When you think of tom cruise hairstyle, what comes to mind? Is it his daredevil stunts in Mission Impossible, his unforgettable role as Maverick in Top Gun, or perhaps his ability to keep audiences at the edge of their seats with every new movie release? While Tom Cruise’s acting chops have kept him at the top of Hollywood for decades, his hair game has consistently been equally as attention-grabbing.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re taking a deep dive into Tom Cruise hairstyles over the years. We’ll cover everything—from the short and spiky looks seen in Mission Impossible to the classic, windswept hair in Top Gun. Whether you’re a fan of his early career or the modern-day Maverick, you’ll get all the details you need to rock your own Tom Cruise-inspired look.
Let’s get started with a fun little stats table for a quick overview of Tom Cruise, the man behind the hair.
Tom Cruise at a Glance: Stats Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Cruise Mapother IV |
| Born | July 3, 1962 |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Iconic Movies | Mission Impossible, Top Gun, Jerry Maguire |
| Hairstyle Evolution | From long to short, sleek to spiky |
| Signature Look | Short, tousled, and effortlessly cool |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
The Evolution of Tom Cruise’s Hairstyle
Tom Cruise’s hairstyles have gone through many phases, much like his movie career. Let’s explore his hair journey, starting from the long, tousled locks of the 1980s to the more modern, sharp cuts seen in his later films.
1. The Early Years: Long Hair, Don’t Care
Tom Cruise’s career started in the early 1980s, and back then, the man had some seriously long hair. His hairstyle in Top Gun became one of the most iconic looks of the decade. The Maverick haircut, which was a bit longer on top and slightly tapered on the sides, was both rebellious and effortlessly cool. Cruise’s hairstyle in Mission Impossible 2 also saw some of his signature longer hair moments, with a more textured, messy approach.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that Tom Cruise was almost turned away from his Top Gun audition because of his “too neat” appearance? The producers told him to go “mess it up a bit.” The result? The Maverick hairstyle was born.
2. The ’90s: The Growing Popularity of the Spiky Look
As the ’90s rolled in, Tom Cruise switched things up with a more structured, spiky hairstyle. In films like Jerry Maguire and Mission Impossible, his hair was kept shorter and styled with more volume at the top. The spiky Tom Cruise hairstyle became a symbol of his youthfulness and energy. This look wasn’t just for the screen—it became a trend, and fans all over the world started to imitate it.
3. The 2000s: The Modern, Sleek Tom Cruise Hairstyle
By the time the 2000s came around, Cruise embraced a more sleek and sophisticated look. His hair was cut short, with a clean fade on the sides and the top kept just long enough for some texture. The Mission Impossible Tom Cruise hairstyle became emblematic of a more mature, polished version of the action star. This style was often paired with his iconic suits, making him look like the ultimate secret agent.
Quick Tip:
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish cut, ask your barber for a “short, textured crop” like the one Cruise sported in Mission Impossible 3. It’s versatile and works for most face shapes.
4. The 2010s: The Return of the Tousled Look
In the 2010s, Tom Cruise went back to his roots, embracing a more tousled, natural hairstyle. Mission Impossible: Fallout saw him rocking a slightly longer, yet controlled look that highlighted his face shape and gave him an effortless charm. This hairstyle was modern but still had that rugged edge, perfect for an action hero.
If you want to replicate this look, go for a slightly longer cut on top with a tapered fade on the sides. Finish with a lightweight styling cream to give your hair that “just rolled out of bed” texture, but in the best possible way.
5. The Present: Classic, Sophisticated, and Still Timeless
As Tom Cruise enters his 60s, his hair game continues to impress. Today, his look is more refined, with short, neat styles that are both age-appropriate and timeless. He still plays with texture, but now it’s all about a polished, classic look. Whether you see him on the red carpet or in his latest Mission Impossible film, Cruise’s hair remains stylish and relevant.
