by Michael Jackson’s Iconic Hairstyles
Michael Jackson was known for constantly reinventing and evolving his hairstyles over the course of his legendary career. From his early days with The Jackson 5 through his solo success in the 1980s, Jackson pushed boundaries with dramatic cuts and styles that became just as iconic as his music and dance moves. However, there were definitely some hairstyles that fans would never have seen the King of Pop sporting. Here’s a closer look at 5 styles that simply would not have fit Michael Jackson’s image or persona.
The Mullet
Perhaps one of the most controversial hairstyles of all time is the mullet. With its business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back design, the mullet was hugely popular in the 1970s and 1980s. However, it never would have suited Michael Jackson’s refined image and style. The mullet is a very casual cut that projects a laidback, even rebellious vibe. Jackson was always meticulous about his appearance and presentation, with polished, elegant styles that complemented his performances. The mullet just wouldn’t have fit his sharp, sophisticated aesthetic. It also would have clashed with his dancing, which required flexibility and freedom of movement. Can you imagine Jackson hitting his signature moonwalk moves with hair hanging down in back? It simply wouldn’t have worked for his performances or public persona. While the mullet was in fashion during Jackson’s rise to fame, he always kept things polished and tailored, never veering into such a shaggy, unkempt style. Fans definitely never would have seen Jackson rocking the mullet.
The Buzz Cut
Another style that seems impossible to picture on Michael Jackson is the buzz cut. A buzz cut is one of the shortest haircuts possible, with hair all cut to the same short length all over the head. It’s a very masculine, no-nonsense style. However, Jackson was never one for understated hair. He loved big, dramatic shapes and silhouettes that made bold statements. A buzz cut allows for no flair or individuality. Jackson’s hair was always a huge part of his overall image and brand. He used unique cuts, colors, and textures to stand out and grab attention. A buzz cut is the exact opposite – plain and indistinct. It also wouldn’t have worked for Jackson’s dancing, which required volume, movement, and flexibility from his hairstyles. Fans loved seeing Jackson’s locks flow as he performed. A buzz cut simply wouldn’t have fit with his over-the-top persona or performances. It’s safe to say this militaristic style was never going to be in Jackson’s rotation of looks.
The Comb-Over
Another hairstyle that seems impossible to picture on the always glamorous Michael Jackson is the comb-over. The comb-over is a style worn by men trying to disguise a receding hairline or bald spot. They comb strands of hair from one side of the head over the thinning area to cover it. However, Jackson always had a full, thick head of hair in his younger years before developing vitiligo. Even later in life as he lost pigment in his skin, his hair remained lush. More importantly, a comb-over just doesn’t fit Jackson’s image. He was never one to try hiding or covering up anything – he embraced individuality. A comb-over projects insecurity, which Jackson never showed. He was always bold, flamboyant, and proud of his unique look. Trying to disguise anything would have gone against his persona. Jackson also loved big, voluminous hairstyles, not thin, closely-combed strands barely covering his scalp. Fans can be sure a comb-over would never have made the cut for one of Jackson’s signature styles.
Long Dreadlocks
Michael Jackson was known for short, polished cuts or voluminous styles like his famous afro. However, one hairstyle that seems impossible to picture is long dreadlocks. Dreadlocks require letting hair mat and lock together without combing or cutting. They result in long, ropey strands of hair hanging down the head and back. This style simply would not have worked for Jackson’s performances, dancing, or image. His signature moonwalk and other smooth, flowing dance moves would have been hindered by heavy dreadlocks swinging all over. The style is also very casual and laidback, unlike Jackson’s usual polished presentation. It also would have clashed with many of the sharp, sophisticated suits and outfits he wore. Can you imagine Jackson performing “Billie Jean” or “Smooth Criminal” with dreadlocks swinging as he danced? It just doesn’t seem to fit. While dreadlocks have become more mainstream in recent years, they still project a very different image than Jackson’s usual slick styles. Fans are confident they never would have seen this look on the King of Pop.
The Man Bun
One of the biggest men’s hairstyles of the 2010s decade is the man bun. Popularized by celebrities like Justin Bieber and Adam Levine, the man bun involves pulling hair into a messy topknot high on the head. While more mainstream now, the style was still relatively new and casual when Jackson was performing. It simply does not match his image from the 80s and 90s at all. Jackson always wore polished, elegant styles, not loose, tousled topknots. His hair was big and dramatic, not pulled severely up and back. A man bun also would have interfered with his dancing and acrobatic moves, unlike his voluminous cuts. It’s hard to picture Jackson doing spins, leaps or moonwalks with hair pulled tightly up in a bun. The style also projects a very laidback, casual vibe unlike Jackson’s usually sophisticated appearance. While the man bun has become a trend, it’s clear it never would have worked for Jackson and his over-the-top performances or public persona in his prime. Fans are certain this 2010s trend never would have caught on with the King of Pop.
Constant Evolution and Reinvention
Michael Jackson was famous for constantly changing up and reinventing his hairstyles over the decades. From his early afro to locks to jheri curls to wigs, he pushed boundaries with dramatic cuts and styles. However, there were definitely limits to the styles that fit his image. Jackson always kept things polished, elegant, and complementary to his dancing and performances. While trends came and went, he stuck to dramatic, voluminous cuts that allowed him to shine on stage. Styles like mullets, buzz cuts, comb-overs, dreadlocks and man buns simply did not sync up with who Jackson was as an entertainer and public figure. His iconic hair was a huge part of his brand and look. He knew what styles worked for taking his performances and star power to the next level. That’s why fans can be certain these more casual trends were never going to make the cut for the King of Pop himself. Jackson was always evolving, but within the confines of his ultra-glamorous, sophisticated image.
In conclusion, while Michael Jackson was famous for constantly changing up his hairstyles, there were definitely limits to the looks that fit his brand. Styles like mullets, buzz cuts, comb-overs, dreadlocks and man buns simply did not mesh with Jackson’s polished, elegant image as an entertainer and public figure. His hair was a huge part of his signature look and performances. He knew what dramatic, voluminous cuts allowed him to truly shine on stage. More casual trends may have been popular elsewhere, but Jackson stayed true to styles that complemented his dancing, outfits, and over-the-top persona. That’s why fans can be certain these types of cuts were never going to make the rotation for the King of Pop himself during his prime years. Jackson was always reinventing, but within the confines of the ultra-glamorous image he crafted so carefully. His iconic hairstyles were as much a part of his legend as his music and dance moves.
