Iconic Hairstyles in the World of Sports

As men we should understand the importance of looking good and often notice the style choices of those we see the most. For many men it’s the people who are the face of the oversaturated world of sports. Whether we love them, admire them or loathe them, there is no escape from the hair styles of the coaches and athletes that play the game. Some can pull it off, others are making a statement, and some are just in denial. Let’s take a look at what I feel are some of the standouts.

Pat Riley

Pat Riley

Reigning king of the “Slick-back,” this legendary coach maintained a level of consistency on the court and on his head and is infamous for collecting championship rings and devouring tubes of Dep. Even as his hair changed in length and the color faded from dark to silver he maintained a devotion to slicking it back…a style that never let him down.

Jaromir Jagr

Jaromir Jagr

Jagr set the unattainable benchmark for mulletude in the 90’s. His helmet would ride 3” off his head because of the shear height and thickness up top. To keep from tipping the balance he pushed the acceptable limits of society by increasing the length of the rear mullet each season. The total package will forever be remembered as the mullet that ruled the world.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan

High speed and low drag. It’s widely known that his head shape and aerodynamic choice of hair style factored into his hang time and helped him earn the title of “Air” Jordan. Well…maybe.

Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman

Rodman shocked a lot of people in the 90’s, the lay-fan with his outrageous hair styles and off court antics, the sports fan with his rebounding skills and on court dominance.  The list of athletes with crazy hairstyles and colors goes on forever but no one can argue that he did it first. Not only was he first, but he was definitely the most elaborate in his choice of patterns and colors from a palate with more depth than the visible light spectrum.

Pete Rose

Pete Rose

When it comes to the “Hair helmet” Pete Rose made it look good. A superstar of the MLB during the 70’s and 80’s he rocked that thick hairdo better than most, even though a hair transplant may be in order now days. Although he may be remembered more for his downfall than his rise we will never forget the perfectly manicured mane that is definitely deserving of a spot in the hair hall of fame.

David Beckham

David Beckham

Though he is obviously in denial of what lies in store for his hairline, he is pulling it off well. David and his image consultants are being very smart about the restoration of his hair. Reducing his visible scalp little by little is just subtle enough that it will keep us all guessing. Whether he did or didn’t get a hair transplant doesn’t matter to me, his hair looks amazing and complements his overall style well. He is definitely on his game.

As you look at these pictures remember, how you wear your hair will always be a part of who you are but isn’t the only thing that defines you. These guys show us that anything goes, whether you’re leading the fashion trends or holding on to the past it’s all the same in the end. Just try and look your best getting there.

About the Author

Brett Collins is a freelance blogger and wannabe barber. If he’s not giving himself a trim in the garage or writing about men’s hair issues, you can find him watching women’s tennis and cheering for the ballboys.