Short hair offers a fantastic canvas for bold and expressive styles, and few are as striking yet achievable as the faux hawk. Unlike a traditional mohawk that requires a commitment to shaved sides, the faux hawk uses clever styling to create a similar silhouette. This allows you to embrace an edgy, sophisticated look with textured volume and defined layers, all without the need for clippers. It's a versatile look that can be adapted for a night out or toned down for a chic daytime statement.
Understanding the Faux Hawk
The term 'faux hawk' literally means 'false mohawk'. It's a hairstyle where the hair running down the centre of the head is styled upwards to mimic a mohawk, while the hair on the sides is kept short and styled flat against the head. The beauty of this style lies in its temporary nature. You can create a dramatic, high-fashion look one day and wash it out the next. It works wonderfully on short hair as it provides enough length for height and texture in the middle, while the shorter sides are easy to slick down, creating the necessary contrast.
Preparation: The Foundation for a Great Style
Achieving a faux hawk that lasts all day starts with the right preparation. The products and tools you use will make a significant difference in the final outcome, providing the structure and hold needed for this gravity-defying look.
What You Will Need
- Volumising Mousse or Spray: To give your hair lift and body from the roots.
- Strong-Hold Hairspray: Essential for locking the final style in place.
- Styling Wax, Pomade, or Clay: For adding texture, definition, and smoothing the sides.
- A Fine-Tooth Comb: For creating clean sections and backcombing.
- A Hairdryer: To activate products and direct hair upwards.
Getting Your Hair Ready
It's often best to work with hair that isn't freshly washed, as second-day hair tends to have more natural grip and texture. If you do start with clean, towel-dried hair, apply a generous amount of volumising mousse or spray, focusing on the roots in the central section of your head. Use your hairdryer and fingers to lift the hair at the crown and direct it upwards and slightly forwards. This initial step builds the volume that will form the base of your hawk.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your Faux Hawk
With your hair prepped and tools at the ready, you can now begin sculpting your faux hawk. Follow these steps for a structured, long-lasting style.
- Section Your Hair: Use your comb to visually separate the top central panel of hair that will become the 'hawk'. This section typically runs from your forehead to the crown of your head, about two to three inches wide.
- Slick the Sides: Take a small amount of wax or pomade on your fingertips. Work it through the hair on the sides of your head, combing or pressing it down and back. The goal is to make the sides look sleek and flat to create a strong contrast with the voluminous top section.
- Build the Height: Return to the central section. Working from back to front, take small horizontal subsections of hair. Gently backcomb the roots of each subsection with your fine-tooth comb. This technique, also known as teasing, creates a cushioned base that provides stability and height.
- Shape and Define: Once you have backcombed the entire central panel, use your fingers to gently shape the hair into your desired hawk silhouette. Avoid brushing out the backcombing. Instead, use a little more pomade or wax to piece out sections, add texture, and tame any flyaways. You can pull the hair straight up for a spiky look or gently guide it into a more curved, cohesive shape.
- Final Set: The last and most crucial step is to set your style. Hold a can of strong-hold hairspray about 12 inches from your head and mist generously all over, ensuring you cover the sides and the top. This will freeze the style in place and protect it from humidity and movement.
Customising Your Look
The faux hawk is not a one-size-fits-all style. You can easily adapt it to suit your personality and the occasion. For a softer, more romantic version, create waves in the central section before styling. For a grungier, more rebellious feel, make the texture spikier and more defined. You can also play with the height – a lower, more subtle hawk is great for everyday wear, while a sky-high version makes a powerful statement. Don't be afraid to experiment to find the version that makes you feel most confident.
