David Beckham’s Best Haircuts and Styles Through the Years

 

David Beckham during training before the 2001 UEFA Champions League match; David Beckham at the David Beckham and F45 Training Launch in 2022; David Beckham during a photocall for Las Vegas Sands. PHOTO: SHAUN BOTTERILL/ALLSPORT/GETTY ; ALEXANDER TAMARGO/GETTY ; JUN SATO/WIREIMAGE

David Beckham isn’t afraid to change up his look.

Whether he’s sporting a long ponytail, a buzz cut or sandy blonde slicked-back hair, one thing is for sure: Beckham can rock them all. The athlete makes every cut and style he’s tried look good — which is a feat, considering how many he’s had.

His family — including sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper Seven — have even sometimes mimicked their dad’s iconic styles, including going platinum and getting a buzz cut.

From his blonde highlights as a soccer rookie to his latest, more sophisticated look, here are all of David Beckham’s best haircuts and styles throughout his career.

 

A Classic ’90s Cut

David Beckham poses for a photo in 1995. TIM RONEY/GETTY

In 1995, when Beckham was only about 20 years old, he sported a classic ’90s hairstyle: longer, piecey, highlighted locks swept to the side. The windswept ‘do was a staple in the early years of Beckham’s career.

 

A Darker Vibe

David Beckham before the Champions League match against Kosice in Manchester, England. MARK THOMPSON/ALLSPORT

As his career flourished, Beckham went for darker locks. In this photo of him before a Champions League match in England in 1997, the athlete’s hair looks darker and almost slicked back.

 

Longer Blonde Locks

David Beckham on a commercial shoot on May 2, 1998, in Manchester, England. SHAUN BOTTERILL/ALLSPORT/GETTY

Pictured here on a commercial shoot in 1998, Beckham went back to the piecey blonde highlighted look. The longer length makes this hairstyle reminiscent of a ’90s boy band star.

 

All About the Bangs

David Beckham backstage after a Whitney Houston concert in London. DAVE BENETT/GETTY

Beckham started dating his now-wife, Victoria Beckham (or Posh Spice), in 1997, so it’s no surprise that he kept up the boy band hairstyle. By 1999, his hair was long enough to look like bangs.

 

The Shaved Head

David Beckham poses for a photo in 2000. DAVE HOGAN/HULTON ARCHIVE/GETTY

In 2000, Beckham surprised fans by cutting off his hair and debuting a buzz cut so closely-cropped that it seemed like he shaved everything off. It was definitely a big change from his flowing highlights, but somehow, it seemed to fit him just as well.

 

A Baby Mohawk

David Beckham focused on training as he and his team prepared to play Mexico in May 2001. LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/ALLSPORT

As Beckham’s hair started growing back in, he kept it up with the more risqué looks, debuting a mini mohawk in 2001. With the sides shaved, he looked like a completely different person.

 

Back to the Buzz Cut

David Beckham during his training ahead of a Champions League game in La Coruna, Spain. SHAUN BOTTERILL/ALLSPORT

The baby mohawk didn’t last long: by later in the year, Beckham had shaved it off and let his hair grow in slightly for another close-cropped buzz cut. The addition of some facial hair made the look work.

 

A Longer Mohawk

David Beckham at the Police sunglasses launch in February on February 7, 2002, in London. GARETH DAVIES/GETTY

In 2002, Beckham went for the baby mohawk look again. The sides were a bit longer this time, so the look wasn’t quite as severe.

 

Long and Platinum

David Beckham leaves his hotel in Manhattan on May 27, 2002. MARK MAINZ/GETTY

By the spring of 2002, Beckham’s hair was different yet again. The mini mohawk and nearly shaved look were gone, and in its place were nearly shoulder-length platinum blonde locks held back in a chic half-up ponytail.

 

Some Spikes

David Beckham focuses on the game. MARTIN ROSE/BONGARTS/GETTY

The longer hair didn’t last long, however. Just about a month later, Beckham hit the field with shorter hair. The longer pieces on top were spiked with gel to keep them out of his eyes.

 

The Ponytail

David Beckham yells during a soccer match against Atletico de Madrid on April 17, 2004, in Madrid, Spain. CARLOS ALVAREZ /GETTY

The athlete’s blonde ponytail is almost as well-known as him. Once it became clear that he was returning to the longer hair look, Beckham started experimenting by pulling it back into a ponytail.

 

Almost a Bob

David Beckham signs copies of his autobiography on November 17, 2003, in London. STEVE FINN/GETTY

At one point, Beckham’s highlighted blonde hair was so long that he could wear it almost as a bob. While signing copies of his autobiography, My Side, in London, Beckham showed off some texture in his hair, which was parted down the middle and tucked behind his ears.

 

A Sleek Ponytail

David Beckham at a press conference in 2004. SANDRA BEHNE/BONGARTS/GETTY

Whenever Beckham chose to tie his long hair back, the result was sleek and stylish. While attending a press conference in 2004, the soccer star opted for a low ponytail that showed off his diamond earrings.