Key Tom Cruise Hairstyles
1. The Maverick Look (Top Gun)
If you’re a true Tom Cruise fan, then you can’t talk about his hairstyle in Top Gun without mentioning the iconic “Maverick” look. This hairstyle features voluminous, tousled hair that effortlessly falls into place, often styled with a bit of gel to keep it in place. Perfect for beach days or moments of adrenaline-fueled action, this style has become one of the most recognizable in cinema history.
How to Get the Look:
To pull off the Maverick hairstyle, you’ll need medium-length hair that has natural movement. Use a sea salt spray for texture and finish with a light styling gel. The goal is to look like you’ve just jumped out of a fighter jet… or maybe just had a beach day.
2. The Short Spiky Look (Mission Impossible 2)
In Mission Impossible 2, Cruise’s hair took on a more chiseled, spiky appearance. This style was both bold and energetic, and it perfectly fit the film’s action-packed nature. To achieve this, you’ll need a shorter cut with layered texture on the top, and then use a strong-hold gel to create those signature spikes.
How to Get the Look:
Ask your stylist for a short layered cut, with the top kept a little longer than the sides. Use a pomade or styling wax to add texture and definition, and voila! You’ll look ready for some high-speed motorcycle chases.
3. The Textured Crop (Mission Impossible 3 and Beyond)
For a more modern and sophisticated look, you can’t go wrong with the textured crop Cruise rocked in films like Mission Impossible 3. This cut is short, with slightly longer top layers and a clean fade on the sides. It’s ideal for anyone who likes to keep it neat and sharp but still wants some texture on top.
How to Get the Look:
This cut requires a skilled barber to get the proportions just right. Make sure to ask for a tapered fade and leave the top a bit longer to create some texture. Finish with a light styling product for that natural yet polished finish.
How to Choose the Best Tom Cruise Hairstyle for You
Now that you know about Tom Cruise’s different hairstyles over the years, how do you choose which one works best for you? The key is to consider your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle.
Face Shape:
-
Oval Face: You’re lucky! Most Tom Cruise hairstyles will work for you, from the long locks of Top Gun to the cropped looks from Mission Impossible.
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Square Face: The spiky textures and layered cuts will help soften sharp angles. Try styles similar to Mission Impossible 2.
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Round Face: Opt for a more structured cut with volume on top. A textured crop or slightly longer Maverick look can help elongate the face.
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Heart-Shaped Face: A side-swept, tousled look will add balance. Try the Top Gun or Mission Impossible 3 style.
Hair Texture:
If you’ve got thick, wavy hair, Tom Cruise’s longer cuts are a great choice. If you’ve got fine or straight hair, his shorter, textured looks will work best.
Conclusion
Tom Cruise’s hairstyles are more than just haircuts; they represent his evolving persona and career. From his rebellious Maverick look in Top Gun to the sleek, modern cuts in Mission Impossible, Cruise continues to set the standard for stylish men everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a bold, spiky appearance or a more refined, polished look, there’s a Tom Cruise hairstyle for everyone.
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FAQs
Q: What’s the most iconic tom cruise hairstyle?
A: Hands-down, the tom cruise hairstyle top gun pompadour—timeless swagger in every quiff.
Q: How do I get the mission impossible 2 tom cruise hairstyle without looking like a ’90s extra?
A: Layer the top to 4 inches, add texture spray, and embrace the flow. Skip the frosted tips!
Q: Does Tom Cruise wear hairpieces?
A: Rumors swirl, but pros say it’s mostly natural with strategic coloring. Genetics + care = magic.
Q: Best tom cruise hairstyle long for beginners?
A: Start with a half-up bun—easy, edgy, and low-fuss for wavy types.
Q: Tom cruise hairstyle mission impossible evolution explained?
A: Short for odds (practical spy), long for evens (dramatic flair). It’s franchise folklore.
Q: Can short guys rock the tom cruise hairstyle?
A: Absolutely—Tom’s 5’7″ and owns it. Height’s no barrier; attitude is everything.
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