The Iconic James Brown Hairstyles: A Look Back at the Godfather of Soul’s Signature Looks

How to Achieve James Brown’s Signature Hairstyles: Step-by-Step Guide

James Brown is an iconic figure in the world of music, labeled as the “Godfather of Soul,” he was known not only for his electrifying performances and soulful voice but also his signature hairstyles. His hair became a statement piece that helped him stand out from the crowd and become one of the most recognizable figures in musical history.

If you’re looking to channel your inner James Brown and achieve his legendary hairstyle, then you’ve reached the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to achieve James Brown’s signature hairstyles.

Step 1: Choosing The Right Hair Cut
The first step in achieving a James Brown hairstyle is selecting the right haircut. At its core, James Brown’s hairstyle was essentially an afro pompadour with some variations. His most famous look features a high top fade with a short taper cut on the sides and back. While you can try out different haircuts until you find something that works best for your facial structure and hair type, getting this basic haircut right is essential.

Step 2: Moisturizing Is key
One thing that sets apart James Brown’s hairstyle from others is its natural texture. Keeping your curly locks moisturized should be at the top of your priority list if you want to rock this look like a pro. Consider using water-based products like leave-in conditioners which can also keep frizz at bay while adding moisture for well-defined curls.

Step 3: Grooming Your Curls
Grooming plays an essential role here because it allows you to shape your curls into the perfect style according to your preference while keeping them healthy throughout. A hairstyling cream or gel applied evenly can help give control over unruly curls while making sure they stay in place all day long.

Step 4: Style It Up Like JB
Now comes the fun part – styling! To recreate James Brown’s signature hairstyle, you need to start by creating a high top fade on the crown of your head. This can easily be achieved with a clipper and a steady hand or by visiting your hairstylist.

Once the top part of your hair is styled into an afro puff, use a comb or brush to lift the hair around the forehead area and secure it in place using bobby pins or clips at the back of your head – this will create James Brown’s famous pompadour.

Step 5: The Final Touch
The final touch involves adding some luster and shine to compliment your newly styled James Brown cut. A little bit of sheen spray, followed up with regular brushing will help maintain that signature look throughout the day while making sure every curl stays perfectly in place.

In conclusion, achieving James Brown’s signature hairstyle may seem like an impossible feat at first glance, but when done correctly (and with patience) it’s not as hard as it seems. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rocking his classic style in no time! So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

James Brown Hairstyles FAQ: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions

James Brown is an icon in the world of music and fashion. Not only was he known for his soulful voice and electrifying performances, but also for his unique hairstyles. From a high pompadour to an afro, his hair always made a statement on stage.

If you’re curious about the different styles that James Brown rocked during his career, we’ve got you covered with this James Brown Hairstyles FAQ. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most pressing questions about James Brown’s hair so that you can learn all about how this musical legend kept his locks looking fresh.

Q: What are some of James Brown’s most iconic hairstyles?

A: Some of James Brown’s most iconic hairstyles include the high pompadour, the slicked-back style, the jheri curl and the classic afro. Each of these styles represents a different era in James Brown’s illustrious career, but all demonstrate his showmanship as well as his ability to reinvent himself through different trends.

Q: How did James Brown achieve such a high pompadour?

A: The famous height of James Brown’s pompadour hairstyle was achieved using strong hold gel and plenty of teasing at the roots. He would start by applying gel throughout wet hair before blow-drying it into shape with a brush to create volume. The final touch involved carefully teasing sections at the crown area until they stood up straight.

Q: Did anyone have any influence on James’ hairstyle over time?

A: One person who had significant influence on James’ hairstyle over time was Chris Rocker – also referred as “Chopper”. Rocker worked closely with him in later years, styling his hair backstage before many performances as well as multiple photoshoots.

Q: How did James Brown keep his curls so defined for Jheri Curl look?

A: To keep those lustrous curls defined for each performance, James religiously conditioned and moisturized his hair in a specific way. He would start by washing and conditioning his hair with special products that were designed to leave it soft and shiny. After towel-drying, he would apply a leave-in conditioner and then use a diffuser to create gentle curls.

Q: Did James Brown ever experiment with short hair?

A: Yes! Even though he was known for his long, flowing locks, James Brown did experiment with shorter styles throughout his career. In the late 60s, he was seen sporting a sleek crop cut style which perfectly suits him!