 

Another Buzz Cut

David Beckham at the 19 Management’s 19th Anniversary Party on April 19, 2004, in London. STEVE FINN/GETTY

It was only a matter of time before Beckham got rid of the long hair. In the spring of 2004, he stepped out with another buzz cut. He walked the red carpet with his wife at an industry party at Royal Albert Hall in London looking much different.

 

Side-Swept Highlights

David Beckham and Snoop Dogg pose for a studio portrait backstage at “Live 8 London” on July 2, 2005, in London. BRIAN ARIS/LIVE 8 VIA GETTY

It seemingly doesn’t take long for Beckham’s hair to grow. In 2005, he was rocking blonde highlights and longer locks again. In this photo with Snoop Dogg at a Live 8 London concert, his hair was swept to the side for a boyish style.

 

A Soft Spiky Style

David David Beckham poses during the Umbro England kit launch held on February 27, 2006, in Manchester, England. ALEX LIVESEY/GETTY

The athlete kept the slightly longer length on top with shorter sides for a while. He kept it out of his face with a softer, spiky style that looked young and sporty.

 

Sandy and Stylish

David Beckham at the Launch of MOTORAZR in Japan. JUN SATO/WIREIMAGE

Beckham seemed to get rid of his more obvious blonde highlights and instead opted for a sandy, dark blonde shade. Still longer on the top, the tousled look was more stylish, especially when paired with a cozy brown scarf.

 

A Formal Look

David Beckham attends the 2007 Sport Industry Awards in London. MARK CUTHBERT/UK PRESS

When attending the Sport Industry Awards in 2007, Beckham looked uncharacteristically debonair in a sleek black tuxedo. He also kept his hair on the more formal side, slicking it down and slightly off to the side.

 

Platinum Blonde

David Beckham poses with platinum blonde hair. SYLVIA LINARES/FILMMAGIC

A few months later, Beckham debuted a new color: his lightest platinum blonde shade yet. The color was a mix of white, blonde and light yellow, but the style and cut stayed pretty much the same.

 

Short and Bright

David Beckham lines up for the anthems before the Euro2008 Qualifying match between Estonia and England on June 6, 2007, in Tallinn, Estonia. SHAUN BOTTERILL/GETTY

Beckham kept the bright yellow-white blonde color but got rid of the length. In the summer of 2007, he went for a bright buzz cut that seemed fitting for being on the field.

 

Shaved and Chic

David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala on May 5, 2008, in New York City. STEPHEN LOVEKIN/GETTY

The Beckhams made a splash at the 2008 Met Gala, decked out in Giorgio Armani in shades of black and white. The athlete shaved his hair nearly completely off for the event and showed off some nicely groomed facial hair to go with it.

 

Front Flip

David Beckham smiles as he drinks water at the start of the Major League Soccer match between LA Galaxy and DC United. IRA L. BLACK/CORBIS

By the next year, Beckham had once again grown out his hair. He repeated his previous hairdo with a shorter style on the sides and longer on top. This time, he kept the hair out of his face with a sporty flip.

 

A Wide Mohawk

David Beckham attends the 2010 Soccer World Cup Final Draw on December 4, 2009, in Cape Town, South Africa. 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP ORGANISING COMMITTEE SOUTH AFRICA

Beckham revisited the mohawk look in late 2009, but this time it wasn’t a mini one. Completely shaved sides led the way to a wide mohawk-inspired style, with a front flip and longer pieces throughout.

 

A Shaggy Style

David Beckham attends a game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 26, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. NOEL VASQUEZ/GETTY

Once the mohawk-inspired hairstyle was gone, longer locks took its place. In 2010, Beckham grew his hair out again, with strands looking long enough to curl at his neck and be tucked behind his ears for a casual, shaggy style.

 

A Middle Part

David Beckham attends a game between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers on January 4, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. NOEL VASQUEZ/GETTY

Beckham returned to the middle part in 2011, keeping his nearly shoulder-length hair tucked behind his ears. Pictured at a Los Angeles Lakers game at the Staples Center, he also showed off dark brunette strands with no hint of his usual highlights.

 

Slicked Back and Sleek

David Beckham arrives at Westminster Abbey for the royal wedding on April 29, 2011, in London. KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH – WPA POOL/GETTY

When the Beckhams attended the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, the soccer star went all out. He kept his darker hair slicked back with a side part to show off just a bit of facial hair.

 

Trimmed and Neat

David Beckham arrives at the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 26, 2012, in West Hollywood, California. JOHN SHEARER/WIREIMAGE

At the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Beckham looked every bit the part of a celebrity athlete. Dressed to the nines in a well-fitting black suit, he accentuated the look with a neat, slicked-back hairstyle and matching facial hair.

