5 BECKS & SIDES
PHOTOS & ART DIRECTION BY MAX WILSON
In Collaboration with Penguin Michael Joseph
In my perspective of South London, the way you present yourself shows character, ambition and style. You always need a good haircut!
‘A good haircut?’ - Random Geeza with an immaculate hairline.
Introducing the Buzz Cut. In South London, from Peckham to Elephant you won’t make it far without seeing a buzz cut. The haircut is a significant part of modern youth culture. Originating in the military as early as the 1800s, it offers a tough look to put fear into the enemy. Conscripts and soldiers were given few options of hairstyles ahead of battle, including Elvis who reclaimed the style again in the late 1950s. Like most hairstyles, trends dictate what’s popular and in-fashion. Yet, the buzz cut is timeless and very DIYable, it has been styled globally. Throughout British culture, classism has often shared a relationship with your style of haircut. Especially within the late ‘90s and early 21st century, the buzz cut had a direct relationship with urban poverty and low-income areas, including amongst boroughs in South London. Perhaps that’s because the buzz cut is known for being an easy trim to cut yourself. In low-income areas for some adults or even children this was their only option. But this hairstyle has evolved from its military and working class origins to an iconic cut. Celebrities have rocked the look, including Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham and the rapper Giggs. So let’s have a: ‘Short Becks and sides please Barber!’. The haircut is not only stylish but functional too. I went to Peckham Rye to investigate the hype. Myself and my good friend Ciaran went out, spotted some bald heads and got talking. ‘This haircut is like nothing else, you feel invincible, relaxed all the time…it looks good and is cheap, you guys gotta experience this man’ - An artist with a buzz cut in South London. They continued to recommend various barber shops within the area and expressed the freedom the haircut brought them. A few pints later, we felt inspired enough to shave our heads. We got the clippers out and began shaving at Ciaran’s place in Camberwell. This was Gonzo journalism at its finest. The clippers ran through my long hair, and I already felt the difference.
Post buzz, I initially found it difficult to justify the decision to cut my hair, as it’s the most important aspect of showing identity when meeting new people, and now I’m experiencing a whole new perspective of myself. Although my appearance had changed significantly, I loved it. I felt liberation from the chore of styling the tangled mess, and loved not having to worry if my long hair was placed correctly. As expected, Ciaran in his Adidas top suited the cut very well- which serves his ambitions to continue his modelling career. We both agreed that the crisp sensation of a freshly shaved head in cold weather brings a feeling like no other. We now feel enhanced with the South London style, and ready for anything. This experience was enlightening to say the least. I’ve learnt that if you want to change your appearance, wardrobe or style based on your surroundings you should go for it and try something new. South London inspired me to experiment with the haircut and I’d happily encourage everyone to try it. Enough said, now buzz your head.