The Indo-Canadian Punjabi sensation didn’t just revolutionise the music scene with tracks like “Brown Munde” and “Excuses.” He also brought a fresh, edgy aesthetic that has thousands of fans worldwide rushing to their barbers with screenshots. But here’s the thing: achieving that perfect AP Dhillon hairstyle isn’t just about asking for “the AP Dhillon cut.” There’s science, style, and a bit of swagger involved.
Who is AP Dhillon?
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amritpal Singh Dhillon |
| Stage Name | AP Dhillon |
| Date of Birth | January 10, 1993 |
| Age | 32 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Canadian (Punjabi origin) |
| Profession | Singer, rapper, record producer |
| Famous For | Brown Munde, Excuses, Insane |
| Music Style | Punjabi, Hip-Hop, R&B |
| Known Style | Minimalist outfits + ap dhillon hairstyle |
| Instagram Followers | 3+ million (approx.) |
Breaking Down the AP Dhillon Hairstyle: The Technical Details
Alright, let’s get technical. If you’re serious about nailing this look, you need to understand the components.
The Cut: What to Ask Your Barber
When you walk into that barbershop, here’s exactly what you need to communicate:
The Top Section:
Ask for 2-3 inches of length on top with point-cutting or texturizing techniques. This isn’t a blunt cut—you want choppy, uneven ends that create natural texture and movement. The hair should be longest at the front hairline and gradually decrease toward the crown.
The Sides and Back:
Request a mid-fade or high-fade depending on your preference and face shape. AP typically sports a mid-fade that starts around the temple area. The fade should be gradual and clean—not too aggressive. The skin shouldn’t show until you’re well below the parietal ridge.
The Transition:
This is crucial. The blend between the longer top and faded sides should be seamless. There shouldn’t be any harsh lines or awkward weight lines. A skilled barber will use clipper-over-comb techniques and scissors to create this smooth transition.
The Hairline:
Keep the front hairline natural—no hard edges or crispy lineup. AP’s look maintains a soft, lived-in feel.
Face Shape Considerations
Here’s where personalization comes in. While the AP Dhillon hairstyle is versatile, slight modifications can optimize it for your face shape:
Oval Face:
You’ve won the genetic lottery. This cut works perfectly as-is. Keep the proportions balanced.
Round Face:
Add more height on top and keep the sides tighter. This creates the illusion of length and angular features.
Square Face:
You can pull off the standard version beautifully. The texture on top softens your strong jawline nicely.
Heart-Shaped Face:
Keep slightly more length on the sides to balance your wider forehead and narrower chin.
Long Face:
Avoid too much height on top. Keep the proportions moderate to avoid elongating your face further.
The Styling Process: From Shower to Street
Getting the cut is only half the battle. Let me walk you through the styling process that’ll get you from towel-dried to turning heads.
Step 1: The Foundation (Right After Washing)
Don’t make the rookie mistake of applying product to bone-dry hair. The AP Dhillon hairstyle requires damp hair for optimal styling.
After shampooing (use a volumizing shampoo if your hair is fine), towel-dry until your hair is about 70-80% dry—damp but not dripping. This is your golden window.
Step 2: Pre-Styling Products
Apply a heat protectant spray if you’re planning to blow-dry (which I recommend for this style). Then, work a small amount of sea salt spray or texturizing spray through your hair. This creates that lived-in, slightly gritty texture that’s key to the look.
Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it. Start with less product than you think you need—you can always add more.
Step 3: Blow-Drying Technique
Here’s where the magic happens. Using a blow dryer on medium heat:
- Blow-dry your hair forward and upward from the roots, creating volume and lift
- Use your fingers to create directional movement—push some hair forward, some to the side
- Don’t aim for perfection; you want controlled chaos
- Focus the airflow at the roots to maximize volume
- Once 90% dry, switch to cool air to set the style
Step 4: Finishing Products
Now we add the final touch. Depending on your hair type and desired finish:
For a Matte Finish: Use a clay or matte paste. Warm a small amount between your palms, then work through the top section using your fingers. Scrunch and twist sections to create texture and separation.
For Slight Shine: A light pomade or cream works well. Apply the same way but use less product.
The Technique: Think messy, not molded. Use your fingertips to lift sections and create height at the front. The goal is for it to look like you barely tried (even though you definitely did).
Step 5: The Final Touch
Finish with a light-hold hairspray if needed—but seriously, light. Spray it into the air and walk through the mist rather than directly coating your hair. You want hold, not helmet hair.
Product Recommendations: Building Your Arsenal
Let me save you some trial-and-error frustration. Here are the products that work best for achieving the AP Dhillon hairstyle:
Shampoos and Conditioners
- American Crew Daily Shampoo: Cleanses without stripping, perfect for daily use
- Redken Brews Extra Clean Shampoo: Great for removing product buildup
- Baxter of California Daily Fortifying Conditioner: Lightweight, won’t weigh hair down
Texturizing Products
- Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: The gold standard for beach-y texture
- Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: Premium option with incredible hold and texture
- Hanz de Fuko Quicksand: Creates insane texture and grip
Styling Products
- Layrite Cement Clay: Matte finish with strong hold
- Hanz de Fuko Claymation: Versatile, buildable hold
- Baxter of California Clay Pomade: Great balance of hold and workability
- Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay: Natural ingredients, strong hold
Budget-Friendly Options
- Got2b Powder’ful Volumizing Styling Powder: Adds texture and volume on a budget
- Suavecito Matte Pomade: Affordable and effective
Variations and Adaptations
While the classic AP Dhillon hairstyle is iconic, there’s room for personalization. Here are some variations I’ve seen work well:
The Business-Friendly Version
Keep the same basic structure but ask your barber to make it slightly more polished. The fade can be a touch more conservative, and you can use a light-shine pomade for a more corporate look. You still get the essence of the style without pushing workplace boundaries.
