Every era has its defining hairstyle. From the slicked-back looks of the 1950s to the long, free-flowing locks of the 1970s, men’s hairstyles have mirrored cultural shifts over time. Among these iconic styles, the Eboy haircut, also known as the curtain hairstyle, has made multiple comebacks, captivating new generations each time. Most memorable in the 1990s, this middle-parted look was championed by celebrities like David Beckham and boy band members, signaling a growing trend in men’s grooming.
Today, the Eboy hairstyle remains as popular as ever, reimagined with modern styling tools and products. Here’s a closer look at the evolution of the Eboy cut, its historical roots, and styling tips to help you perfect this enduring look.
The Origins of the Eboy Haircut
The Eboy, or curtain hairstyle, dates back well beyond the 1990s. According to Josh Gibson, principal at Sassoon Academy, this iconic look first gained popularity in the late 19th century. Cultural figures like Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley sported curtain-like fringes, making a strong middle part the hallmark of the look. Initially a trend among working-class men, the style resurfaced in the 1960s, capturing the spirit of the hippie movement.
The 1990s brought a modern twist to the Eboy haircut with the grunge scene. This time, it was worn by musicians like Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays and boy band members from Westlife, catapulting the look into mainstream culture. With its effortless, “undone” appeal, the Eboy cut became a staple for men worldwide.
Eboy Haircut: A Nineties Revival in Modern Men’s Fashion
Fast forward to today, and the Eboy haircut is back—now revamped for the 21st century. Designers and trendsetters in recent fashion collections have tapped into 1990s nostalgia, bringing back this haircut with an emphasis on texture and versatility. Whether it’s a soft, natural part or a bold, center-parted fringe, this hairstyle has become adaptable to a range of face shapes and hair types.
How to Style the Eboy Haircut Today
Perfecting the Eboy haircut today requires adapting the look to suit individual hair types and personal styles. Back in the ‘90s, this style worked best on straight, fine hair, but modern adaptations make it versatile enough for anyone to wear.
- Add Texture for Volume: Unlike the rigid, floppy look of the past, today’s Eboy cut benefits from a bit of texture. This can be achieved by using light-hold styling products that add natural volume without weighing down the hair.
- Customizing for Face Shape: Josh Gibson explains that narrower, boyish face shapes typically suit the Eboy cut best, but a skilled stylist can undercut the hair to balance proportions. For those with broader face shapes, longer layers can soften the look.
- Perfecting for Hair Type:
- Straight Hair: Straight-haired individuals can maintain a sharp center part by blow-drying downward and forward. Using a vent brush helps keep the follicles flat and polished.
- Curly or Wavy Hair: Curly-haired men should let their hair dry naturally to maintain texture. A nourishing product like Sassoon Illuminating Oil or Sassoon Curl Form can enhance natural curls and tame frizz.
What to Ask Your Stylist
When visiting your barber, start by identifying your ideal Eboy style icon. If your hair is thick or curly, you may consider asking for an undercut to make styling more manageable. For those with fine or straight hair, ask your stylist to keep length at the cheekbones for face-framing layers that echo the classic 1990s aesthetic.
Styling Tips to Maintain Your Look: Today’s hair products are a vast improvement from the past. Avoid crunchy, wet-look gels and opt for lightweight, matte products that keep your hair healthy and flexible. For curly textures, co-washing (using conditioner only every other day) can reduce frizz while maintaining softness.
Eboy Haircut Inspiration: Celebrities Who Nailed the Look
Need some celebrity inspiration? Here are a few modern icons who rock the Eboy haircut in different ways:
- Timothée Chalamet: Known for his loose, natural texture, Chalamet’s offset-parted Eboy cut is a modern take on the 90s classic.
- Charles Melton: The Riverdale star sports short, curly curtains, proving that this hairstyle can work even with more volume.
- Kurt Cobain: The godfather of grunge, Cobain embraced a longer, more rugged version of the Eboy haircut, blending the style with his iconic, laid-back persona.
Modern Eboy Haircut with Soft Middle Part
This image showcases a modern take on the Eboy haircut, a popular men’s hairstyle with a soft middle part and natural layers. The hair is styled to frame the face, bringing out the natural texture and emphasizing the classic 90s-inspired curtain fringe. Ideal for those seeking a stylish, low-maintenance look, the Eboy haircut suits various hair types and complements narrow face shapes well.
Textured Eboy Haircut with Loose Waves and Middle Part
This image highlights a modern Eboy haircut with a defined middle part and loose, natural waves, creating a soft, tousled look. The style adds volume and texture, making it ideal for men with wavy or curly hair. The effortless, slightly messy appearance channels a blend of 90s nostalgia and contemporary fashion, adding character and flair to the overall look.
