Mohawk
A haircut with shaved sides and a central strip of upright hair.
The mohawk is a hairstyle featuring a strip of longer hair down the centre of the head with the sides shaven. It is historically linked to various indigenous groups but gained global fame through punk subculture in the 1970s.
- Sides are shaved while a central strip remains long.
- Associated with punk subculture since the 1970s.
- Name derived from Hollywood films, not historical accuracy.
- Variants include fauxhawk and reverse mohawk.
- Worn by celebrities like David Beckham and Anthony Kiedis.
What it is
This style features a distinct contrast between the sides and the top. The hair on both sides of the head is shaved close to the skin. A narrow strip of noticeably longer hair runs from the forehead to the back of the neck. This central section is often styled to stand upright or spike forward. While traditionally associated with men, it is worn by people of all genders. Variations exist where the sides are not fully shaved, such as the fauxhawk.
Where it comes from
The style has existed for millennia across different cultures. Herodotus recorded similar haircuts among tribes in northern Libya. In North America, indigenous groups like the Pawnee and Mohawk wore variations, though they typically plucked hair rather than shaving it. The modern name derives from the 1939 film Drums Along the Mohawk. The style became widely popular in the 1970s when members of the punk subculture adopted it as a symbol of non-conformity.
What it means
In contemporary culture, the mohawk is strongly associated with punk rock and rebellion. It serves as a visual marker of non-conformity and counter-culture identity. Historically, similar styles held significance in warfare and tribal identity among Ukrainian Cossacks and Native American tribes. The name itself is often considered a misnomer, as the actual traditional hairstyles differed significantly from the modern shaved version.
How it is made
To create a standard mohawk, the hair on the sides of the head is shaved using clippers. The remaining strip of hair in the center is left long enough to be styled. Styling products such as gel or wax are applied to hold the hair upright. Some variations involve braiding the central strip or tying it into a topknot. For a fauxhawk, the sides are trimmed short but not shaved, and the center is spiked without extending past the crown.
Who and what it suits
It generally requires hair that can be styled to stand upright or maintain volume in the central strip. Hair types that are straight or wavy are commonly used for the spiked effect. The length of the central strip determines the final look, ranging from short spikes to longer flowing sections.
Versions
Several variations exist beyond the classic shaved-side style. A reverse mohawk, also known as a nohawk, features a shaved strip down the center with hair left on the sides. A fauxhawk mimics the spiked look without shaving the sides completely. An euro-hawk has longer hair in the center that can cover shorter sides when combed down. A ponyhawk combines the euro-hawk shape with a row of small ponytails along the center line.
In culture
The style is iconic within punk fashion and music scenes worldwide. It appears frequently in film and television, often denoting rebellious characters. Notable wearers include musicians like Joe Strummer and actors like Elijah Wood. The term 'Mohican' is more common in British English, popularized by BBC adaptations. The style has transcended its subcultural roots to appear in mainstream sports and entertainment.
Questions people ask about Mohawk
What is the difference between a mohawk and a mohican?
In British English, the terms are often used interchangeably. However, historically, the Mohawk people did not shave their heads. They plucked hair to leave a square patch on the crown. The modern shaved style is a misnomer based on film titles.
How is a fauxhawk different from a traditional mohawk?
A traditional mohawk involves shaving the sides of the head completely. A fauxhawk keeps the hair on the sides longer, trimming it short but not bald. The center is still spiked up to mimic the mohawk look without the full shave.
Did the Mohawk tribe actually wear this hairstyle?
No. Historical accounts indicate that the Mohawk and other Haudenosaunee peoples wore a square of hair on the back of the crown. They plucked out surrounding hair rather than shaving it. The name comes from 20th-century media, not authentic tradition.
What is a reverse mohawk?
Also called a nohawk, this style reverses the traditional pattern. Instead of a strip of long hair in the center, a strip is shaved from the forehead to the nape. Hair is left on either side of this shaved line.
Good reading and sources
- Mohawk hairstyle on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Mohawk hairstyle", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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