The early 2000’s was the era of indie music, skinny jeans so tight they cut off your blood circulation (yes, really) and bad hair choices. Along with crimping and chunky highlights, the one we hope never rears its head again was the same style that marred our yearbooks and prom photos: the fauxhawk.
I have a theory about why this baby-hair showcasing look came into being. The ‘do reached critical mass between 2002 and 2005 at around the same time boys with guitars and the ability to swell a mosh pit ruled the chart. The demographic that embraced the ‘hawk was most likely those sweating it out at those gigs and in need of tying-back their Kate Moss-inspired thick fringes.
Travel down a rabbit hole of nostalgia with these six examples of the ludicrous fake mohawk.
1. The OG (sorry OC)
Badass Bait Shop bartender Alex Kelly (played by Olivia Wilde) was the definition of cool in The OC. But, then again that was 2004.
2. The Quickie
Here we have an example of the time-pushed classic: the clip-back-and-go ‘hawk. With no backcombing required this put the humble hair slide’s durance to the test. Zero points for height, high praise for wearability.
3. High Flier
Transferring her philosophy about gold hoops to her hair, Mutya preached a maximalism mantra.
4. Pony Club
Between 2002 and 2009 you were more likely to meet a unicorn than see Gwen Stefani without red lipstick, a ponytail and a mammoth fake Mohican.
5. The Devotee
Where other’s love of the fauxhawk waned, Kelly Osbourne’s did not. Even as recently as 2016 Kelly has been seen spotted sporting the high rise of a ‘hawk. Kudos for loyalty at the very least.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.