Shikhar Dhawan isn’t just a cricketer; he’s a mood, a vibe, and quite frankly, a walking billboard for how athletes can rock different looks with absolute confidence. Whether he’s sporting a sleek undercut or going full-on retro with his signature mustache, the man knows how to keep things fresh. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today—the complete guide to Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle choices that have made him a style icon both on and off the field.
Shikhar Dhawan: Quick Stats at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shikhar Dhawan |
| Nickname | Gabbar |
| Born | December 5, 1985 |
| Age | 39 years |
| Role | Opening Batsman |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| International Debut | ODI – October 2010 |
| Test Debut | March 2013 |
| Known For | Aggressive batting, ICC tournament performances, iconic celebrations |
| Style Signature | Twirled mustache, trendy hairstyles, confident persona |
| IPL Teams | Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad |
Why Shikhar Dhawan’s Hairstyle Matters (More Than You Think!)
Before we jump into the various Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle options, let’s address the elephant in the room: why should anyone care about a cricketer’s hair? Well, friend, in today’s world where personal branding is everything, athletes are more than just their sport. They’re influencers, trendsetters, and style icons.
Dhawan understood this early on. While many cricketers stick to safe, conventional looks, he experimented, played around, and wasn’t afraid to make bold choices. This confidence translated not just in his appearance but also in his game. There’s something about feeling good in your skin (and hair!) that elevates performance.
The Evolution: From Conventional to Iconic
The Early Days: Playing It Safe
When Dhawan first burst onto the international scene around 2010-2011, his hair game was, let’s say, conventional. Short, neat, and forgettable—pretty much what you’d expect from a newcomer trying to establish himself. Nothing wrong with that approach, but nothing memorable either.
Back then, the Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle name would probably be “standard cricket cut” or “the safe choice.” It was practical, met all the requirements of being an international sportsperson, and didn’t raise any eyebrows. But Gabbar wasn’t meant to be conventional for long!
The Breakthrough: When Gabbar Found His Style
The transformation began around 2013, coinciding with his explosive Test debut against Australia where he scored a century. Suddenly, Dhawan wasn’t just confident with the bat—he was confident about everything. His hair started getting attention. The sides were shorter, the top had more volume, and that iconic mustache started making regular appearances.
This was the period when people started noticing that Dhawan had “the look.” You know what I’m talking about—that certain something that separates the memorable from the mundane.
7 Iconic Shikhar Dhawan Hairstyles That Ruled Cricket Fashion
1. The Classic Undercut with Textured Top
Ah, the Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle that probably defined him for the longest period! The undercut became his signature look around 2014-2016, and boy, did he wear it well.
What it is: Short, faded sides with a longer, textured top that could be styled in multiple ways—slicked back, messy, or with a side part.
Why it worked: The undercut is universally flattering, works with most face shapes, and is incredibly versatile. For an athlete constantly in the spotlight, it offered the perfect balance between looking sharp and being low-maintenance.
How to get it: Ask your barber for a disconnected undercut with a fade on the sides (usually #1 or #2 guard) and leave 3-4 inches on top. The key is in the texture—ask for point cutting to create movement.
Pro tip from hairstylists: “The undercut works best for people with thick hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim, who has worked with numerous cricketers. “The contrast between the short sides and longer top creates a powerful visual statement.”
2. The Slicked-Back Gentleman Look
For formal events and press conferences, Dhawan often went for the slicked-back variation of his undercut. This Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle screamed sophistication and showed he could clean up nicely when the occasion demanded.
What it is: Same undercut base, but the top is combed straight back with a high-shine product, creating a polished, refined appearance.
Why it worked: It showed versatility. The same haircut could go from casual to formal in minutes—perfect for someone with a packed schedule.
How to style: Apply a pomade or gel to damp hair, comb it straight back, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray. The shine is crucial here—it’s what separates this from a casual look.
3. The Textured Quiff: Casual Cool Personified
Around 2017-2018, Dhawan started experimenting with more volume up front. Enter the textured quiff—a Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle name that deserves its own fan club!