Q: How can I recreate one of James Brown’s signature hairstyles today?

A: For James Brown’s classic pompadour or slicked-back look, you could try using strong hold gel before blow-drying your hair into shape. To achieve those iconic curly locks like in case of Jheri Curl look involved different processes but usually started with washing and conditioning hair followed by application of moisturizers focusing more towards from the ends to the scalp. The key to any hairstyle is patience and attention to detail so take your time working on your look until you get it just right.

In conclusion, James Brown’s hairstyles were not only unique – but also influential during their time period! His iconic styles continue to inspire people worldwide even today. Whether you’re looking for a high pompadour or an afro-style, taking cues from his hairstyles is sure to make you stand out from the crowd while celebrating this musical legend’s legacy in style!

Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About James Brown’s Gorgeous Hairdos

James Brown was not only the Godfather of Soul, but he was also a style icon. One of his most distinctive features was his hairdos. Being a showman, he made sure that every strand on his head was perfectly styled to match his flamboyant personality.

Here are the top 5 facts you need to know about James Brown’s gorgeous hairdos, and how they became integral components of his unique stage persona:

1. The Pompadour: The most iconic of James Brown’s hairstyles was the pompadour. This slicked-back style with plenty of height on top made him look bold and exuberant under bright stage lights. He didn’t usually wear it in everyday life. Still, it was a regular fixture when he performed live or recorded in front of cameras.

2. Natural curls: Growing up in poverty surrounded by Black families who were largely fed straightened hair as aspirational standards, James often bobbed against this societal expectation as an early proponent for embracing natural curls before it became fashionable decades after.

3. Wigs: Even though he had thick, healthy hair, James Brown wasn’t afraid to experiment with wigs from time to time either – especially during the ’70s when afros became more mainstream for men than straightened (Jheri) curls.

4. Hair products: To keep his hairdos looking fresh on stage, James Brown relied on various styling products such as hairspray and gels mixed together to achieve just the right texture and hold that would stay put through many hours of dancing and sweating under hot spotlights.

5. Inspirations: Many artists went intrepid with their styles looking up to 1960s R&B legends like Otis Redding or Al Green in developing their specific looks – so did James while adding flair like heavy sideburns or low temple fade rubbings final touches to define who they were trying to project themselves stylistically.

In conclusion, James Brown’s hairdos were more than just a way to look good on stage. They embodied his bold, unapologetic personality and artistic creativity. He used them to make statements and stand out from the crowd. Whether he was sporting a pompadour or rocking an afro wig, he made sure his hairdos were a memorable part of his performances as much as his voice and dance moves.

From the Pompadour to the Mop Top: Exploring the Unique Styles of James Brown

The late James Brown, also known as the Godfather of Soul, was not only a musical genius but also a fashion icon. From his early days in the 1950s to his later years in the 2000s, Brown’s unique style evolved and stood out amongst other musicians.

One of the most popular hairstyles that James Brown is known for is the pompadour. This iconic hairstyle involves slicking back the hair on top while leaving some length in the front to form a small bump. The sides are usually trimmed short, while the back is left tapered. This sharp look suited Brown’s chiseled features perfectly and allowed him to appear more polished and refined onstage.

Another notable hairstyle worn by James Brown was the afro during his Soul Power tour in Africa. In contrast to his previous pompadour hairstyle, this look was bold and daring – consisting of tightly-coiled natural curls that were grown out from an even, round shape. The afro became symbolic of black empowerment during this era and helped drive home both Brown’s message of unity through music and its visual representation.

Perhaps one of Brown’s most memorable styles came in the 1960s when he rocked a high-volume shiny mop top haircut, making him an instant sensation with teenagers across America. The Beatles had made their astounding debut at around that time too – creating another wave within Young America around music stars’ appearances.

Nevertheless, unlike ‘the fab four’ who sported signature center parts with full-crown luscious locks drooping over their foreheads – Mr Dynamite went up one level higher with teased peaks adding texture that made them appear almost spikey! Well-kept facial hair added even more refinement to this look.

Brown also brought an element of fun into hair-fashion with his vibrant colored wigs. He would experiment with different lengths; ranging from shoulder-length blonde or brown wig during performances in extravagant outfits to shorter red or black alternatives. However, true to his flashy style, Brown would opt for statement-making shaved or buzzed haircuts which proved that less is often more.

