Popular Men’s Hairstyles 2017: A Retrospective on Trending Cuts

2017 witnessed a diverse range of popular men’s hairstyles, reflecting a shift towards both classic styles with modern twists and bold, experimental looks. This article explores the key trends that defined men’s grooming in 2017, offering a retrospective look at the most sought-after cuts and styles. From the enduring appeal of the undercut to the rise of textured styles, understanding the popular men’s hairstyles of 2017 provides valuable context for current trends and the ongoing evolution of men’s fashion.

The Undying Appeal of the Undercut

The undercut, a timeless classic, continued its reign in 2017. Its versatility allowed for diverse interpretations, catering to various hair types and personal styles. The short, close-cropped sides contrasted beautifully with longer hair on top, offering opportunities for styling ranging from slicked-back looks to textured waves and messy quiffs. This adaptability is a significant reason for the undercut’s enduring popularity amongst men. The clean lines of the undercut also provided a sharp and sophisticated appearance, suitable for both formal and informal occasions. Many variations of the undercut emerged, solidifying its position as one of the popular men’s hairstyles of 2017. [See also: The Evolution of the Undercut Hairstyle]

Textured Styles: Embracing Natural Hair

A departure from meticulously styled looks, 2017 saw the rise of textured hairstyles for men. This trend embraced natural hair texture, celebrating individuality and moving away from overly polished appearances. Whether it was naturally wavy, curly, or straight hair, the focus was on enhancing the inherent texture, rather than attempting to drastically alter it. This included styles like textured crops, where the hair was cut short but retained its natural texture and movement. Popular men’s hairstyles in this category often involved the use of styling products to define the texture without creating a stiff or unnatural look. This approach reflected a broader movement toward embracing individuality and natural beauty.

The Pompadour: A Modern Classic

The pompadour, a style with a rich history, experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2017. This bold and stylish cut involved creating volume and height at the front of the head, often with tapered or faded sides. The modern interpretations of the pompadour often incorporated elements of the undercut, creating a striking contrast between the voluminous top and the shorter sides. Popular men’s hairstyles featuring the pompadour were often seen on celebrities and influencers, driving its popularity further. The pompadour offered a sophisticated yet edgy look, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.

The Fade: A Versatile Choice for Popular Men’s Hairstyles

The fade haircut remained a cornerstone of popular men’s hairstyles in 2017. The fade, characterized by a gradual tapering of hair length from the sides to the top, offered immense versatility. It could be combined with various top styles, such as the undercut, pompadour, or textured crop, providing a customized look for each individual. Low, mid, and high fades were all prevalent, allowing men to select the level of contrast they desired. This adaptability ensured the fade’s continued presence amongst the most sought-after popular men’s hairstyles of 2017. [See also: Different Types of Fades Explained]

Long Hair: A Return to Relaxed Styles

While shorter cuts dominated, 2017 also saw a noticeable increase in the popularity of longer hairstyles for men. This trend represented a shift towards a more relaxed and effortless aesthetic. Longer styles were often paired with layered cuts to add movement and texture, avoiding a heavy or unkempt appearance. Popular men’s hairstyles with longer hair frequently incorporated subtle waves or curls, emphasizing natural texture. This represented a departure from the more structured, precise styles prevalent in previous years, reflecting a growing preference for casual, easy-to-manage looks.

Influence of Celebrity Hairstyles

As in previous years, celebrity hairstyles significantly influenced popular men’s hairstyles in 2017. High-profile actors, musicians, and athletes often set trends, inspiring many men to emulate their looks. The media’s portrayal of these styles played a crucial role in their widespread adoption, demonstrating how popular culture can drive the evolution of men’s fashion. Popular men’s hairstyles seen on celebrities frequently appeared in men’s magazines and online platforms, further amplifying their influence and driving demand in barber shops.

The Role of Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube played a significant role in shaping the trends of popular men’s hairstyles in 2017. The visual nature of these platforms allowed for easy dissemination of new styles and provided inspiration to a broad audience. Hashtags related to specific hairstyles allowed for easy searching and discovery, helping men find the styles most suited to their preferences. Social media’s impact on popular men’s hairstyles in 2017 underscores its growing influence on fashion trends generally.

Conclusion: A Diverse Year for Men’s Hairstyles

In conclusion, 2017 presented a diverse range of popular men’s hairstyles, each reflecting different personal styles and preferences. From the classic undercut to textured crops and the modern pompadour, the year showcased adaptability and a shift towards both structured and relaxed looks. The enduring popularity of the fade and the return of longer hairstyles further underscored the broad spectrum of trends that defined men’s grooming in 2017. The influence of celebrities and social media amplified these trends, shaping the choices of men worldwide and demonstrating the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of men’s fashion. Understanding the popular men’s hairstyles of 2017 offers valuable insight into the continuing evolution of men’s grooming trends.