While Victoria Beckham may be the fashion designer in the family, David Beckham has long held his own as a global style icon — particularly when it comes to hair.
The former footballer’s passion for hairstyles began in his youth, thanks in part to his mother, who was a hairdresser. “My mum was a hairdresser—actually, she was part of the spike,” Beckham told Into the Gloss, referring to one of his earliest styles. “I’d buy L’Oréal gel and spike my hair. She let me do that, but she wouldn’t let me get a perm.”
Since then, Beckham has shaped hair trends for decades. Many of his most famous looks remain popular today, often used by stylists as a reference point for modern cuts.
Celebrity stylist Jon Hala, who has worked with stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kate Moss, says Beckham’s appeal lies in his ability to mix timeless and bold styles. “He knows how to strike the perfect balance between classic and daring — like the stylish guy next door,” Hala said.
To mark Beckham’s 50th birthday, we take a look back at his most iconic hairstyles.
The Blonde Mohawk (2001)
Among his most daring styles was the peroxide-blond mohawk. It pushed boundaries when few male celebrities were taking such risks.
Jason Collier, a celebrity hairstylist who once styled Victoria and Brooklyn Beckham, called it “one of his most trend-setting looks.”
“It was edgy but wearable, and it made platinum blond cool for men again,” Collier said. “Guys who never considered dyeing their hair were suddenly asking for blond in the barbershop.”
The Buzz Cut
A favorite look that Beckham returned to many times is the classic buzz cut. Short, clean, and masculine, the cut marked a shift in his public image.
“The buzz cut was Beckham’s move from boyband heartthrob to serious style icon,” Hala said. “It’s simple but powerful, especially with the slight fade.”
Luke Sawyer, creative director at Taylor Taylor London, agrees. “Each time he brought it back, it looked fresh and intentional,” he said. “It’s still one of the most popular cuts today.”
The Man Bun and Long Hair (2003–2010s)
In the 2010s, Beckham embraced longer hairstyles, including the man bun. Jon Hala praised the look for its balance of polish and ease.
“His tied waves into a loose bun gave a relaxed, boho edge,” he said. “It wasn’t just about growing it out — it had shape, texture, and subtle highlights.”
Luke Sawyer added that Beckham’s long hair during his so-called “boho footballer” phase took real discipline. “It wasn’t a casual look,” he said. “It needed care and patience.”
The Cornrows (2003)
One style Beckham later admitted he regretted was the cornrows. He wore them during a trip to South Africa, where he was photographed alongside Nelson Mandela.
Styled during a holiday in France by a friend of Victoria’s, the look was bold — but controversial.
“Twenty years on, when I look back—maybe the cornrows—I was pushing it a little bit,” Beckham said. “But at the time, it felt right.”
Whether edgy, clean-cut, or relaxed, David Beckham’s hairstyles have continued to influence generations, proving his lasting status as a grooming icon.
