Lockdown trend hair to stay
Barber says Kiwi men’s hairy look for 2020 fine as long as it’s shaped properly
Countless Kiwi men cultivated the “lockdown beard” in 2020 — and it’s a look that’s here to stay. A survey of 500 men revealed over half of them shaved less last year. Many let their facial hair fully grow out — and most admitted they also washed their faces less during lockdown.
But while iso-scruff is sticking around this year, beards will be looking tidier, says Boar & Blade barbershop owner Hohepa Rutene.
Lockdown beard can be a good thing, Rutene says — “if it’s shaped right and looked after properly!”
“We’ll see the novelty of really long and unruly facial hair wear off. Guys will begin paying more attention to their beards, keeping them shorter but still with a ‘ lived-in’ look — not perfectly chiselled jaw lines.”
As for haircut trends, with the weather heating up, shorter fades are in. “It helps keep their cuts look cleaner for longer. In 2020 we also saw an increase in guys embracing their curls and taking a more relaxed, textured look on the top, which is something we should see continue through 2021,” Rutene says.
The moustache has also moved beyond Movember — with the research from Bulldog Skincare for Men showing one in 10 men are considering a mo this summer.
We’ll see the novelty of really long and unruly facial hair wear off. Hohepa Rutene
After a tough 2020, Rutene says, “to lighten the mood, 2021 will be about fun and experimentation”.
“We’re already seeing guys embrace the moustache in all its glory, a trend which will continue into 2021.”
The survey showed the keenest guys to try out a moustache in the new year are Aucklanders, with 13 per cent of city dwellers eager to embrace the look.
From maskne ( acne caused by wearing masks) to Zoom face, a whole new set of skin problems presented themselves last year. Rutene says men are now more interested in their own skincare than ever. “Moisturiser really is a man’s best friend — stubble is okay but not rough skin.”
The research shows a quarter of men are planning to refresh — or start — a skincare regime and use products such as face wash and moisturiser regularly.
“Already loads of guys are using their partners’ products, but this year we’ll continue to see guys embrace their own face products.”