Mohawk variations make a comeback

The faux-hawk is an approximation of a mohawk made without buzzing or shaving the sides of the head.
Photo by Carrie Cronk

By V’Netra Daniels, News Writing Student

Fashion constantly recycles itself. The same goes for hairstyles.

The mohawk has been reborn many times since Native Americans first introduced it to the social scene.

The mohawk is a hairstyle that consists of shaving both sides of the head, leaving a strip of noticeably longer hair.

Today, people wear mohawks to make bold statements.

“A mohawk wearer is someone who is confident and outgoing,” said Loretta Anderson, nursing sophomore. “In order for a person to wear a mohawk, they have to be used to getting attention.

“Someone who is fun, energetic and up for anything. Somebody who has to have that personality, that attitude, you know?”

All races have embraced this “rock star” hairstyle and are making it their own with hair dyes and different “hawk” styles.

The liberty spikes are a form of mohawk so named because of their resemblance to the spikes on the crown of the Statue of Liberty according to answers.com.

In this style, the unshaven parts of the hair are formed into thick spikes that radiate outwards in all directions or all point up in the same direction. They are favored for their durability when used with extremely long hair.

There is no limit to the number of different styles that have risen from the original mohawk.

There’s the faux-hawk, which is an approximation of a mohawk made without buzzing or shaving the sides of the head, and dread-hawks, which consist of dreadlocks.

Then, there are bi-hawks and tri-hawks which have, respectively, two and three center strips of longer hair.

Eva Pigford was a pioneer who brought back the faux-hawk on the show “America’s Next Top Model.”

Since then, mohawks have been seen all throughout Hollywood.

Justin Shorney, advertising sophomore and faux-hawk wearer, said people who wear mohawks are “people who are not very socially normal.

“They go against a lot of social norms to express themselves. It’s a form of expression.”

However, when it comes to employment, how is a mohawk received?

Career and Employment Services Director Debra Vaughn said she looks beyond a hairstyle.

“I don’t care,” she said. “I’m looking for the attitude, scholastics and work ethic.”

However, she said, some employers will expect a certain look.

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” Vaughn said. “If you really want that job, you will adjust to their specifications.”

Valerie Avila, Gordon’s Jewelers manager, said she likely wouldn’t hire someone with a mohawk although personally, she is a fan of the hairstyle.

“It really isn’t suitable for someone to be wearing a mohawk and a couple walks in trying to pick out a wedding ring,” Avila said.

Rico Jaurdon, manager of T-Mobile in Midwest City, said he would hire someone, regardless of hairstyle.

“In the cell phone business, everyone in all walks of life needs a cell phone, so I’m sure people don’t really care about what you look like.

“What matters is how you present yourself when customers walk up to you and ask about cellular service and how much you know about the company you’re representing.”

He said, in fact, a unique hairstyle could actually be a conversation starter that could lead to a sale.

“You can take that unique thing about you and turn it into something completely different, and it just started because of your hair.”

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