24 Aug, 2025

How bold hair and beard trends are breaking the rules

How bold hair and beard trends are breaking the rules

These days, Hair And Beard Styling isn’t just about looking good — it’s about making a statement, breaking the rules and standing out. From bold colours to unique designs, creative grooming is totally changing the way we trim and shave.

Geometric Beard Art 

Beards have always been a symbol of masculinity, but now they’re becoming a canvas for creative expression. Geometric beard art is all about shaping your facial hair into cool patterns like triangles, zigzags and even mandala-inspired designs.It takes a steady hand, a sharp eye for detail and a bit of daring spirit. It’s no longer just about growing a beard —it’s about turning it into a work of art.

 

 

Rainbow Hair Dye 

Gone are the days when hair colour was all about natural shades. Rainbow hair is taking over, with people rocking bold colours like electric blue, neon pink and fiery orange. Hell, why not all three?! It’s all about mixing and blending different shades to create a cool gradient or ombré effect to create something eye-catching and unique.

 

Braided Beards 

Braids aren’t just for hair anymore —they’re making their way to beards too! Braided beards are becoming a hot trend, especially for guys with Longer Facial Hair. The style involves sectioning the beard and weaving it into cool, intricate braids, sometimes adding beads or rings for extra flair.It’s a look that blends rugged charm with a touch of class, making it perfect for anyone looking to standout while keeping things classy.

 

Undercut Designs 

The undercut has been around fora while, but creative grooming has really taken it up a notch. Instead of just shaving the sides, people are now adding cool designs to their undercuts. Whether it’s tribal patterns or floral shapes, these designs are shaved or etched into the hair, creating a bold contrast between the shaved and unshaved parts. It offers endless style possibilities and each look can be totally unique.

 

Faux Hawk Fades 

The faux hawk is a versatile style that mixes the boldness of a mohawk with the clean look of a fade. What’s even cooler is how creative grooming has taken it to the next level with cool designs shaved into the sides (much like the undercut designs mentioned before). Think lightning bolts, stars, or more detailed patterns — they give the faux hawk an extra pop of personality. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to stand out without going full punk.

 

Hair Tattoos 

Hair tattoos, or Scalp Micro-Pigmentation, are changing the game. It’s all about tattooing designs onto your scalp, whether you’re going for some subtle shading to make your hair look fuller or rocking bold, artistic designs that stand out. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants something creative but doesn’t want the hassle of constant maintenance.

 

Beard Dyeing 

Just like hair dyeing, beard dyeing has become a fun way for guys to express themselves. Men are playing around with bold colours, from soft pastel pinks to shiny metallic silvers, creating a look that’s totally their own. Some even go all out with multi-coloured beards, mixing different shades for a cool rainbow effect. Ditch the rules and show off your style!

 

Asymmetry

Like all great artists, the rules are meant to be bent — the same goes for your head and facial hair. More and more men are going for looks that are intentionally uneven. This could mean shaving one side of the head and leaving the other side longer, or keeping one side of your beard shorter than the other. Remember 2010s Skrillex? This bold, unconventional choice is all about showing off your personality.

 

3D Hair Art

Stylists are getting creative with techniques like teasing, braiding and sculpting to make hair come to life in three-dimensional shapes that look like they’re defying gravity. From fun waves and swirls to bold, abstract sculptures, 3D hair art is all about showing off the crazy talent and imagination of today’s groomers.

 

Cultural Fusion 

Did you know the infamous “man bun” is the fusion of Western and Asian cultures? Creative grooming is all about mixing different vibes to come up with something totally fresh — but with as much respect and honour as it’s due. Imagine combining traditional African braids with cool Japanese-pop-inspired colours, or Accessorising With Beads or intricate patterns as seen in many African and Nordic cultures. It’s all about celebrating diversity and crafting a look that’s as unique as the person rocking it.

 

 

Issued on GQ South Africa by Anele Geqiwe  | https://www.gq.co.za/grooming/hair/how-bold-hair-and-beard-trends-are-breaking-the-rules-ad6db0d5-cc3e-4f04-9710-dcfd58697c60