The Weeknd's Iconic Old Haircut: A Journey Through His Signature Styles

When we talk about artists who redefine their image with every era, The Weeknd undoubtedly stands at the forefront. More than just a musician, he is a master of visual storytelling, and perhaps no element of his persona has been as iconic and talked about as his hair. From the early days of his mysterious rise to global superstardom, the Weeknd old haircut wasn't just a style; it was a statement, a symbol, and an integral part of his artistic identity. It captured the imagination of millions, becoming as recognizable as his haunting falsetto.

Indeed, The Weeknd is the ultimate hair chameleon. His journey through various hairstyles, from cornrows to locs, is as versatile as his discography. But for many, the image that first springs to mind when "The Weeknd" is mentioned is that distinctive, wild, and unforgettable look from his early career, particularly around 2015. This article delves deep into the history, impact, and legacy of that famous style, exploring what made it so memorable and why its eventual departure sent ripples across the entertainment world. Without further adieu, we're breaking down his complete hair evolution.

Abel Tesfaye: The Man Behind The Weeknd

Before diving into the hair, it's essential to understand the artist himself. Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, burst onto the music scene with a unique sound that blended R&B, pop, and soul with dark, introspective lyrics. His anonymity in the early days only added to his mystique, and his evolving visual identity became a crucial part of his narrative. The musician (whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) released his first No. 1 single, “The Hills,” in 2015 — and as his songs rose on the charts, so did his prominence, making his distinctive look a global phenomenon.

The Weeknd (née Abel Tesfaye) has been having a good year, marked by significant achievements that have cemented his status as a music icon. He won a Grammy, released a new album, and performed on the same roster as Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, showcasing his broad appeal and undeniable talent. His journey from an enigmatic figure releasing free mixtapes to a stadium-filling superstar is a testament to his artistic vision, a vision that has consistently been reflected in his ever-changing appearance, particularly his hair.

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The Early Days and The Rise of The Locs: A Visual Identity

For many, when they think "The Weeknd," the 2015 look is what always comes to mind first. This era was defined by his distinctive, free-form locs that seemed to defy gravity, creating a silhouette unlike any other in mainstream music. This was the look that accompanied his ascent to global fame, particularly during the "Beauty Behind the Madness" album cycle. It was raw, unkempt, yet undeniably stylish, perfectly complementing the moody, enigmatic vibe of his music. This was truly the Weeknd old haircut that captivated the world.

The Iconic Free-Form Dreads

Abel growing out his iconic free-form dreads for 5 years was legendary. This wasn't just a hairstyle; it was a commitment to an aesthetic that resonated deeply with his sound. The natural, organic growth of his locs became synonymous with his early artistic freedom and his refusal to conform to typical pop star aesthetics. It projected an image of an artist unburdened by conventional expectations, someone who was authentic and unapologetically himself. The style was unique, a sculptural mass that framed his face and added to his mysterious allure. I only lasted 2 years trying the look just for something new, which speaks volumes about the dedication required to maintain such a distinctive style.

People who didn't know The Weeknd really well would recognize Abel with his hair, saying something like, "Oh, the dude with the weird hairstyle that was awesome!" It was a conversation starter, a visual hook that made him instantly recognizable in a crowded industry. The name "The Weeknd" fits his style from back in the day for many fans, myself included. Also, that's when many first heard of him, so the old dreads will always stick with them. This particular iteration of his hair was a testament to patience and a unique aesthetic vision, solidifying his place as a visual icon as much as a musical one. Find and save ideas about the weekend hairstyle on Pinterest, further highlighting its widespread appeal and influence.

Cultural Impact and Recognition

The impact of The Weeknd's old haircut extended beyond mere aesthetics. It became a cultural touchstone, influencing fans and inspiring discussions about individuality and self-expression. His choice to maintain such a distinct and unconventional hairstyle in the mainstream spotlight was bold. It demonstrated that one could achieve massive success while embracing a look that was truly their own, rather than conforming to industry norms. Every hairstyle he wears is stunning, and this stylish afro with a thin mustache, which he later ditched in favor of his renowned beard, was no exception to his trendsetting ways. His hair, especially the locs, became a signature element, making him instantly identifiable even from a distance. It solidified his image as an artist who was always pushing boundaries, both musically and visually. This iconic look was a statement of artistic independence, setting him apart from his peers and cementing his status as a true trendsetter.

