Punk Hair Styles

Types of Punk Hair Styles

Most people can accurately identify punk styles because of their highly visible characteristics: wild colors, startling cuts, and funky styles. But not every unique hair style can be classified as punk, and if you are truly interested in the rebel look you should understand how each of these characteristics can be used to create a unique and vibrant style.

Color

Bright colors are common in punk hair.

Most punk hair styles incorporate at least minimal amounts of unusual hair colors or color combinations. The most obvious choices are unnatural colors: blue, pink, orange, green, and purple are popular punk colors, particularly in neon shades. The color may be applied to all the hair or just to sections, highlighting tips of strands, stripes, or particular parts of hair that will be elaborately styled such as the crown or bangs. Any radical color can be used in a punk style, including shades that have high contrast: platinum blonde tips on black hair, for example.

Cut

Cut can also determine whether a style is punk or not. The key is for the style to be outside the mainstream accepted styles, a feat that is usually accomplished through stark contrasts or unusual configurations. A style that is long and shaggy on top but is buzz cut on the lower half of the head may be related to punk dos. Asymmetrical cuts, such as hair long on one side and short on the other, are also types of punk hair styles. Another common cut tactic for punk looks is to shave patterns or words into the back of the head, often with non-conformist messages.

Style

Ultimately, it is the overall style that truly defines a punk do. The most recognizable option is a mohawk -- a style where hair is vertical along the top of the head in a narrow band, from the center of the crown to the back. Severe mohawks may actually have shaved or bald sides or be arranged in spikes. Another punk style is the flyaway – where the hair appears not to be styled at all, but is instead let loose in a fashion reminiscent of rock stars. Other styles are completely unique and outrageous; in fact, they are unique to the wearer. Unexpected parts, braids, loops, spikes, and accessories can all be used to create punk hair styles.

Who Wears Punk Looks

Mohawk

Punk hair dos first came into fashion in the 1970s and early 1980s, when rock bands were focusing on alternative and experimental looks to make themselves unique and distinctive. The styles were quickly picked up by teenagers eager to express their individuality and rebellion against conformist society. Today, punk styles are still popular with alternative musicians and young people who prefer a lifestyle away from mainstream society such as gothic or rocker backgrounds. Mild versions of punk hair (unnaturally red hair in a traditional style, natural hair in a discreet Mohawk without shaved sides, etc.) are even becoming acceptable in most aspects of modern culture. Punk styles are also fun and popular costume dos.

Caring for Punk Hair Styles

By their very nature, punk styles require a tremendous amount of hair products such as hair spray, gel, intense colors, and other chemicals. Because of this, hair may be damaged more easily and deep conditioning treatments may be necessary to maintain healthy locks. If you are interested in experimenting with a punk look, consider using temporary dyes to try out the style before more radical changes. Curly hair may need to be straightened to create punk styles more easily, and frequent cuts are necessary for any shaved look. As with any style, basic care tips about washing, drying, and other general treatment should be considered.

The most rebellious and recognizable types of hair dos, punk hair styles are popular with anyone interested in expressing their individuality and unafraid of doing so regardless of the attitudes of mainstream society. From radical colors to nontraditional cuts to outrageous styles, punk hair is the perfect way to let your imagination and personality shine through for everyone to see.