Author: Henry

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Adidas’ Week of Deals sale is in full swing, with hundreds of markdowns, slashing prices by as much as 70% on many new styles for the fall, including deals of up to 25% off rarely-discounted running shoes, jackets, and more. With great Adidas deals everywhere you look, it can be hard to gauge the best offers, but there’s one popular sneaker that’s flying off the shelves—and it’s down to only $24 right now.

The Adidas Racer TR23 Shoes are now selling for as low as $24—up to 70% off the normal price of $80. At times, with great budget shoe finds, you run the risk of sacrificing a bit on quality, but that’s not the case here. These Adidas sneakers have earned a 4.6-star rating after nearly 200 reviews. They’re available at $24 in white, but for $4 more, you can score it in black, gray, tan, or green. Sizes are going fast, but most colors still have options from 6.5 to 14 available.

Racer TR23 Shoes in Legend Ivy/Legend Ivy/Carbon, $24 (was $80) at Adidas

Not only did Adidas nail it with these kicks with their price tag as an affordable option to the cult-favorite NMD sneakers, but these shoes also punch above their performance weight class. The midsole of this shoe features Cloudfoam cushioning, giving you that cloud-like movement experience. A lightweight upper mesh paired with a soft and subtle inner lining has buyers falling in love with these shoes.

Shoppers have become obsessed with this shoe’s all-day comfort. “The fit, look, and comfort were so good I bought two more pairs,” exclaimed one happy buyer. “They are, by far, the best-fitting and most comfortable shoes I have ever purchased. Plus, the variation in color highlights on the shoe makes it a great fit for almost any outfit, professional or casual.”

Racer TR23 Shoes in Olive Strata/Olive Strata/Silver Pebble, $28 (was $80) at Adidas

“These shoes fit like bedroom slippers,” another shopper noted. “They look great and feel very comfortable…Best shoes you can get for the price and quality.”

The Adidas Week of Deals sale ends on Nov. 6, so grab yourself a pair of the Racer TR23 Shoes while sizes are still available, because many have already sold out.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has opened up about how he resisted the urges of Hollywood executives who told him he was “too big” to be a leading man in movies.

“As I was pushing my career forward—doing my best to push my career forward—there were moments of doubt,” the Hobbs & Shaw star told Entertainment Weekly. He recalled an oft-repeated piece of “advice” he would receive from industry executives: “If you wanna be a leading man, you’re too big; you can’t go to the gym, you have to lose weight, you gotta go on a diet.”

Johnson admitted that he “started to question” himself after hearing that. “If you don’t know any better, then you buy into it,” he said. The actor believes that uncertainty can be seen in his work from that period. “Some of those films at the time I was making, I think, reflect that,” he noted.

But then he had the epiphany that would go on to change the course of his career.

“And then a moment came where I said, excuse my language, but, ‘F–k that, I’m not doing this anymore, I’m gonna do myself. And if I fail, then I can fail being me,'” Johnson explained.

“A funny thing happened when I said, ‘Ah, f–k all this’: career went like this,” he continued, gesturing upwards. “I became acutely aware of the power of being authentic and being real.”

Johnson has remained one of the biggest worldwide box office draws, with roles in ensemble blockbusters like the Fast and Furious series in addition to leading roles in his own franchises such as Jungle Cruise and Black Adam.

Next, he’ll appear in the Christmas action-adventure comedy Red One, also starring Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, and J. K. Simmons; hitting theaters on Nov. 15, 2024.

I’ve generally worn some version of a mod cut for most of my adult life—whether it’s a bit shorter or longer, I usually rock the ’60s-inspired, layered, rock ‘n’ roll hair vibe. The mod cut hairstyle has become my signature, a look I wear confidently, no matter what’s trending. Now, a mod cut doesn’t necessarily mean The Beatles’ mop tops; think more about Oasis and Liam Gallagher of ’90s Britpop sensation Oasis, who are reuniting following a 15-year beef between the brothers: layered with a razored, textured top and a bedhead-like finish that gives it that effortlessly cool, unstudied feel. That’s ’90s mod cut magic.

Anything with character and originality eventually finds its way back into the zeitgeist, including the best haircuts, and right now, the mod cut for men is having (or is about to have) a moment. Just look at stylish guys like Jacob Elordi and Cillian Murphy rocking their own variations of the cut. And, regardless of your age, it never goes out of style if on the right person. We’re here to dive into its history, what makes a mod cut, how to decide if it’s for you, what to ask your stylist, and how to style it. So, if you’re ready to rock it, you too can feel supersonic, as the Gallaghers might put it.

What Is a Mod Cut?

A mod cut is characterized by a layered, tousled look that balances structure with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. It typically features a textured top, shorter or mid-length bangs, and wispy sides that frame the face, giving it a shag-like quality with a perfectly imperfect “I woke up like this” vibe. Layers are essential for pulling off the cut, creating that lived-in quality.

