- Punk hairstyles have roots in street culture but, in the mid-1970s, music and fashion adopted the rebel street look. Two early trendsetters, designer Vivienne Westwood and rock group the Sex Pistols, established the punk look with spiky, tussled haircuts. Hair dying soon became prevalent and many punk figures sported bright orange, red or blue locks. Yet, while outlandish spikes, bright colors and Mohawks were punk's most obvious signatures, more subtle layered cuts have been popular since the beginning. Early punk icons with layered cuts include Souixsie Souix, Debbie Harry and Iggy Pop. Younger generations still reinterpret their styles.
- A contemporary rendition of punk's long layered look, Pop Punk involves asymmetrical cuts. Hair is often choppily layered and styled to be thicker at the top but thinner near the bottom. Many Pop Punk styles include colored highlights and long bangs pulled to one side. Avril Lavigne made Pop Punk prevalent, combining hot pink streaks with long blond layers.
- Skate Punk styles tend to be shorter and spikier than Pop Punk. Cut to irregular lengths, hair is often gelled at its ends to make it look thorny and ends tend to be highlighted or colored. Stray long locks occasionally hang down to the shoulders, though shorter, gelled locks crown the top of the head. Kelly Osborne became the poster girl for skate punk with her bleached, haphazard rebel look.
- The Emo Punk layered style combines punk choppiness with today's hipster sensibility. Bangs tend to be heavy and long, worn either straight or swept to the side. Layers are slightly more symmetrical and composed than in the original punk looks. Ashlee Simpson's hairstyle resembles a toned down version of Emo Punk, sporting shaggy bangs and straight longer locks.
-
Punk styles have certainly become tamer and more mainstream over the past few decades, yet they still maintain a rebellious reputation. If you consider going punk, make sure your decision will be accepted in your work place or school environment. Also, hair health is worth considering--the gel and dye used in many punk looks can make hair dry or discolored.
The biggest consideration, however, is individual style. Choosing a punk look means making a statement and associating yourself with the legacy of the counterculture. If the rock-rebel image fits your personal style, than punk may be the perfect hair choice for you.