 

Darker Than Ever

David Beckham meets fans and signs copies of his new self titled book on December 19, 2013, in London, England. STUART C. WILSON/GETTY

During a book signing in London, Beckham showed off his darkest hair color yet. Gone was any hint of his usual blonde; instead, he kept his hair a deep brunette color. It also appeared to be on the longer side, pushed back in short tousled waves.

 

A-List Style

David Beckham attends the Met Gala on May 5, 2014, in New York City. JAMES DEVANEY/GC IMAGES

Beckham kept the darker and more stylish short style for a bit. At the 2014 Met Gala, he walked the carpet in a sophisticated white Ralph Lauren suit. He ensured his hair fit the vibe, keeping it slicked back and longer on the top.

 

Long Enough for a Headband

David Beckham walks out before the David Beckham Match for Children in aid of UNICEF on November 14, 2015, in Manchester, England. MATTHEW ASHTON – AMA/GETTY

The athlete had to keep his hair out of his eyes while out on the field — and a headband got the job done. During a match for children for UNICEF, Beckham made a splash when he accessorized with a headband across his hairline to keep his locks in place.

 

Adding Some Volume

David Beckham attends the EE British Academy Film Awards on February 8, 2015, in London, England. DANNY MARTINDALE/WIREIMAGE

Attending the EE British Academy Film Awards in 2015, Beckham looked dapper in a crisp black suit with a salt-and-pepper beard. His hair was combed back in a sleek updo with some volume up top.

 

Man Bun

David Beckham attends the ‘Biotherm Homme’ photocall on June 20, 2017, in Madrid, Spain. EDUARDO PARRA/WIREIMAGE

It’s safe to say that Beckham has perfected the art of the man bun. By the summer of 2017, the athlete’s hair was once again nearly shoulder length, and his preferred hairstyle was a slicked-back tiny man bun.

 

A Casual Look

David Beckham watches the 2017 Aegon Championships on June 22, 2017, in London, England. CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY

Beckham’s other favorite way to style his long hair in 2017 was to keep it casual with a hat. With his shaggy almost-bob, facial hair, sunglasses and stylish hat, he looked nearly unrecognizable while watching a sports game.

 

A Little Flip

David Beckham attends the photocall for Las Vegas Sands on October 4, 2017, in Tokyo, Japan. JUN SATO/WIREIMAGE

Beckham was into the middle part even before it became super trendy. Toward the end of 2017, his hair was so long that it nearly touched his shoulders. Appearing at an event in Las Vegas, he flipped up the ends for a cute look.

 

Short and Sweet

David Beckham arrives at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018, in Windsor, England. GARETH FULLER – WPA POOL/GETTY

In 2018, Beckham once again went back to short hair. When he went to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, his hair was considerably more close-cropped, which worked with his elegant tux.

 

Shaved Sides

David Beckham attends the NEWGEN LFWM June 2018 Breakfast during London Fashion Week Men’s June 2018 on June 11, 2018, in London, England. DAVID M. BENETT/DAVE BENETT/GETTY

A year later, Beckham went a little bit shorter on the sides by shaving the hair completely. He left the top long, a signature look that he goes back to in between growing out his hair and cutting it all off.

 

Sandy Blonde

David Beckham attends the Wimbledon Championships on July 09, 2021, in London, England. NEIL MOCKFORD/GC IMAGES

In 2021, Beckham once again said goodbye to his dark blonde/light brunette hair and dyed his strands blonde. His slightly longer hair was a sandy blonde with a little height at Wimbledon.

 

Platinum and Short

David Beckham during Soccer Aid for Unicef 2021 on September 04, 2021, in Manchester, England. MATT MCNULTY – MANCHESTER CITY/MANCHESTER CITY FC

A few months later, he went even lighter: Pictured at a sporting game with his wife, Beckham showed off a close-cropped hairdo but with platinum blonde strands and a spiky style.

 

Longer and Voluminous

David Beckham attends the David Beckham and F45 Training Launch DB45 on May 09, 2022, in Miami, Florida. ALEXANDER TAMARGO/GETTY

The athlete definitely has volume tricks up his sleeve. When he attended an event in Miami in 2022, he had grown out his hair considerably, especially on top, and brushed it back and up into a hairstyle with plenty of height.

 

Sophisticated and Chic

David Beckham attends the Dior Homme Menswear Spring Summer 2023 show on June 24, 2022, in Paris, France. STEPHANE CARDINALE – CORBIS/CORBIS

Beckham returned to a classic look to end 2022: sandy blonde hair on the longer side, with some volume on top and shorter sides. It’s a look that works for him, so it’s not surprising he keeps going back to it.

 

A Short, Soft Cut

David Beckham at the ‘Beckham’ UK Premiere in 2023.KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE

In October 2023, the athlete debuted another shorter look for the premiere of his Netflix documentary, Beckham. However, rather than opting for a buzz cut, he instead trimmed his sandy locks to a short, soft cut around his head.