Men have been cutting their hair since ancient times. Different cultures had different reasons for cutting hair, ranging from hygiene to fashion. In Ancient Egypt, men often shaved their heads and faces as a sign of cleanliness.
In Ancient Greece, the Spartans were famous for their long hair and beards, which showed strength and virility. In Ancient Rome, barbers first began to cut their clients’ hair in a shorter style, which was a departure from the longer, messier styles of the past.
As time progressed, more reasons for cutting hair arose. In Medieval Europe, barbershops became increasingly popular, offering gentlemen a place to have their hair cut and styled in the latest look. In the 16th century, a popular style for men was the ruff, which was a voluminous necktie.
As this style went out of fashion, men began to cut their hair shorter so that it would not interfere with their ruffs.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, societal norms and expectations around men’s hair began to change. Many countries saw a shift towards shorter hairstyles. As a result, barber shops and grooming products for men became increasingly popular, drawing men of all ages and backgrounds to their local barbershop for a fresh cut.
This remains the case to this day, as many people still opt for shorter hair styles.
Why did long hair for men go out of fashion?
For centuries, long hair for men has been fashionable. During certain periods in history, it was even an expression of status. For example, in the 16th century, men were noted for wearing long curls and locks that may have rivaled in length those of some women.
However, in the late 19th century, long and highly styled hair went out of fashion due to a variety of factors.
The industrial revolution had ushered in a period of rapidly increasing mechanization, and with it a rise of industrial labor. Men increasingly found themselves working in factories with machines that had to be kept clean and free of debris and oil, which could be dangerous in a delicate environment.
As a result, long and highly groomed hair was seen as a nuisance and a hygiene risk, so many working-class men began to cut their hair short.
Additionally, the rise of the military and its influence on the everyday life of men was another contributing factor in the decline of long hair for men. Around the turn of the century, a “short back and sides” haircut was seen as a symbol of military discipline and patriotism, and therefore, more fashionable than long hair.
Ultimately, the trend of short hair for men continued to become increasingly popular throughout the 20th century as more men preferred short, easy-to-maintain styles instead of long, flowy locks. In recent years, men’s haircuts have become more open to personal choice and experimentation, so while long hair may not be as popular as it was in centuries past, it certainly isn’t out of the question.
When did short hair became popular for men?
The trend of men wearing short haircuts dates back for centuries. It has gone in and out of the mainstream throughout history, but its popularity surged greatly in the early 20th century. With the rise of film stars, men’s fashion became heavily influenced by Hollywood trends, and star actors like Rudolph Valentino, Clark Gable and Tyrone Power all sported distinctive short haircuts varying from side-parts to slick back hairstyles.
By the mid-1920s, men both in the US and across the world had started to adopt the cropped hairstyles of their favorite screens stars.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the short back and sides hairstyle known as the ‘crew cut’ or the ‘Ivy League’ became the favored look of men in North America and the UK. It was usually paired with a short, neatly trimmed undercut and had a markedly military appearance.
During this same era, the ‘Mohawk’ also began to emerge in rebellion against the ‘traditional’ look, although this style wasn’t to become popular until the 1970s.
More recently, some of the world’s most famous stylistic trendsetters have switched up their looks, going from longer to shorter hair. Prince William’s transformation from the floppy haired ‘Chelsea boy’ to a shorter classic cut sparked a trend for shorter hairdos which even extended to his brother Prince Harry.
With the dapper men of recent years such as David Beckham and Ryan Gosling sporting trimmed styles, it’s perhaps no surprise that flocked as a flock of geese to follow suit. We can certainly say that now in 2019, shorter hair is one of the most enduring trends for men.
Did men have long hair in ancient times?
Yes, men in ancient times had long hair. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all had different opinions on how a man’s hair should be worn. For the most part, men in these civilizations kept their hair relatively long.
Egyptian men kept their hair chin-length, while Greeks and Romans often kept their hair shoulder-length and sometimes even longer. Often it was tied back or in a bun, or even tucked away beneath a helmet or headdress.
The length of one’s hair would have typically depended on individual preference and societal acceptance, but generally speaking, long hair was much more common for men in ancient times than it is today.
Did Roman men ever have long hair?
In ancient Rome, the general preference for men was to keep their hair short. Having long hair would have been considered unconventional and even effeminate. The short-haired look was seen as dignified, honorable and masculine.
Additionally, having a short haircut was practical in the warm Mediterranean climate.
Emperor Augustus, who served as Rome’s first Emperor from 27BC to 14AD, was fond of keeping his hair short and is sometimes seen depicted with long curls. However, this was likely a stylistic choice and may have been used to convey his divine right to rule.
Throughout history, certain groups or individuals have chosen to keep their hair long. For example, slaves sometimes kept their hair long and unkempt as a way of showing their lack of status. Soldiers were also known for letting their locks grow out as a sign of their strength and conviction.
So, while long hair was not customarily a part of Roman culture, there were some cases of men choosing to keep their hair unusually long.
What is the symbolism of cutting hair?
Cutting hair is an act that is associated with many different cultural and spiritual meanings throughout the world. In some cultures, hair is a representation of strength, so when a person cuts their hair, it is thought to be a sign of courage and letting go of the past.
It can also be used as a way to mark major stages in life, such as a coming of age ritual, or to signify a transition from one stage in life to another. In many cultures, cutting hair is an act of mourning when someone has passed away.
By cutting a person’s hair, it can symbolize the severing of a physical connection with the person that has passed. It is often seen as a sign of respect and remembrance. In some cases, shaving one’s head can be seen as an act of self-purification or a show of inner strength.
On a spiritual level, cutting hair can be viewed as a form of releasing negative energy or recharging one’s spiritual power. Ultimately, the symbolism of cutting one’s hair can vary depending on cultural, spiritual, and personal beliefs.
Why was big hair popular in the 60s?
Big hair became popular in the 1960s, particularly amongst young adults, as a form of expression that signified “rebelliousness, liberation and an increased emphasis on the individual”. It was a way to stand out from the crowd and make a statement.
Structured looks were popular in the 1950s, so having big hair was a way to rebel against the established norms of the time.
The influence of popular entertainment during this era was another factor in the popularity of big hair. Particularly popular were music idols such as the Beatles and Hollywood stars like Farrah Fawcett and John Travolta.
Televised music programs and movies of the time had a huge impact on trendsetting and popular styles, so having big hair became a way to emulate the people seen on screen.
Finally, big hair was made easier with the advent of new hairstyling products like mousse and gel, which made it easier to create large and voluminous hair styles that made a statement. Hair accessories also became available in more colours and creative shapes, which enabled people to personalise their hair styles even more.
All of these factors combined made big hair the popular style of the time.