s. It was achieved by shaving the sides of the head and spiking the middle hair with product. (In the '90s and 2000s, the style was still prominent among rockers such as Travis Barker from the band Blink-182.) The style gradually transitioned to the everyday wearable faux-hawk. This style features longer hair that has been gathered, raised and slightly spiked at the top of the head with product. Soccer players David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have sported faux-hawks.

The mohawk hairstyle was first associated with ancient mummies and the Native American Mohawk tribe, but it became a popular symbol of rebellion in the punk rock movement during the 1980s. It was achieved by shaving the sides of the head and spiking the middle hair with product. (In the ‘90s and 2000s, the style was still prominent among rockers such as Travis Barker from the band Blink-182.) The style gradually transitioned to the everyday wearable faux-hawk. This style features longer hair that has been gathered, raised and slightly spiked at the top of the head with product. Soccer players David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have sported faux-hawks.  (Daniel Garcia / AFP /Getty Images)

Donald Trump might be best known for his signature comb-over and its vulnerability to any gusts of wind. His thin red locks are meticulously swept across the top of his head, over his bald spot.

Donald Trump might be best known for his signature comb-over and its vulnerability to any gusts of wind. His thin red locks are meticulously swept across the top of his head, over his bald spot.  (Cindy Ord / Getty Images)

Justin Bieber drives teeny-boppers wild with his long, side-swept hair. The head whipping may have been necessary for him to see out from beneath his overgrown bangs, but it became a signature move for those rocking "The Bieber."

Justin Bieber drives teeny-boppers wild with his long, side-swept hair. The head whipping may have been necessary for him to see out from beneath his overgrown bangs, but it became a signature move for those rocking “The Bieber.”  (Allen J. Schabenm / Los Angeles Times)