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Top Hairstyles For A Widow’s Peak

These are the best men’s hairstyles for men who have a widow’s peak.

Posted by | 30th January 2022

A widow’s peak can be easily confused by a receding hairline as it is recognisable by its V-shape. The bottom of the V will be visible at the centre of the forehead. The name supposedly stems back to the 16th century, when widowers used to wear a peaked headdress after they lost their spouse. Don’t worry, you can ignore all the bizarre superstitions linked to it.

The general consensus is that a widow’s peak is usually inherited; meaning it comes down to genetics. This has not been confirmed scientifically, however, it is common that if someone in your family has a widow’s peak, you will have one too.

You might not realise you have a widow’s peak until you pull your hair back and off your face. It can remain quite hidden and will vary from person to person. Some are definitely more obvious than others.

Pulling off any hairstyle with your widow’s peak is easy, just take it from the men who are flaunting it in Hollywood too!

How Is It Characterised?

Key elements of a widow’s peak:

  • Natural hairline
  • V-shape at the front
  • Possibly inherited

Famous Men With A Widow’s Peak

chris-hemsworth-quiff-with-widows-peak-hairstyle-haircut-man-for-himself-ft.jpg Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Chris Hemsworth: Widow’s Peak Hairstyle

Thor actor, Chris Hemsworth, has naturally thick hair and this choppy, on-trend, medium-length style really suits him. It’s all about those layers and building texture in the top, whilst maintaining the length. Keeping the sides tight ensures a neater finish.

How To

  • Keep the length on the top.
  • Tight and neat on the sides.
  • Chop into the top to create texture – don’t use thinning scissors.
  • Style how you like. There are plenty of options; slick back, leave natural, or build volume in the top and finish with a high hold clay.
taron-egerton-medium-length-hairstyle-with-widows-peak-hairstyle-haircut-man-for-himself-ft.jpg Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Taron Egerton: Medium Length Hairstyle With Widow’s Peak

Let’s be honest, Taron Egerton doesn’t make as bold choices with his hair as he does with his acting roles (Elton John, Eddie the Eagle… to name just a few) but we think this swept back grown-out hairstyle works really well with his widow’s peak.

Whether you’re thinning or you have a natural widow’s peak, opting for a slightly longer taper and showing off (rather than disguising) your hairline is a great style to try.

Pre-style with a mousse and then tease into shape with a pomade or clay and you can easily recreate Taron’s hairstyle at home.

How To

  • Taron Egerton doesn’t overstyle his hair, but he definitely uses some product to keep it in place and to add volume.
  • Use a mousse to before drying the hair to build up volume.
  • Apply a small amount of pomade or clay to keep it pushed back and add texture.
  • Use your hands for a more natural look, or a wide-toothed comb to sweep hair back.
david-gandy-medium-length-hairstyle-with-widows-peak-hairstyle-haircut-man-for-himself-ft.jpg John Phillips/Getty Images for BoF VOICES

David Gandy: Medium Length Hairstyle With Widow’s Peak

Male supermodel, David Gandy, has all the good looks and a great hairstyle to match. His classic style is to keep length all over, with volume and texture in the top. By combing the hair back it reveals an obvious widow’s peak.

How To

  • David Gandy doesn’t overstyle his hair, but he definitely uses some product to keep it in place, and also to add volume.
  • Use a mousse or thickening spray in pre-styling, before drying the hair, to build up volume.
  • Apply a small amount of clay to keep it pushed back and with plenty of texture.
  • Use your hands (for a more natural look), or a wide-toothed comb to push the hair back.
justin-theroux-textured-hair-with-a-widows-peak-hairstyle-haircut-man-for-himself-ft.jpg Rachel Luna/FilmMagic

Justin Theroux: Textured Hair With A Widow’s Peak

Justin Theroux‘s hairstyle is all about texture and definition. He’s kept plenty of length on the top to be able to mess around with the styling and build some volume in the front. Justin has always had a window’s peak hairline and this hairstyle works well with this.

How To

  • If you want to create a sheen like Justin has, go for a high-shine styling product.
  • Run it through the hair, paying particular attention to the tips of the hair to create definition.
  • Make sure you use a product that won’t weigh down the hair.
gary oldman medium length hairstyle widow's peak Cubankite / Shutterstock.com

Gary Oldman: Medium Length Hairstyle With Widow’s Peak

Gary Oldman’s go-to is a medium length hairstyle worn brushed back to accentuate his widow’s peak. He’s had many acting roles (and many eclectic hairstyles to boot!) but we’re a fan of this classic look.

We love how the hairstyle can be worn slicked back or brushed back with more texture and volume. Pomade, clay and mousse are your new best friend if you want to add volume to your look.

How To

  • Gary Oldman doesn’t go in for lots of product, but it’s worth using some styling aids to keep the brushed back style in place and also to add volume.
  • Use a mousse or thickening spray before drying the hair to build up volume.
  • Apply a small amount pomade to keep it swept back and slick or a matte clay for texture.
  • Use your hands for a more natural look, or a wide-toothed comb to push the hair back.

Best Hairstyles For A Widow's Peak