Background Information
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group were key pioneers of the 1960s pop music phenomenon, playing an integral role in the development of 1960s counterculture and of psychedelia. The Beatles achieved international fame and fortune and have been cited “the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band in popular music history”. The band members were John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Together, they wrote many of the world’s most popular songs and helped to shape popular music as we know it today.
Did everyone from the Beatles Have Black Hair?
No, not everyone from The Beatles had black hair. Each member of the band had a different hair color, although Brian Epstein was listed as the fifth member for some time. Lennon and Starr both had black hair, while McCartney had brown hair. George Harrison usually had brown hair, although he did have a short black haircut at one point.
The Different Hair Colours and Styles of The Beatles
John Lennon’s hair was frequently described as brown or black, although it varied in color from dark brown to near black. He typically wore his hair in a slightly longer shag style, although from time to time he also sported a “moptop” look made popular by the band. Paul McCartney’s hair was a shade of brown. He generally kept it cut short and wore it in a fairly conventional, conservative style.
Ringo Starr’s hair was the darkest of all the band members, being a deep black color. He usually sported a simple, clean cut look that emphasized the length of his sideburns. George Harrison had a slightly lighter brown hair, and often sported a more rock and roll style, with as much length as the other members of the band. His look often featured flat bangs and a long side part.
The Beatles Hair as Part of their Brand
The Beatles’ signature hair style was just as important to their success as their music or their stage presence. It added to their distinct “look” and helped to differentiate them from other popular acts. It was their look that set them apart from other bands and made them instantly recognizable.
In fact, it was John Lennon’s “mop-top” hairstyle that was to become a defining element of the Beatles’ look. The haircut was inspired by a mashup between Elvis’ slick, sideswept pompadour and the “teddy boy” hairstyle made popular in England at the time. This style eventually evolved into the distinctive Beatles’ look of the late 1960s.
Hair as a Reflection of Individual Identity
The Beatles’ hair was also reflective of their individual personalities or identities. Lennon’s long moptop showed his rebellious spirit and his willingness to challenge convention, while McCartney’s more modest look reflected his sensible nature. Ringo Starr’s signature look was a sign of his laid back and relaxed nature, while George Harrison’s more elaborate, rock and roll style exemplified his adventurous spirit.
The Debate over the Beatles’ Hair
The debate over the Beatles hair continues to this day. Some argue that the Beatles’ hairstyles were the result of their personal choices or style preferences, while others insist that the look was subtle way to express their rebellion and anti-establishment sentiments. It’s impossible to know for sure, but it is surely safe to say that the Beatles’ hairstyles played an important role in their success and their place in popular culture.
The Impact of the Beatles’ Hair
The impact of the Beatles’ hair is still seen in popular culture today. Short-haired styles can still be seen as models of conservatism and conventionality, while long side-swept hairstyles still evoke images of youthful rebellion and counter-culture.
In addition, the Beatles’ hairstyles have been adopted and reappropriated by many different artists and subcultures since the band’s heyday. In particular, skater culture and indie music continue to make use of the Beatles’ looks and styles, and their influence on fashion and music can still be seen today.
The Beatle Hair Style Transformed
The Beatles’ look and style has also been transformed by modern technology, particularly the internet. Websites, television shows and music videos all showcase the modern appropriations of the band’s signature style. Hair styles previously relegated to counter-culture movements now appear frequently in the mainstream.
In addition, modern fashion trends have seen the likes of the Beatles’ signature hairstyles being updated and re-invented, with men now often sporting more elaborate cuts such as quiffs and undercuts. The traditional haircuts of the Beatles are now seen as timeless styles which have become embedded in popular culture and are often seen on the most fashionable men of the modern age.
Hair Colours From Colorists
In recent years, hair colourists have also helped to bring the classic looks of the Beatles back into fashion. Hair dyes and highlights can now be used to recreate the laid back, lived-in looks that the Beatles and other popular bands of the 60s and 70s were known for. This has allowed hair colourists to tap into the DNA of classic rock and roll style and to bring it back and reimagine it for modern trends.
The Beatles Influence on Hair Trends
The Beatles are undoubtedly one of the most influential bands of all time and their impact on popular culture is still felt today. They were the pioneers of the modern music industry, developing innovative sounds, breaking down barriers and inspiring countless other musicians.
Similarly, the haircuts and styles of the Beatles have had a lasting influence on fashion and hair trends. The moptop and side-swept shags of the 60s have been re-invented and made fashionable again in recent years, and the resemblance to the signature looks of the Beatles is undeniable. Thus, it can be argued that the influence of The Beatles on hair trends has far exceeded their influence on the music industry.
