The Wet Mop Haircut: What to Ask For, Popular Styles, Origins & More

PDF download Download Article
Look effortlessly cool with this TikTok-trending haircut
PDF download Download Article

Also called the “mop top,” the wet mop haircut is a messy, medium-length cut with parted fringe. It was popularized by The Beatles and Justin Bieber, but it has recently resurfaced in popularity thanks to TikTok. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the wet mop haircut, including how to style, maintain, and ask your barber for the look.

An Overview of the Wet Mop Haircut

The wet mop features longer hair on the top of the head, with shorter hair on the sides and back. The top is brushed down, while the bangs are swept to the side to give a shaggy look. Ask your barber to cut the top so it’s about 4 inches in length, trim the sides so they’re earlobe level, and add texturized layers.

Section 1 of 6:

What is a wet mop haircut?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Popularized by the Beatles and Justin Bieber, the wet mop features longer hair on the top of the head, with shorter hair on the sides and back. The top hair is brushed down for a combed-over effect, and the bangs are swept to the side to create a shaggy appearance. Some key elements of the wet mop include: [1]
    • A tapered flow into a layered top.
    • Short to mid length on the sides and back.
    • Lots of texturized layers and added movement.
    • Often worn with natural waves or styled with curls.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

How to Ask for a Wet Mop Haircut

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For a wet mop haircut, ask your barber to cut the top so it’s about 4 inches (10.2 cm) in length, falling past your eyebrows. Have them add lots of texturized layers and movement throughout your hair, then trim the sides with a #4 clipper guard until they reach earlobe level. [2]
    • Show your barber reference photos of wet mop haircuts that have the texture, flow, and styling you like. The key to a flattering haircut is to be clear about what you want!
Section 3 of 6:

Styling & Maintaining a Wet Mop Haircut

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You need between 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) of hair on top for a wet mop haircut, which means you can go in for a trim every 4 to 6 weeks. If you want a shaggier wet mop, you can visit your barber every 6 to 10 weeks (depending on how fast your hair grows). [3]
    • You can always grow out your wet mop for an even messier look, or teach yourself how to trim the sides or fringe at home.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spritz sea salt spray onto damp hair to add volume and definition to your locks. Hold your hair dryer a few inches away from the hair on top and point the nozzle downward to minimize frizz. Celebrity hairstylist Noël Reid-Killings says to “use a round brush” to lift the hair up and away from your forehead, while blow-drying your hair in the front. This will “get your bang to lay at the curve you’re looking for.”
    • Repeat this process 2 to 3 times until your hair is the perfect shape.
    • To minimize hair damage, apply a heat protectant spray before blow-drying.
    • Keep the blow dryer moving while you shape your hair with the round brush , instead of holding it in place. Pressing the nozzle against one area will fry your hair.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Work a golf-ball sized amount of texturizing mousse into your hair while it’s still damp. Attach a diffuser to your blow dryer and set it to the lowest heat and pressure settings. Cup small sections of your hair into the bowl of the diffuser and scrunch your hair from the ends up. When you get closer to your scalp, professional hairstylist Martin Nepton recommends “putting your hand in between your scalp and the diffuser so you don’t burn yourself.”
    • Move the diffuser around your head until your hair is completely dry.
    • Use dry shampoo in between washes to give your hair a gritty texture that makes it easier to style.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Brush your fringe forward with a wide-tooth comb and apply pomade. After you’ve blow-dried your hair, brush it forward and part the fringe. Warm a dime-sized amount of pomade in your hands, then run it through the fringe and the top layer of your hair. This emphasizes the soft texture of the wet mop, while keeping your hair in place. For extra hold, spritz a flexible hairspray all over. [4]
    • Alternatively, use a matte wax or other texturizing product to achieve the look you want.
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

