In this article
The incredible mohawk hairstyle was born in the late 1970s and this is a trend that has been around for experimentation for decades.
Even though we understand that not everyone will love wearing a mohawk hairstyle, we are here to let you know that there has never been a better time than now to wear this famous hairstyle.
This is where our stylists tell you what mohawk hairstyle really means and share with you five styles that you can follow this year.
What is a mohawk hairstyle?
Mohawk haircut refers to a type of hairstyle that involves shaved sides and back with longer hair in the middle. It was one of the hairstyles made famous by punk rockers in the eighties, and has since then been adapted by personalities such as David Beckham, among other celebrities recently.
The mohawk haircut returns in 2026. There are many different types of mohawk hairstyles, and those which are not that daring for those who are not ready to take a risk with their hairstyle.
For the rest of this article, here are some of the 10 styles for hair style mohawk in 2026 for you to consider in case you are thinking of adopting this hairstyle.
10 styles for mohawk haircuts
Ready for picking your mohawk style in 2026? Here are some amazing tips that will help you adopt this classic hairstyle this year:
1. Simple ladies mohawk haircut
Even though this style is commonly associated with a man’s hairstyle, we are here to inform you that girls can wear it as well. In actual fact, there are absolutely no restrictions when it comes to mohawk hairstyles, and what suits guys can be worn by girls as well.
Whether it is the mohawk fade or the mullet mohawk hairstyle, women can definitely have this look just like men do. It is important for you to take a look at the different mohawk hairstyles below in order to pick one that best fits your taste.
2. Mohawk fade haircut
Perhaps one of the most common mohawk styles is the mohawk fade. This style is characterized by your barber cutting from longer hair at the top to shorter hair at the back and sides. While the fade is not exclusive to the mohawk style, it works amazingly well with the extra length of hair that comes with the mohawk.
However, to get a great looking mohawk fade, you need a good barber. Fading the hair is never an easy task; hence, the need for expertise in the art especially when it comes to styling both the mohawk and the fade.
3. Mullet mohawk haircut
For those searching for a long hair mohawk cut, nothing can compare with the mullet. It was popular during the 80s, but in 2026, the hairstyle had a rebirth. This is attributed to the popularity of the wolfcut style.
The length of the mullet is significant. Therefore, this haircut suits someone with hair a little above the shoulder length. When it comes to the mohawk part, there is no restriction about how you would like to style it. You could go for the simplicity and style it shorter; alternatively, you can get something out of the ordinary with blonde highlights.
Mullet mohawk is not only a classic hairstyle but also a very attractive one too.
When it comes to caring for mullet mohawk haircuts, you have to do so in the right way. Washing of hair should be done 2-3 times weekly using quality shampoo. Moreover, you should dry it using an ionic dryer such as Laifen Swift Premium.
The ionic dryer will keep your mullet away from frizzing, something that people with longer hair suffer a lot. Afterwards, you may consider using other products such as leave-in conditioner to retain moisture in your hair.
4. Kids mohawk haircut
While a mohawk may seem a bit wild for most children, it is definitely a possibility. We would suggest toning down the look for kids a bit – the mohawk with fade will be perfect for them, or else go for a short mohawk fading into the same length as the sides and back.
As a little side tip, if you are considering giving a mohawk to your kids, do make sure to check with the school first! Some schools do not allow this particular style of hair, so it is best to find out before any problem arises at the school gates!
5. Highlighted mohawk haircut
The mohawk is definitely a bold hairstyle, and so there’s no reason not to kick things up a notch with highlights. As an option for a contemporary look, the bleached mohawk will do well since bleached highlights are definitely a trending hairstyle for 2026.
On the other hand, the mohawk is a good choice for green or even red hair, in which case it will be a nod to the punk rock mohawks of the 1970s and 1980s.
Whatever you decide, a colored mohawk is sure to make this look more interesting, and highlights are all it takes to accomplish the task.
6. Braided mohawk with a twist
Do you think a mohawk should always involve spikes and haircuts? A braided mohawk will give you both edge and elegance together. This kind of hairstyle maintains clean lines on the sides using cornrows or flat twists, while drawing attention to the big center braid or bun.
You can use gold cuffs or beads in your braids to make your hairstyle look special, as a mohawk can be fierce and fancy at the same time.
7. Curly mohawk for natural texture
Curls? No shame about that. Just go for a curly mohawk to showcase them in all their glory in a distinct cut. Trim the sides to put them in focus on your stunning hair.
