Pageboy

What it is

This style features straight hair that hangs down to a point below the ear. The ends usually curve or turn under towards the neck. A fringe, also known as bangs, is often present across the forehead. It is a medium-length cut that frames the face neatly. While currently worn more by women, it has a history of use by men and children. The look is defined by its smooth, rounded silhouette and clean lines.

Where it comes from

The name comes from the believed haircut of late medieval page boys. In the early 1950s, New York City hairdresser M. Lewis helped popularise the style. It saw a major resurgence in the mid-to-late 1970s and 1980s. During the 1960s, British rock bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones brought the look back for men with straight hair. This influenced many US garage rock and punk bands. The style remained visible in various subcultures through the 1980s and 1990s.

What it means

In the United Kingdom, the cut gained specific cultural associations through famous wearers. It was sometimes called the Lady Di cut due to Diana, Princess of Wales. It was also known as the Purdey Cut after Joanna Lumley’s character in The New Avengers. For young boys in the 1900s, it was linked to child actors and called the Dutch Boy look. Later, it became a symbol of garage punk and UK beat music. The Prince Valiant comic strip inspired another nickname for the male version.

How it is made

The hair is cut to a uniform length that falls below the ears. The stylist shapes the ends so they turn under, creating a rounded finish. A fringe may be cut across the front to complete the look. The style relies on the natural fall of straight hair to maintain its shape. It does not require complex braiding or pinning. Regular trimming helps keep the blunt edges and inward curve distinct.

Who and what it suits

This cut is best suited for individuals with straight hair texture. It requires enough length to hang below the ear and turn under. The style works for women, men, and children. It has been worn by people with various face shapes, though sources do not specify ideal matches. The smooth lines complement a neat, polished appearance. It is less suitable for curly or coily hair types without significant chemical or heat styling.

Versions

The Dutch Boy look is a variation popular for young boys. The Prince Valiant cut is another name for the male version. In the 1980s, elongated pageboys were worn by punk musicians. The style is related to the bob cut and the bowl cut. Some variations include a shaggy texture, as seen on certain anime characters. The length can vary slightly but generally stays around the jaw or just below the ear.

In culture

The hairstyle appears frequently in film and television. Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest sports a severe pageboy. Dorothy Hamill made it iconic in figure skating during the 1970s. Anna Wintour has worn the style for decades as a fashion editor. Fictional characters like Velma Dinkley in Scooby-Doo and Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction also feature this cut. It remains a recognizable visual shorthand for specific eras and character types.

Questions people ask about Pageboy

Good reading and sources

• Pageboy on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data