Barbering’s Influence on Fashion: How a Good Haircut Can Change Your Look

Fashion doesn’t start on the runway—it starts in the chair. Before a man throws on a designer jacket or laces up the latest sneakers, the first thing people notice is the cut. A clean fade, sharp part, or bold buzz tells you more about someone’s vibe than their outfit ever could. In recent years, the barbershop has evolved from a simple grooming stop into a cultural style lab—where fashion, identity, and confidence are all shaped one haircut at a time.

Consider the resurgence of the mullet among young boys in the UK. Once a hallmark of 1980s fashion, the mullet has made a comeback, symbolizing individuality and rebellion. Twelve-year-old Huxley Marshall, an aspiring barber and rugby player, not only sports the style but also earns money by cutting others' hair. Inspired by athletes and TikTok influencers, children as young as three are embracing variations of the mullet, reflecting a broader trend of self-expression through hair .

The influence of barbers extends to the highest levels of sports and entertainment. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's transition to a striking blond buzz cut, reminiscent of Eminem's Slim Shady era, was orchestrated with his longtime barber, Darnell Bonner. This bold change not only garnered media attention but also showcased how a haircut can align with and amplify a public figure's evolving personal style .

Barbers also play a crucial role in shaping the images of entire teams. Ahmed Alsanawi, the England football team's barber, accompanies the squad to ensure their hairstyles boost confidence and team spirit. His work underscores the psychological impact of grooming on performance and perception.

The psychological benefits of a good haircut are well-documented. A 2019 study by grooming brand Wahl revealed that 81% of men feel most confident in the two weeks following a haircut. Moreover, a third of respondents reported that a fresh cut gave them confidence in challenging work situations, highlighting the profound effect of grooming on self-esteem.

Barbershops have evolved into lifestyle hubs, influencing not just hairstyles but also fashion trends. They reimagine classic styles like the pompadour and quiff, integrating modern elements such as fades and undercuts to keep them relevant. The fade haircut, in particular, has become a symbol of sharp, tailored grooming, adaptable to various hair types and personal styles.

Historically, barbers have been instrumental in fashion revolutions. Antoine de Paris, a French hairdresser, collaborated with Coco Chanel to create iconic looks like the classic bob, intertwining hairstyles with fashion statements. Similarly, Johnny Johnson, Christian Dior's personal barber, crafted the "Dior cut," a sleek hairstyle that defined 1950s elegance.

In contemporary fashion, hairstylists like Guido Palau have become central figures, crafting looks for major fashion houses such as Prada, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton. His work demonstrates how hairstyling is integral to the overall aesthetic and branding of fashion collections.

The relationship between barbering and fashion is symbiotic. Barbers not only reflect current trends but also set them, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and how society perceives them. A good haircut transcends aesthetics; it's a form of self-expression, a confidence booster, and a statement of identity.

In a world where personal branding is paramount, the barber's chair becomes a place of transformation. It's where style is not just crafted but also where personalities are shaped, and where fashion finds one of its most authentic expressions.

• Zakharov, Alex. “Joe Burrow’s Barber Explains the Story Behind His Viral Blond Buzz Cut.” GQ, July 27, 2023. https://www.gq.com/story/joe-burrow-blond-buzz-cut-hair-barber-interview

• Wheeler, Caroline. “Mullet Mania: Why Primary School Boys Are Going Eighties.” The Times, January 21, 2024. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mullet-mania-why-primary-school-boys-are-going-eighties-kmxfkmbvb

• Brown, Mick. “A Foden or a Grealish, Sir? Meet the England Team Barber.” The Times, December 4, 2022. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a-foden-or-a-grealish-sir-meet-the-england-team-barber-g323xh0ww

• Wahl UK. “More Than a Haircut: The Barber’s Role in Modern Life.” Barbers of Cheltenham, 2019. https://www.barbersofcheltenham.com/news-2/more-than-a-haircut-the-barbers-role-in-modern-life

• “Cutting Edge: How Barber Shops Are Shaping Men’s Fashion.” The Barbering Academy, November 2023. https://thebarberingacademy.com/2023/11/cutting-edge-how-barber-shops-are-shaping-mens-fashion

• “The Hairstylists and Barbers Who Changed the Face of Fashion.” Saki Shears, n.d. https://sakishears.com/blogs/hairstyles/the-hairstylists-and-barbers-who-changed-the-face-of-fashion

• “Guido Palau.” Wikipedia, last updated April 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guido_Palau