How To Get The Zayn Malik Haircut (2 Styles, One Direction)

Zayn Malik has come far from his breakout days as a member of the pop boy band One Direction. Since going off in his own direction (he he) back in 2015 he has successfully released his own alternative R&B music as a solo artist with hits like Pillowtalk featuring his then-girlfriend, supermodel Gigi Hadid, who he also created a beautiful daughter with.  Malik has also modelled for high end designer brands such as Vogue, Martyre, and Versace, just to name a few. All and all amounting up to a pretty impressive career. 

It's no surprise with this mash up of unique influences that Malik’s style can get pretty experimental. Especially when it comes to his hair. He has tried out plenty of different looks from his signature quiff - a One Direction staple - to a bouffant, a faux hawk and  going in the complete opposite direction by cutting his hair super short and rocking a buzz cut and a crew cut. The singer has also dyed his hair a multitude of colours from blonde, pink, purple, green and even silver.

Below we are covering two of Zayn Malik’s hairstyles that caused the biggest stirs throughout his career and how you can recreate them. 

Haircut 1: The Quiff

Credit: Getty Images.

Head to your barber and ask for a quiff with short sides. When it comes to the length on top, the minimum a stylist would recommend is two inches (when you pull a strand down it should just about pass your eyebrows) and maximum of five inches. Then the hair should gradually get shorter towards the back. These days it’s fashionable to get a skin fade on the sides but the traditional the Zayn Malik haircut starts with a #1 at the base of the hair and gradually moves into a #2 as it reaches the top. Make sure the hair is well blended together.  

• To style, start with clean damp hair. If you have thicker hair and need help to hold it in place apply a small amount of our Award-Winning Styling Funk as a pre-styler. Make sure you rub the product thoroughly through your hair from root to tip.
• Next, grab a hair dryer and blow dry your hair whilst using your hands to help shape it in your desired direction. Blow dry the sides up and towards the middle of the head to create a forward quiff-like direction. Scrunching the hair as you go will help add volume and texture.
• Style the fringe/front of the hair with a brush. Start at the hairline and brush your fringe up and back, blasting it with the hairdryer at the same time. This should create that quiff-like volume at the front of the hair.
•  Now, put your hairdryer to the cold setting and give your hair a once over. This will help it set in place and provide a longer lasting hold.
• Finally, to help with controlling your hair and keeping its hold, use a small amount of our Matte Lava Clay by warming it up in your hands and applying it to the hair from root to tip. Start at the back and bring the product forward towards the front. This is your opportunity to style your quiff the way you want it. Malik tends to go for a messier look which requires pulling the front of your hair forward a bit and working it with your fingers.

Haircut 2: The Crew Cut

For the fella that likes a lot less fuss when it comes to hair but doesn’t want to compromise on style. We suggest you go for a military staple and give Zayn Malik’s crew-cut a go. Ask your barber to leave the top of your hair no longer than an inch. Buzz #0.5 from the base of your neckline to the tip of your ears. From the tip of your ears upwards the hair should gradually fade into your longer length. To maintain this look we recommend getting your hair done every 2-3 weeks. 

This is a very low maintenance hairstyle but if you’re looking to add that extra bit of oomph! apply a small amount of our Styling Funk to add some texture and shine to the look. This will also help deliver nutrients to the scalp as well as moisturize the hair and give it a natural shine. This is a great trick for the winter months where the scalp can get itchy and dry.

Tip: 

If you’re going for a short look, always keep a bottle of sun cream on hand. There is nothing worse than a scalp with sunburn in the summer. Ouch!