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The 5 Timeless Secrets Of Hugh Grant's Notting Hill Haircut (And How To Get The 'Foppish' Look In 2025)

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The enduring appeal of Hugh Grant's hair in the 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill is a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences and barbers alike, even as of December 21, 2025. This seemingly effortless, nonchalant style—worn by his character, the bumbling but charming bookseller William Thacker—defined an entire decade of men's fashion and remains one of the most requested haircuts in modern salons. The look is a perfect blend of British refinement and windswept vulnerability, a 'floppy' mass of beguiling nonsense that, despite its apparent simplicity, requires a specific cut and technique to master.

Far from being a simple, messy mop, the William Thacker haircut is a meticulously crafted style that served as the ultimate accessory to Grant's '90s heartthrob persona. It’s a style that has seen a massive resurgence, often cited in articles discussing the revival of 'old money' aesthetics and the classic 'Curtain Cut' trend. Understanding the anatomy of this iconic look is key to appreciating its lasting legacy, especially as the film celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Hugh Grant: Biographical Profile and Notting Hill Era (1999)

The man behind the iconic hair, Hugh Grant, is a British actor whose career is synonymous with the romantic comedy genre, particularly his work in the 1990s and early 2000s. His persona as the stammering, self-deprecating, yet ultimately heroic leading man was perfectly encapsulated by his style in Notting Hill.

  • Full Name: Hugh John Mungo Grant
  • Date of Birth: September 9, 1960
  • Place of Birth: Hammersmith, London, England
  • Notting Hill Role: William Thacker, a modest travel bookshop owner.
  • Film Release Year: 1999
  • Key 90s/Early 2000s Filmography (Entities): Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Nine Months (1995), Notting Hill (1999), Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), About a Boy (2002), Love Actually (2003).
  • Defining Style Element: The "foppish" or "swept-back floppy" mid-length hair that became his signature.

Grant's career evolution has seen him successfully transition from the romantic lead to critically acclaimed character roles in recent years, such as in The Undoing and Paddington 2, but it is the William Thacker look that remains his most recognizable and beloved style entity.

The Anatomy of the 'Foppish' William Thacker Haircut

The haircut, often referred to as the 'Hugh Grant Floppy Style' or the 'Foppish Hairstyle,' is a grown-out, mid-length cut that achieves its famous volume and movement through specific layering and length. It is not a uniform cut but a strategic one designed to look effortlessly charming.

1. The Mid-Length Base and Layering

The key to the *Notting Hill* look is the length. It is a mid-length cut, meaning the hair reaches past the ears but sits above the collar. The sides and back are kept "clean," but not buzzed short, maintaining a natural, grown-out appearance. Crucially, the hair is cut with strategic, long layers throughout the top and crown. These layers are essential for creating the lift and 'floppiness' that allows the hair to fall naturally and sweep back without looking heavy or helmet-like.

2. The Swept-Back Flow

The signature movement is the casual, swept-back flow. This is achieved by cutting the hair to a length that allows it to just cover the forehead, but not so long that it becomes a true fringe. The layers enable the hair to be pushed back and to the side, maintaining a soft, natural curve rather than a rigid, slicked-back look. This is the 'nonchalant' quality that made the style so popular.

3. The 'Curtain Cut' Connection

While often seen as its own entity, the William Thacker style is a sophisticated evolution of the '90s Curtain Cut. Unlike the more severe, middle-parted curtain look popularized by boy bands, Grant's version is softer, featuring an off-center part and a more tousled texture. This softer approach makes it a more mature and enduring style that has been easily adopted by the modern 'old money' aesthetic.

The Modern Revival: How to Get the Look in 2025

The popularity of the 'floppy fop' style is experiencing a significant revival, making it a sought-after look in 2025. It is particularly ideal for men with medium to thicker hair who are looking for a style that is relatively low maintenance but high on impact.

What to Ask Your Barber

Do not simply ask for the "Hugh Grant haircut." You need to be specific to ensure you get the right foundation. The best way to communicate the look is to ask for the following:

  • Cut Name: A "Grown-out Mid-Length Cut" with "long, textured layers" throughout the top.
  • Length: Request the length to fall just over the ears and to the top of the neck at the back, with the front layers long enough to touch the bridge of the nose when pulled straight.
  • Texture: Ask your barber to use point cutting or texturizing shears to remove weight, especially if you have very thick hair. This is crucial for achieving the 'floppy' movement.

The Essential Styling Secrets and Products

The secret to the Notting Hill hair is not a lack of product, but the *right* product applied correctly. The aim is to create volume and hold without any visible stiffness or shine.

Step 1: The Blow-Dry Foundation. After washing, towel-dry your hair until it is damp, not soaking. Apply a volumizing mousse or a sea salt spray to the roots and mid-lengths. Use a good hairdryer and your fingers to blow-dry the hair back and up, directing the flow away from your face. Stop when the hair is about 80% dry.

Step 2: The Nonchalant Finish. To achieve the soft, touchable texture, finish with a small amount of matte hair cream or a light-hold styling paste. The cream is highly recommended as it adds moisture and control without the heavy, greasy look of traditional pomades. Warm the product in your hands and gently rake it through your hair, focusing on separating the strands and setting the swept-back flow.

Step 3: Keep it Low-Maintenance. The beauty of this style is its low-maintenance nature. It looks better as it slightly falls out of place. Avoid over-styling or using a brush; the goal is a natural, windswept appearance.

The Enduring Cultural Legacy of the Iconic Hair

More than just a haircut, Hugh Grant's style in Notting Hill became a symbol of a particular kind of romantic, non-threatening masculinity. It was the antithesis of the hyper-masculine, spiky styles that also dominated the late '90s. The hair spoke to the character of William Thacker: gentle, slightly disorganized, and utterly charming.

The look’s longevity is testament to its versatility. Unlike many other '90s trends that have faded, the floppy style has been continually reinvented, influencing modern actors and style icons. It embodies a classic elegance that transcends fleeting trends, proving that sometimes, the most perfect hair is the one that looks like you just woke up and accidentally styled it perfectly.

hugh grant notting hill hair
hugh grant notting hill hair

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