CURTAINS HAIRSTYLES FOR MEN ARE BACK AGAIN

Each decade has its own signature haircut. The fifties had a short haircut on the back and sides. The seventies had long hair with sideburns. The eighties had mullets. The eboy haircut, also known as the curtain hairstyle, was popularized in the nineties. It was worn by Brad Pitt and David Beckham, as well as many boyband members and the guy from Dawson’s Creek. This style was popular among would-be heartthrobs.

If you’ve forgotten it, the curtains hairstyle is where the hair at the top is made into a fringe with a strong central parting. It’s messy, it’s difficult to maintain, and it’s very back.

One glance at spring collections from any number brands will show that the nineties fashion revival is still strong. And with it, the iconic haircut of the decade. It wouldn’t be the first time curtains have made a comeback. The history of curtains dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.

THE EBOY HAIRCUT HISTORY

Josh Gibson, principal of Sassoon Academy, explains that the haircut was very popular with men in the late 19th century. “Remember famous icons like Aubrey Beardsley and Oscar Wilde sporting it. This trend is still popular among working-class men up from the end of 1920s. It then fades briefly as hippie culture emerges from America in 1960s.

With the rise of grunge music and indie-bands at home, the 1990s saw the revival of the eboy haircut. Shaun Ryder, Placebo singer Brian Molko, and Blur bassist Alex James were all notable champions for curtains. The boy bands came to dominate. They were worn by Take That (except for Gary, who was still in the awkward phase), and Westlife (see Jared Leto in My So-Called Life). The look continued to be popular among teenagers.

HOW TO GET A CURTAIN HAIRCUT NOW

This middle part men’s haircut was popular in the nineties. It looked great on people with poker straight hair and is what most people associate with eboy style. This hairstyle emphasizes the strong, defined look. However, not everyone has the right hair cut or hair type. They didn’t let that stop them from getting an eboy cut, nor should it stop you. Modern curtains have advanced. This was a bad look, with a stiff parting and a floppy appearance. Texture is now your friend.

Gibson says that the eboy look can easily be made more personal. It is best suited for narrower, more boyish faces. However, it can be cut to look slimmer. This haircut is best for someone with an offset or natural middle. The secret bonus to our love affair with quiff haircuts is that many of us have some length left at their top. You can simply stop slicing it back, let it fall apart and voila! Curtain foundations.

SOME OTHER SUGGESTIONS

First, find your favorite curtains role model (there are a lot in Google), and then ask yourself if you have similar hair structure. If a style doesn’t suit your hair, it’s no point in trying. This will lead to more time and effort styling your hair (unless you are looking for a more drastic option such as an undercut or permanent relaxing treatments, which can create impossible looks).

Gibson advises that if your hair is curly or straight, you might want to try a longer length to avoid a wavy look. He refers to the “thatch” when thick hair is styled improperly or given a wedge shape underneath. If you desire the look, an undercut is possible.

Gibson says that for straighter hair, it is best to ask your stylist not to cut the hair past the cheekbones. This will frame the face. For a classic look, you can either leave your hair long and layered in the back or keep the lengths just above your ears.

If you are still shivering at the thought of frizzy, thatch-like curtains, don’t despair. Today’s hair products are a million times more advanced than those back in the days when matte wax, salt sprays and straightening irons weren’t available. There wasn’t much else in the nineties, aside from wet-look gel, crunchy mousse, and hair spray on the move.

Gibson says curly haired men had it tough. He recommends that you let curly hair air dry naturally, and then use a generous amount Illuminating Oil by Sassoon Professional or Sassoon curl form to give your hair a natural look.

Straight hair is easiest to get polished. Gibson says to use less product, dry it downwards and forwards with a vent brush. This will keep flyaway hairs at bay and the follicles smooth. Even if you are growing your hair out, you should visit your barber as frequently as you would normally. And never, ever use gel, or risk looking like Peter Andre.

CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLES

These celebrities are great examples of how to style your curtain hair in many different ways. This nineties icon can be seen in action, giving you a good starting point for your own style.

• ALEX JAMES

Although it’s difficult to believe, Alex James of Blur was cool before cheese, the Cotswolds, and the Conservative Party. Damon Albarn may have been more visible on stage, but he was the bassist of one of the most popular bands of the nineties. His pliable hair and enviable looks made him a favorite.

• KURT COBAIN

The godfather of grunge, Cobain, is also the king and queen of the bed head. Cobain, Nirvana’s frontman, wore long, bleached curtains around his collar with messy looking roots at the top. He looked more like a West Coast surfer than a true curtain devotee and made his unwashed, skanky locks the epitome cool.

• SHAUN RYDER

Although he may sometimes utter incoherent words, Shaun Ryder created genius music with Happy Mondays and Black Grape. He wore a round mod bowl with strong centre parting.

• RIVER PHOENIX

River Phoenix, an amazing actor and comedian, died in 1993. The world also lost a fine head. Phoenix was a star in the spotlight for a short time, but his talent was unmatched. He wore many different looks, including long dishevelled curtains.

• KEANU REEVES

Reeves tried different lengths over time, but Ted in Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey was his best curtains moment. His hair is the perfect thickness and texture for nineties curtains.

• CHARLES MELTON

It brings us back to the present. Charles Melton, American Riverdale actor (no, it’s not true), was recently reported by a gossip website as being ‘fat-shaming (never good). Because of his curly, short curtains, we can forgive him.

• TIMOTHEE CHALAMET

Our haircut of the Year is also the best modern eboy cut. Timothee Chalamet has a hairstyle that is legendary, and it is proof enough that this once controversial style is still in fashion. TC prefers an off-set parting to his natural texture.