Bowl Cut: The Return of an Iconic Image

01.07.2025

In recent years, the bowl cut has been rapidly returning to fashion. Not so long ago, it caused only a smile or nostalgia for childhood, but today it has become a real trend in barbershops in Vienna, as well as around the world. This unique style is once again winning hearts thanks to its simplicity, effectiveness and opportunities for experimentation.

History of origin: from peasant tradition to world fashion

The haircut “under the pot” has deep historical roots, especially in Ukrainian culture. Its simplicity was not accidental – it arose as a utilitarian solution in peasant life. In ancient times, in order to quickly and evenly cut hair, an ordinary clay pot was put on the head. Everything that went beyond its edges was cut off with scissors or even a knife. In this way, a clear circular line was created – a kind of “cap” of hair. This allowed saving time, avoiding expenses for hairdressers and at the same time maintaining a neat appearance.

This method became so widespread that it turned into a typical peasant hairstyle. Its simplicity was associated with the life of ordinary people: the haircut did not require any special skills or tools. Later, a more neat and structured version appeared – the so-called “under the bow” haircut, in which the bangs and side zones were shorter, which made the image less massive and a little more aesthetic.

In the Russian Empire, such hairstyles became a sign of the lower classes of the population. They remained popular due to their cheapness and practicality – especially among peasants, workers and children. Against this background, such haircuts rarely appeared in the urban fashion environment and were not taken seriously for a long time.

However, outside of Eastern Europe, this form also found its place. In Western Europe, the USA and Asia, it was called the bowl cut or mushroom haircut – because of its resemblance to a bowl or mushroom cap. In the 20th century, the bowl cut began to be popularized by certain musical and cultural phenomena – for example, the legendary band The Beatles at the beginning of their career used a mop-top variation, which in many ways resembled the classic “under the pot” shape, but with softer lines.

Modern technique: a classic in a new version

The modern version of the “pot” haircut is a successful combination of retro aesthetics and current trends. The main feature is the same length throughout the head with thick bangs, which adds clarity and audacity to the image.

The execution process is divided into several stages:

Choosing the length depending on the type of hair: for thin hair, a shorter option is better, for thick hair, a longer length is acceptable;
Shaping the nape and temples with scissors or a trimmer – to create a clean, even contour;
Combing the hair on the crown in a circle and evenly trimming or light thinning – to soften the lines;
Possible variations: multi-layering, voluminous “cap” with shaved sides, fade for a smooth transition, coloring the top in bright colors.

This technique allows you to adapt the haircut to any face type and lifestyle, making it universal for both teenagers and adult clients.

Alternatives: variations on the “potty” theme

For those who find the classic version too radical, there are alternative hairstyles inspired by the same shape, but with softer lines and more modern approaches to texture and volume.

One such option is the mop-top – the famous haircut worn by members of the band The Beatles. It has longer strands and smooth transitions, creating a romantic, yet neat look. Another popular alternative is the crop, where shaved temples are combined with a voluminous top and a clear edging, which adds expression and structure to the face.

Both styles can be adapted to different hair textures and individual preferences, without departing far from the “potty” aesthetic.

Conclusion

The pot-cut is a vivid example of how history returns to fashion. From peasant practicality to fashion catwalks, it has come a long way of transformations and has once again become a symbol of bold style. Thanks to its shape, variability and expressiveness, this hairstyle is able to emphasize individuality and at the same time remain comfortable in everyday life. If you are looking for something fresh, but with deep roots, the pot-cut is definitely worth your attention.