The Jacob Style
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The Relaxed Revival: A New Era in Men’s Hair and Beard Styles?
The trend towards loose and relaxed hairstyles, popularized by Sydney barber Heather Bickerton, reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards masculinity. Gone are the sharp fades and structured styles of yesteryear; instead, there’s an emphasis on natural texture and effortless movement.
Bickerton’s clients, including actor Michael B. Jordan and Australian heartthrob Jacob Elordi, embody this new aesthetic. Their beards are not merely ornamental – they’re an integral part of their overall look. This integration speaks to a growing desire among men for a more authentic, less contrived approach to grooming.
The “European flow,” with its emphasis on waves and movement, is also gaining traction. Characterized by softer lines and a lived-in look, this style eschews the rigid edges of traditional fades in favor of a more relaxed appearance. It’s an aesthetic that resonates with men seeking a laid-back approach to life.
Bickerton advises structuring but not over-manicuring when it comes to beard shape – wise counsel given the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. For men struggling with balding or thinning hair, shorter styles can create the illusion of thicker locks. This is not simply a matter of vanity; it speaks to a deeper desire for self-acceptance.
Informed consent is crucial when dealing with hair loss, notes Bickerton. Men should avoid rushing into treatments or procedures without fully understanding their options – a problem exacerbated by the increasing availability of medical professionals online. A more nuanced approach to grooming requires recognizing one’s natural texture and working with it rather than fighting it.
The relaxed revival in men’s hairstyles reflects a broader cultural shift towards embracing imperfection and rejecting artificial standards of beauty. As society navigates this new landscape, true style is not about conformity but self-expression – and sometimes, the most effortless looks require the least amount of effort.
Reader Views
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
The emphasis on natural texture in men's grooming is refreshing, but let's not forget that this trend can be exclusionary for those with naturally fine hair. The article glosses over the struggles of men with thinning or balding hair, who may feel pressured to conform to the "relaxed revival" aesthetic even if it doesn't suit their individual needs. A more inclusive approach would acknowledge the diversity of male textures and offer solutions that cater to a range of hair types, not just those with thick, wavy locks.
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
The emphasis on relaxed hairstyles and beards is a reflection of our growing discomfort with artificial norms, but let's not forget that this trend also perpetuates the myth that men need to look a certain way to feel confident. The article highlights Bickerton's advice to work with one's natural texture, but we should also consider the broader implications of commercializing masculinity through the beauty industry.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The so-called "relaxed revival" in men's grooming is more than just a fleeting trend - it's a reaction against the societal pressure to conform to traditional notions of masculinity. While the emphasis on natural texture and effortless movement is welcome, we shouldn't overlook the impact of social media on these trends. The endless parade of perfect beards and haircuts online creates unrealistic expectations for men struggling with balding or thinning hair. What's missing from this conversation is a critical examination of how these "relaxed" styles can actually perpetuate beauty standards that are as limiting as their more rigid predecessors.