7 Best David Beckham Haircuts

David Beckham’s hairstyles have defined men’s hair trends for decades, from his early 90s to his modern hairstyles. In this guide, we break down his 10 most iconic cuts, and how to recreate them.

1. The Classic 90s Curtain Fringe

The David Beckham 90s curtain fringe was the ultimate heartthrob hairstyle. Soft, youthful, and effortlessly cool. It worked because it framed his face just right, with enough movement to look natural but enough polish to stay iconic.

To get the look, start with mid-length layers (about 4-6 inches on top) and a deep side part, but keep it relaxed, no harsh lines. The fringe should graze the eyebrows, with the back and sides lightly tapered (this was before the fade craze, so avoid anything too sharp).

Styling is key. Blow-dry your hair with a round brush to lift the roots and give the fringe a gentle bend. Then, work a small amount of light wax or fiber through the lengths to separate the strands, just enough for definition, not crunch. Finish by tousling it slightly with your fingers for that perfectly undone, just-ran-off-the-pitch vibe.

This cut works best on straight to wavy hair, especially if it’s fine or medium-thick. It’s great for oval, square, or heart-shaped faces, since the fringe softens strong angles. And if you want a modern update? Try a slightly shorter fringe or a subtle low taper on the sides—but keep the top long for that classic Beckham bounce.

Whether you’re going full 90s nostalgia or just want a laid-back, flattering style, this one’s a winner.

2. The Buzz Cut

After the backlash from his infamous red card at the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham shocked fans by ditching his pretty-boy curtains for a razor-sharp buzz cut, and it completely reinvented his image. Gone was the boyish charm; this was a tougher, more mature Beckham, and it suited him perfectly.

The cut is simple but striking: a #2 clipper all over, keeping just enough length to avoid the full military look while still feeling ultra-clean. The key is maintenance, since there’s no hair to hide behind, you’ll want to keep the sides fresh with a fade every 2-3 weeks and moisturize your scalp daily to avoid dryness or irritation.

This style works best for guys with a strong jawline and defined facial features, since the shortness puts all the focus on your bone structure. (Fun fact: Beckham’s buzz cut also marked the start of his tattoo era, which helped balance the starkness of the cut.)

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, masculine style that’s impossible to mess up, this is it. Just be warned once you go buzz cut, you might never want to go back.

3. The Mohawk

When Beckham shocked the world with this bold style during his Real Madrid days, it wasn’t just a haircut it was a statement. Gone was the clean-cut Manchester United golden boy, replaced by a edgier, more daring version of himself. This mohawk screamed confidence, perfectly matching his new chapter in Spain.

Getting the look is all about precision. Ask your barber for shaved sides (a #1 or #2 clipper works best) with 3-4 inches left on top – short enough to control but long enough to style. The magic happens with strong-hold gel applied to damp hair, then combed straight up for that signature spiked effect. A quick blast of hairspray locks it all in place.

This cut works with most hair types. It Helps to have a strong jawline, since the sharp angles of the style need strong facial structure to balance it out. If the full mohawk feels too extreme, try a soft faux-hawk instead, just style the top section upward without shaving the sides completely.

More than just a haircut, this was Beckham showing the world he wasn’t afraid to reinvent himself. It’s the perfect style when you want to look bold, athletic, and full of attitude, no matter what era you’re in.

4. The Slicked-Back Undercut

By the time Beckham hit his MLS era, he’d mastered the art of looking polished without losing his signature cool factor. This slicked-back undercut became his go-to style sharp enough for red carpets but with just enough attitude to still feel like Beckham.

The cut is all about contrast: skin-fade sides paired with 3 inches of length on top gives you the perfect canvas. For full effect, work a high-shine pomade through damp hair and comb it straight back, the kind of sleek finish that says you mean business.

If you want to dial it down for the office, skip the high-shine and opt for a matte paste instead, leaving some natural texture while keeping the clean lines. It’s the ultimate grown-up but still-got-it look, proof that even in retirement, Beckham knew exactly how to stay relevant

5. The Textured Quiff

During his peak “Brand Beckham” years, this hairstyle became his signature, that perfect sweet spot between salon-perfect and casually undone. It’s the look that launched a thousand barber shop requests, proving you could look put-together without seeming like you tried too hard.

The magic starts with the cut: scissor-cut layers on top (about 3-4 inches) with tapered sides that keep it clean. For styling, blow-dry your hair upward using your fingers to build volume, then work in a matte paste to create that perfectly imperfect texture. The trick is to finish by gently tousling the front, you want structure without looking stiff, definition without going overboard.

This is the ultimate versatile style that works just as well for a business meeting as it does for a casual weekend. It’s no wonder this became Beckham’s go-to during his global icon phase, sometimes, the best looks are the ones that appear completely effortless.

6. The Man Bun

When Beckham started rocking the man bun during his Brooklyn-inspired hipster phase, he did something remarkable, he made the style look genuinely cool rather than trying too hard. While other celebrities stumbled into dad-fashion territory, Beckham showed how to age with style, proving that maturity and edge aren’t mutually exclusive.

The key is in the execution. First, you’ll need shoulder-length hair, long enough to tie back but not so long it loses shape. When styling, keep it intentionally imperfect: tie it loosely at the crown (not too tight, not too high), and leave out a few face-framing pieces to soften the look. The magic touch? A 5 o’clock shadow to balance the bun’s softness with some masculine scruff.

This isn’t just a hairstyle, it’s a lesson in how to evolve your look without losing your edge. Beckham made the man bun feel less like a trend and more like a natural next step, proving that even in his 40s, he still knew exactly how to stay relevant

7. The Side-Parted Pompadour

During his LA Galaxy days, Beckham brought a touch of old-school Hollywood to the soccer field with this sleek, side-parted pompadour. It was the ultimate marriage of classic sophistication and modern athleticism, proving that even on game day, you can look red-carpet ready.

The foundation is all in the cut: longer length on top (about 4-5 inches) with a razor-sharp hard part for that clean, defined look. For styling, blow-dry your hair upward and back using a vent brush to build volume at the roots, then lock it in place with a strong-hold hairspray. The result? A polished yet powerful style that holds up under pressure – whether you’re scoring goals or closing deals.

To take it from field to formal, pair it with a sharp suit and pocket square, Beckham’s go-to combo that made this look equally at home on the pitch and at premieres. It’s the perfect example of how to borrow from the past while keeping your style firmly in the present

Which Beckham Cut Should You Try?

For the clean-cut guy who wants to look sharp without trying too hard. Go for the slicked-back undercut. Just keep the sides tight and the top long enough to comb back, a dab of pomade and you’re golden.

If you’re feeling bold and rebellious, the Real Madrid mohawk. Shave it high on the sides, load up on strong gel, and spike it up instant attitude

Want something you can do in your sleep? The buzz cut never fails (#2 guard all over)
Wash, maybe moisturize, and you’re out the door

Truth is, Beckham’s pulled off every style because he owns it, pick the one that fits your life, not just the trend. The best haircut is the one you’ll actually wear with confidence.

Want more? Check out our guide on how to get healthier hair by improving your diet.

FAQ: Beckham’s Hair

Does David Beckham use hair transplants?

No! He’s admitted to preventative treatments (PRP therapy) but no surgery.

Which haircut is easiest to maintain?

The buzz cut (15 mins with clippers).

Who styles Beckham’s hair?

Fabio Marques was known as Beckham’s barber. Beckham has mentioned cutting his own hair.

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