The bowl cut is the ugly, mum-made-me-get-it-for-practical-reasons hairstyle that capped off an awkward childhood. So, why are we showing you 50 ways to rock a bowl cut?
As the nineties continues to experience a fashion comeback – cue retro sneakers, flannel shirts and sweatpants, our hair has followed suit. Yes, the bowl cut is back (haunting some of us pre-swan ducklings more than others) as a serious hot hairstyle trend for men.
Before images of Dumb and Dumber singe your cerebrum, the bowl cut has certainly changed. It’s the modern bowl cut, a reinterpretation of an old friend.
From curly to straight hair, ginger red to platinum blond, now you can take into account the modern bowl cut as a veritable hairstyle, and take the plunge. Even Lloyd Christmas could navigate his way safely around this one.\
In this story…
Why The Bowl Cut Is Hot
Firstly, the bowl cut is unique and is certainly not for all men. Coming off the runways earlier in the year, the modern bowl cut is a fashionable take on traditional short-back-and-sides, and feels less contrived than a gargantuan rockabilly quiff.
A textured bowl cut is an ultimate modernisation, which softens the bluntness of the bowl fringe completely. Look to the runways and fashion pages for inspiration before you commit. And take a picture to a professional with the style you want it and work from that. Never just walk into a salon and announce: “I want a bowl cut.”
How To Get The Bowl Cut
Making the bowl cut modern, ask for a subtle fade from long to short or an undercut for an evident contrast between the bowl and the short part. As mentioned earlier there so many combinations of haircuts and textures that can be used to give the bowl cut style a unique modern look, so take advice from your barber.
Fans of the man-fringe should ask for a longer fringe so you can sweep the hair to the side, which is very contemporary or push it back for a different look.
For a shyer bowl, ask for the back and sides to be short sharp and keep the hair heavier and more towards the front. The final tip? This haircut is a great alternative for men with a receding hairline or thinning hair, as it pushes the bulk of your hair to the front for extra coverage.
Mid/Long Hair
Already got some solid length through the top? Keep it that way once you’ve gone for the chop, either wearing it straight forward with a full fringe or as a soft side part with the hair directed slightly off the face. The latter is a less ‘fashion-y’ version of the bowl cut. Plus, it’s more comfortable for men who aren’t fussed with the feeling of hair on their forehead.
Short Hair
If your hair is slightly shorter or plan on growing your hair out, the bowl cut is also for you. As your hair grows, bring the hair forward so it forms a more distinct, strong fringe. Use your fingers to give it more texture and piecey-ness, dishevelling it from front to back.
How To Style It
High-Shine
Doing away the geek, the modern bowl cut endorses a punky-edge that is all-about high-shine with plenty movement. With short and a subtle fringe, the idea is to more your bowl cut look like it’s growing out of from a buzz cut. Not a front-mullet.
First, apply hair gum or styling gel (medium to strong-hold) to towel-dried hair. Work the product through with your fingers, adding more when required.
Dishevelled
The dishevelled bowl cut focuses on the top and fringe, having the sides and back tapered in a little to eschew the full bowl effect. For something more dapper, apply sea salt spray to damp hair before letting it dry naturally. Then, at the roots and ends, to achieve a naturally dishevelled yet refined finish.
Bowl Haircut FAQ
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