Rattail

What it is

The rattail is defined by a single or multiple long strands of hair hanging from the nape of the neck. The rest of the head is typically cut much shorter, creating a sharp contrast. This tail can hang loose, be braided, permed, or straightened. It is worn mostly by men and boys, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. The style allows for variation in thickness and length, distinguishing it from a standard ponytail.

Where it comes from

Origins trace back to 17th century China, where the Manchu queue was enforced during the Qing Dynasty. In the West, the style gained traction in the mid-1980s. Vietnamese refugees arriving in Australia and the United States helped popularise it among youths. Musicians like Jordan Knight and Neil Peart further cemented its place in pop culture. After fading in the 1990s, it saw a minor resurgence around 2015.

What it means

In Polynesian communities, a thicker variant known as the horsetail carries cultural significance. Within punk and rivethead subcultures, the style often signals rebellion, sometimes involving dyed tails or shaved heads. For Asian youths, it can reflect heritage or contemporary fashion trends. The Star Wars franchise uses a similar braid to denote the rank of a Jedi Padawan, linking the look to fictional rites of passage.

How it is made

To achieve this look, one grows the hair at the back of the head while keeping the sides and top short. The tail is left to grow longer than the surrounding crop. It can be maintained as a natural strand or styled into braids, dreads, or curls. Some wearers shave the sides completely to isolate the tail, creating a soft fauxhawk effect. Regular trims are needed to maintain the contrast between the tail and the rest of the hair.

Who and what it suits

This style works with any hair texture, from straight to coily. It is particularly popular among young men in Broome, Western Australia, and across New Zealand. The look suits those willing to maintain a distinct length difference. It is often associated with Asian and Polynesian youths, though it crosses various subcultural lines including sports and music.

Versions

Polynesians often wear a thicker version called the horsey or horsetail. Punks may dye the tail a different colour or shave the entire head except for the strip. Multiple tails are also possible instead of a single strand. In fiction, the Padawan Braid serves as a narrative variant. The style is sometimes combined with shaved sides for a modern update.

In culture

The rattail appears in sports, worn by boxer Kostya Tszyu and soccer player Rodrigo Palacio. It features in media such as the HBO series The Idol. Game developer Richard Garriott has sported the look since 1984. The style remains a notable marker in Australian and New Zealand youth culture, often sparking discussion on fashion trends and cultural appropriation.

Questions people ask about Rattail

Good reading and sources

• Rattail (hairstyle) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data