How to Make Them Your Own
Fashion fades, but style is eternal—and that’s especially true when it comes to men’s hair. Across the decades, certain hairstyles have carved their legacy into pop culture and still influence how modern gentlemen shape their grooming game. Whether you’re all about the vintage aesthetic or you’ve found your signature style in an era past, here’s a gentleman’s guide to the most iconic hairstyles from the 1950s to the 2000s—and how Pall Mall Barbers can help you wear them with confidence today.
1950s: The Pompadour – Suave Sophistication Men’s Hairstyles
Think: Elvis Presley, James Dean, early rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.
The pompadour is arguably the grandfather of all statement hairstyles. It was all about volume at the front, sweeping back into a clean taper at the sides and back. Originally popularised by rock icons and bad-boy movie stars, the style came to represent rebellion, charisma, and a polished coolness. Perfect for men with thick, straight to wavy hair, this look commands attention.
Modern Adaptation: Today’s pompadour is often paired with a skin or low fade for a crisp contrast, creating a fusion of retro shape and modern edge. It suits men who want structure and presence—perfect for both boardrooms and black-tie events.
Barber’s Touch: At Pall Mall Barbers London, the independent barbers are knowledgeable in sculpting a pompadour that suits your hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle. Whether you want a high-volume retro look or a sleek, modern version, we craft it to perfection.
At-Home Essentials:
- Start with our Pompadour Paste for strong hold and volume.
- Use the Pomade for that polished shine without the grease.
- Lock it in with Sea Salt Spray for pre-styling volume and grit.
Pall Mall Barbers Pompadour Paste – Classic Volume, Modern Control
Want a bold, structured style that lasts all day? Pall Mall Barbers Pompadour Paste delivers strong hold, natural texture, and effortless volume, making it the ultimate styling essential for modern gentlemen. Whether you’re going for a sleek pompadour, a voluminous quiff, or a well-groomed side part, this barber-approved formula ensures your look stays sharp and defined—without stiffness or grease.
- Strong Hold, Natural Movement – Locks your style in place while staying flexible.
- Matte Finish, No Grease – A clean, modern look with zero buildup.
- Long-Lasting Volume – Perfect for pompadours, quiffs, and high-textured styles.
- Barbershop-Quality Grooming – Crafted for men who demand excellence.
Master the art of classic styling—because great hair never goes out of fashion.
Pall Mall Barbers Pomade – Classic Shine, Modern Hold
Want a sleek, polished look that lasts all day? Pall Mall Barbers Pomade is your go-to styling essential for classic, high-shine styles with a strong yet flexible hold. Whether you’re aiming for a sharp side part, a timeless pompadour, or a slicked-back finish, this barber-approved formula keeps your hair in place without stiffness or flakes. Shop Now
- Strong Hold, Zero Crunch – Keeps your style locked in with natural movement.
- Classic Shine, Modern Formula – A refined look with no greasiness.
- Water-Based & Easy to Wash Out – No residue, no buildup, just effortless styling.
- Barbershop-Quality Grooming – Crafted for performance, trusted by professionals.
Upgrade your style with Pall Mall Barbers Pomade—because confidence starts with great hair.
Pall Mall Barbers Sea Salt Spray – Effortless Texture, Maximum Style
Want that fresh-from-the-barbershop look every day? Pall Mall Barbers Sea Salt Spray is your secret weapon for effortless volume, texture, and a natural matte finish. Whether you’re after rugged beach waves, a messy textured look, or a controlled quiff, this pro-grade spray delivers barber-quality results in seconds—without the crunch or greasy feel. Shop now!
- Instant Volume & Texture – Just spray, style, and go.
- Natural Matte Finish – Perfectly undone, never overstyled.
- Strong, Flexible Hold – Keeps your hair in place while maintaining movement.
- Infused with Natural Sea Salt & Minerals – Nourishes while styling.
1960s: The Mod Cut – Clean & Cool Men’s Hairstyles
Think: The Beatles, Paul Weller, Carnaby Street style.
The Mod Cut is the embodiment of clean, European cool. Popularised during the British Invasion, this look is defined by longer fringes, tidy sides, and an overall rounded shape. It signified rebellion through refinement—a departure from the bulk and height of the ’50s.
Modern Adaptation: Today’s mod-inspired cuts are sharper and more tailored. They might be paired with subtle texture and faded napes for a contemporary upgrade while maintaining that face-framing fringe.
Barber’s Touch: Our team will shape your Mod Cut to highlight your best features—carefully layering and tailoring it to avoid the dreaded bowl-cut territory. We make sure it looks fresh, not dated.