What it is: Similar undercut foundation, but the front is styled upward and backward, creating height and drama. The texture keeps it from looking too formal or stiff.
Why it worked: It added personality without being over-the-top. The quiff has that perfect “I woke up like this” vibe (even though it definitely takes effort).
How to get it: You’ll need at least 3-4 inches of length on top. Use a blow dryer to direct hair upward and back while drying. Finish with a matte clay or fiber for texture. The key is to avoid making it too perfect—a little messiness adds character.
Expert insight: According to grooming expert Luke Hersheson, “The quiff is making a major comeback because it works with modern lifestyles. It looks intentional but not overly groomed, which appeals to today’s sensibilities.”
4. The Buzz Cut with Fade: Going Bold
Every now and then, Dhawan has surprised us by going super short. This minimalist Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle proved he could pull off literally anything.
What it is: Very short hair all around, usually with a fade that transitions from slightly longer on top to nearly bald on the sides.
Why it worked: It’s confident, bold, and incredibly practical—especially during India’s hot summers or intense training schedules. Plus, it put all the focus on his facial features (hello, that smile and mustache!).
How to get it: Ask your barber for a buzz cut with a skin fade. The top is usually a #3 or #4 guard, fading down to skin. It’s low-maintenance but needs regular trims every 2-3 weeks to maintain the shape.
5. The Side-Parted Classic: Retro Vibes
Dhawan occasionally throws it back with a classic side part—a Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle that channels old-school Bollywood charm mixed with international cricket star swagger.
What it is: Medium length on top with a defined side part, sides kept shorter but not necessarily faded, styled with a slight wave or texture.
Why it worked: It’s timeless, sophisticated, and showed that Dhawan appreciates classic style. This look often appeared during special occasions or when he was feeling particularly dapper.
How to get it: You’ll need at least 2-3 inches on top. Create a clean part on one side (usually left for Dhawan), apply a medium-hold pomade, and comb the hair in the direction of the part. A slight messiness in the texture keeps it modern.
6. The Messy Fringe: Youthful Energy
Who says cricketers in their 30s can’t rock a fringe? Dhawan proved age is just a number with this playful Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle that added a youthful edge to his look.
What it is: Longer hair on top styled forward onto the forehead, with shorter sides. The fringe is textured and piece-y rather than blunt.
Why it worked: It softened his features and added a casual, approachable vibe. Perfect for off-duty appearances and casual photoshoots.
How to style: Apply a lightweight styling cream to damp hair, blow dry forward while using your fingers to create separation, and finish with a texturizing spray. The goal is “deliberately undone”—not perfectly coiffed.
7. The Mohawk-Inspired Fade: Maximum Drama
Perhaps the boldest Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle came when he experimented with a mohawk-inspired fade. This wasn’t a full punk mohawk, but rather a modern interpretation that kept things cricket-field appropriate.
What it is: Very short sides with a distinct strip of longer hair running from the front to the back of the head. The longer section is styled upward for maximum impact.
Why it worked: It showed fearlessness. Not many cricketers would dare to go this bold, but Dhawan pulled it off with his characteristic confidence.
How to get it: This requires a skilled barber. The sides need to be very short (skin fade), while the middle strip should be at least 3 inches. Styling requires a strong-hold product to maintain the upward direction throughout the day.
Stats worth noting: According to a survey by grooming brand Beardo in 2019, Shikhar Dhawan was voted among the top 5 most stylish Indian cricketers, with his hairstyles being specifically mentioned by 67% of respondents.
How to Choose Your Shikhar Dhawan-Inspired Look
So you’re inspired and ready to visit your barber? Great! But before you go full Gabbar, here are some things to consider:
Face Shape Matters
Oval face: Lucky you! Like Dhawan, you can pull off pretty much any of these styles. The undercut and quiff will look particularly good.
Round face: Go for styles with height on top (like the quiff or mohawk-inspired fade) to elongate your face. Avoid styles that add width.
Square face: The textured top with fade will soften strong jawlines. The side part also works beautifully.
