The classic ‘mod haircut’, made famous by Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis, has experienced a sudden surge in popularity following the announcement of the band’s reunion and world tour. A report from Ruffians, a renowned UK barbershop, highlights the staggering increase in online searches for the mod hairstyle, revealing a 363% rise since the Gallagher brothers confirmed their return to the stage. Set to embark on a global tour in July 2025, the anticipation for their comeback has seen Britpop nostalgia flourish, with fans across the country eager to recreate the iconic 90s look.
The ‘mod haircut’—a style synonymous with the swaggering Gallagher brothers during the height of Oasis’ fame—has long been an emblem of the band’s casual yet rebellious image. Ruffians’ analysis of Google search data shows a phenomenal 10,105% spike in searches for ‘Oasis haircut’, with queries for ‘Liam Gallagher haircut’ and ‘Noel Gallagher haircut’ surging by over 11,000% each. Such figures reflect a clear longing for the carefree, guitar-driven era of Britpop, and the Gallaghers’ distinct sense of style has once again captured the public’s imagination.
The mod haircut itself is rooted in the 1960s Mod subculture, which was built around music, fashion, and scooters, championing sharp, tailored looks and effortless cool. In the 90s, Oasis became the torchbearers for this subculture, combining elements of it with the grungy, laid-back vibe of rock ‘n’ roll. The brothers’ haircuts were a key component of their image, and their fans, then and now, sought to emulate their distinctive look.
Robyn Mulgrew, Store Manager at Ruffians, explained how the tour announcement reignited interest in this style has: “News of the Oasis world tour has caused a huge surge in popularity of the mod haircut, a style synonymous with Noel and Liam Gallagher. Our research shows a huge increase in searches for this style after the brothers announced their reunion on 27th August, with fans eager to revive the Britpop era.”
Mulgrew detailed the signature elements of the mod haircut, explaining its appeal lies in its versatility. “The mod cut is all about cutting layers to give the hair a lived-in, shaggy feel. It is cut shorter on the sides and left longer on top with a fringe,” she said, describing how key variations allow individuals to tailor the cut to suit their own face shape and preferences. “Showing your barber reference photos is key if you want to get this cut, as there are variations in length and fringe style, so it is important to communicate how you’d like it to look.”
In a world where fashion is often cyclical, this resurgence of the mod style demonstrates the timeless appeal of a cut that can be adapted to suit modern tastes while retaining its quintessentially cool roots. Mulgrew also offered advice on how to style the mod cut for those looking to capture the Gallagher vibe: “To style it, begin with damp hair, applying a light mousse or sea salt spray to add texture and volume. Blow-dry while using your fingers to direct the hair forward, focusing on creating a slightly messy fringe.”
Her styling tips highlighted the laid-back, effortless aesthetic that made the Gallaghers style icons in the first place. “For a more authentic look, avoid over-styling the top; instead, use a matte clay to subtly define the layers without losing the natural flow. The goal is to achieve a look that’s effortlessly cool, reflecting Liam and Noel Gallagher’s laid-back yet edgy style.”
This revival of the mod haircut mirrors the resurgence of all things 90s, a trend that has seen fashion, music, and pop culture from the era re-enter the mainstream in recent years. For many, the return of Oasis represents more than just the reunion of one of Britain’s most famous bands—it is a chance to relive the heyday of Britpop, a cultural movement that defined a generation.
The band’s tour, set to begin at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 4th July 2025, has already captured the imagination of thousands of fans, many of whom are reliving the days when the Gallaghers ruled the airwaves. And as this surge in interest around the mod haircut shows, the band’s influence continues to extend beyond their music, reaffirming their status as style icons of British culture.
With the mod haircut officially back in vogue, barbers around the UK are set to be flooded with requests for the style that defined an era. Thanks to the enduring legacy of Oasis, and their impending world tour, the haircut of the 90s is experiencing a vibrant and unmistakable renaissance. Whether it’s through their music or their trademark haircuts, the Gallagher brothers have once again proved that their influence on British culture is far from over.
Analysis done by https://ruffians.co.uk/.