At-Home Essentials:
- Light Dressing Cream keeps your fringe neat while offering a soft, natural hold.
- A touch of Workable Paste adds flexible structure without stiffness.
Pall Mall Barbers Light Dressing Cream – Effortless Style, Natural Shine
Looking for a lightweight styling solution with a touch of refinement? Pall Mall Barbers Light Dressing Cream delivers a soft hold and natural shine, perfect for creating polished, effortless styles with a smooth finish. Designed for men who prefer a more relaxed, touchable look, this barber-approved formula keeps hair neat, controlled, and never greasy. Shop now!
- Soft Hold, Natural Control – Keeps hair in place without stiffness.
- Subtle Shine, Never Oily – A polished look that lasts.
- Lightweight & Moisturizing – Hydrates hair while styling.
- Barbershop-Quality Grooming – Crafted for men who demand the best.
Stay effortlessly sharp—because style should look as natural as it feels.
1970s: The Shag / Rocker Hair – Effortlessly Edgy Men’s Hairstyles
Think: Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, Bowie.
The 1970s embraced rebellion in its purest form. The shag haircut reflected the era’s rock and roll roots—a layered, disheveled cut that was equal parts artistic and anarchic. Long, feathered layers created movement and volume, making it ideal for men with medium to long wavy or curly hair.
Modern Adaptation: The modern shag is refined yet retains that lived-in look. Think textured layers, natural waves, and effortless movement.
Barber’s Touch: At Pall Mall Barbers, we use advanced scissor techniques to build shape and movement without frizz or imbalance. It’s all about structure that looks natural.
At-Home Essentials:
- Mist Sea Salt Spray onto damp hair for that breezy, tousled finish.
- Use Texture Enhancer to keep your hair voluminous and controlled throughout the day.
1980s: The Mullet / High Top – Loud, Proud, Unapologetic Men’s Hairstyles
Think: Patrick Swayze, Prince, Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
The 1980s were a decade of extremes, and their hairstyles reflected just that. The mullet—short up front, long in the back—was a cultural phenomenon. At the same time, the high top fade made waves in hip-hop and street culture, showcasing precision and creativity.
Modern Adaptation: Today, the mullet is sleeker with clean fades and textured tops. The high top is sculpted with sharp lines, often paired with beard work or design fades.
Barber’s Touch: Pall Mall Barbers knows how to modernize the mullet or perfect a precision high-top that turns heads for the right reasons. These styles require detail and craft—something we do best.
At-Home Essentials:
- Use Pliable Clay for a matte, reworkable hold.
- Boost volume and structure with our Volumising Dust to defy gravity and stay sharp.
1990s: Curtains / Spiked Tips – The Boyband Era Men’s Hairstyles
Think: Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, *NSYNC.
The 1990s leaned into youth culture and laid-back vibes. Curtains—a center-parted, layered style—gave off boy-next-door charm. Spiked tips, meanwhile, were all about edgy fun, heavily reliant on gel and gravity.
Modern Adaptation: Today, the curtain cut is more grown-up—a textured flow with natural movement. Spikes are softer, more matte, and less gravity-defying.
Barber’s Touch: Whether it’s a sleek center part or a short choppy crop, our barbers tailor the look to suit you—sharp enough for today with just the right nostalgic nod.
At-Home Essentials:
- Workable Paste offers structure with flexibility.
- Add Flexible Shine for subtle sheen without crunch.
2000s: Caesar Cut / Faux Hawk – Minimal & Edgy Men’s Hairstyles
Think: George Clooney, David Beckham, Justin Timberlake.
Short, sharp, and all about control. The Caesar Cut featured a blunt fringe and even sides, often favored by men who liked simplicity and symmetry. The faux hawk brought edge to the mainstream, styled to rise high at the center and fade out toward the sides.
Modern Adaptation: Current Caesar cuts are textured and less blocky, while faux hawks blend better into fades and suit both short and mid-length styles.
Barber’s Touch: At Pall Mall Barbers, precision is key. We’ll shape your cut to bring out your bone structure while ensuring you can easily maintain the look.
At-Home Essentials:
- Pompadour Paste gives that central lift.
- Finish with Pliable Clay for matte definition and all-day hold.
Ready to Rock Your Era?
Whether you’re a modern-day Mod or still living the pompadour dream, Pall Mall Barbers London is where classic meets cutting-edge. Our experienced barbers are trained in vintage technique and modern precision, meaning you don’t just get a haircut—you get a statement.
Book your appointment now at Pall Mall Barbers and let your barbers craft the cut that defines your era.
Take the barbershop home with our Award-Winning Styling Products and keep your style sharp between visits.
