Toronto’s latest grooming trend: a half-shorn head
The follicular fad of the moment is a study in contradictions. On the one hand, an asymmetrical cut sends a sort of unkempt, punk-rock “I don’t give a crap about my hair” message. On the other, it’s a carefully considered vanity statement that requires weekly maintenance to keep looking artfully irregular instead of lazy and lopsided. Coupe Bizzarre, the Queen-West-by-way-of-Montreal mop shop, has been hacking uneven locks for years, but over the past couple of months, the ’do has invaded the mainstream. It’s not only the under-30, south-of-Bloor set that’s bidding a bold adieu to balance; we’ve spotted everyone from Rosedale matrons to Riverdale preschool teachers and suburban soccer dads sporting the style. If aesthetic perfection is the goal, the half-buzz is a tough cut to crack (science dating back to the days of Plato holds symmetry as a universal sign of beauty). But this look isn’t about the laws of attraction; it’s about subverting expectations and signalling unadulterated attitude.
Kevin McVicar, 22.
Musician
Cuts his own hair
Amil Niazi, 27.
Social media producer for CBC News.
Hair by Taraleigh at Barberella,
891 Dundas St. W., 416-703-4398
Suzanne Carte-Blanchenot, 35.
Assistant curator at Art Gallery of York University.
Hair by Asha and Sarah at Excellent Haircuts,
292 Dundas St. W., 416-977-5774
Jazmine Stephen, 24.
Toy tester for the Hudson Bay Company.
Hair by Brionie at Parlour Salon,
6 Ossington Ave., 647-345-6663
Trendy like facial tattoos, but much easier to get rid of once said trend becomes tiresome and cliché.
November 30, 2010 at 12:23 pm | by RJWow, Toronto sucks.
November 30, 2010 at 3:02 pm | by RaymoanerToronto doesn’t care what you think
November 30, 2010 at 4:13 pm | by Mark(unless you are New York)
Didn’t Cyndi Lauper own this look back in the She’s So Unusual Days? Right around when she was involved with Wrestling…..
December 1, 2010 at 10:01 am | by Joe dAs if the haircuts don’t look silly enough, their desperately seriously expressions make it that much worse.
I have a problem with anything designed to convey apathy and aloofness which in fact requires far too much effort and vanity. Isn’t that pretty much the definition of “hipster”? :S
December 1, 2010 at 11:18 am | by AlexIt is a new trend if you are in your early 20′s. It is an old trend if you are in your late 30′s or 40′s. It didn’t look good then, and it still looks stupid.
December 1, 2010 at 11:32 am | by Laurai think that these haircuts are really very artful, and it’s great to see people deviate from our very limiting standards of beauty.
December 1, 2010 at 1:06 pm | by sarah‘Jazmine Stephen, 24.
Toy tester for the Hudson Bay Company.”
TOY TESTER!? THIS IS REAL?!
December 1, 2010 at 10:13 pm | by E.S.so what am I doing in University?!
The hairdoo’s are one thing…totally up to the person…the mean comments are another. I am a bit new to posting comments, but why be so mean. Starting today, try to be kinder people to one another
December 2, 2010 at 7:42 am | by Debbe from DundasThis look was extremely popular in Barcelon when I was there 3 years ago. Same with those MC Hammer pants that the kids were rocking earlier this spring. Toronto will always be just a few steps, erm, years behind….
December 2, 2010 at 11:58 am | by MelissaSorry *Barcelona*
December 2, 2010 at 11:59 am | by MelissaWOW awesome! This look screams “I’m a brain surgery survivor!” Can’t wait to cut my own hair like Kevin McDicker.
December 2, 2010 at 3:35 pm | by BG011I’ve been growing my hair back in after about a decade of having the sides and back shaven… Figures NOW it’s trendy. It’s not the first time *sticks middle digits out of earlobes*
December 3, 2010 at 7:03 pm | by leerWow, toy tester is really really hot. Mixed European and Asian ancestry?
December 5, 2010 at 12:39 am | by Kim Seonghaters gonna hate!
December 9, 2010 at 2:33 pm | by J