Surfer Hairstyles for Men

Surfer hairstyles became popular in the 60's with the advent of the counter-culture and the long hair movement. As the public became less conservative, alternative hair styles became more accepted. The characteristics of the surfer hairstyle include long, sun-bleached, uncombed hair. As the sport of surfing became more popular, the styles and fashions associated with the sport also crossed-over into mainstream America.

History

The conservative decade of the 1950's led to the wild 1960's, which launched surfing's popularity. The sport and its style became popular due to Hollywood movies like Gidget (1959) and Beach Blanket Bingo (1965).

Characteristics

A classic surfer hairstyle consists of long, scraggly, uncombed hair. Usually, the hair is sun-bleached and windswept.

Cultural Impact

The popularity of surfer hairstyles coincided with the "hippy" movement of the 1960's because both movements adopted an anti-establishment doctrine, and both used their hair as a way to communicate this message.

Function

Along with sending a message to the establishment, surfer hairstyles also performed a basic function of protecting the skin on the face from sun and burning from the sun.

Styles

Not all surfers wear their hair long and unkempt. Many professionals wear their hair short and tight in order to establish lucrative endorsement contracts with more conservative businesses.