The faux hawk is the perfect style for those who want to channel boldness without committing to a full mohawk. This versatile hairstyle allows you to experiment with edgy, chic, or even elegant looks that can transition seamlessly from casual outings to formal events. Whether you’re rocking short curls or long tresses, there’s a faux hawk variation for everyone. Ready to elevate your style game? Let’s dive into some stunning faux hawk hairstyles you need to try!
Before You Get Started
To nail the perfect faux hawk, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Apply mousse to damp hair for added volume and lift.
- Focus styling products on the roots rather than the ends to avoid weighing your hair down.
- Use a medium- or strong-hold hairspray to keep your style intact all day. For shorter styles, opt for medium-hold sprays.
Now, let’s explore some show-stopping faux hawk ideas!
1. Highlighted Faux Hawk

Channel Eva Marcille’s natural curls with this upward-curly faux hawk. Blonde highlights add dimension, while a white eyeliner touch completes the look. Perfect for showcasing curly textures, this style brings retro vibes with a modern twist.
Key Takeaway: Curly finger waves are ideal for adding softness and an androgynous flair.
2. Kinky Twist Faux Hawk

Lupita Nyong’o proves that coily hair can rock any style. Her well-defined brows, smokey eyes, and glossy lips complement her voluminous faux hawk, making it a bold yet elegant choice.
3. Retro Wavy Faux Hawk

Tilda Swinton rocks this curly retro faux hawk with effortless grace. Paired with a striking blue suit, this look is timeless and perfect for those who love vintage-inspired glamour.
4. Blonde Balayage Faux Hawk

Julianne Hough’s balayage faux hawk is a masterclass in fun and funky styles. With sleek sides swept back and a voluminous crown, this look highlights her blonde-brown tones and ocean-blue eyes.
Pro Tip: Use volumizing products to create a messy puff at the crown and sweep the sides back for a polished finish.
5. Forward Braided Faux Hawk

Alicia Keys’ forward braided faux hawk is feminine and fierce. A loose French braid at the crown adds elegance, while stud earrings and pink lips complete the look.
6. Blonde Wavy Faux Hawk

Pink’s wavy faux hawk from the 2017 MTV VMAs is pure perfection. With short sides and voluminous blonde waves, this sleek updo is both modern and glamorous.
How to Recreate: Straighten the crown section and create waves toward the back for a sophisticated finish.
7. Vertical Waves Faux Hawk

Kesha’s dramatic high vertical waves at the 2010 AMAs are unforgettable. Dark roots paired with blonde strands and bold makeup create a fierce, edgy vibe.
Pro Tip: Tease the crown area and use a strong-hold spray to keep the waves upright.
8. Victory Roll Faux Hawk

Gwen Stefani’s victory roll faux hawk at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards is iconic. Smoothly swept sides and a glamorous victory roll at the center make this look unforgettable.
9. Highlighted Wavy Faux Hawk

Kristen Stewart stuns with her short, highlighted faux hawk. Soft waves at the crown add a romantic touch, while swept-back sides keep the look chic and subtle.
10. Short Coily Faux Hawk
Samira Wiley embraces her natural coils with this voluminous faux hawk. Short sides and defined curls at the crown create a bold, sexy look.

11. Jumbo Twisted Faux Hawk
Willow Smith’s jumbo twisted faux hawk is edgy and unconventional. Teased roots and shaved sides make this style a true head-turner.
12. Big Brown Faux Hawk

Rihanna’s golden-brown faux hawk at the 2010 Pre-Grammy Gala is pure drama. Dark roots and teased strands add height and texture for a striking effect.
13. Faux Hawk Ponytail with Blonde Shaved Sides

Jada Pinkett Smith shows that faux hawks aren’t just for short hair. Her voluminous ponytail with shaved blonde sides is bold, creative, and utterly stunning.
14. Sleek Black Faux Hawk

Rihanna strikes again with a sleek black faux hawk. Paired with metallic outfits and subtle makeup, this look exudes confidence and sophistication.
15. Thick Blonde Faux Hawk

Miley Cyrus’s thick blonde faux hawk at the 2012 MTV VMAs is bold and confident. Statement earrings and bold eye makeup complete the transformation.
16. Lavender Braided Faux Hawk

Kelly Osbourne’s lavender braided faux hawk is quirky and stylish. A French twist at the back and a bun at the center make this look unique and eye-catching.
17. Swept Back Faux Hawk

Margot Robbie’s sleek blonde faux hawk is effortlessly chic. Hair swept in three directions creates a dynamic yet polished look.
18. Faux Hawk Ponytail

Kim Kardashian’s faux hawk ponytail is perfect for those who want to keep their length. Tightly swept sides and a high ponytail create a sleek, edgy effect.
19. Half-Up, Half-Down Faux Hawk

Brec Bassinger’s French braid faux hawk is cute and approachable. This beginner-friendly style combines edginess with softness for a playful look.
20. Faux Hawk Pigtail

Selena Gomez’s faux hawk pigtail is fun and flirty. An elevated puff at the crown transitions into a braided pigtail for a playful yet bold style.
21. Whippy Faux Hawk

Ruby Rose’s whippy faux hawk with a long side fringe is punk perfection. Volumizing gel and teased bangs add softness to this edgy look.
22. Edgy Bouffant

Julianne Hough’s bouffant faux hawk at the Golden Globes is rebellious and chic. Teased roots and slicked-back sides create a piecey, textured finish.
23. Curly Faux Hawk

Eva Pigford’s curly faux hawk is feminine and daring. Keeping length at the crown accentuates facial features for a chic, short ‘do.
24. Pixie Perfection

Miley Cyrus’s pixie faux hawk is bold and stylish. Unevenly scraped sides and textured top sections make this look edgy yet refined.
25. Hair Knot

Jennifer Morrison’s knotted faux hawk is punk-inspired elegance. Teased roots and honey blonde lowlights add dimension to this striking updo.
26. Spiky Faux Hawk

Willow Smith’s spiky faux hawk is a bold statement. Volumizing mousse and texturizing spray create height and drama for this rebellious look.
27. Edged Out

Kesha’s edgy faux hawk pairs perfectly with minimal makeup and a nude lip. Silver sequins and gravity-defying volume complete this daring ensemble.
28. Big, Wavy Faux Hawk

Jennifer Lopez’s big, wavy faux hawk is drop-dead gorgeous. Two-toned color and luminous texture make this look unforgettable.
29. Oh, Ombre!

Ruby Rose’s ombre faux hawk combines red, orange, and pink tones for a vibrant twist. This style is perfect for those looking to spice things up.
30. Killer ‘Do

Kimberly Wyatt’s spiky faux hawk is rebellious and striking. Paired with smokey eyes and a golden sequined dress, this look screams confidence.
31. Faux Hawk Updo

Janelle Monae’s faux hawk updo is sleek and daring. Skillfully sculpted into a central crest, this style exudes sophistication and flair.
32. Messy Dutch Braid Faux Hawk

Chrissy Teigen’s messy Dutch braid faux hawk is rugged yet refined. Structured height meets intricate braids for a bold statement of individuality.
Whether you’re aiming for edgy, elegant, or experimental, these faux hawk hairstyles offer endless possibilities. So grab your styling tools and unleash your creativity—your next bold look awaits!