I’m really wanting to try out a collegiate-style cut and Hugh Grant’s hair in Maurice is the perfect reference. What should I ask my barber for to achieve this cut? And do you have any product recommendations for styling?
Joe Mills: Hugh Grant had this elegant floppy hairstyle for a few years and it became a bit of trademark. With the middle parting, long length and stylish take on “curtains”, it looks just as stylish today.
First things first, the cut. Ideally, you need a good four to five inches of hair on top. The back and sides should be shorter but no shorter than an inch – you don’t want it to look too severe. Ask your barber to keep the length on top, through the top of the sides and layer your hair into the neck. This is essential for wearing it with a middle parting like Grant.
Styling-wise, you can go down two routes. The first: if your hair is thick, you don’t want to blow-dry your hair and you don’t want too much volume (basically you want a more natural look). I would first of all recommend using Triumph & Disaster’s shampoo and conditioner, then Kevin Murphy’s Undressed styling cream. Take a good two-pence-sized amount of this, rub it into your hands and then apply it evenly through your hair.
Over to the important part for the, erm, part. You don’t actually want to create a middle parting as this will look too forced. Instead, using a Denman vent brush, comb all your hair back from your face and allow it to fall naturally. It will roughly find its place and this is what you want – it’s super nonchalant and just what Grant is going for. Then leave to dry naturally.
Over to option two, aimed at those who prefer to blow-dry their hair. On your clean, damp mop, use four to five pumps of Kevin Murphy’s Ever Smooth spray – this will give you the hold you need without too much volume.
Then, using a hairdryer (I recommend Parlux) and a Denman vent brush again, start by blow-drying your hair straight back from your face. Make sure you smooth and push the sides back as well behind the ear and into the neck. As it starts to dry, you will start to see a natural middle parting forming.
Finally, for the finishing products, you don’t need anything too heavy, just something to give you some natural hold. So I recommend applying either Baxter Of California’s Grooming Cream or Oliver J Woods’ Blackseed Wax. Et voilà. Hugh Grant elegance achieved.