The Extra-Textured Version
For guys with naturally wavy or curly hair, embrace it! Ask your barber to cut with your natural texture in mind. Use curl-enhancing products instead of fighting your hair type. The result? An even more unique, personalized take on the AP Dhillon hairstyle.
The Longer Version
If you’re growing out your hair, you can maintain the general principles—textured top, faded sides—with more length on top. This bridges the gap between short and medium-length styles.
The Summer-Friendly Version
Go slightly shorter on top (1.5-2 inches instead of 2-3) for easier maintenance during hot months. The reduced length makes styling quicker and reduces sweating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you from the pitfalls I’ve seen countless guys fall into:
Mistake #1: Too Much Product
This is the number one killer of good hairstyles. More product doesn’t equal better hold—it equals greasy, stiff, unnatural-looking hair. Start small. You can always add more.
Mistake #2: Wrong Product Type
Using pomade when you should use clay, or vice versa. Know your hair type and desired finish, then choose accordingly. When in doubt, matte products work better for this style.
Mistake #3: Neglecting the Sides
Some guys get obsessed with the top and forget about the fade. The contrast between the textured top and clean sides is what makes this style work. Keep those fades fresh.
Mistake #4: DIY Disasters
Please, I’m begging you—don’t try to cut this yourself unless you’re a trained barber. I’ve seen too many quarantine haircut disasters. Find a professional who understands fades and texturising.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Hair Type
This style works for most hair types, but modifications are necessary. Fine hair needs different products and techniques than thick hair. Curly hair requires different cutting techniques than straight hair. Communicate your hair characteristics to your barber.
Cultural Impact and Social Media Influence
Let’s zoom out for a second and talk about why this hairstyle became such a phenomenon.
According to recent data from social media analytics, searches for “AP Dhillon hairstyle” increased by over 340% between 2021 and 2024. Instagram posts with hashtags related to his style have garnered millions of interactions. YouTube tutorials recreating his look have accumulated millions of views.
This isn’t just about a haircut—it’s about cultural representation and the globalisation of South Asian aesthetics. AP Dhillon represents a new generation of artists who blend their cultural roots with contemporary Western influences, creating something entirely new and incredibly appealing to diverse audiences.
Conclusion:
We’ve covered a lot of ground here—from the technical specifications of the cut to the cultural phenomenon behind it. The AP Dhillon hairstyle represents more than just a trend; it’s a modern, versatile, and genuinely flattering style that has captured the imagination of men worldwide.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of his music or simply someone looking for a contemporary hairstyle upgrade, this look offers incredible potential. Yes, it requires investment in time, money, and maintenance. But for those willing to commit, the payoff is a style that boosts confidence and turns heads.
Read More: Virat Kohli Hairstyle, Zayn Malik Hairstyle,Mens Haircuts, Marco Hairstyles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I wash my hair with the AP Dhillon hairstyle?
A: It depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Generally, 3-4 times per week is ideal. Daily washing can strip natural oils, while washing too infrequently leads to product buildup. On non-wash days, use dry shampoo to refresh your style. If you work out frequently, you might need to wash more often, but consider using just water for post-workout rinses and saving shampoo for alternate days.
Q2: Can I achieve this look if I have curly or wavy hair?
A: Absolutely! The AP Dhillon hairstyle can be adapted for different hair textures. If you have curly or wavy hair, embrace your natural texture rather than fighting it. Ask your barber to cut with your curl pattern in mind, and use curl-enhancing products instead of straight-hair styling products. The textured crop actually looks fantastic with natural wave and curl—you might end up with an even more unique version of the style.
Q3: What’s the minimum hair length needed to start this style?
A: You’ll need at least 2 inches of length on top to achieve the proper texture and movement. If your hair is currently shorter, you’ll need to grow it out for 4-8 weeks depending on your starting length and hair growth rate. During the growing-out phase, you can maintain clean fades on the sides to keep a polished look while the top catches up.
Q4: Is this hairstyle appropriate for professional/corporate environments?
A: Yes, with slight modifications. Keep the fade moderate rather than aggressive, use products that provide a slight sheen rather than a completely matte finish, and style it slightly neater. The fundamental structure of the cut is professional—it’s clean, well-groomed, and contemporary. The key is in the styling: tone down the “messy” texture slightly for conservative workplaces.
Q5: How much should I tip my barber for this cut?
A: Industry standard is 15-20% of the haircut cost, but for a barber who consistently nails this style, I’d recommend 20-25%. Remember, a skilled barber is worth their weight in gold, and good tipping ensures they’ll continue prioritising your appointments and giving you their best work. If you’re seeing the same barber regularly, building that relationship through fair compensation is invaluable.
Explore More Blogs at Caption Frame