The Joe Burrow Haircut Evolution: From LSU Undercut To The Viral Bleach Blonde Buzz Cut (2025 Update)

Joe Burrow's haircut has become almost as iconic and talked about as his on-field play, cementing his status as a true trendsetter in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has continuously evolved his look, moving far beyond the simple, structured haircut of his early career to experiment with styles that capture headlines, most recently with a viral and unexpected change that shocked the football world in the mid-2024 offseason. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the history of Joe Brrr's hair, giving you the exact blueprint for his most popular styles, and the latest details on his current look. The fascination with the quarterback's mane is a testament to his "Joe Cool" persona—effortless, confident, and always making a statement. From the signature medium-length undercut that defined his early Bengals years to the shaggier, wavy locks that sparked comparisons to retro movie villains, Burrow's hair journey is a masterclass in modern men's style. Whether you're a fan of his classic look or his boldest experiment, understanding the nuances of the Joe Burrow haircut is the first step to emulating that elite-level swagger.

Joe Burrow: Biography and Career Profile

Joseph Lee Burrow, widely known as Joe Burrow, is an American professional football quarterback who has quickly become one of the National Football League's (NFL) most marketable and exciting stars.

• Full Name: Joseph Lee Burrow
• Date of Birth: December 10, 1996
• Hometown: Athens, Ohio
• College Career: Started at Ohio State before transferring to LSU, where he had one of the most statistically dominant seasons in college football history, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2019 and leading the Tigers to a National Championship.
• NFL Draft: Selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft.
• Current Team: Cincinnati Bengals (QB)
• Key Highlights: Led the Bengals to an appearance in Super Bowl LVI in just his second season, earning the nickname "Joe Cool" and "Joe Brrr" for his composure under pressure.
• Distinguishing Traits: Known for his exceptional accuracy, cool demeanor, and off-field fashion sense, which often includes his signature hairstyle.

The Iconic Hair Evolution: From Understated to Undercut to Unconventional

Joe Burrow’s hair has gone through several distinct phases since his college days, each reflecting a different stage of his career and personal style. His ability to pull off dramatically different looks is part of what makes his hair so endlessly discussed.

Phase 1: The Classic Long and Wavy Look (Early Career)

Before he was a professional football icon, Burrow sported a longer, more natural look. This style was characterized by its medium-to-long length, often worn slightly messy or wavy, a common look for younger athletes. It was understated and a stark contrast to the sharp, tailored look he would later adopt.

Phase 2: The Signature Undercut/Low Fade (Bengals Era Staple)

The style that truly defined the "Joe Burrow look" is a variation of the undercut or low fade. This became his go-to hairstyle during his rise with the Cincinnati Bengals. The key elements of this style include:

• Sides and Back: A clean, tight fade, often a low fade that starts just above the ear, or a slightly disconnected undercut. The clean sides emphasize the length and volume on top.
• Top Length: The hair on top is kept at a medium length, typically around 2-3 inches, which allows for versatility in styling.
• Styling: He often styled it with a slight comb over fade, swept back, or pushed forward with texture, giving it a polished yet effortless appearance. This is the look that most fans try to replicate.

Phase 3: The Shaggy, Grown-Out Look (2023 Offseason)

During the 2023 offseason and into the start of the season, Burrow experimented by growing his hair out, resulting in a shaggier hairstyle. This look featured grown-out, wavy brown locks that occasionally fell over his eyes, leading to comparisons to characters from 80s movies or even the popular "The Summer I Turned Pretty" aesthetic. This phase demonstrated his willingness to embrace a more relaxed, high-volume look, often requiring a headband on the field.

Phase 4: The Viral Platinum Buzz Cut (Mid-2024 Offseason Update)

The most radical and talked-about change came during the mid-2024 training camp when Joe Burrow debuted a platinum buzz cut. He completely buzzed off his medium-length hair and bleached it a shocking blonde, a move that went instantly viral across social media and news outlets. When asked about the dramatic change, Burrow had a simple and characteristically nonchalant explanation: "I got bored." This spontaneous decision was a huge shift from his previous structured styles and proved that Burrow is comfortable taking major fashion risks. The brief, bold look was a major topic of conversation among fans and media, highlighting his influence on modern men's style trends.

How to Get the Joe Burrow Haircut: Styling and Products

Replicating the signature Joe Burrow haircut—the classic low fade/undercut—is achievable with the right instructions for your barber and the correct hair care routine and styling products.

1. Communicating with Your Barber

The most crucial step is to be precise with your barber. Bringing a photo is always recommended, but use this terminology for the best results:

• For the Sides (The Fade): Ask for a low fade or a taper fade starting just above the ear. Specify the guard length you want the fade to blend into, usually a #2 or #3 at the top of the fade. For a more aggressive look, request a disconnected undercut.
• For the Top (The Length): Request the top to be cut to a medium length, ideally between 2 to 3 inches. The front section can be left slightly longer (a quarter-inch) to allow for the characteristic swept-back or comb over style.
• The Texture: Ask your barber to add some texture to the top layers using point cutting or thinning shears. This will prevent the hair from looking too heavy and allow for the natural, slightly messy volume that Burrow often sports.

2. Essential Styling and Hair Products

Burrow’s classic look requires products that provide a strong hold without excessive shine, maintaining a natural, matte finish. While the specific Joe Burrow hair products are not always publicly confirmed, professionals recommend:

• For Hold and Texture: A matte pomade, styling clay, or fiber paste is essential. These products offer high hold and low shine, perfect for creating the textured, swept-back volume.
• Application Technique: Apply a small amount of product evenly through damp or dry hair. Use your fingers to push the hair up and back from the forehead to achieve the signature height and direction.
• Volume Boost: For extra volume, especially if your hair is fine, consider using a sea salt spray on damp hair before blow-drying.
• Hair Care Tips: Regular trims (every 3-4 weeks) are necessary to maintain the sharp fade line. A good quality shampoo and conditioner are also key to keeping the medium-length top healthy and manageable.

The Cultural Impact of the Joe Burrow Hairstyle

Joe Burrow’s hair is more than just a personal style choice; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has cemented his place as a fashion icon in modern sports. The "Joe Burrow haircut" is one of the most requested men's styles in barbershops across the country, rivaling the popularity of other athlete styles. His willingness to make dramatic changes, from the structured undercut to the bold bleach blonde buzz cut, demonstrates a confidence that resonates with his fanbase. The buzz cut, in particular, was a moment of pure spectacle. It wasn't a calculated fashion move; it was a spontaneous decision driven by boredom, which only added to the legend of "Joe Brrr" and his effortless cool. The consistent evolution of his hair, combined with his high-profile status, ensures that every snip, trim, or color change becomes a major news story. Whether he returns to his classic low fade or surprises fans with an entirely new look in the upcoming 2026 season, Joe Burrow’s hair will continue to be a benchmark for trendy, confident men's hairstyles. His influence extends far beyond the gridiron, proving that a great haircut is truly the crown of a king.