The Starboy Transformation: The Great Chop of 2016

Then came the moment that sent shockwaves through his fanbase: the big chop. Prior to releasing his new album ‘Starboy’ in November 2016, The Weeknd finally cut his hair. It was a dramatic transformation that signaled a new era for the artist. The r&b singer (real name Abel Tesfaye) released his new album ‘Starboy’ last week (November 25, 2016), and the accompanying visual shift was undeniable. It’s no surprise that when The Weeknd cuts his hair, the entire world gasps. This wasn't just a haircut; it was a rebranding, a visual cue that something significant had changed in his artistic journey. It marked a distinct departure from the Weeknd old haircut, ushering in a new chapter of his career.

The Reasons Behind the Change

The decision to cut off such an iconic look was not taken lightly, and The Weeknd himself provided insight into his motivations. He explained why he cut his hair prior to releasing his new album ‘Starboy’, telling Zane Lowe on Beats 1 that “the vision wasn’t there anymore.” This statement suggests an artistic evolution, a need for his physical appearance to align with the new sonic landscape he was exploring. The old hair, while iconic, no longer served the narrative of the "Starboy" persona, which was characterized by a more refined, almost superhero-like aesthetic. It was about shedding the old skin to embody the new character he was creating through his music.

Furthermore, he revealed a more practical reason: The Weeknd said that his old hair style caused him to frequently have neck pains, and that his plan was to cut it once it affected his vision in day-to-day life. This highlights the physical burden of maintaining such a voluminous style, especially for someone with a demanding performance schedule. The sheer weight and bulk of the locs, while visually striking, became a literal pain in the neck. The blend of artistic necessity and personal comfort drove this significant change, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to his evolving image. It was a clear indication that his art and well-being were paramount.

The Afterlife of The Locs

Perhaps one of the most fascinating details surrounding The Weeknd's old haircut is what happened to it after the chop. As for the afterlife of his snipped strands, Weeknd also revealed his surprising decision. He still has his old locs after his major haircut — and this is where he keeps them: Weeknd passed the hair off to his manager who promptly stored them. The Weeknd’s famous locs are locked up, a curious and almost symbolic act that underscores the significance of that era of his career. It’s a testament to how deeply intertwined his hair was with his identity as an artist, treated almost like a relic of a bygone era. This detail further solidifies the idea that The Weeknd takes performance art to another level, even extending to the physical remnants of his past self. This unique preservation highlights the profound connection between his personal image and his artistic narrative, making his hair not just a style, but a piece of his history.

The High Top Fade and Its Variations: A Nod to the 90s

Following the "Starboy" transformation, The Weeknd embraced a sleeker, more refined look, often featuring a high top fade. This style, while a stark contrast to his previous locs, still maintained a distinct edge and a nod to classic aesthetics. The high top fade is a great way to tame kinky hair, and The Weeknd haircut successfully proves it. This hairstyle comes out dapper and trendy although it doesn’t require much maintenance or styling compared to his previous elaborate do. It represented a shift towards a more polished, yet still undeniably cool, image, aligning with the more mainstream appeal of his "Starboy" album.

The influence of the 90s high top hairstyles continually presents itself with modern artists such as The Weeknd choosing to style his hair this way. In addition to this, we have seen multiple variations of his high top hair, twisted at top, multiple lengths, shaved sides with patterns. This adaptability showcases his continued evolution as a style icon, proving that he can effortlessly transition between vastly different looks while maintaining his signature allure. This new chapter in his hair evolution demonstrated his versatility and willingness to experiment, moving beyond the confines of his previously iconic look. It proved that while the Weeknd old haircut was legendary, he was far from a one-trick pony when it came to his visual identity.

Evolution Beyond the Old Haircut: A Testament to Change

The Weeknd hair evolution from 2016 to 2021 is a testament to the artist’s unique sense of style and willingness to embrace change. While the