When you think of the New York Giants era, you probably see a one-handed catch. But right after that, you see the hair. That shock of platinum blonde sitting on top of a perfectly tapered fade. It didn't just change the NFL; it basically rewrote the rules for how athletes—especially Black athletes—could express themselves on the field.
The odell beckham hair style is rarely just one thing. It’s an evolution. Most guys walk into a barbershop and just ask for "the OBJ," but which one? Are we talking about the 2016 burst fade? The 2022 Super Bowl buzz? Or the more recent, refined "Mohawk Revival" he’s been sporting lately?
Honestly, the look is more than just bleach and clippers. It's a whole aesthetic.
The DNA of the Signature Mohawk
Basically, the core of the classic OBJ look is a burst fade mohawk. Unlike a traditional mohawk that runs like a narrow strip, Beckham's version is wider. It keeps the natural texture of his 4C hair but adds that high-contrast pop with color.
Barbers usually refer to this as a "South of France" fade, popularized by Usher but perfected by Odell. It’s a wide mohawk that tapers off behind the ears. The back is often finished with a "V" shape or a clean rounded edge, depending on the year.
If you're trying to replicate this, you've gotta understand the "burst." It’s a circular fade around the ear that leaves the hair long on the temples and the back. It creates a silhouette that looks fast even when he’s standing still.
Why the Blonde Actually Matters
People thought the blonde was just a gimmick. It wasn't.
When Odell first debuted the platinum tips, it was a cultural reset. He wasn't the first to dye his hair, but he was the one who made it high fashion. He was sitting front row at New York Fashion Week with Anna Wintour, for crying out loud.
Maintaining that color is a nightmare. Bleaching 4C hair to a level 10 platinum requires a pro. If you try this at home with a box kit from the drugstore, your hair is going to feel like straw and probably snap off in the shower. Stylists like Marguerite Hancock have worked on his hair to ensure the integrity of the curls stays intact while hitting those bright tones.
You need a purple toner—something like the Wella T18—to get rid of the "egg yolk" yellow and reach that icy Beckham white.
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The 2026 "Mohawk Revival" and Beyond
Lately, things have shifted. We saw a brief period where Odell went almost entirely buzz-cut. It was a "reset" moment after his injuries and personal growth. But as of 2024 and 2026, the mohawk is back, though it's more structured now.
The modern odell beckham hair style uses a sharper drop fade. It’s less "messy curls" and more "sculpted volume."
Here’s the thing: his hair looks "shakable" because it’s healthy. A lot of guys try to copy this and realize their hair just stands straight up or looks matted. Odell has been a brand ambassador for Head & Shoulders, and while that's a big corporate gig, he’s vocal about scalp health. You can't have those hanging curls if your scalp is dry and your follicles are clogged.
How to Get the Curls (The Real Secret)
Most people think it’s just the haircut. It’s not. It’s the routine.
- Moisture is king: You need a leave-in conditioner. Something like Shea Moisture or a specific curl-defining milk.
- The "Shake" Method: To get those individual clumps, you apply product to soaking wet hair and literally shake your head.
- Finger Coiling: If your hair is tighter (4C), you might need to manually coil small sections to get that "Odell look."
Maintenance Is a Full-Time Job
You can’t just get this cut and go. If you want the skin fade to stay crisp, you’re at the barber every 10 to 14 days.
The blonde needs a "touch-up" every three weeks unless you’re leaning into the "dark roots" look, which Odell actually pioneered as a style choice. It makes the transition look more natural as it grows out.
And let's talk about the beard. The hair is the star, but the beard is the supporting actor. It’s always groomed—usually a medium-length stubble that’s lined up with a straight razor. It balances the height of the mohawk. Without the beard, the mohawk can make your face look too long.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Barber Visit
If you're serious about rocking this, don't just show a blurry photo from 2015.
- Identify the Fade: Ask for a burst fade or a drop fade. Specify that you want to keep the bulk on the sides near the top.
- The Top: Tell them you want a "wide mohawk" profile. If your hair isn't at least 4-6 inches long, wait. You need the length for the curls to "drop."
- The Color: See a professional colorist. Ask for a "double process" bleach and tone. Do not settle for "gold." You want "platinum" or "honey blonde" depending on your skin tone.
- The Products: Get a sulfate-free shampoo and a high-quality curl cream. If you skip this, the bleach will ruin your hair within a month.
Odell changed the game because he wasn't afraid to look different. Whether he's in a Rams, Ravens, or Dolphins jersey, the hair remains a symbol of that "look good, play good" mentality. It’s about the swagger.
To keep the look fresh, start by focusing on hair health before you even touch the bleach. Use an overnight moisturizing mask for two weeks to strengthen the strands. When you finally go for the cut, ensure your barber uses a foil shaver for the skin-tight sections of the fade to get that high-definition contrast OBJ is known for.