This is an awesome, cute and surprisingly soft hairstyle for those who wish to spice things up for brunch on Saturday or the rooftop party on Friday night. All you need is a little curling cream, and it’s done.
8. Sass in a fake hawk
Want the look of a mohawk, but don't want to shave your head yet? Introducing the faux hawk. This hairstyle is all about creating a mohawk shape with upward styling of central hair and pushing back the sides. It is great for both daywear or evening.
What’s more, it is easily adaptable to any kind of hair length and texture.
9. Shaved sides and long mohawk
If you want to make an impact, try shaved sides and a long mohawk.
This look is fearless and dramatic, and absolutely worth trying. Get the mohawk long enough and create any style you like – from straight and sleek to wavy and textured. The shaved sides will help the top part stand out even more.
Just remember: this haircut requires constant maintenance, so schedule appointments at your barber on a regular basis.
10. Soft tapered mohawk with texture
If subtlety is what you are going for, you will love the soft tapered mohawk look. It combines the sides with the center part seamlessly and smoothly. The texture of the top part creates volume without spikes.
Mohawk VS Faux Hawk: What is the difference?
|
Feature |
Mohawk |
Faux Hawk |
|
Sides |
Fully shaved or ultra-short |
Short or faded, not shaved |
|
Top style |
Bold strip, often spiked or styled high |
Styled upward, but more blended |
|
Look |
Edgy, rebellious, statement-making |
Trendy, subtle, more wearable |
|
Maintenance |
High – needs frequent trims |
Low – easy to grow out or restyle |
|
Versatility |
Limited to bold looks |
Highly versatile for casual or formal wear |
|
Best For |
Bold personalities who love standing out |
Anyone wanting edge without full commitment |
How to style your mohawk hair?
Using proper tools, techniques, and maintenance, your mohawk can be made more than just cool; it will become a statement piece.
1. Dry it with intention
The basis of an excellent mohawk hairstyle comes down to volume and direction, which is achieved through proper blow-drying. First, apply heat protector, and then use the Laifen SE Lite blower together with a concentrator nozzle to direct the air from root to tip upwards.
Blow-drying in sections and using your hands for tension will give your mohawk structure and shape without any products.
2. Pick the right product
Use a matte wax or styling clay for curly hair and a textured finish or gel or pomade for a shiny and sleek result. To maintain a mohawk with curly hair, use a defining cream to add volume and manageability.
3. Maintain the sides
Clean mohawk needs clean sides too. Keep the sides trim and faded at least every 1-2 weeks if possible. You can do it yourself with clippers, however, it would be better to visit a professional barbershop for a sharper style.
4. Create the style with the cool shot
After shaping your mohawk, finalize the hairstyle. With the help of the cool shot from the blow dryer, fix the shape if you have created it upwards or added volume. To add extra hold, end your styling process with a light spray of flexible hairspray.
Conclusion – the mohawk hairstyle
Mohawk is a bold hairstyle that emerged in the 1970s. Although this style was associated with punk rock at first, now it is much more common and can be created in various ways by many people.
Despite the fact that mohawk is an extreme hairstyle that may not suit everyone, considering the range of mohawk hairstyles at your disposal, there is nothing that would stop you from trying out this style in 2026.
FAQs
Which hair type is like mohawk hair?
Some hairstyles that are like a mohawk hairstyle include the faux hawk, undercut, and mullet hairdos which are hairstyles that create contrasts with the longer top parts and shorter sides. Although they all vary in style, they still exude that same edgy and rebellious nature of the mohawk.
Which face shape suits a mohawk hairstyle?
Surprisingly, mohawks fit people with oval, round, and square face shapes. Those with an oval face can rock any hairstyle, but with a mohawk hairstyle, it makes the round face appear long, while the square-shaped face becomes sharper.
Do people still wear mohawks in 2026?
Yes, there are different types of mohawks in 2026 that are more versatile than before. From classic mohawks with punk influences to mohawks with different hairstyles such as fades, curls, and braiding, mohawks remain trendy for any age and hair type.
What length of hair do I need for a mohawk?
The recommended length of hair needed for creating a mohawk is 3 to 6 inches on top; however, longer hair allows doing more types of hairstyles, including braiding and curling. Sides may be shaved or faded. It is possible to create a mohawk even if the hair is shorter by using such hairstyles as faux hawk.
