David Beckham’s hair legacy: From millennial icon to Gen Z muse

If you're a millennial, you’ll remember the cultural phenomenon that was David Beckham’s hair. From bold buzzcuts to controversial cornrows, the football icon’s ever-evolving hairstyles didn’t just make headlines, they defined an era. But what many may not realise is that Beckham's influence hasn’t faded. In fact, his hairstyles continue to inspire a whole new generation.

From millennial obsession to Gen Z trend

Back in the '90s and early 2000s, Beckham’s hairstyles were more than fashion choices, they were movements. His iconic ‘surfer curtains’ in 1993 became the go-to look for boys around the globe. Fast forward to 2000, and his edgy buzzcut turned into an instant classic, now seeing a resurgence among Gen Z style icons like Evan Mock and even Beckham's own son, Romeo.

Beckham’s hair was never just about aesthetics. Each transformation felt like a cultural reset, from the mini mohawk he debuted in 2001 to the 2004 ponytail he rocked. Despite pushback from Manchester United manager sir Alex Ferguson, Beckham continued to play with his hair looks. Naturally, his platinum blond dye jobs and baby mohawk sparked global conversations.

Influence on athletes and global style icons

Beckham's flair for reinvention didn’t stop at influencing fans. His hairstyles quickly made their way into locker rooms across various sports. M.S. Dhoni’s long hair during his early days was not unlike that of Beckham’s in 2003. In fact some of Beckham's hairstyles have been so iconic that even today, some of the biggest athletes—including cricket superstar Virat Kohli-- still follow suit.

Clearly, his grooming choices transcended football and seeped into the wider athletic world.

His fearless approach to personal style challenged traditional notions of masculinity in sports, opening doors for athletes to embrace grooming and fashion more confidently. In doing so, Beckham paved the way for today's sports stars to experiment with their looks without fear of backlash.

A lasting impact on men's grooming trends

David Beckham’s influence extends well beyond the football pitch or the fashion runway. He helped normalize self-expression through grooming, making hairstyles a key element of personal branding. From high-street salons to celebrity barbers, the ‘Beckham effect’ remains alive and well in the world of men’s haircuts.

What makes Beckham’s style legacy so enduring is his ability to repeatedly evolve and adapt his hair looks. The ripple effect of his hair experiments over the years is still seen in today's style influencers, and the former footballer continues to set benchmarks. From millennials to Gen Z, his hairstyles have become cultural milestones, shaping trends for over two decades. As fashion continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Beckham’s hair game will always be part of the conversation.