In conclusion, James Brown’s dynamic hairstyles helped define his identity as a musical icon and fashion trendsetter. Whether it was the suave pompadour or bold afro, each of his unique looks has contributed to fashion legacy and continues to inspire creatives today. As they say though – the man makes the outfit no matter how unique it is!

What Makes a Great James Brown Hairdo? Insights from Expert Hairstylists

The James Brown hairstyle is an iconic symbol of the funk legend himself. It’s a style that has become synonymous with the soulful sounds and electrifying performances that made him one of the greatest musicians of all time. But what makes a great James Brown hairdo? We reached out to some expert hairstylists to get their insights into this timeless look.

First and foremost, a great James Brown hairdo has to have volume – and lots of it. “The key to creating this style is to add height,” says celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas. “Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, then blow dry your hair upside down to create lift at the roots.”

Another important aspect of the James Brown hairstyle is texture. This means adding curls or waves throughout your hair for added dimension and movement. “A curling iron or hot rollers can give you those soft waves that are signature to James Brown’s look,” notes celebrity stylist Brian Magallones.

Of course, no James Brown hairstyle would be complete without its famous pompadour. To achieve this, you’ll need a lot of pomade or wax (depending on your hair type) and some serious styling skills. “Use a strong-hold product like a pomade, apply it from roots, and comb through back,” explains stylist Jules Chan.

But as with any great hairstyle, it’s not just about the technical aspects – it’s also about attitude. “A great James Brown hairdo requires confidence,” says hairstylist Tippi Shorter. “It’s bold and demands attention.”

Ultimately, what makes a truly great James Brown hairstyle is how well it captures the essence of his music: boldness, energy, and unapologetic self-expression.

In conclusion, achieving this legendary look takes more than just technique but embracing that energy meant for both stage presence as well as standing out in your everyday life. So why not channel your inner James Brown and bring some funk into your hair?

Modern Takes on Classic James Brown Hairstyles: Inspiration for Your Next Haircut

Are you tired of the same old boring hairstyles? Do you want to inject some funk and energy into your hairdo? Look no further than the iconic James Brown. Known as the “Godfather of Soul,” Brown was not only a musical legend but also a style icon, famous for his unique and daring hairstyles.

But don’t worry if you’re not ready to go full-on James Brown fro just yet – there are plenty of modern takes on his classic looks that will have you turning heads and feeling like a music superstar.

1) The Short Pompadour: This look is perfect for those who prefer shorter hair, but still want to make a statement. The short pompadour is achieved by giving the top of your hair more volume and height while keeping the sides short. It’s a modern twist on James’ signature pompadour hairstyle that he rocked throughout most of his career.

2) The Buzz Cut with a Twist: If you’re looking for a more low-maintenance style, consider the buzz cut with a twist. This involves shaving most of your hair down very short but leaving a small patch at the front that can be styled upward or forward. It’s a nod to James’ shaved head look in later years, with an added touch of individuality.

3) The Signature Afro: Of course, we can’t forget about the classic James Brown afro. To achieve this look, allow your natural curls or waves to grow out into their fullest form without any cutting or trimming (except for maintenance). You’ll need some patience and styling products like oils or creams to keep your fro looking neat and healthy.

4) The Slick Back: A slicked-back hairstyle screams sophistication and class – add some soulful flair by opting for this bold James Brown-inspired style. Perfect for those looking for something stylish yet easy-to-maintain, simply apply gel or pomade to wet hair before combing it back and away from your face. This style is classic yet modern, channeling James Brown’s slick and cool image.

5) The Faded Side-Part: Take the classic side-part hairstyle but give it a modern twist with a faded undercut. This look is ideal for gentlemen who love to express their individuality through hairstyles. Use hair clippers to fade the sides of your head while leaving some length on top, apply some pomade or wax, and part hair on one side for a sleek finish.

In conclusion, James Brown’s iconic hairstyles are perfect for those looking to add some funk and flair into their daily routines. With these modern takes on his classic looks, you can take inspiration from the legendary musician himself while ensuring your hair stands out in any crowd. So what are you waiting for? Find the one that suits you best and rock it with confidence!

Scroll to Top