The Video Music Awards, one of music’s most iconic nights, took place on Wednesday 13 September 2023. So Jim Shaw, men’s hairdresser and owner of TONI&GUY Billericay, shares his overview of some of his favourite men’s hair looks from the VMAs.
Chase Stokes’ Polished Curls
Image credit @gettyentertainment
Outer Banks star Chase Stokes attended the event, alongside country singer Kelsea Ballerini, and embraced his natural curls. In recent years, we have noticed men embracing their waves and curls, enhancing them with texturising sprays and salt sprays. However, Jim particularly loves Chase’s take on this look where his hair looks healthy, full of shine and more polished. Jim claims that the key to achieving this natural curls or waves look is making sure that clients continue to use the right hair care products at home. Any shampoos, conditioners and masks that keep the hair moisturised, strengthened and full of shine are ideal. Also, you could swap texturising products for products that give the hair added gloss, like shine sprays and serums to replicate this look in your shop. Jim notes that there are also more lightweight products that just give shine to the hair, in comparison to waxes and pomades that give it hold too.
Colton Haynes’ Crew Cut
Image credit @coltonlhaynes
American actor and model, Colton Haynes, looked incredibly slick at the VMAs. He wore a crew cut with super short sides, emphasising the slightly longer hair on top. Jim says that the look would have been created with clippers to cut the hair to the desired length and ensure an even finish. It is slightly longer than a buzz cut, Jim labels the crew cut as timeless and thinks it will be here to stay for some time – we have already seen a lot more of it throughout 2023. Jim notes that the style looks particularly strong on those with angled features, but is great for all face shapes as it can always be tailored to suit the individual. A bonus is how clients don’t need to style the crew cut, they just need more regular trips to you to keep the cut looking fresh.
Click here to find our rundown of the versatile crew cut.
Stephen Sanchez’s Pompadour
Image credit: @loyaltmanagement
Another one of Jim’s favourite men’s hair looks from the VMAs came from singer-songwriter Stephen Sanchez. Jim loved his full look and how it was unique and expressive. Stephen wore his hair in a slicked back pompadour style that further elevated his look and gave it a statement finish. Jim liked that he didn’t wear the pompadour with too much volume, just with a little height instead which gave it a more modern update. Jim advises that styling is key with this look, he recommends to always start by prepping the hair with some hair mousse and then use a hairdryer to help you guide the hair backwards. Then, follow up by using your hands to work the product in which creates the shape and holds the look in place.