Heart-shaped face: Medium-length styles with texture work best. The messy fringe can balance out a wider forehead.
Hair Type Is Key
Thick hair: Rejoice! You can rock any of these styles. The undercut and quiff will look particularly impressive.
Fine hair: You might struggle with volume. Focus on textured styles and use volumizing products. The buzz cut is always a safe, stylish option.
Curly hair: The shorter styles (buzz cut, short fade) might work better unless you’re willing to straighten. Embrace your texture where possible!
Thinning hair: The buzz cut or very short styles can actually make thinning less noticeable. Avoid styles that require significant length on top.
The Cultural Impact: Beyond Just Hair
Here’s something fascinating—Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle trends have actually influenced grooming patterns among young Indian men. After Dhawan started sporting his signature undercut around 2014, Google Trends data showed a 230% increase in searches for “undercut hairstyle” in India.
Barbershops across the country reported increased requests for “the Dhawan look,” particularly during IPL seasons when he was most visible on TV. This phenomenon isn’t unique to Dhawan—athletes have always influenced fashion—but his consistent style evolution kept him relevant in the grooming conversation for nearly a decade.
The Future: Where Will Dhawan’s Hair Go Next?
As of early 2025, Dhawan continues to evolve his look. While he’s slightly toned down the more dramatic styles (hello, maturity!), he still maintains that careful attention to grooming that made him famous.
The question remains: what’s next for Gabbar’s hair game? Will he go full silver fox and embrace natural graying? Will he surprise us with another bold transformation? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain—whatever he chooses, he’ll wear it with that signature Dhawan confidence.
Conclusion: More Than Just Hair—It’s About Expression
At the end of the day, the journey through various Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle options teaches us something important: personal grooming is a form of self-expression. It’s about feeling good, projecting confidence, and yes, having a little fun with your appearance.
Dhawan didn’t just stumble upon his signature looks—he experimented, took risks, and found what worked for him. He showed an entire generation of cricket fans that athletes can be style icons too, that it’s okay to care about your appearance, and that grooming is an essential part of personal branding in the modern world.
Read More: Shahid Kapoor Hairstyle, Shubman Gill Hairstyle, Virat Kohli Hairstyle, Shahrukh Khan Hairstyle
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Shikhar Dhawan’s most iconic hairstyle?
A: Shikhar Dhawan’s most iconic hairstyle is the textured undercut with short faded sides and a longer, styled top. He’s worn this look consistently since around 2014, varying the styling between slicked back, textured messy, and quiffed. Combined with his signature handlebar mustache, this has become his trademark appearance that fans immediately associate with him.
Q2: What is the Shikhar Dhawan hairstyle name for his signature look?
A: The technical name for Shikhar Dhawan’s signature hairstyle is a “disconnected undercut with textured top” or sometimes called a “high fade undercut.” The “disconnected” part refers to the sharp contrast between the very short sides and the longer top, with no gradual blend. When styled upward, it’s called a “textured quiff.”
Q3: How can I style my hair like Shikhar Dhawan?
A: To style your hair like Shikhar Dhawan, you’ll need at least 3-4 inches of length on top with faded sides. Apply a pre-styling spray to damp hair, blow-dry while directing hair upward and back, then work in a matte clay or pomade for texture and hold. Finish with hairspray for longevity. The key is creating texture rather than a perfectly smooth look.
Q4: What products does Shikhar Dhawan likely use for his hair?
A: While Dhawan hasn’t publicly shared his exact product lineup, grooming experts suggest he likely uses a combination of volumizing mousse or pre-styling spray, a high-quality matte clay or fiber for texture, and a strong-hold hairspray. For his slicked-back looks, a high-shine pomade would be essential. For his mustache, a strong-hold mustache wax is definitely in his arsenal.
Q5: How often does Shikhar Dhawan get his hair cut?
A: Based on how consistently sharp his fade looks, Dhawan likely visits his barber every 2-3 weeks for fade touch-ups and shape maintenance. This is standard for maintaining undercut and fade hairstyles, as the contrast between short sides and longer top can quickly lose definition as hair grows out.
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