But make no mistake—a mod cut is neither a mop top nor a mullet. “The mod cut is often mistaken for a mullet or a Beatles-style mop top, but it’s distinct,” Chrissie Schwalje, owner of Parlor Hair Studio in Montclair, NJ, tells Men’s Journal. “It has a razored back, a tousled, textured top, and wispy sideburns. It leans more into the shag than those other styles.” 

It’s more versatile and classic than a mullet, more refined and interesting than a mop, and lets your inner rock star shine.

Related: These Are the Best Haircuts for Men in 2024

A Brief History of the Mod Cut

The mod haircut originated in the 1950s when young Londoners called themselves “Modernists,” inspired by their love of modern jazz and the refined style of the musicians, thus shepherding in the “mod” movement. These early mods became known for their tailored suits, motor scooters, and rebellious attitude. By the early 1960s, their musical tastes had shifted to American blues and soul, and the subculture spread across Britain and beyond, influencing fashion worldwide. The mod look soon grew to include iconic elements like parkas and longer, layered hair—immortalized in films like Quadrophenia by The Who.

The mop top laid the foundation for the mod cut to enter popular culture. Almost every guy with a penchant for style in the 1960s grew his hair out, inspired by The Beatles’ now-classic look (though it was controversial at the time). At first, this cut was a heavier fringe, with hair falling like a sculpted dome. But bands and musicians like The Small Faces, Paul Weller of The Jam, The Kinks, and Mick Jagger in the late ’60s and ’70s evolved the cut by adding more layers and texture. The mod cut continued to morph through the ‘70s and ‘80s, with David Bowie and Rod Stewart adding softer, shaggy shapes and contrast at the crown. 

In the ‘90s, bands like Oasis and The Verve brought the mod cut back with even more texture and attitude, creating the carefree look synonymous with Britpop. The early to mid-2000s saw another revival with the likes of The Strokes and The Hives. (Yes, at every step of the way, the mod cut has been inextricably tied to music.) Today, the mod cut remains timeless in its own distinct way, symbolizing “Who cares?” nonchalance and appealing to music enthusiasts, artists, and anyone who values a layered cut with character.

The Mod Cut Is Having a Moment (Again)

Music and hairstyles have always gone hand in hand—the pompadour with rockabilly, the afro with funk, reggae with dreadlocks, etc. The mod cut and Britpop are no exception. So, why is the mod cut making a comeback now?

“Partly, it’s due to the original artists who popularized this style returning to the spotlight,” Schwalje says. “With Oasis announcing a reunion after 15 years, the hairstyle resurfaces with a new wave of fans. Add in the broader ’90s revival, and it’s no wonder this iconic look is back in rotation.” 

Celebrities like Cillian Murphy, Paul Mescal, Adam Driver, and Jacob Elordi have recently sported the cut on the red carpet, each adding a unique twist. For example, Paul Mescal has embraced a mod-mullet hybrid, while Adam Driver rocks a more uniform all-around length variation in the movie Megalopolis (which also nods to ancient Roman styling that you might call a very, very early mod progenitor). Cillian Murphy and Jacob Elordi keep it shaggy on top with shorter sides and back. These different riffs prove that, while trends may ebb and flow, the mod cut is here to stay, and is always changing.

Related: 10 Best Natural Shampoos for Men in 2024

Mop Top vs. Mod Cut

Let’s clear up a common misunderstanding for good: A mod cut is not a mop top. The early Beatles rocked the mop top—so did a young Justin Bieber (but we’d rather cite the Beatles here). A mop top is a bit more uniform, with that bowl-over-the-head vibe, whereas a mod cut takes things a step further. It’s an evolved style, incorporating layers and textures. A mod cut is like the mop top’s cooler cousin; it has the same essence but a bit more sophistication and edge.

Mod Cut vs. Mullet

The mullet has been having a moment, too, but I view it as extremely particular. It’s a style most associated with the ’80s and ’90s, contrasting the length at the back and the shorter front and sides (you know the look). It’s been popularized by musicians like David Bowie (who rocked it with unparalleled confidence in the ’70s), Billy Ray Cyrus, and other artists. While both styles have been revived in recent years, the mod cut generally leans classic, while the mullet taps into a more ironic and niche aesthetic.

Should You Get a Mod Cut?

A mod cut isn’t for everyone—it can feel forced or even a bit juvenile on the wrong person. But if you’ve got an artistic spirit, a musical inclination, a bit of badassery, or simply want to try something different, it’s a look worth rocking. Bear in mind, the mod cut itself has range, too; for instance, a more uniform shag like Adam Driver’s can be an approachable entry point, while the super textured, wispy style inspired by late ’90s Liam Gallagher requires a bit more panache to pull off.

