We’re all craving a dose of nostalgia these days. Throwback hairstyles are all the rage: cropped bobs, loose shags, and Birkin bangs. And the trend is wrapped up in the grunge-inspired tunes of Oasis songs. With a reunion tour on the way, fans are trying to figure out how to perfect a Gallagher-worthy mod haircut. Jack and Ross Williams-Hurst, founders of Williams & Hurst, whose clients include Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller, tell us how.
What is a Mod Haircut?
“The mod haircut is a unisex style that features long side burns, fringe and height and texture on top,” Jack explains. “This style isn’t a neat hairstyle – think texture, personality and movement around the edges. It’s a haircut that will make a bigger statement than any outfit.”
@tobiasbellhair @jamesbuckley’s Mod style cut ✂️#fyp #modcut #theinbetweeners #jaycartwright #theinbetweenersedit ♬ Supersonic – Oasis
Where does it come from?
While ’90s grunge might be the first thing that springs to mind, the Gallagher brothers weren’t the ones who popularized the mod haircut. “The style originated in London in the ’50s and ’60s,” says Ross. “It marked a dramatic shift from the more formal styles of previous decades and was a key stylistic feature of the mod subculture. Think of it as a more individual, non-traditional hairstyle.”
A departure from the conservative fashions of the previous decade, the mod haircut was a huge hit, especially among young British celebrities. Some of the earliest adopters of the trend included the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, models Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton and Peggy Moffitt.
A few decades later, with the emergence of a little band called Oasis, the Mods would become fashionable again – a revival, of course, spearheaded by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, who heralded a new wave of youth rebellion through Britpop and grunge.
Recreating the mod haircut is all the rage in 2024, and once again, we can all thank the Gallagher brothers. “The reunion of ’90s band Oasis has sparked a craze for recreating the band’s signature style and haircut,” says Jack. “Both Oasis brothers popularized the mod haircut back in the day, 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?
It suits everyone: “It’s definitely a unisex haircut,” asserts Ross. “In general, shorter cropped mod cuts look great on men.”
“It’s a unisex style, so women can wear it long,” he continues, “but it can also be enjoyed in a shorter version – think Twiggy with his iconic short blonde mod hair.”
How to get a mod haircut at the salon
“Bring in some reference photos,” Jack suggests. “The Gallagher brothers, Paul Weller and Twiggy are all great inspirations.”
“You should also plan ahead,” he adds. “Think about how it will fit with your daily outfits and understand that your hairstyle is an extension of your personality and the way you dress.”
How to Style a Mod Haircut: Women
For women, experts recommend going all out with texture to get the most out of your cut: “Use a texture spray to add a little movement and hold,” suggests the expert, “but you’ll also want to be able to keep your hands moving and changing the style throughout the day.”
1. Cropped Mod 2. Long Mod 3. Straight Mod 4. Bowl Mod 5. Mallet Mod
How to Style the Mod Haircut: Men
The same styling principles apply to men: “Using paste can give hair movement and texture without looking too set.”
1. Classic Mod 2. Texture Mod 3. Mullet Mod 4. Curly Mod 5. Crop Mod
Featured Image: SS24 Copenhagen Fashion Week Street Style (c) Noor-u-nisa
