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What is a Faux Hawk?
A Faux Hawk (or "Fohawk") is a toned-down, more wearable version of the classic mohawk. Instead of shaving the sides completely, the hair on the sides is cut shorter while the center strip is left longer and styled upward to create a subtle ridge or peak. It delivers the edgy, rebellious mohawk aesthetic while remaining office-appropriate and easier to maintain.
The name 'Faux Hawk' is a portmanteau of 'false' and 'mohawk.' While a true mohawk requires shaving the sides of the head down to the skin (leaving only a thin central strip), the Faux Hawk is all about illusion. The sides are clipped short (usually a fade or a low number guard) but not bald, and they blend gradually into a longer, textured top section. This top section is then styled inward and upward to mimic the ridge of a mohawk. This construction allows for versatility: style it up for the 'hawk' look on the weekend, or comb it flat for a textured crop during the week.
History of the Faux Hawk: The "Beckham Effect"
While the Mohawk has roots in the indigenous people of North America and was revived by the 1970s punk movement as a shocking anti-establishment statement, the Faux Hawk is a strictly millennial invention.
Its global explosion can be pinpointed to a single moment: the 2002 World Cup, when David Beckham debuted the style. It instantly bridged the gap between punk rock edge and mainstream fashion. It allowed men to dip their toes into alternative style without violating workplace dress codes. Since then, it has evolved from a spiky 2000s trend into a refined, textured staple in modern barbering, often paired with skin fades for a sharper silhouette.
Faux Hawk examples
Browse real examples to find the perfect variation for your style. Tap any image to enlarge.
These faux hawk examples showcase different variations including straight hair, curly hair, and wavy textures. Each style demonstrates how the fade can be customized for different face shapes and hair types. Save your favorite to show your barber!
Try Faux Hawk on yourself
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Formats
PNG or JPG (≤5MB)
Resolution
200px–4090px each side
Face
Keep face clear & ~10%+ of frame
Angle
Front-facing, within ~30° turn
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Best Results
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Realistic Preview
See the haircut on your actual face before visiting the barber.
Who does a Faux Hawk suit?
Use this as a quick checklist before committing to the cut.
Best for oval, square and heart-shaped faces
Adds height and angles to round faces
Diamond faces look great with textured faux hawk styles
Works with straight, wavy and curly hair textures
Ideal for medium to thick hair density
Fine hair can work with proper product and styling technique
Great for creative professionals and fashion-forward individuals
Perfect balance of edgy and professional
Requires 3-5 minutes of daily styling
Easy to medium styling difficulty
Product application and finger-styling is key
Works with various lengths—short to medium
How to ask your barber for a Faux Hawk
Getting the perfect Faux Hawk is about the right length contrast between the sides and the center. Here's exactly what to tell your barber.
Key phrases to use
- 1Ask for shorter sides—typically #1-3 guard or a fade
- 2Keep 2-4 inches on top for styling flexibility
- 3Specify if you want a gradual blend or more contrast
- 4Request texture on top if you want a modern, messy faux hawk
- 5Mention if you want it to work styled down too (versatile cut)
- 6Show them a reference photo—use the AI preview from this tool!
"I'd like a faux hawk. Mid fade on the sides starting at a #2 guard. Keep about 3 inches on top in the center, gradually shorter toward the sides. Add some texture so I can style it up or wear it messy."
💡 Pro tips for the best result
- • Show a photo – Use your AI preview from this page! It's worth a thousand words.
- • Speak up during the cut – If something looks off, it's easier to fix mid-cut than after.
- • Build a relationship – Same barber = better results over time.
- • Tip well – 15-20% for good service keeps your barber motivated.
How to Style a Faux Hawk
Master the look with our step-by-step styling guide
Step-by-Step Routine
Create the ridge
Start with towel-dried hair. Rub a matte clay or fibrous paste between your hands. Run your fingers through the top hair, pulling it upwards and towards the center line of your head.
The pinch technique
Use your fingertips to "pinch" sections of hair together along the center strip. This creates the defined texture that characterizes a good faux hawk, rather than just a messy pile of hair.
Flatten the sides
If your sides aren't faded to skin, use your palms to smooth the side hair down and forward. This enhances the contrast with the raised top section.
Lock and load
For active days or longer nights, finish with a strong-hold hairspray. Focus the spray on the tips of the "hawk" to prevent them from drooping.
- Don't make the peak too perfect. A modern faux hawk looks best with a bit of "messy" texture.
- Use a texturizing powder at the roots if your hair is fine and struggles to stand up.
- Ask your barber to point-cut the top. Blunt cuts are too heavy and won't stand up as easily.
How to maintain a Faux Hawk
A simple routine to keep your faux hawk looking sharp between barber visits.
- 1Start with towel-dried, slightly damp hair.
- 2Apply a small amount of wax, clay, or pomade to your palms.
- 3Work the product through the center section of your hair.
- 4Use your fingers to push hair upward and toward the center.
- 5Pinch the top to create the peak or ridge effect.
- 6Optional: Use hairspray for extra hold throughout the day.
Faux Hawk: common questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this haircut.
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