A bowl haircut is a classic and timeless hairstyle for men and boys. The name stems from the bowl-like shape that is created by cutting the hair short all around the head with the bangs or fringe left longer in the front. Though often associated with a nerdy or dated look, the bowl cut has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years as vintage and retro styles have come back into fashion.
History of the Bowl Haircut
The bowl haircut dates back to at least the 1920s and 1930s in the United States. It was a very popular style for young boys at the time. The practical haircut allowed parents to save money on frequent haircuts, as the bowl shape grew out evenly. It was also easy to cut at home. By the 1960s and 1970s, the bowl cut had become strongly associated with nerdy, geeky boys who were not necessarily deemed cool or fashionable. Examples can be seen in characters like the nerdy boy scientist Dexter from Dexter’s Laboratory. However, the 1990s grunge movement saw flannel shirts and bowl cuts come back as symbols of being anti-establishment and rejecting typical beauty standards. Recently, stylish male celebrities like Justin Bieber and Ansel Elgort have sported modern bowl cut variations, lending the throwback look a renewed sense of cool.
Nicknames and Variations
The bowl cut has picked up a few nicknames and variations over the years while remaining the same classic shape:
- The mushroom cut – Refers to how the rounded shape resembles a mushroom cap.
- The burger cut – Further compares the layered look to that of a hamburger.
- The soup bowl – Again ties back to its bowl-like shape.
- The Gemüse schnitt – This is the German word for “vegetable cut” due to its mushroom resemblance.
There are also some variations in styles of the bowl cut such as:
- Bowl cut with bangs – The fringe or bangs are trimmed straight across the forehead.
- Textured bowl cut – Some choppy layers or light texturing is added for movement.
- Curtained bowl – The bangs are styled more heavily to one side.
- Undercut bowl cut – The back and sides are shaved close with the longer bowl shape on top.
Advantages of the Bowl Haircut
There are several advantages that make the bowl cut a great hairstyle choice:
Easy Maintenance
The bowl cut grows out very evenly all over the head. This makes it a low maintenance look that requires infrequent haircuts. It also does not need much styling beyond simple washing and towel-drying the hair. The bangs can be left straight or given a quick comb over to one side.
Versatile Styling
While the bowl cut is very simple, the right styling products or accessories can transform it. Using a texturizing spray or light hair wax when the hair is damp can bring out the layers. Sporting it with a headband or baseball cap can also change up the look. For very short bowl cuts, you can style it messy or spiky on top.
Cool Retro Look
The bowl cut has a classic throwback vibe that is coming back around as 90s and 80s styles regain popularity. People enjoy sporting the bowl cut ironically or genuinely to pay homage to iconic movies, TV shows, or even video game characters that made this simple style so memorable.
Suited for Straight Hair
The bowl cut works best on straight, thick hair. The straight edges of the cut are best complemented and shown off by straight hair textures. People with wavy, curly, or very thick hair may struggle to achieve the defined bowl shape.
Disadvantages of the Bowl Haircut
There are a few downsides associated with the bowl cut as well:
Dated Reputation
While the bowl cut is enjoying renewed popularity, it is still strongly associated with a very retro, nerdy, or juvenile look. People looking for a stylish, contemporary haircut may find the reputation too dated or immature.
Not Flattering for All Face Shapes
The bowl cut’s straight, blunt edges call attention to the face shape. It generally flatters those with oval, round, or heart shaped faces best. Square or angular faces may not look great accentuated by the straight lines across the forehead and checks.
High Maintenance for Thick or Wavy Hair
Anyone without naturally straight, fine to medium density hair will have a harder time achieving the clean bowl shape. The edges get lost more easily with thicker, wavier hair. This requires more frequent haircuts to maintain the look.
Less Flattering with Age
The bowl cut has strong associations with boys and young men. Therefore, this youthful style may look out of place or less flattering on older men. It generally suits those under 30 or 40 best.
How to Cut a Bowl Haircut
Cutting a bowl haircut yourself or having a skilled barber do it is easy with the right technique:
Prep the Hair
Start with clean, dry hair. Wet hair is harder to work with. Having an assistant use a comb to hold sections taut can help.
Cut the Sides and Back
Use clippers with a #2 to #4 guard to cut the back and sides evenly close to the head. Remove the guard and neaten up the edges around the neck and sideburns.
Cut the Top
Switch to scissors and comb the top hair straight up. Cut vertically while curving the ends slightly under to create the bowl shape. Leave 1 to 3 inches long on top based on preference.
Trim the Bangs
Comb the front bangs/fringe down over the forehead evenly. Use scissors to trim horizontally along the brow line. Create slightly rounded edges on the outer corners.
Blend and Finish
Blend the longer top layers over the shaved sides for an even look all around. Make any final refinements and edge clean up as needed.
Popular Examples in Movies and TV
The bowl cut has shown up memorably on many iconic characters:
Moe Howard – The Three Stooges
Moe Howard’s signature bowl haircut with bangs was one of the Stooges’ most recognizable features starting in the 1920s vaudeville era through their slapstick short films of the mid 1900s.
Pig Pen – Peanuts Comics
The Peanuts character Pig Pen always appeared disheveled and dirty, complete with a messy bowl cut hairstyle. Charles Shultz commented this exemplified how Pig Pen was ostracized for being unclean.
Jim Carrey – Dumb and Dumber
Jim Carrey’s hilarious turn in 1994’s Dumb and Dumber saw his character Lloyd sporting an exaggerated bowl cut. Paired with his chipped tooth and loud suits, the haircut showed Lloyd’s childlike nature and lack of self-awareness.
Macaulay Culkin – Home Alone
As the iconic and clever Kevin McCallister in 1990’s Home Alone, a young Macaulay Culkin sported the signature bowl cut hairdo that perfectly complemented his youthful mischief and innocence.
Paul Dano – There Will Be Blood
As young Eli Sunday in 2007’s There Will Be Blood, Paul Dano exemplified an endearing yet off-putting aura with his pudding bowl haircut fitting his shift persona of innocence and intensity.
Celebrities Who Have Worn the Bowl Cut
Many male celebrities have also embraced the bowl cut look:
| Celebrity | Context |
|---|---|
| Justin Bieber | Inspired by Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber for a Comedy Central roast appearance in 2015. |
| Joaquin Phoenix | Changed his style dramatically with a very short bowl cut dyed gray for his role as the Joker in 2019’s film. |
| Ansel Elgort | Sports longer bowl cut hairstyle with bangs as his signature look for red carpet events and movies. |
| Timothée Chalamet | Has worn longer bowl cuts with his curly hair for a vintage vibe on the red carpet. |
| Adam Driver | Known for often wearing his dark hair trimmed into a subtly textured bowl cut. |
Key Takeaways
In summary, key facts to remember about the bowl haircut include:
- It dates back to the 1920s and 1930s as a popular boy’s cut.
- The distinct bowl shape comes from trimming the back and sides close with longer hair on top.
- Straight, thick hair best achieves the look.
- Bowl cuts suit oval, round, and heart face shapes best.
- It has a strong retro and “geek chic” reputation.
- Minimal styling is needed beyond washing and combing it.
- It’s enjoying renewed popularity due to vintage trends.
- It can be adapted with variations like bangs, undercuts, or textured layers.
Conclusion
The bowl cut may seem like a silly or outdated hairstyle, but its clean lines and retro vibe have stood the test of time. This practical, masculine look suits plenty of modern men who want an edgy yet low maintenance cut. With the right styling and confidence, the bowl cut can be worn ironically or sincerely for a vintage appeal.