Music fans love rock stars. But, what makes a rock star? Is it the fame and fortune that comes with being a rock singer or is it something else entirely?
Rock stars have long hair. It’s an iconic hairstyle that people associate with the genre of music they listen to. It is a symbol of the rebellious rock star lifestyle, and it’s an iconic part of many famous musicians’ images.
This article will discuss the history and culture of rock music and how it came to be associated with long hair.
Why Do Rock Stars Have Long Hair?
The length of hair on men is generational and cyclical. Shorter hair was culturally encouraged in the 1940s and 1950s in the United States.
Hair length peaked in the 1970s, fell during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s before rising again in recent years.
Musicians are not just cultural critics or trendsetters; they’re also at the forefront of fashion.
As rock music emerged in the ’60s with long hair as its signature style- even contemporary musicians who belong to different periods like classic or heavy metal tend to adopt this look for themselves (and sometimes their own subcultures).
Rock stars like Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, and the Beatles really laid out a template for rock musicians to continue to grow their hair long.
What Does Long Hair Symbolize?
Long hair is associated with youth culture, sexuality, and the hippie subculture.
Many musicians who are considered rock stars have long hair because it’s part of the hallmarks of this generational trendsetter.
Some people consider long hair as one of the images of rock musicians. They believe it to be one of the features of rock music.
It also symbolizes anti-authoritarianism, which many young people throughout history had identified with during times when significant social changes were happening.
Long hair has become a symbol of rebellion and separatism and is often associated with numerous counter-culture movements.
It’s also often seen as an expression of individual freedom, even if the length on the individual is not considered to belong.
A longer hairstyle can also express masculinity or femininity depending on how it is worn.
Who Has The Best Hair In Rock?
It’s hard to say who has the best hair in rock because different hairstyles (straight hair, curly hair, unkempt hair) can be considered ‘best’ depending on what kind of look you’re going for, but here are some suggestions:
- Jimi Hendrix: His iconic dreadlocks are what he’s most known for, but Jimi also rocked shaggy manes.
- David Bowie: His various looks helped define the glam rock era of music, and his style was very influential in fashion during that period.
- Paul McCartney: The Beatles frontman has had long hair throughout the band’s career, which helped define their generation’s style.
- Axl Rose: The Guns N Roses singer has long red hair, which was his trademark during the band’s heyday in the 80s and 90s when they were at their largest.
- Robert Plant: Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant is known for having extremely long, blonde locks.
- Keith Richards: Rolling Stones lead guitarist Keith is known for his long hair, which he has had throughout his entire career.
- Slash: Guns N Roses guitarist Slash has long black hair, which he is known for.
- Brian May: Queen’s lead singer Brian May had a distinctive look with his big red afro and wore wigs as part of the band’s costumes on stage during their shows.
- Jon Bon Jovi: Bon Jovi’s frontman Jon Bon has long blonde hair, which is his signature look, and girls are crazy over him.
These are just some rock stars who have achieved iconic status by sporting longer hairstyles, but there are many more! Rock music would not be what it is today without its emphasis on long hair.
Why Do People Think Rock Stars Should Have Long Hair?
The success of the Beatles marked a change in society towards acceptance and celebration of rock music. Many musicians who came after they employed similar styles for themselves.
Long hair was also symbolic of the counter-culture and anti-establishment sentiments that were prevalent at this time.
It didn’t matter if it wasn’t practical or easy to care for long hair. Musicians like Jimi Hendrix wore their hair with pride!
There are many other reasons why people associate rock stars with having long hair.
For example, musicians who belong to genres like heavy metal or classic rock tend to adopt this look for themselves, and it becomes part of their signature style.
There’s also a sense that long hair is an expression of masculinity in some cultures and societies where men might be discouraged from growing out their hair because it doesn’t conform with traditional male gender norms.
This is also true of musicians who are not rock stars in genres like pop, soul, or R&B because they feel the need to conform more with the mainstream culture and society around them.
Does Having Long Hair Make You a Better Musician?
Not necessarily, but it’s one of the hallmarks that define rock stars and musicians who belong to this era.
Rock music has its roots in rebellion. Naturally, many musicians will take on appearance traits like long hair. They are associated with anti-establishment sentiments of rebelliousness which is an inherent part of rock music.
If you’re looking to express your individuality, long hair is a way for men and women alike to do that with their appearance.
It might not be practical or easy to take care of this length, but it’s all about what makes you feel good!
So, your music skills do not in any way depend on the length of your hair, but you do look damn cool as a rocker if you have long hair.
Other Reasons Why Musicians Have Long Hair
Long Hair Is Good For Headbanging
There’s a reason why rock stars and metalheads commonly have long hair. Long hairs are advantageous for headbanging as they don’t get in the way and can even add to the visual effect of what you’re doing!
Or it just looks cool because rockstars like Slash from Guns N Roses are known for their legendary headbanging skills, which was part of his signature style.
Fans Love The Longhair Look
Some fans just love to see long hair on their favorite rock stars. It’s not only about the music, but also what they look like!
Girls especially love the long hair among the rock stars because it also symbolizes that they care about their looks just as they care about their music.
A clean, straight long hair always has a thing with the girls. So to get more fans, many rockers grew their hair long.
Conclusion
There are many reasons rock stars have long hair, but the two main ones are rooted in music history and culture. The Beatles paved the way for this new style which was part of their anti-establishment sentiments during that time.
The other reason is how people view masculinity through hairstyles like having long hair or wearing wigs on stage. There’s also a sense that long hair is the ultimate expression of free-spiritedness and individualism as well.
Long hair might not be practical or easy to take care of, but it’s all about what makes you feel good!
Rock stars like Slash from Guns N Roses are known for their legendary headbanging skills, part of their signature style.
There are some fans who just love to see long hair on their favorite rock stars. It’s not only about the music, but also what they look like!
So, if you’re ever in doubt whether to grow your hair out or not, then think about this: You look awesome with long hair! And your fans, especially the girls, will find you more attractive!
