The Rise Of The Unisex Mod Haircut
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2 months ago
Oasis fans have spoken
These days, we’re all up for a bit of nostalgia. Whether it’s a cropped bob, a loose shag or Birkin bangs, we love a throwback hair trend. And this one comes wrapped in the grunge-infused tunes of an Oasis track. With a reunion tour now on the cards, fans are finding ways to perfect their Gallagher-worthy mod haircuts. Williams & Hirst founders Jack and Ross Williams-Hirst, whose clients include the likes of Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller, fill us in.
What Is A Mod Haircut?
‘A mod haircut is a unisex style that typically features long side burns, a fringe and a top full of height and texture,’ explains Jack. ‘This style isn’t made to be neat. Think texture, personality and lots of movement around the edges. It’s a statement haircut that can speak louder than any piece of clothing.’
@tobiasbellhair Mod inspired cut for @jamesbuckley ✂️#fyp #modcut #theinbetweeners #jaycartwright #theinbetweenersedit ♬ Supersonic – Oasis
Where Does It Come From?
While the first thing that comes to mind might be 90s grunge, it wasn’t the Gallaghers that made the mod haircut so popular. ‘This hairstyle originated in London in the 50s and 60s,’ Ross tells us. ‘It offered a radical change from the formal set styles of previous decades, and was a key stylistic trait of the mod subculture. Think of it as a hairstyle with more character and a break from tradition.’
A departure from the conservative fashions of the previous decade, the mod haircut was especially a hit amongst young British celebrities. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were notable early adopters of the trend, as well as models Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton and Peggy Moffitt.
Fast forward a few decades – to the birth of a small band called Oasis – and the mod is back in fashion. The revival was, of course, spearheaded by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, and signalled a new wave of youthful rebellion through Britpop and grunge.
It’s this rendition of the mod haircut that is making waves in 2024 – once again, thanks to the Gallaghers. ‘With 90s band Oasis reforming, there’s more hype around replicating the band’s signature style and haircuts,’ says Jack. ‘The Oasis brothers both rocked mod haircuts way back when – and still do today.’
@divorceddadhair pixie mod haircut! – @bebop – #pixiecut #restyle #shorthairstyles #sugma #ligma #tugma #wolfcut #pixiemullet ♬ Hell N Back (feat. Summer Walker) – Bakar
Who Can Wear This Cut?
Anyone, really. ‘This is definitely a unisex haircut,’ confirms Ross. ‘A shorter crop mod cut works well for men, as a rule.
‘With this being a unisex style, women can wear it and still have longer lengths,’ he continues. ‘But they can also benefit from a much shorter version. Think Twiggy with her iconic short blonde mod.’
How To Ask For A Mod Haircut In The Salon
‘Bring photo references,’ recommends Jack. ‘The Gallagher brothers, Paul Weller and Twiggy are all amazing inspiration.
‘You should also plan ahead,’ he adds. ‘Think how it will work with your day-to-day outfits, and see your hair is an extension of your personality and clothes.’
How To Style A Mod Haircut: Women
For the girls, our experts recommend really playing with texture to get the full impact of the cut. ‘Use a texturising spray to add some movement and a little hold,’ they suggest. ‘But you still want to be able to get your hands in there to evolve the style throughout the day.’
1. Cropped Mod
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2. Long Mod
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3. Straight Mod
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4. Bowl Mod
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5. Mullet Mod
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How To Style A Mod Haircut: Men
The same styling tenets apply to the guys. ‘You can use a paste to really work the hair, giving it movement and texture without looking too set.’
1. Classic Mod
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2. Textured Mod
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3. Mullet Mod
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4. Curly Mod
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5. Cropped Mod
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Featured image: SS24 Copenhagen Fashion Week Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-nisa
