The Mohawk Haircut: Shaved Sides, a Strip on Top and Real Upkeep
A mohawk is a haircut in which the sides of the head are shaved or clipped very short, leaving a distinct strip of longer hair running from the front hairline to the back of the head. That clear separation between strip and sides is what makes it a true mohawk rather than a faux hawk, where the sides are short but not removed. Mohawks range from a short, neat strip a few centimetres wide to a tall, spiked statement. All of them share two practical facts: the sides need regular attention to stay clean, and the shape of your head is on show. Brief your barber on the width, length and how the strip ends at the back.
Mohawk, faux hawk and frohawk: the differences
| Style | Sides | Top | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohawk | Shaved or skin | Defined strip, front to back | High |
| Faux hawk | Short or faded, hair still present | Longer hair pushed to the centre | Low; can be styled down |
| Frohawk | Tapered or faded | Afro-textured hair shaped into a ridge | Medium |
| Mohawk fade | Faded from skin upwards into the strip | Strip blends into the sides | Medium to high |
If you want the outline without the full commitment, read our guide to the faux hawk for grown men. For afro-textured hair, the frohawk is often the more natural route.
The main versions
Short mohawk
A strip of two to five centimetres of hair, neatly shaped and often worn slightly textured. It is the most wearable version for adults and the easiest to maintain.
Mohawk with a fade
Instead of a hard edge, the sides fade from skin up into the strip. It looks cleaner and less confrontational, and it grows out more gracefully.
Classic or spiked mohawk
Longer hair on the strip, styled straight up or into spikes. This needs real length, strong product and daily effort, and suits people who enjoy styling.
Wide mohawk
The strip runs wider, sometimes most of the top of the head, with only the sides above the ears removed. It sits between a mohawk and an undercut. If that is the effect you want, our post on the undercut is worth a read too.
Who a mohawk suits
Because the sides disappear, a mohawk exaggerates whatever your head and face already do. A few honest rules of thumb:
- Longer, narrower faces suit a short, low strip. A tall mohawk makes the face look longer still.
- Rounder faces benefit from a little height in the strip, which adds length and balances width.
- Head shape matters more than usual. Flat areas at the back of the head or prominent bumps on the sides are easy to see once the hair is gone. A fade rather than skin softens this.
- Thick, coarse hair holds height well. Fine hair looks better short and textured.
- Your ears are on display. If that bothers you, a mohawk fade that leaves a shadow of hair around the ears is the kinder option.
None of these are prohibitions. They are the conversation your barber should have with you before the clippers come out.
How to ask for a mohawk
- Width of the strip. Show with your fingers. Two fingers is narrow, three or four is standard, wider is moving towards an undercut.
- Length on top. A centimetre measurement or a photo. Say if you plan to grow it longer.
- Sides. Skin, a foil shave or a very low clipper number.
- Edge. Hard, sharp lines or a fade into the strip.
- Front and back. Whether the strip runs to the nape, finishes at the crown, or ends in a V or a tail.
- Your context. Work, sport and how much daily styling you will realistically do.
A good barber will tell you plainly if your hair type, density or head shape will make a particular version difficult. At Highgate Cuts, every visit starts with an assessment for exactly that reason.
What happens in the chair
The barber marks out the strip first, usually with a comb and clippers, checking it is centred from the front, top and back. The sides are then taken down with clippers, and refined to skin with a foil shaver or razor if that is what you asked for. If the sides are faded, the blend is built upwards into the strip. The top is cut to length last and the edges detailed. Expect it to take longer than a standard cut, particularly with a skin finish. You can see the services we offer on the Highgate Cuts barber page.
Upkeep: the honest part
- Sides: shaved sides show regrowth within days. To keep them clean, most people need a tidy every one to two weeks, or a careful home shave in between. See how often to shave your head for a sensible rhythm.
- Strip: trimmed every three to five weeks depending on length.
- Edges: the line between strip and sides blurs first. That is the bit to leave to the barber.
- Styling: short versions need a little paste or clay for texture. Tall spikes need strong gel or hairspray and a blow dryer.
We do not offer colour, so if you want a dyed strip you will need a colourist, and it is worth having the cut done after colouring so the shape is crisp.
Scalp care
Newly exposed skin on the sides is prone to sunburn and dryness. Use sunscreen on the sides in summer; the NHS sunburn advice covers the basics. If you shave the sides at home, use a sharp blade, shave with the grain and moisturise afterwards. See a pharmacist or your GP if you develop persistent bumps, soreness or a rash.
Growing it out
The quickest route is to let the sides grow while trimming the strip shorter, moving through a faux hawk and then a short back and sides. It takes several weeks. Tell your barber you are growing it out so each visit moves you on rather than resetting the shape. More about the building and the training studio downstairs is on The Highgate House homepage.
Questions we get asked
Is a mohawk acceptable for work?
A short or faded version is, in many workplaces. Tall spikes are better for weekends.
Does a mohawk suit thin hair?
A short, textured strip can work well. Tall styles need density to stand up.
Can I do a mohawk on curly hair?
Yes. Curls give natural height; the barber shapes the strip around the curl pattern.
How much does a mohawk cost?
Prices are not published yet. See the barber menu or email us.
Book with The Highgate House
Ready for a proper cut? Email us at [email protected] with the service and the day that suits you, and we will come back to you with times.
Visit The Highgate House · The barbers
The Highgate House, Archway Road, Highgate, London N6.
