The Punk Hair Movement

Written By Seamus Flanagan

Creative Directed By Seamus Flanagan & Bryesen Cooper

Photography By Britney Spangeberg

Modeled By Autumn Adams, Ruby Morales, McKinley Brown, Khennedy Adkins-Dutro, & Seamus Flanagan

What does your hair say about you? When you do your hair in the morning, are you making a statement? Within the punk movement, that is exactly the point. The punk movement started in the 1970s with the intent to go against societal norms. From 70s rock to fashion to challenging government authority, the punk movement was about rejecting the rules imposed by society. 

Punk hair is the epitome of going against the current styles of the time. The different hairstyle norms of the 70s were seen in feathery cuts, voluminous, wide curls, and natural colors. Some examples are the shag, the Farrah flick, and the afro. In contrast, punk hair was sharp, typically colored, and short or completely shaved. Examples of these hairstyles include the mohawk, with its shaved sides and protruding flat center or prongs from the scalp, liberty spikes with its various upright, thick barbs, or even the simplistic — but effective — shaven head.

Who were the types of people rocking these hairstyles and what were their experiences? According to The Issue Magazine, “Punk was characterized by many different conflicts in the UK. The new generation is against the norms of the old generations, and the working classes are against the oppression set by the bourgeoisie. In essence, it was an inherently left-wing movement embracing a rejection of authority and advocating freedom for choice. Punk creators rejected fascism, racism, and other oppressive ideologies.” 

Overall, the purpose of punk hair was to oppose everything seen as “normal” during the time. These styles stuck out within a crowd, which helped push the idea of being anti-authoritarian. From the 1970s to today, the punk subculture can be seen as fashionable and related to the fight against government authority.