Just ensure you’re doing it authentically—not because you saw it in a fashion lookbook. While haircut trends come and go, staying true to what resonates with you and suits your face and aesthetic will always look and come across best; chasing every fad can leave you looking like the “every guy with the same haircut” meme.

Now that you’re on the mod cut bandwagon, let’s get into the specifics of hair types. We consulted Chrissie Schwalje, owner of Parlor Hair Studio in Montclair, NJ, who has been crafting stylish cuts for guys for over two decades—and she’s a serious music fan. 

According to Schwalje, first ensure your hair can handle the mod cut. It is best for “those with hair to spare since this cut is all about layers,” she says. “Thicker textures work well with their soft edges, while finer, sparser, or super straight hair may not be ideal. Slightly wavy hair is a sweet spot for this look, while those with curlier textures should remember that curls will shrink, so going for a longer version might be best.”

And if your hair isn’t providing the ideal slight wave, rest assured you can still rock a version of this look, as the style is meant to lay freely and have movement. Every hair texture type can join in the fun.

“If your hair has a very tight or curly texture, you can make variations of this style,” Schwalje adds. She suggests working with your stylist to create something unique for curlier textures, like adding Jean-Michel Basquiat-inspired locks or braids and then shaping them into the mod cut’s defining silhouette. “Think longer sideburns, too, a bit of length in the back, and a floppy fringe. Collaborate with your stylist to adapt the style to your hair type while capturing that effortlessly cool mod vibe.”

Related: Best Beard Trimmer Selects of 2024 to Shape Facial Hair

How to Get a Mod Cut

Start by telling your stylist that you’re looking for “a soft, razored cut with closer internal lengths and a longer external hairline,” Schwalje explains. “This haircut can be customized with short, choppy bangs like Paul Weller or a longer, textured fringe like Liam Gallagher. The key is movement and soft edges. You don’t want blunt edges, short sideburns, or a back extending past your collar. Chopping off the sideburns or making the shape too barbered can completely change the look. Visually, this cut should have longer lengths around the entire perimeter—the fringe, sideburns, and nape.”

When you head to your stylist, she advises bringing a reference photo, whether it’s Jacob Elordi or Liam Gallagher, as there are variations of the mod cut. “Reference photos are always helpful,” she says. “They clearly show the desired length and help clarify details like the fringe length and amount of texture.”

And be sure to emphasize the particular details you’re seeking, and what you don’t want to get rid of. “Make sure you’re clear with your stylist about the areas you want to leave longer. The longer lengths in this haircut set it apart from styles like the mullet or mop top,” Schwalje notes. “We often focus on what’s being cut off, but it’s just as important to specify what stays on! Going too short in the back hairline or sideburns could turn this cut into something entirely different, so be clear before starting that you want the length left in the fringe, sideburns, and nape.”

From there, the specifics are really up to taste, she advises: “How short you go is all about preference. A shorter crown amps up the contrast with longer lengths, giving a more rock edge. A longer crown with subtler length differences reads shaggier, creating an overall longer shape.” She suggests experimenting with these elements each visit to keep the look fresh while staying true to the mod style.

How to Style a Mod Cut

Regarding styling, Schwalje recommends a “less is more” approach: “Add some styling paste to towel-dried hair and roughly blow-dry with downward airflow. Use a bit of paste to mess up the finish, then place and polish as you’d like.” She generally recommends Redken Rough Paste or Evo Box o Bollox Texture Paste for an effortlessly cool look.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

• For fine hair: Use a drier, matte pomade like Barb Soft Clay Pomade.
• For medium texture and density: Go for something more pliable, such as Davines This Is a Medium Hold Pliable Paste or Redken Rough Paste.
• For coarse or thick hair: Choose a product with extra hydration and hold, like R+Co Control Flexible Paste.

Schwalje recommends adding a hair powder like Hairstory Powder Dry Shampoo as a finishing touch or next-day refresher: “It adds volume and that bedhead texture while absorbing excess oils, giving your mod cut a fresh, lived-in look.”

Redken Rough Paste

Evo Box o Bollox Texture Paste

The Barb Shop Soft Clay Pomade

Davines This Is a Medium Hold Pliable Paste

R+Co Control Flexible Paste

Hairstory Powder Dry Shampoo

Why You Should Trust Me

In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I have covered topics ranging from menswear and styling to fragrances and watches and, of course, hair for InsideHook, Robb Report, GQ, Esquire, and Men’s Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and a significant portion of the grooming pages. And I’ve been rocking some version of a mod cut for literal decades (just ask my editor).

I’ve always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I write, because while trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse, and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it’s this approach that positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it’s about coats, colognes, turntable needles, or hairstyles, people recognize that I’ve done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better. 

Related: Best Beard Oil Options of 2024 to Refine Your Facial Hair