Curly Eboy Haircut with Volume and Middle Part
This image captures a unique take on the Eboy haircut, styled with voluminous curls and a defined middle part. The natural curls add body and texture to the look, making it an ideal style for men with curly hair who want a modern, statement hairstyle. This 90s-inspired cut combines classic charm with contemporary styling, perfect for anyone seeking a distinctive, easygoing look.
Classic 90s Eboy Haircut with Tousled Fringe
This black and white image features a classic 90s-inspired Eboy haircut with a tousled, natural-looking fringe and subtle middle part. The hairstyle captures the effortless, slightly messy aesthetic that defined 90s fashion, appealing to those looking for a nostalgic yet timeless look. Ideal for straight hair, this version of the Eboy cut emphasizes texture and volume in a minimalistic style.
Grunge Eboy Haircut with Loose, Shoulder-Length Layers
This black and white portrait captures the essence of the grunge-inspired Eboy haircut with loose, shoulder-length layers and a relaxed middle part. The hairstyle exudes an effortless, rebellious vibe characteristic of 90s grunge culture, ideal for those seeking a laid-back and authentic look. The natural flow and texture add to the style’s timeless appeal, making it a popular choice for men who appreciate vintage-inspired haircuts.
Classic Eboy Haircut with Middle Part and Natural Volume
This image showcases a classic Eboy haircut with a defined middle part and natural volume, capturing the effortless style of 90s men’s fashion. The haircut frames the face, creating a relaxed and approachable look that complements the casual attire. Ideal for those with straight or fine hair, this style is both low-maintenance and timeless, bringing a nostalgic yet versatile vibe to modern grooming.
Voluminous Eboy Haircut with Relaxed Middle Part
This black and white portrait highlights a voluminous Eboy haircut with a relaxed middle part and loose, face-framing layers. The hairstyle exudes a natural, effortless vibe, with the added volume creating a sense of depth and movement. Perfect for those with thicker hair, this look is both bold and classic, embodying the timeless appeal of the 90s with a touch of sophistication.
Modern Eboy Haircut with Natural Layers and Middle Part
This image presents a modern Eboy haircut with soft, natural layers and a subtle middle part, giving a relaxed yet sophisticated look. The layered hairstyle frames the face and complements a well-groomed beard, adding depth and character. Perfect for those with straight or slightly wavy hair, this Eboy style maintains a classic appeal with a touch of contemporary flair, ideal for both casual and formal settings.
Short Curly Eboy Haircut with Textured Layers
This image displays a modern, short version of the Eboy haircut, styled with textured curls and a subtle middle part. The hairstyle enhances the natural volume and shape of curly hair, creating a fresh, youthful look. Ideal for men who want to add texture and depth to their appearance, this style works well for both formal and casual occasions, capturing a balance between classic charm and contemporary trends.
Wavy Eboy Haircut with Loose Middle Part
This image highlights a wavy Eboy haircut with loose, face-framing layers and a relaxed middle part, perfect for creating a natural, youthful vibe. The hairstyle complements the soft waves, adding volume and texture while maintaining an effortless look. Ideal for those with wavy or slightly curly hair, this Eboy style is a modern take on the classic 90s curtain cut, suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Closing Thoughts: The Timeless Appeal of the Eboy Haircut
The Eboy haircut is a versatile, trend-defying style that’s here to stay. As a look that seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern flair, it offers a variety of options for men of all ages and hair types. Whether you’re inspired by 90s icons or contemporary celebrities, the Eboy haircut is a low-effort way to embrace a timeless look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an Eboy haircut?
The Eboy haircut, also known as the curtain hairstyle, is a men’s hairstyle characterized by a middle part with hair framing the face. Popularized in the 90s by celebrities and boy bands, this look has made a comeback with modern styling twists.
2. How do I style an Eboy haircut?
Styling an Eboy haircut depends on your hair type. For straight hair, blow-dry with a vent brush to achieve a sleek middle part. Curly or wavy hair can benefit from air-drying and using a lightweight product to enhance natural texture.
3. Is the Eboy haircut suitable for all face shapes?
Yes, the Eboy haircut can be adapted for different face shapes. Narrow, boyish faces suit this look well, while broader face shapes may need longer layers or an undercut to achieve a balanced appearance.
4. What hair products are recommended for an Eboy haircut?
For straight hair, use a light-hold styling product for volume without stiffness. Curly hair benefits from nourishing oils or curl creams, like Sassoon Illuminating Oil, to define texture and reduce frizz.
5. Can the Eboy haircut work with curly hair?
Yes, the Eboy haircut can work wonderfully with curly hair. Curly-haired individuals can style the look with a slightly longer cut and natural volume, creating a unique, textured version of the classic Eboy style.
6. What celebrity hairstyles can I reference for an Eboy cut?
Notable celebrities who have rocked the Eboy haircut include Timothée Chalamet with his loose, natural look, Charles Melton with curly, voluminous layers, and Kurt Cobain with a grunge-inspired, shoulder-length version.