Variations of the Wet Mop Haircut

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To make this style look less like a bowl cut, ask your barber to use a scissor over comb technique, rather than clipping your hair. Add extra texture with point cutting, which helps it grow out nicely and makes it easier to style. [5]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you want a bad boy-inspired look, opt for the undercut version of the wet mop. It features the long bangs from the original haircut, but the sides and back are completely shaved. This sharp contrast in length looks crisp, clean, and effortlessly cool.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This medium length wet mop is softly textured, shaggy, and universally flattering (especially if you have an oval or square face shape). Keep your hair collar length at the back, slightly shorter at the sides, and heavily textured at the crown with an eyebrow-length fringe. You can also use a razor to give your fringe a jagged, piecey look. [6]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re searching for a softer wet mop haircut, this one’s for you! Leave your hair slightly longer at the back so it reaches the top of your collar, and ask your barber to cut lots of choppy layers to get an effortless, tousled texture. Rub a pea-sized amount of matte wax or pomade into your fingertips, then run it through your hair to enhance the texture. [7]
    5. Advertisement
Section 5 of 6:

Wet Mop vs Curtain Cut Haircut

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The fringe in a wet mop haircut usually falls past the eyebrows, while the fringe in a curtain cut is clearly parted in the middle. Unlike the wet mop, the curtain cut often features straight and shiny hair that’s cut to a medium length. This gives it a preppy, ‘90s boy-band aesthetic, rather than the disheveled, rockstar vibe of the wet mop. [8]
    • If you add flippy curtain bands and a center part to a mod-inspired wet mop, you’ll get the curtain cut.
Section 6 of 6:

Wet Mop Haircut Frequently Asked Questions

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The haircut was popularized by The Beatles in the 1960s. At the beginning of the decade, the band befriended an art student named Jürgen Vollmer in Hamburg. A few years later, Paul McCartney and John Lennon met up with Vollmer in Paris and requested the hairstyle, which Vollmer cut in the middle of his hotel room. Paul and John brought the wet mop back to England, where it became a symbol of youth. [9]
    • Older generations thought the hairstyle looked like a wet mop, and it was named accordingly.
    • Today, the wet mop haircut has resurfaced in popularity due to male TikTok creators, such as Bryce Hall and Noah Beck.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Charlie Heaton, Will Sharpe, Liam and Noel Gallagher, Louis Tomlinson, Noah Beck, Bryce Hall, Vinnie Hacker, and Jungkook from BTS have rocked the wet mop. The haircut was popularized by the core members of The Beatles, which include Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. [10]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Wet-Mop-Haircut-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The wet mop suits a variety of face shapes, but it’s especially flattering for those with square or heart faces. With that being said, you can always style the longer hair on top in a way that complements your face shape, or customize the texture to accommodate your natural hair.
    • After you determine your face shape , talk to your barber to see what style suits you. They can offer advice on what works well with your hair texture and length.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      The Warrior Cut: How to Get & Style TikTok’s Latest Hair Trend
      How to
      Do a Layered Haircut
      How to
      Decide if You Should Get Bangs or Not
      9 Ways to Cut Your Long Hair At Home
      How to
      Cut Your Own Hair (Men)
      Everything You Need to Know about the Low Burst Fade Hairstyle
      Hairstylist-Approved Guide to Cutting Men’s Hair at Home
      How to
      Do a Layered Curly Cut at Home
      How to
      Give a "Fade" Haircut to Males
      Tips for Trimming Long Hair Evenly (Your Own or Someone Else’s)
      How to
      Pull Off a Pixie Cut
      How to
      Ask for a French Crop Haircut, Plus How to Style It
      How to
      Cut the Back of Your Hair
      What Is a Broccoli Cut and Why Do Younger Guys Like It?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/grooming/article/the-beatles-haircut
      2. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/grooming/article/the-beatles-haircut
      3. ↑ https://www.themailroombarberco.com/en-nl/blogs/blog/how-often-should-i-get-a-haircut-at-the-barbershop
      4. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/grooming/article/the-beatles-haircut
      5. ↑ https://manforhimself.com/mens-hairstyles/johnny-flynn-tousled-mop-top-hairstyle/
      6. ↑ https://manforhimself.com/mens-hairstyles/liam-gallaghers-hair-mod-inspired-hairstyle/
      7. ↑ https://manforhimself.com/mens-hairstyles/louis-tomlinson-textured-mop-top-with-fringe/
      8. ↑ https://brokeandchic.com/tips-on-styling-a-mens-curtain-haircut/
      9. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/grooming/article/the-beatles-haircut
      1. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/grooming/article/the-beatles-haircut

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 347 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement