The Mod Haircut Revival: A Stylist’s Guide to a Look That’s Coming Back

The Mod haircut is once again back on trend! This ultra cool cut, often associated with British youth culture, is re-emerging on runways, red carpets, and in salons worldwide. Fashion-forward clients are looking for retro-inspired looks that still feel modern, and the Mod haircut is a perfect option for those seeking a unique, versatile look. Say goodbye to spending hours perfecting a style! This cut allows your clients to wake up with a fashionable ‘do that requires minimal effort to maintain. Let’s explore the Mod haircut’s roots, its modern-day variations, and how to recreate and maintain this iconic look.

What Is the Mod Haircut?

Known for its sharp, clean lines and minimalist appeal, the Mod haircut first emerged from the British Mod subculture in the 1960s, the Mod movement was about rebellion, a rejection of the conservative styles of the 1950s, and a desire for something fun, edgy, and bold. Icons like Twiggy, Edie Sedgwick, and the members of The Beatles popularized the Mod haircut, solidifying its place in the fashion world. These figures made the Mod look not only stylish but a symbol of the era’s youth rebellion, creativity, and futuristic optimism.

 

 

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Key Features of the Classic Mod Haircut

The classic Mod haircut is characterized by its structured look. It typically features:

• Blunt cuts with minimal layering.
• Geometric shapes that create strong, clean lines.
• Heavy bangs or side fringes that fall just above the eyes.
• Symmetry and precision in the overall shape.

Men’s Mod styles often involved longer hair on top, with sharply defined sides, creating a more polished look. For women, the Mod bob was often short and sharp, stopping at the chin or slightly higher, with a heavy fringe.

Modern Variations of the Mod Haircut

Let’s take a look at how to bring the Mod style to today’s clients.

The Updated Women’s Mod Bob

The classic women’s Mod bob is being reinterpreted for modern times by adding additional length, layers, texture, and volume. While the original was sleek and straight, today’s Mod bob can be customized for different hair types and preferences.

 

 

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• Adding texture: Incorporate soft waves or choppy layers to add movement and break away from the bluntness of the original cut. We recommend using the Style Masters™ Volume Amplifier Mousse™, which gives the hair body and volume. It also helps preserve color, leaves hair soft, and provides hours of hold. This makes it suitable for clients with fine hair who need a bit more structure and volume.

• Softening the edges: Today’s Mod bob often softens the sharp lines by using razoring techniques, which can add subtle texture while still maintaining the boldness of the Mod look.
• Volume: To modernize the Mod haircut, adding volume is key. While traditional techniques like backcombing help to create lift at the roots, Style Masters™ Creator Memory Spray™ enhances this effect with its lightweight formula and unique memory technology for a more flexible approach.

 

Men’s Mod Styles with a 21st-Century Edge

For men, the Mod haircut has also evolved with the times. While the 1960s version involved longer hair on top and a defined side part, today’s variations feature cleaner lines but with more texture.

 

 

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• Undercuts and fades: Modern men’s Mod styles can also incorporate sharp undercuts and skin fades to create contrast between the longer hair on top and the choppy (but defined) sides. These updates keep the style fresh while still paying homage to its roots.
• Texture and movement: By using products like Style Masters™ Creator Fiber Wax™, stylists can add texturized, sculpted, and defined finishes without adding weight or residue. This gives the Mod haircut a more relaxed, tousled finish compared to the original look​

Bold Color Choices

One of the most exciting updates to the Mod haircut is the use of bold color. While the original Mod look was often seen in natural shades, today’s interpretations embrace vibrant hues and modern coloring techniques.

• Block coloring: Block colors like platinum blonde, jet black, or vibrant reds can add extra impact to the classic cut. We recommend the semi-permanent Nutri Color™ Filters direct color masks, which can help you to create fun and fashionable makeovers in just 3-15 minutes!​

• Balayage and pastels: Soft pastel shades or Balayage techniques can add depth and dimension to a Mod haircut, especially for clients looking for something a bit softer or more romantic.

How to Create the Perfect Mod Haircut

Next, let’s go through the steps of creating a modern Mod haircut that your clients will love!

Step 1: Consultation and Customization

First, customize the style to your client’s face shape, hair texture, and personal preferences by starting with a consultation. The Mod haircut works best on straight or slightly wavy hair but can be adapted for other textures. The charm of the mod cut lies in its versatility—it can be customized to fit various hair lengths and textures. One thing to keep in mind is that clients with round faces may benefit from longer bobs with less volume at the sides, while those with square or heart-shaped faces can rock a sharp fringe and a blunt bob.

Step 2:  Cutting and Tailoring

The Mod cut is typically a shorter, scissor-cut style on the sides, paired with a straight fringe and added volume on top. However, there are plenty of ways to personalize a mod cut.

Precision is key when creating a Mod haircut. Clean sectioning ensures that the angular lines of the haircut are sharp and defined.

In terms of tools, fine-tooth combs, sharp shears, and straight razors are essential for achieving the crisp lines typical of this cut. Make sure you get your scissors in tip top shape with regular sharpening to get that precise, flawless result.

Step 3: Maintaining the Cut

Maintaining a Mod haircut requires regular trims to keep the lines clean and sharp. Clients should come in for a trim every 4-6 weeks to ensure the haircut retains its structure.

It’s also a good idea to recommend products that will help to keep your client’s hair in great condition. Suggest some professional care and styling products that will suit your clients hair type and routine.

Styling and Finishing Tips for a Mod Haircut in the Modern Era

Adding Volume and Texture

After cutting, proper styling is key to highlight the sought after silhouette of the Mod haircut. Our pro tip is to first dry the fringe and then the perimeter of the Mod cut and then work on the crown area. Use your fingers to create texture or a dryer/straightener.

You can also use a round brush to create lots of volume at the roots and to give that smooth finish that will accentuate the Mod haircut’s structure.

The Best Products for a Sleek Finish

A smooth, sleek finish is one of the hallmarks of the Mod haircut. To get this, opt for the nourishing RE/START Balayage Hair Care Cream for colored hair. You can also use Style Masters™ Smooth Iron Guard™ for clients with curly hair who want a temporary smooth, shiny style that still has movement.

The Best Products for a Textured Finish

The Mod haircut doesn’t always have to be sleek and smooth. A key element in modernizing the classic Mod haircut is incorporating volume and texture, which offers a fresh twist on the traditionally sleek look.  For a shaggy or voluminous look, consider adding layers to amplify volume at the roots alongside sculpting wax such as the Style Masters™ Creator Fiber Wax™ to add amazing, texturized, sculpted, and defined finishes. ​

Accessorizing Your Mod Look

Accessories are a great way to personalize the Mod haircut. Headbands, clips, and scarves can all add a playful, vintage-inspired touch.

• Headbands: A wide headband worn just behind the fringe can enhance the retro feel of the Mod bob.
• Scarves: For clients looking for a true 60s throwback, adding a scarf around the hair or neck can elevate the look and bring out the Mod vibe.

The Mod haircut is back and it’s more versatile than ever! With modern variations and the right products, this iconic style can be adapted to suit today’s fashion trends while still paying homage to its 1960s roots so make sure that you empower your salon by becoming a pro on this look.

To learn more about other trending looks, don’t forget to head to our 24/7 e-learning platform, #RevlonProAlwaysOn and stock up on all your professional products at our Revlon ProShop (for client’s only).